Getting your home ready to sell often means cleaning, painting, and making small repairs.

However, you may also wonder if you should take a closer look at some of your home’s major systems before putting it on the market.

Should you service the HVAC or air conditioning?

Should you test for radon?

Should you have a plumber perform a sewer scope?

The answer depends on your home. You do not need to inspect everything before listing. However, learning about a potential issue before a buyer finds it can give you more time and control.

Why Consider These Services Before Listing?

Most buyers will have a home inspection after their offer is accepted. Some buyers may also order additional inspections, including a sewer scope, HVAC evaluation, or radon test.

If a problem comes up during the inspection period, you may need to make decisions quickly.

You may be asked to make repairs, offer a credit, reduce the price, or simply say no.

On the other hand, finding a concern before listing gives you time to understand the issue. You can get estimates, talk with professionals, and decide how you want to handle it.

The goal is not to find and fix every problem. The goal is to avoid major surprises when you are already under contract.

Should You Service Your HVAC or Air Conditioning?

Your heating and cooling system is one of the major items buyers often ask about.

If it has not been serviced recently, a professional service appointment may be worth considering.

This can be especially helpful if:

• The system is older.
• It has not been serviced in several years.
• You have noticed unusual noises.
• The home has uneven heating or cooling.
• The air conditioning has not been used recently.

A service appointment may identify an issue before a buyer’s inspection.

It can also provide documentation showing the system has been maintained.

However, a recent service does not guarantee the system will not have future problems. Buyers may still choose to have the system evaluated.

Should You Test for Radon?

Radon is another issue that may not come up until a buyer decides to test the home.

If the results show an elevated level while you are under contract, you may suddenly have a new negotiation on your hands.

Testing before you list gives you more time.

If the level is low, you have valuable information to share with buyers. If the level is elevated, you can learn about your options and decide how you want to address the issue.

Most importantly, you can make that decision without an inspection deadline hanging over you.

Should You Get a Sewer Scope?

A sewer scope may be particularly valuable for older homes or homes with mature trees.

During a sewer scope, a plumber uses a camera to inspect the sewer line. This may identify issues that are not visible during a standard home inspection.

Potential concerns can include:

• Root intrusion
• Cracks or breaks
• Offsets
• Buildup
• Deteriorating pipes

A sewer problem can be expensive. Therefore, finding out about one before listing may give you more options.

You can get estimates and better understand the severity of the issue.

Then, you can decide whether to repair it, disclose it, or address it during negotiations.

Do You Have to Fix Everything You Find?

No.

Finding a problem does not mean you automatically need to repair it before selling.

In some cases, making the repair may make sense.

In others, you may decide to disclose the issue and let the buyer know about the condition. You could also consider the issue when determining your pricing and negotiation strategy.

Every situation is different.

That is why having information before listing can be helpful.

Should Every Seller Do All Three?

Probably not.

A newer home with a recently serviced HVAC system may not need additional work.

Likewise, a home with a newer sewer line may not benefit from another sewer scope.

Before spending money, look at your home’s age, maintenance history, and any concerns you already have.

Then, focus on the areas most likely to create an unexpected issue during the transaction.

Kolleen’s Perspective

I do not believe sellers should spend thousands of dollars trying to make their home perfect before listing.

Every home has something.

Instead, I think sellers should be strategic.

Ask yourself where a surprise could have the biggest impact.

An older HVAC system may be worth servicing. An older home with mature trees may be a good candidate for a sewer scope. In some situations, a radon test may also make sense.

The goal is not to eliminate every possible issue. It is to give yourself more information and more control before you accept an offer.

The Bottom Line

Before listing your home, consider this question:

Would you rather discover a potential problem now or after you are under contract?

You do not need to inspect everything.

However, servicing your HVAC, testing for radon, or getting a sewer scope may be worthwhile in the right situation.

The best approach is to look at your specific home and create a plan before going on the market.

Finding a problem before you list gives you time. Finding it after you accept an offer may leave you with fewer options.