Buyer inspection
prep checklist.
A one-page checklist for real estate agents to share with buyers before a Florida home inspection. Print it, save it as a PDF, or send buyers the link.
Quick Answer
To prepare a buyer for a Florida home inspection, book it early in the inspection period, add the insurance inspections the policy will need, have the seller turn on every utility and clear the panel, attic, water heater and AC, gather install dates and permits, and have the buyer attend the end-of-inspection walk-through.
Printing gives you a one-page, branded US Letter version of this checklist to hand to a buyer.
01
As soon as the contract is signed
Agent and buyer
- Put the last day of the inspection period on the calendar and book the inspection in the first few days of it, so there is time left for follow-up quotes and a repair request. How the Florida inspection period works.
- Ask the buyer's insurance agent which reports the policy needs. Older homes often need a 4-Point Inspection, and a Wind Mitigation Inspection documents features that can qualify for premium discounts. Both can be done on the same visit as the home inspection.
- Choose add-ons that fit the home: WDO (termite), sewer scope for older sewer lines, septic for homes on septic, mold testing when there are signs of moisture, a pool inspection, or an infrared scan.
- Confirm how the inspector gets in (lockbox, listing agent or seller) and share any gate or community access codes.
- Buying a condo or in a gated community? Check the association's rules for contractor and inspector access ahead of time.
02
Ask the listing agent to have ready
Listing agent and seller
- All utilities on: power, water, and gas if the home has it, with pilot lights lit. An inspector cannot test a system that is shut off.
- A clear path to the electrical panel, water heater, air handler and outdoor AC unit. Stored items in front of the panel can hold up the whole inspection.
- Attic access clear, including the space under a garage pull-down ladder.
- Garage door openers, and keys to sheds, gates and the pool equipment area.
- Pets secured or out of the home for the day.
- Pool and spa equipment powered on, if the home has them.
03
Documents worth requesting from the seller
Buyer's agent
- Roof: the year installed and the permit, or the roofing invoice. Roof age matters to Florida insurers.
- Air conditioning and water heater: install dates or invoices.
- Electrical and plumbing updates: permits or invoices for a panel replacement or repiping.
- Windows, doors, garage door and shutters: impact product labels, permits or receipts.
- Any existing wind mitigation report (form OIR-B1-1802) and its date.
- Termite treatment history and any active termite bond.
- Septic pump-out or inspection records, if the home is on septic.
04
On inspection day
Buyer
- Attend, at least for the end. That is when Joanna walks through the findings in person and answers questions.
- First-time buyers: plan an extra 30 to 45 minutes at the end for the walk-through.
- A typical single-family home inspection takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours on site. Larger homes take longer.
- Bring a list of anything the buyer noticed at showings, plus a tape measure for furniture.
05
After the inspection
Agent and buyer
- The digital report arrives within 24 hours, typically the next morning, with photos for each finding.
- Use the report's built-in Repair Request Builder to turn findings into repair request language.
- Send the 4-Point and Wind Mitigation reports to the insurance agent right away, so the quote is not held up.
- Book any follow-up evaluations (electrician, roofer, plumber) before the inspection period ends.
General guidance for Florida residential purchases. Contract terms, insurer requirements and association rules vary, so confirm the details for each transaction. Questions? Call or text Joanna Furuglyas at 941-779-4822.
Ready to book your buyer's inspection?
Schedule online on your buyer's behalf, or call or text Joanna at 941-779-4822.