What Should I Expect During a Home Inspection as a Seller in Southern Minnesota?

The home inspection can be one of the most stressful steps for sellers, especially for older homes, rural properties, or multi-generational homes.

Here’s everything Southern Minnesota sellers should expect — whether the property is in Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter, Lake Crystal, Eagle Lake, Janesville, Waseca, Mapleton, Wells, Winnebago, Amboy, Good Thunder, St. Clair, Nicollet, Courtland, Lafayette, or surrounding towns.

⭐ 1. What Inspectors Look For

Most inspections include:

• Roof & attic

• Electrical systems

• Plumbing & water pressure

• Foundation & structural

• HVAC systems

• Windows & exterior

• Safety items (handrails, smoke detectors)

• Appliances

For acreage/hobby farms:

• Outbuildings

• Electrical panels in barns

• Well & septic

• Driveway condition

• Land grading

You help sellers prepare intelligently to minimize repair requests.

⭐ 2. How Long Inspections Take

Typically:

• Standard homes: 2–3 hours

• Larger homes: 3–4 hours

• Acreage/hobby farms: 4+ hours

• Multi-units: 1–2 hours per unit

Tenants require special coordination — which you handle with ease due to your rental law knowledge.

⭐ 3. Common Issues in Southern MN Homes

Here’s what you see the most:

• GFCI protection

• Old furnaces

• Roof age

• Minor plumbing leaks

• Loose deck boards

• Peeling exterior paint (FHA/VA issue)

• Septic compliance requirements

You guide sellers through what matters and what does NOT.

⭐ 4. How You Negotiate Repairs

You help sellers:

• Review inspection reports

• Prioritize impactful items

• Compare contractor quotes

• Avoid unnecessary concessions

• Use cash-offer backup plans if needed

⭐ 5. Inspection Tips That Improve Outcomes

• Replace furnace filter

• Tighten loose knobs/hinges

• Fix minor leaks

• Clear access around mechanical systems

• Ensure all utilities work

A little preparation goes a long way.

⭐ Bottom Line

Inspections don’t have to be stressful — not when you have the right Realtor guiding the process.

Smarter Real Estate Starts Here.