If your home is on the market you can assume that there will be an inspection. This inspection could throw a monkey wrench into the offer to purchase and having to deal with problems when you have a closing date looming is stressful and annoying. Fortunately, you can foresee some of the issues that might crop up with an inspection by paying some attention to a few hot-spot areas ahead of time. Read on for some tips on examining your home's major systems before the inspector gets there.

The Roof: This can be the target of a great deal of scrutiny and it's only natural since the condition might be obvious even to the casual observer. If your roof needs to be replaced then it should be accomplished. Few buyers want to deal with that hassle before they move in. If a total replacement is not necessary, take a close look at any vulnerable areas and check for signs of leaks in your attic area.

Mold: The presence of mold or mildew anywhere in the home might send buyers running for their earnest money back. You may think that the dangers of mold have been oversold in the media, but the CDC says differently and you will need to have the mold professionally eradicated or risk losing the sale. Small jobs can be doable on your own.

Plumbing: You can test for leaks yourself the same way the inspector will. Turn off the water at the meter, noting the reading. Wait 30 min to an hour or so and check the reading. It should be the same as when the water was turned off. You should also do a check of water pressure by flushing and running several faucets simultaneously. It should be noted that too much pressure is not necessarily a good thing; it can actually cause leaks as time goes on.

Basements: The presence of dampness in basements is not just unpleasant, it can contribute to pest problems and cause damage to your home's supporting structures. Moisture in a basement must be traced to the source to properly address the issue. In some cases, it can be as simple as modifying gutters to direct water away from the foundation.

Electrical: Take a look at the panel and ensure that it's of adequate size and check your kitchen and bathroom (all wet areas) for ground fault interrupters (GFI). Check your outlets for service as well.

Heating and cooling system: This is an expensive fix for the new owners, so make sure everything is working properly.

To get more information about getting your home ready for an inspection, speak to a real estate agent, like one at C Edwards Real Estate.