Pre-Listing Inspection Checklist for Phoenix Home Sellers

Selling your Phoenix home soon? The fastest way to lose time and money is discovering problems during the buyer’s inspection. You want a smooth sale, strong offers, and fewer last-minute repairs. This guide gives you a Phoenix-specific pre-listing inspection checklist with what to inspect, what to disclose, typical costs, and when to schedule each step. Let’s dive in.

What Phoenix sellers must disclose

Arizona requires you to disclose known material facts about your property. The industry-standard tool is the Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement, and most purchase contracts expect you to deliver it on time. You can sell as-is, but you still must disclose what you know. Review the Arizona Department of Real Estate’s guidance on disclosures to understand your duties and timelines. Learn more about Arizona’s disclosure rules.

If your home was built before 1978, federal law applies. You must provide buyers with the EPA/HUD lead-based paint pamphlet, disclose any known lead information, and offer a 10-day window for a lead inspection or risk assessment. See the EPA’s lead disclosure requirements.

If your home belongs to an HOA or is part of a planned community or condo, the association must provide a resale disclosure package within set timelines and fees are capped by statute. Start early so your buyer has everything they need. Review Arizona’s HOA resale package statute.

On properties with septic or other onsite wastewater systems, Arizona requires a resale inspection and a Report of Inspection. The seller arranges the inspection and the buyer files the Notice of Transfer after closing. Check ADEQ’s septic transfer rules.

Some Phoenix areas have geological considerations such as earth fissures or expansive soils. If maps or site history suggest risk, check state resources and be ready to disclose known issues. Explore Arizona Geological Survey guidance.

If you have a pool, Arizona has safety barrier requirements. Confirm compliance and disclose any known noncompliance or needed repairs. Read Arizona’s pool barrier law.

Your pre-listing inspection checklist

General home inspection

A full pre-listing inspection helps you find and address issues before buyers do. Inspectors review structure, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more, and they flag visible moisture or pest concerns. In Phoenix, ask the inspector to pay close attention to stucco cracks, tile roofs after monsoon seasons, and foundation movement signs. Typical inspections cost about 300 to 700 dollars depending on size and add-ons. See what a pre-listing inspection covers.

• What to do: Schedule a reputable inspector and fix safety or system issues that could spook buyers. Keep the report and receipts to share selectively with buyers.

Roof inspection

Monsoon wind and debris can lift tiles, wear underlayment, and damage flashings. A roofer’s report with photos and a repair estimate gives buyers confidence and helps you plan repairs or credits. If you suspect wear or past storm damage, get this before going live.

• What to do: Hire a licensed roofer to walk the roof and provide a written report. Address active leaks or damaged tiles.

HVAC service and check

Cooling is essential in Phoenix. A licensed tech should inspect the condenser, coils, electrical components, and refrigerant. Know whether your system uses R-22 or R-410A since refrigerant rules affect servicing and parts. Review the EPA’s refrigerant guidance.

• What to do: Book a tune-up, replace filters, clear debris, and gather maintenance records. Share the age and model in your disclosures.

Termite and WDO inspection

Termites are active in the Valley, and many buyers or lenders expect a Wood-Destroying Organism inspection. If you’ve had treatments or warranties, collect that paperwork. Learn about WDO inspections and NPMA-33.

• What to do: Order a WDO inspection and keep any clearance letter. Fix conducive conditions around the foundation where practical.

Sewer scope

A camera inspection of the main line can catch breaks, root intrusion, or outdated materials before they become deal-killers. This is especially smart for older homes or properties with large trees. Expect a few hundred dollars for a typical scope. See typical sewer-scope costs.

• What to do: Hire a plumbing company for a scope from the cleanout to the main. Keep the video and summary report for buyers.

Pool and spa check

Inspect pumps, filters, heaters, visible structure, and safety features like coping and decking. Confirm barrier compliance to reduce liability and buyer objections. Monsoon debris or dust storms can stress equipment, so service before listing.

• What to do: Have a pool technician service the system and repair known defects. Document barrier compliance.

Electrical and permit review

Have a licensed electrician check panel condition, breakers, and visible wiring. Older or unpermitted work can alarm buyers. Verify permits for major past work such as additions, HVAC, roofing, or solar.

• What to do: Order an electrical safety check. Contact the city or use a permit service to confirm permits on significant work.

Solar system documentation

Clarify if the system is owned, financed, or leased. Leases often require buyer credit approval and transfer paperwork. Gather the inverter manual, warranties, and any loan or lease agreements so you can disclose early.

• What to do: Contact your solar provider for transfer steps and timelines. Prepare documents for your disclosure packet.

Specialized tests as needed

If your home was built before 1978, follow federal lead disclosure rules and be ready for a lead inspection period. Radon is not common in Phoenix but can be tested on request. For properties with wells, consider water quality testing.

• What to do: Discuss any special testing needs with your agent based on buyer expectations and property specifics.

Timeline and priorities

• Before you list

  • General pre-listing inspection and quick safety fixes.
  • HVAC tune-up with receipts and filter changes.
  • WDO inspection and paperwork ready.
  • Roof inspection if you suspect storm wear or aging.

• Within week 1 to 2

  • Sewer scope for older homes or tree-heavy lots.
  • Electrical check and permit verification.

• As needed

  • Pool service or repairs and safety updates.
  • Foundation engineer if your inspector flags notable movement.
  • Solar lease or loan transfer steps started early.
  • Septic inspection and Report of Inspection if the property uses onsite wastewater.

Documents to gather early

• Completed SPDS and any addenda your contract requires.
• Inspection reports, service receipts, and warranties.
• Past termite treatment records and any active warranties.
• HOA resale documents and rules if applicable.
• Permits and final approvals for remodels, additions, roofs, HVAC, or solar.
• Pool barrier compliance info and any repair invoices.
• Septic Report of Inspection and transfer instructions if applicable.
• Any geological information you know, such as prior earth fissure investigations.

Make your reports a selling point

Buyers feel confident when you show recent, credible reports and receipts. Highlight a clean pre-listing inspection, WDO clearance, a recent AC tune-up, roof findings, and any completed repairs in your listing notes and at showings. This can reduce renegotiation during the inspection period and speed up closing.

Ready to prep for market, Phoenix?

If you want a smooth sale with fewer surprises, a targeted pre-listing plan makes all the difference. For help coordinating inspections, organizing your disclosure packet, and positioning your home for the best outcome, reach out to Bridgett Sechrest.

FAQs

Do I have to complete the SPDS if I sell as-is in Phoenix?

• Yes. You can sell as-is, but Arizona still requires you to disclose known material facts, and the standard contract expects delivery of a completed SPDS.

Should I get a termite inspection before listing in Phoenix?

• It is a smart move. Termites are common here and many buyers or lenders expect a WDO report, so handling it upfront reduces uncertainty.

How much does a sewer scope typically cost in Phoenix?

• Plan for a few hundred dollars. Many scopes fall in the 200 to 500 dollar range depending on access and provider.

What if my home has a leased solar system?

• Gather the lease or loan paperwork and contact the solar company early. Transfers often require buyer credit approval and time to process.

What should I do if my home was built before 1978?

• Follow federal lead-based paint rules by providing the required pamphlet, disclosing known information, and allowing a 10-day inspection window.