Pre‑Inspection Checklist For Waters Sellers

Selling your home in Waters can move fast once you know what buyers will flag in an inspection. You want fewer surprises, stronger offers, and a smooth closing. This pre-inspection checklist shows you exactly what to prep, document, and fix for Waters homes, with Texas rules and local issues in mind. Let’s dive in.

Why a pre-inspection matters in Waters

A pre-inspection helps you price confidently and reduce renegotiations later. In Texas, most sellers must complete a Seller’s Disclosure Notice that covers property condition and past issues. If you do not provide it on time, buyers can cancel after receiving it. You can review the state rule in the Texas Property Code, Section 5.008.

Buyers in Waters often ask about foundations, drainage, hail or wind roof wear, and mechanical system ages. TREC uses standardized inspection and report forms, so most inspectors follow the same framework across Texas. You can see the standards and forms on the Texas Real Estate Commission rules page.

Gather your documents first

Start with paperwork. It builds trust and speeds negotiations.

• City permits and repair records: pull permits for foundation, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work. You can check records through City of Lubbock Development Services.
• Warranties and manuals: HVAC, roof, water heater, appliances, and any transferable treatment warranties.
• Prior inspection and engineer reports: include any structural letters and past WDI (termite) reports.
• HOA details: resale certificate, covenants, and dues if applicable. Texas agents often use TAR forms, outlined in this TAR resource.

Exterior and foundation checklist

Waters sits in an area with clay and caliche layers that can shift with moisture. Buyers will look closely at your site conditions.

Foundation and slab

• Walk the exterior and interior for cracks or doors that stick. If you see signs of movement or had prior repairs, consider a structural engineer letter.
• Keep records of any piers or stabilization and attach warranties and permits.
• Local bore reports show variable soils, so set buyer expectations with clear documentation. See examples in City of Lubbock geotechnical records.

Drainage and grading

• Clean gutters and extend downspouts 4 to 6 feet away from the slab.
• Regrade low spots that pond near the foundation. Good drainage reduces future claims and helps your foundation.

Roof and exterior

• Have a roof inspection if you suspect hail or wind wear. Replace damaged shingles and seal flashing.
• Clear debris, touch up peeling paint, and repair trim to show good maintenance.

Systems checklist

Bring all major systems to full working order and document recent service.

HVAC

• Service the system and replace filters. Keep receipts and note equipment ages.
• If components were replaced, keep documentation for buyers.

Plumbing

• Fix visible leaks and ensure good water pressure. Confirm water heater operation.
• If the property has a septic system, gather pump and inspection records and any permits.

Electrical

• Test outlets and replace missing covers. Label the panel clearly.
• Ask a licensed electrician to document any upgrades or permitted work.

Safety alarms

• Confirm smoke detectors and any CO alarms are present and working as required. The Seller’s Disclosure addresses these items under Texas Property Code 5.008.

Pest and environmental

Address common Texas concerns ahead of time.

Termites and WDI

• Order a WDI inspection from a Texas-licensed provider and keep any treatment warranties. TREC explains licensing and inspector limits in its WDI and inspector FAQ.

Moisture and mold

• Repair roof or plumbing leaks and dry affected areas. Keep receipts for remediation.

Lead-based paint

• For homes built before 1978, prepare the federal lead paint disclosure and pamphlet acknowledgment. You can review what is typically required in this lead paint guide overview.

Specialty inspections that add confidence

Some sellers choose extra inspections to reduce buyer uncertainty.

• Pre-listing home inspection using a TREC-standards inspector. This can catch items buyers will find later. See standards on the TREC rules page.
• Structural engineer report if you have foundation concerns or prior repairs.
• Sewer camera scope if there are signs of backups or older lines.
• Contractor inspections for HVAC and roof with written estimates.

Floodplain and site checks

• Confirm whether your property lies in a flood zone and note any flood insurance. Lubbock County participates in FEMA flood mapping. Share your findings and policy details in your disclosure.
• If you completed drainage work or city storm improvements, provide receipts or documentation.

Timing, disclosure, and strategy

• Complete the Seller’s Disclosure Notice fully and attach reports, permits, and warranties. Texas outlines this requirement in Property Code 5.008.
• If you plan to sell as-is, you still need to disclose known material facts. Consider sharing your pre-listing reports to reduce walkaways.
• Order inspections early if you want time to make repairs or price accordingly.

Quick action plan

1. Order a pre-listing inspection, and add WDI and a sewer scope if needed.
2. Collect permits, repair receipts, warranties, HOA documents, and prior reports.
3. Tackle safety and health items first, including smoke and CO alarms.
4. Service HVAC, address roof issues, improve drainage, and clear access to systems.
5. For any structural history, get a structural engineer letter and attach permits and warranties.
6. Complete your Seller’s Disclosure accurately and package all supporting documents.

Ready to sell in Waters?

You do not have to guess what matters to buyers. With two decades of hands-on reconstruction and design experience, our team prioritizes the fixes that add real value, then markets your home with a polished, MLS-backed plan. If you want a tailored pre-list plan for your property in Waters, reach out to Real Estate by Anna for a friendly, no-pressure consult.

FAQs

What inspections should Waters sellers order before listing?

• A TREC pre-listing home inspection plus a licensed WDI report, and add a structural engineer or sewer scope if you see signs of movement or plumbing issues.

How do I check permits for past work in Lubbock?

• Search City of Lubbock records through Development Services and gather any matching contractor invoices and permits for your disclosure.

Do I need to disclose foundation repairs in Texas?

• Yes. The Seller’s Disclosure asks about structural issues and past repairs, so attach engineer letters, permits, and any transferable warranties.

How can I tell if my Waters home is in a flood zone?

• Look up the property using FEMA flood mapping resources for Lubbock County and disclose any flood insurance and prior flood events.

What if my home was built before 1978?

• Provide the federal lead-based paint disclosure and pamphlet acknowledgment, and share any known information about lead paint on the property.