If you’d rather not hire an inspector upfront, you can still get ahead of the most common issues with a careful self-assessment. Based on our experience sitting through countless condo inspections, here’s what to check:

• Air conditioning — Have your AC serviced before listing. Ask the technician to check the temperature differential between the supply and return vents — this is a standard test inspectors use to assess system performance. Clean or replace the filter and wipe down any return air grates while you’re at it.
• Bathrooms — Check for running toilets, drips under sink pipes, and slow drains. Inspect caulking around tubs and showers for gaps or deterioration. These are minor fixes individually, but they add up fast on an inspection report.
• Drywall — Repair any damage from old leaks (but make sure the source is fixed and any mold has been addressed first). You’re still required to disclose a prior leak, but there’s no reason to leave visible damage for a buyer to fixate on.
• Lightbulbs — Replace any burned-out bulbs. It’s a small thing, but non-working lights can raise unnecessary questions during an inspection.
• Termites — For low-rise condos and townhomes, walk the perimeter and check the base of exterior walls and your garage for mud tubes — the telltale sign of termite activity. If you spot any, notify your HOA immediately and ask them to bring in a pest control company.

Most of these items can be handled quickly and affordably by a handyman. The goal is simple: give the inspector as little as possible to write up. If anything does show up, a short list of minor items is far easier to navigate than a report full of red flags.