Selling your home with smoke alarms in Arizona.
When you sell a home in Arizona, the buyer's inspector will look at your smoke alarms, and missing, expired, or badly placed ones get flagged. A small fix now keeps a minor item from turning into a closing-day negotiation. Here is what to handle before you list.
What inspectors look for
Three things, mostly: that there are enough alarms (one in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level), that none are past their 10-year date, and that they are placed correctly, not missing from bedrooms. If the home has gas appliances or an attached garage, they may look for carbon monoxide alarms too. If using battery only alarms, some cities in Arizona require them to use 10-year sealed batteries.
A pre-listing check is cheap insurance
Sorting this out before the inspection is far easier than during the back-and-forth after an offer. It is an inexpensive line item that removes a reason for a buyer to ask for credits, and it makes the home show as well cared for. Real estate agents who want a smooth sale often have us handle it up front.
Listing soon, or representing a seller? We will get the alarms inspection-ready in one visit, with the price in writing first.
