You've just sighed the relief of having an fully executed sales contract, but you need to get prepared for the real do-or-die; the home inspection. Taking some steps to prepare your home for the inspector can help curtail overly long inspections and ease buyer anxiety.

-Clear access to the furnace filters and access panel. Don't forget to change it.

-Relocate pets and children off-site for the inspection. Barking and roaming dogs can distract and frustrate home inspectors. Little children and misplaced toys can cause accidents, be pro-active.

-Find all the keys to all the doors, especially in condominium buildings. Some inspectors want to see building boilers and the roof. Ask your homeowners association representative or building engineer beforehand how you can gain access. If your electric panel isn't inside your unit, find out where it is.

-Remove any obstacles to your electric panel, don't be alarmed when the inspector takes off the outside panel to get a better look.

-Make water shut-offs accessible. Find the main gas and water line shut-offs.

-Clean out wood burning fireplaces and wood stoves. Black soot is hard to get out of clothes. Find the key for the gas logs or starter.

-Locate shut offs for gas fireplaces and grills.

-In new construction make sure all appliances are connected and ready to be tested.

-Find access panels for motors that run whirlpool and Jacuzzi tubs.

-Uncover manhole covers for septic tanks and grease traps in the yard.

-Make available a list of recent improvements and the year they were done. If you remove energy rating stickers, keep with manuals.

-Require inspections to be done during daylight to prevent follow-up re-inspections. Open shades and blinds, inspectors will raise and lower windows and screens.

-Test the garage door opener and safety features.

-Install smoke and monoxide detectors.