Had a similar scare when we pulled out our fridge last month... thankfully no mold, but the dust and grime buildup was unreal. Still, I wouldn't totally dismiss aesthetics—inspectors are human too, and first impressions can color their perception of how well-maintained things are.
Definitely agree that first impressions matter, even if inspectors are supposed to be objective. I've seen plenty of inspections go smoother just because the place looked tidy and cared-for at first glance. If you're short on time, I'd suggest focusing on the obvious stuff first—clear counters, wipe down visible surfaces, and sweep up any noticeable dirt or crumbs. You'd be surprised how much difference a quick 20-minute cleanup can make.
Also, if you've got grime behind appliances like your fridge or stove, don't stress too much about deep-cleaning every inch right now. Inspectors usually understand that these spots aren't cleaned regularly. But if you have a few extra minutes, a quick vacuum or wipe-down behind appliances can help ease your mind and give the inspector confidence that you're generally on top of things.
Bottom line: prioritize what's immediately visible and don't panic about perfection. Good luck tomorrow—you've got this!
Haha, reading this thread brings back memories. Last year, I had an inspector coming to check out a rental property, and I totally spaced until the night before. Walked into the kitchen and it looked like a tornado had thrown a party—dirty dishes piled high, crumbs everywhere, and I swear the microwave was judging me.
I panicked for about five minutes, then just grabbed a laundry basket and literally swept everything off the counters into it (don't judge me). Wiped down surfaces, swept the floor quickly, and shoved the basket into my trunk. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
Funny thing is, the inspector barely glanced around. He spent more time chatting about football than looking behind appliances. So yeah, first impressions matter, but don't lose sleep over hidden grime. Inspectors have seen way worse...trust me.
Haha, your basket-in-the-trunk solution cracked me up. I've definitely been there with the last-minute scramble. But honestly, I wouldn't bank too much on inspectors being laid-back about hidden grime. Had one inspector a couple years back who seemed chill at first—talked about fishing, weather, all that casual stuff—but then he pulled out a flashlight and started checking behind the fridge and under the sink. Found a tiny leak I hadn't even noticed and made a note of it.
Not saying you need to deep-clean every inch, but it's worth taking a quick look under appliances or sinks beforehand. Inspectors vary a lot in thoroughness, and some really do pay attention to details that most of us overlook. Better safe than sorry, especially if you're dealing with older properties. Learned that lesson the hard way...
"Inspectors vary a lot in thoroughness, and some really do pay attention to details that most of us overlook."
Yeah, learned that the hard way when mine spotted ancient wallpaper peeling behind the stove. Thought it was charming character... inspector disagreed. Quick glance behind appliances definitely helps.
