Avoid Escrow Delays: Electrical Tips for Sellers

When you're preparing to sell your home, the last thing you want is a delay at the closing table. Unfortunately, unresolved electrical issues are one of the top reasons real estate deals fall through or get held up in escrow. At Custom Lighting of Suffolk, our North Fork electricians have helped countless homeowners avoid last-minute surprises by addressing common electrical pitfalls early in the selling process.

Here are our top electrical tips for homeowners looking to sell—straight from your trusted local electrician.

1. Get a Pre-Listing Electrical Inspection for Electrical Tips

Before you list your home, consider hiring a licensed electrician near you to perform a full electrical inspection. This proactive step can uncover issues that might come up during a buyer’s inspection, giving you time to address them on your terms.

Common issues that delay closing include:

• Missing or outdated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Incomplete or unpermitted electrical work

• Outdated electrical panels or unsafe wiring

• Non-GFCI outlets near sinks or outdoor areas

Looking for a trusted local electrician? Our team has more than 25 years of experience in electric work on the North Fork.

2. Address Unpermitted Additions

If you’ve added an outdoor shower, pool house, or outdoor kitchen over the years, be sure all electrical work was done to code—and with permits. Missing permits or uninspected wiring can cause major issues during escrow and may even void a sale. An expert outdoor electrician can review past work and help bring everything up to code..

3. Upgrade Your Panel If Needed

Many older homes on the North Fork still have outdated or undersized service panels. Today’s buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes with the capacity to support modern living, including EV chargers, HVAC systems, and smart home technology.

If your panel is undersized or cluttered with double-tapped breakers, it’s worth consulting a local electrician about a panel upgrade before listing.

4. Don’t Overlook HVAC and Smart Upgrades

If your home has older HVAC systems or you're planning to upgrade to smart thermostats or automated systems before the sale, make sure the electrical supply and wiring are adequate. A certified electrician can help safely install and wire these systems to meet buyer expectations—and avoid inspection red flags.

5. Ensure Code Compliance Throughout

From kitchen outlets to outdoor lighting, ensuring your home meets current code requirements is key to a smooth transaction. We often find issues in:

• Landscape lighting that wasn’t installed by a licensed contractor

• Outdoor kitchens and bars with insufficient GFCI protection

• Outlets or lighting fixtures missing proper grounding

These seemingly small issues can raise concerns for buyers and inspectors alike.

Get Your Home Ready for Sale with CLOS

At Custom Lighting of Suffolk, we’ve served the East End for over 25 years. As your go-to electrician near me, we’re here to help sellers avoid escrow delays and ensure a safe, compliant property that buyers feel confident investing in.

Whether you're prepping a custom home for sale, retrofitting your outdoor spaces, or just want peace of mind before listing, our experienced team of local electricians near you can help.

Ready to get your home sale-ready? Contact our expert North Fork electricians today for an electrical inspection or consultation.

CALL CLOS TODAY!