Why Should Sellers Get a Pre-Listing Home Inspection

Suppose you are just about to sell your car. Would you list it without inspecting the brakes, oil, or tires? Probably not. You would want to get the best price and not lose a buyer at the last minute by repairing the apparent flaws.

It’s the same when it comes to selling a house. That’s why smart sellers choose to get a pre-listing inspection.

Although it may sound like an additional procedure, a pre-listing inspection will save you time, money, and stress in the future. Let’s dive into why a pre-listing inspection is one of the best moves a seller can make.

What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection

A pre-listing inspection, also known as a pre-sale home inspection, is a professional home inspection conducted before listing your house for sale. It is the same sort of check a buyer orders, but it is done beforehand and at your expense.

It takes care of every vital component and system of your house, such as:

• Attic/roof.
• Foundation and structure.
• Electricity and plumbing systems.
• HVAC systems.
• Built-in appliances.
• Windows and doors.

The goal? To discover what is happening behind the walls before a buyer.

The Surprise That Kills the Sale

A property owner puts his house on sale. A buyer falls in love with it and makes an offer. Everything is going smoothly, that is until the buyer’s inspection reveals mold growing in the basement. At the last moment, the buyer backs out. The property returns to the market with a poor history.

This scenario is more common than you could imagine. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) estimates that 65% buyers reported problems in their new homes. 

Benefits of a Pre-Listing Inspection 

Here are some of the advantages of a pre-sale home inspection.

No Surprises

You gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation in your home. This implies fewer surprises in the negotiation. You will not be caught off guard still thinking about how a buyer can ask you to fix a big repair or lower the price.

Gain More Control Over Repairs

You have a better understanding of the problems in advance and more control over how to proceed with repairs. 

• Fix them at your own leisure.
• Select contractors of your choice.
• Get competitive bids.

This usually costs less and takes less time compared to acquiescing to last-minute demands by buyers.

Establishes Customer Confidence

A seller who shares a pre-listing inspection report demonstrates transparency. Buyers have the reassurance of making an offer on the house that has nothing to conceal.

Homes with pre-sale home inspection reports often sell faster. Home transparency is an essential factor that helps in closing the deal faster. 

No Lingering Negotiations

The buyers can also conduct their inspection, but with a pre-listing inspection, you have already taken this step. It can minimize the to-and-fro negotiations that often delay the deal’s closing.

Most buyers would, in most situations, forgo their inspection in favor of the seller’s, particularly in a competitive market.

What Happens During a Pre-Listing Inspection

It is done in a straightforward manner. A qualified inspector inspects your house and the outside. Within 24-48 hours, you obtain an elaborate report that brings out a details of:

• Safety concerns.
• Major repairs.
• Low-level repair problems.
• Code violations.

You can choose what you need to repair, what should be announced, and price your home.

When Is It Time To Have an Inspection 

Ideally, schedule a pre-listing inspection a few weeks prior to listing. This is time enough to:

• Go through the report.
• Do repairs where necessary.
• If necessary, adjust your asking price.

When you have a real estate agent, it’s essential to bring them on board early. They can also decide which repairs to prioritize and which ones to leave.

What to Do With the Report

There are three things that you can do after the inspection:

• Repair serious problems before listing.
• Report the findings and adjust your price.
• Present the report to potential buyers to instill trust.

You are in the driver’s seat whichever way you go. Later in the process, you will not be surprised.

Is It Worth It

A pre-listing inspection typically costs between $280 and $400, depending on the size and location of your home. Yet that very modest investment can become very profitable:

• Less chance of the deal falling apart.
• Less negotiation.
• More bids by honest buyers.
• Faster sales.

Home inspections can save buyers an average of $14,000 per purchase. The average repair credit request from buyers is about $14,000. It makes financial sense to pay a couple of hundred dollars to prevent unexpected negotiations.

Final Thoughts

Making a sale is like a roller coaster experience. However, a pre-listing inspection provides a map for the ride. It allows you to see bumps on the road and straighten a track, as well as confidently finish the ride.

At Peace of Mind Home Inspections, we put your confidence in the home-selling process so you can get the best offer. Our philosophy is that the most effective selling process is done with full confidence. 

Our qualified inspectors will provide you with a detailed and clear report, enabling you to sell smartly, quickly, and without any hidden surprises.

Book your pre-listing inspection with Peace of Mind Home Inspections today and take control of your home sale from day one.

Digilatics