PRE-LISTING INSPECTIONS
GET YOUR HOME READY TO SELL – THE RIGHT WAY!
Why You Should Have Your Home Inspected before Selling
Pre-listing inspections, also called seller inspections, are quickly becoming the norm in the real estate industry. But why are sellers getting home inspections?
Originally, a serious buyer was the one who would pay to have a home formally inspected. The goal is to uncover any potential problems before signing on the dotted line, while there is still time to negotiate.
But sometimes, sellers will have their home inspected before they even put the house on the market. Here are a few reasons why a pre-inspection may be a good idea for you:
- It shows your home in an Open Book
A pre-inspection is a good gesture. It demonstrates a willingness to go beyond what is inspected, and that sets you apart from other sellers. You’re sending a signal that your house is an “open book”, and you are being upfront about the property. All of this can give potential buyers peace of mind and confidence. - It Can Save You Money in the Long Run
A pre-inspection give you, the seller, a heads up if there are problems a potential buyer will likely want repaired. Once you know what’s wrong, you can have those issues fixed before you list the home. The cleaner and the more problem free you can make your home, the faster it’s likely to sell.
Because the pre-inspection lets buyers know what they are getting from the beginning, they can factor any need repairs into an offer. And by disclosing all known issues upfront, your protecting yourself against claims the buyer might make later – which sometimes results in a lawsuit.
On the other hand, let’s say you don’t have a pre-inspection. During escrow, the buyer’s inspection discovers problems you didn’t know about. You can be sure the buyer will try to negotiate a lower price, which will cost you money and can delay the sale. The buyer might even cancel the contract. - It Can Highlight Your Homes Assets
Assuming you are not trying to sell a fixer-upper, a pre-inspection can shine a spotlight on your home’s selling points, such as any electrical upgrades you might have made, or a new hot water heater and boiler. Nobody wants to buy a home and have to spend $20 or $30,000 on hidden repairs such as a new roof with rotten plywood, a bad heating system or a major electrical problem. Having your home pre-inspected will highlight all the good things you have done. - Know Where You Stand
Generally, your final selling price is determined long before the inspector even sets foot in your door. That leaves a huge question mark lingering over your negotiations, are you going to be forced to drop your final figure again if a major problem is uncovered. By getting an inspection early you’ll know what concessions a buyer might request. That allows you to set your asking price accordingly and find out whether or not you’re in the position to play hardball. - Prevent Unneeded Repairs
No matter how handy you are, there is always the risk of misdiagnosing a problem. But getting your home pre-inspected could help you avoid wasting money on unnecessary repairs. Say your toilet hasn’t been flushing right, so you pay a plumber to come in and replace it, only to learn upon inspection that the problem was in your septic system. A pre-inspection helps you avoid doing double duty, since the inspector can pinpoint the problem and recommend the right repair.
While the average home inspection only costs a few hundred dollars, they can save time and money in the long run. And remember; don’t just hire just any inspector, you want to hire the best. So go ahead and pick up the phone and call JT Home Inspections. You’ll get the most efficient and best report in the industry today. Unlike most inspectors, you will get your report the same day your inspection is done.