PRE-SALE (Home Seller) INSPECTION

One of the most frustrating aspects of selling a house is when a problem turns up on the physical inspection. Depending on the severity of the problem, it can lead to a new round of negotiations, delay your escrow, or even ruin your sale. It is assumed that if conditions or situations are discovered by the inspector, the buyers’ inspector will also call attention to the same area. List your house knowing that there won't be any surprises, which may alert you to immediate major defects and safety issues before agents and visitors tour your home. And if you are buying another house on contingency, having your house pre-inspected gives you more negotiating power. The seller of the house you want to buy will feel better knowing your house will have a clean inspection, and shouldn't delay your purchase.

Regardless of how a home looks on the outside, there may be underlying issues that need to be identified. A home inspection and home inspection report can protect the seller. Problems may develop over time which can go unnoticed by even the most thorough homeowner. Unfortunately these issues can lead to delays, unhappy buyers or even lawsuits after the sale. Eventually your buyers are going to conduct an inspection. You might-as-well know what they are going to find by getting there first. Don’t let defects become negotiating stumbling blocks later. You are in a better business and negotiating position if you know what the issues are with the property before you list it. You have the time to consider how you want to handle them. This allows you to know what items need repair or replacement before a buyer makes an offer. This also allows you to make the corrections on your time table, often months in advance; using reasonably priced contractors you have researched to complete the repairs. If there are corrections you do not wish to make; or can't due to seasonal conditions, you can get estimates, to be better informed on how to price the home or negotiate the sale. This can significantly increase your sales price. Sharing the home inspection with potential buyers provides full disclosure of what was found and repaired and reduces your liability by adding professional supporting documentation. Having a proactive home inspection on your home can also improve your marketing and closing time. Potential buyers will be more attracted to your home knowing you have taken the initiative to get a home inspection and make corrections.