Are you thinking of putting your property on the market? Then you should consider getting a pre-listing home inspection. Whether you are a seasoned expert or a first-time seller, it is essential to understand the benefits of this vital step in the home-selling process. A pre-listing home inspection can make all the difference. As Sage Property Management in Denham Springs puts it, it is a small investment that can provide maximum returns in the long run.
What is a pre-listing inspection?
A pre-listing inspection is a home inspection that the seller does before listing the house for sale. During the pre-listing home inspections, the home inspector approaches the property as a potential homebuyer would. The inspector will assess all the prominent components and systems in the property, such as:
- The roof
- Gutters
- Downspouts
- Exterior walls
- Immediate exterior grading
- Attic
- Fireplace exterior chimney
- Porches and decks
- Siding
- Doors and windows
- Foundation
- Structure
- Basement and crawl space
- HVAC system
- Plumbing
- Electrical system
- Water heater
- Bathroom
- Kitchen and kitchen appliances
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Laundry areas and hookups
- Interior stairway components
- Garages (doors and openers)
It is advisable for intending home sellers to inspect the property at least 45 to 50 days before listing the property for sale. Doing so will offer you ample time to perform the necessary repairs or maintenance your home needs.
Benefits of pre-listing home inspections
A pre-listing home inspection is valuable to the seller, buyer, and agents. Here, we will discuss how you can benefit from a pre-listing home inspection.
1. Understand the actual condition of your property
A pre-listing home inspection allows you, as the seller, to know your home’s condition. With the report, you will get all the information about your property as you prepare to sell it. Having this knowledge will prevent you from surprises of discovering significant defects in the middle of the transaction.
2. It allows you to perform pre-listing repairs and maintenance
Since you may discover issues with the property after the pre-listing inspection, you have ample time to fix them before listing the home. Most issues are crucial because they can affect the final selling price or slow down the sale if the buyer uncovers such them during the negotiation stage.
You can work with your real estate agent to identify problems you should repair before listing them or disclose them to potential buyers so they can fix them themselves. That is because some new owners may want to handle the repairs alone so they can do it to their specifications. On the other hand, some issues may be minor and optional for the viability of the sales process.
3. It makes you more trustworthy
After the pre-listing home inspection, you will receive a detailed report of the home’s condition. It may suggest upgrades, repairs, and potential issues that require attention. When you present this report to potential homebuyers, it increases transparency. It also helps you build trust with buyers, making the negotiation more efficient.
Homebuyers will not be afraid of encountering any hidden issue that can affect their investment. That is because the pre-listing inspection report will allow you to answer any questions or concerns potential buyers may raise.
4. Increases bargaining power
After the pre-listing inspection, you will know your property’s actual state or value. If you perform repairs or maintenance, your home’s value will increase. All these details will enable you to price your home accurately. You will factor the maintenance, repairs, and inspection report into your pricing. You do not want to price your property blindly. Doing so can make you miss most of your returns on investment.
5. Faster sales process
If homebuyers discover surprising issues with your property during their inspection, they may be reluctant to continue the process. They can develop cold feet towards it and start considering other options.
The sales process will also experience delays if you decide to perform those necessary repairs that may come up after the homebuyer’s inspection. However, the pre-listing home inspection will allow you to address any potential roadblocks or objections that prospective buyers will raise.
Homebuyers also benefit from the pre-listing home inspection in the following ways:
- It inspires their confidence in the home to the extent that they believe their investment decision is sound.
- It allows buyers full access to information they would have yet to receive. As a result, they can make informed decisions.
- Buyers will understand the need for a regular home inspection, not only during sales.
Real estate agents also enjoy the benefits of pre-listing inspection because of it:
- It is a marketing tool, especially when the home has no issues.
- Protects the real estate agents from litigation from clients.
- Aids in smoothly brokering the deal.
A pre-listing home inspection can make a tremendous difference in the success of your home sale. We recommend that you seek the services of professional inspector to guide you through the process so you can enjoy the full benefits.
