Of course you know that a home inspection is a normal part of closing on a home once the papers have been signed. Did you know, however, that some sellers opt for a pre-listing home inspection? Paid for in advance of the home going on the market, there are several reasons why this can be a good idea for those looking to maximize their profits and go through a hassle-free closing. Read on to discover why a pre-listing home inspection might be the right choice for you.
It can clue you in to any problems with the house.
It is not a pleasant feeling for any seller when the home inspection comes back with disturbing news. Now, all of the sudden, sellers are in a crunch to do repairs quickly to adhere to the soonest possible closing date, and buyers may feel that they are in a position to lower their offer on the house. There are no surprises when you have already had the home inspected before the listing, and you have plenty of time to make repairs and changes as the inspector recommends.
You may be able to ask a higher price for the home.
Being able to boast to prospective buyers that the house is in sound shape - and being able to prove it - is a fabulous selling point for any home. Buyers will know going in that they, too, won’t be surprised by problems at the presale inspection, and they will feel good knowing that they are getting a solid product. Your house having a clean bill of health will also allow you as the seller to have the upper hand when it comes to negotiations, as buyers won’t have much room to wheel n’ deal based on the condition of the structure.
Fixes fall on your schedule.
When a presale home inspection turns up problems like an aging roof or an HVAC unit on its last legs, sellers are forced to fix the issues as quickly as possible, or risk losing the sale. This can often lead to choosing a contractor or professional without a lot of time to vet them thoroughly, or being counted as a last-minute job, which costs more than if you had a few weeks of leisure. When you get an inspection before listing, you have the time to make repairs on your own terms, with exactly who you want, when you want.
Keep this in mind, however.
Once you have your home inspected and know what its faults are, you are legally obligated to disclose any defects to the prospective buyers. This can come around to bite you in the butt if you are unwilling to make major repairs, and could end up as a bargaining chip for the other party. Consider your budget and willingness to make problems right before you commit to a pre-listing home inspection.
