Presale Home Inspection – Benefits for Sellers

One of the major benefits of having a presale home inspection, sometimes called a “listing inspection,” is that it may lead to a home selling faster and for more money. Presale home inspections frequently make for a smoother sale.

I have lived here for years, the house is great

Sellers have often lived in their home for a number of years. They’re very comfortable and happy with their home and feel that it is a great home. Thus “being used to the home the way it is” has resulted in sellers not realizing how the home actually is or how a potential buyer may see the home. Therefor, having a presale home inspection helps the seller realize that there are some things that they can do to help sell the home faster.

Are you required to fix things that come up in the inspection ?

Generally the answer is no. There are a few things that may be required by the state, such as having properly operating smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Options. It gives a seller extra time to decide if they want to fix something before listing the house or in the early stages before there is a buyer.

Can help to identify some of the things to disclosure

Sellers have a legal responsibility to disclose to a buyer things about the home that is damaged, hazardous, or that is considered a material fact. Having good disclosures is a wise legal move which may prevent getting sued by a buyer who moves into the house and then discovers a defect. If the heater or furnace doesn’t work or there is hazardous wiring, then disclosing it is wise. A presale home inspection is great for discovering what to disclose.

No surprises: Avoid negotiations at the 11^th hour

At times, there will be something that comes up in a home inspection that will concern the buyer. The inspection report says the roof has cracked tiles or missing shingles. In the buyers mind, he may think that he is facing a $6,000 or $16,000 issue. However, when a roofer comes out, he may tell you that it is just a matter of replacing a few tiles or shingles; that it will be only a couple of hundred dollars.

By having a presale home inspection, the seller has a chance to have a roofer out and get an estimate of cost or he may decide just to fix the issue. This reduces the chances of a buyer jumping conclusions or maybe just walking away from the deal without ever discovering that it was only a minor issue.

Who normally pays for a presale home inspection?

Generally it is the seller who will pay for the inspection. The seller is the basic beneficiary and will normally call and schedule the inspection. At times the agent may call and schedule the inspection for the seller.

Do you need to disclose the inspection to the buyer?

Generally it considered wise to disclose items that may affect the buyers decision to buy the property. In some states it is required by law. For example if you have a termite or pest control inspection, you are required to furnish a copy to the buyer.

To be on the safe side, it would be wise to furnish a copy of the presale inspection to the buyer. Remember, if there are items that you fixed or repaired, let the buyer know that as well.

Tension and Stress Relief

Selling a home is one of the most stressful things a person can do. It is right up there with having a child, death in the family or a divorce. Tensions buildup from all the pressures and the unknowns.  Not knowing what the buyers’ inspector is going to find is a worry for many. Knowing ahead of time is a relief.

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David Jones - General Contractor, Home Inspector, Consultant

David has over 45 years’ experience as a general contractor, inspector and professional instructor. He writes articles for homeowners, new home buyers and Real Estate Agents. Read more