If you’re preparing to sell your home, you probably have a list of things to do before putting your house on the market. Add hiring a home inspector to your to-do list. Though most homeowners wait until the buyer orders an inspection, there are many benefits of a pre-listing inspection.
Understand the Reasons to Order a Pre-Listing Inspection
With a home inspection, you get the information you need to properly prepare your home before it’s on the market. Here are a few of the benefits of ordering a pre-listing inspection.
Eliminate Surprises
One of the most important benefits is knowing about any issues your home may have. Too often, homeowners are taken aback by the number of problems discovered during the buyer’s inspection. Instead of waiting for an inspector to identify your home’s weaknesses with a would-be buyer present, order the inspection before listing your home.
Fix Problems Around the Home
The pre-listing inspection gives you time to take care of issues revealed in the inspection report. Make the needed repairs or updates so that you have a problem-free inspection the second time around. Whether you DIY the fixes or hire a professional to do the job, taking care of these issues makes your home more attractive to potential buyers.
If you can’t afford to fix certain problems, don’t let that be a source of stress. Disclose the issue to an interested buyer and price your home accordingly to allow for the repairs. Buyers find this honesty refreshing and trustworthy.
Improve Buyer Confidence with a Pre-Listing Inspection
Just as a pre-listing inspection gives you the opportunity to learn about your house, this information is also useful for buyers. A glowing report from a home inspector may be all the incentive serious buyers need to make the purchase. Though your buyer will likely schedule their own inspection, seeing the results of your pre-listing inspection is often enough to encourage an offer.
Smooth Negotiations
Price negotiations are a normal part of the home buying process and a pre-listing inspection makes for less intense negotiations. Some problems listed in the report may give a buyer a reason to negotiate. However, the buyer is less likely to ask for major fixes or a significant price reduction if the seller is upfront and honest about the condition of the property and has already adjusted the list price based on needed repairs.
Price Your Home with the Information in a Pre-Listing Inspection Report
Before listing your home, decide on the right price for your property. Homes that are priced too high will deter buyers while homes that are too low will cause the owner to lose money. To accurately price your home, consult with your real estate agent and hire a professional for a pre-listing inspection.
With a home inspection, you’ll understand your home’s strongest and weakest points. Identifying the best and worst aspects of your property will help you better determine its market value.
Despite the upfront costs you’ll pay, the benefits of a home inspection are worth the investment. Be well-prepared to sell your property by ordering a pre-listing inspection.
Rock River Inspections provides pre-listing home inspections to the Houston area. Contact us to request our services.