By reeves You might be wondering if a pre-listing inspection would make sense if you are planning to sell your house. A buyer usually requests a home inspection after they have closed the deal and then pays for it. Many home sellers don’t realize that pre-listing a home inspection and hiring a Phoenix certified home inspector can be beneficial to both them and their buyers. You can enjoy many benefits as a seller while getting your pre-listing inspection. These benefits are discussed in the article below, but first let’s explain what a prelisting inspection is.
What is a Pre-Listing Inspection?
A pre-listing inspection is paid for by the listing agent or home seller. It provides a written report about the property’s condition. This inspection might uncover any potential problems that could jeopardize the sale. It’s very similar to a home inspection at other points in the buying or selling of a house. The only difference is that the inspection takes place before you put your home on the market.
The difference between a regular home inspection and a pre-listing home inspection
Home inspections are often conducted just before the sale of a home and are usually funded by the buyer. Sellers can speed up the process by clearing any roadblocks that could obstruct a potential deal. This can be done by moving the inspection to the beginning or end of the sales cycle. Regular home inspections cover the same topics as pre-listing inspections, including the foundation and structural integrity of the house, roofing, siding and electrical.
Benefits to the Seller
- Pre-listing inspection – This will help to identify problems before the seller lists. These issues could include roof damage, a leaky crawl space, infestations of insects, or other wood-destroying microorganisms. This allows the seller to make necessary repairs before advertising the property.
- Facilitates a smoother transaction Either option will expedite the sale by avoiding lengthy negotiations between buyer and seller after a thorough inspection of the home.
- This helps in accurately pricing the house. If the seller doesn’t want to make the necessary repairs as per a pre-listing inspection they can include these costs in the asking price. Potential buyers can be informed that even though the house may have some issues, they might still be able purchase it for a lower price. Sellers who make necessary repairs or get a positive house inspection report could increase their asking prices.
- Seller saves money: The seller and buyer will negotiate who will pay for repairs, if the buyer conducts a home inspection. Sellers often lose more money because buyers tend to underestimate the cost of repairs. Sellers can save thousands by performing the repairs that were noted in the pre-listing inspection before the sale.
- It shows the seller is trustworthy – NACHI described a pre-listing inspection to be “the ultimate act by seller transparency”. Buyers can feel secure that the seller is honest and transparent, and they have been made aware of any issues in advance.
Benefits to the Buyers
- They have access to all the data – Buyers can access pre-listing inspections to gain information about the property that they wouldn’t otherwise have. This allows homebuyers to understand the condition and extent of the house they want to buy, so that they can make informed decisions.
- Pre-listing inspections assure buyers – Buyers have the assurance that their investment is sound with a pre-listing inspector. Buyers need to be confident when buying a home. It is often the largest investment they will make.
- Stresses the importance of routine maintenance and inspection. Homebuyers often believe that a house only needs to have been inspected once. However, this is not true. A pre-listing inspection will correct this misconception and inform potential buyers about the importance of a professional home inspection in scottsdale. To ensure safety and durability, professionals recommend that a home be inspected every three years. A “Home Maintenance Inspection” is a service that homeowners can use to ensure safety and health of their home and the people living there. The inspection will inspect every item that was checked during the complete and pre-listing inspection.
Benefits to the Real Estate Agents
- It helps them market the house. – Real estate agents can use a pre-listing inspection to help sell the house. The agent can still sell the home even if there are issues.
- It shows appreciation to the seller and protects them legally. The Foundation of Real Estate Associates states that agents must act in the best interest of their clients. If they fail to discuss the possibility of a pre-listing inspector with their client, they may not be doing the right thing for their clients. Clients who lose money or time due to the lack of a pre-listing inspection are responsible for their agent. Sellers will appreciate an agent who takes the time to explain all options.
Frea says that pre-listing inspections can protect agents from being sued if they fail to act in the client’s best interests.
- Facilitates smooth deal brokering. NACHI reported that the average real estate agent has a short time frame to prepare repair estimates and schedule repairs before a buyer or seller begins negotiations. Pre-listing inspections will prevent last-minute panicking by buyers, sellers, agents and will identify potential problems before negotiations begin. This will increase the likelihood of the transaction going smoothly and being completed quickly.