The Home Inspection: For Sellers
No one wants added expense when they offer their home for sale, but a pre-listing home inspection could save you money in the long run.
When you know the extent of any necessary repairs you might be able to do them yourself… saving labor costs. If not, you’ll still be able to interview and choose contractors at your own pace, so you’re more apt to save money on repair costs. You can obtain bids, get references, and hire the right person for the job.
If the inspection reveals a problem that you absolutely do not want to fix, you can disclose it in your listing, so that buyers are aware… and so that they cannot come back later with a lawsuit claiming deception.
A home inspection is a useful selling tool, too. When your listing mentions that your house is pre-inspected and ready to go, buyers will proceed with confidence.
In addition, if repairs are necessary, knowing about them and having them done before you list your home for sale could make or break a sale.
There are two reasons that buyers might shy away if the home inspection they order reveals repairs. First is the time factor. Some buyers need to move quickly… they don’t have time to wait for repairs and another inspection to confirm them. So they move on to a home offered for sale in “move-in” condition.
The second is mental perception. When a home inspector finds problems, buyers begin to wonder if there are other things the inspector didn’t see… things that can come back to haunt them later. Many homebuyers aren’t in a financial position to pay for major repairs following the purchase.
Because the home inspection becomes a part of a legal agreement, it is important to protect yourself from any negative implications. With this in mind, hire a stranger to conduct the inspection… a stranger whose primary business is home inspections.
Then, do be present during the inspection. Ask questions, and make sure your inspector does a thorough job. That includes checking ALL the electrical fixtures and outlets, crawling under the house and into the attic, and climbing up to take a good look at the roof and chimney.
When you’re finished and the inspector declares your house problem free, ask your agent to proclaim it boldly on all your promotional materials - including your virtual home tour!
Click here to contact me if you have any questions.
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