Why Should I Get A Pre-Listing Inspection?
Are you considering moving, and looking into selling your home? The majority of sellers today do not consider getting their home inspected prior to putting it on the market. It’s much more typical to have the interested buyer order an inspection to ensure the property is a good investment. What if being proactive, and ordering that pre-listing inspection, gave you more power in the transaction? What if it gave you the ability to set the narrative in negotiations?
In this article, we will take a closer look at this trend, and discuss several reasons why a pre-listing inspection could bring your home more value!
Come Prepared
No one likes to be caught off-guard, especially with terrible news. When the buyer is the party ordering an inspection, they get to view the report to which the seller has no access. It can be a stressful time, knowing the interested buyers are holding a microscope to your home. They are also likely learning more about its faults than you may know. A pre-listing inspection will give you the ability to find problem areas and address them prior to a buyer’s examination.
With your newfound knowledge, you may choose to make some repairs. That could be something as simple as cleaning your gutters, or fixing the broken railing on the back steps. If you don’t want to make any repairs, you are nonetheless well informed about your home and will not be blind-sided by any finds revealed in a buyer’s inspection. You as the seller are prepared to list your house at an educated price point.
The only “disadvantage”, if you will, is that you are now aware of any potential material defects. You legally must disclose said issues to the buyer. In reality, your buyer would learn of these defects upon ordering their own inspection, hence why it very well may be no disadvantage at all. Alternatively, if your pre-listing inspection reveals a material defect such as a foundational crack, and you repair it before listing, you are not required to disclose that information.
Time Is On Your Side
When a buyer’s inspection report reveals major red flags, they may ask you to make repairs during your due diligence period. This timeframe puts a rush on any contractual work you need to have performed on your property. As opposed to taking your time finding a trusted roofer, plumber, or painter, you may be forced to pay a higher price for less valuable work based on the company that is available most quickly. This is not a preferred position in which to find yourself. Additionally, you will likely have to pay more out of pocket.
Having time to shop around for a skilled contractor is invaluable. This will also help you avoid any “rush” fees associated with a strict time frame. By ordering a pre-listing inspection, you allow yourself to bypass the tribulations of short-term work, and move forward with trusted professionals.
The Price Is Right
There are numerous factors that contribute to the listing price of a home. Size, location, acreage, and the list goes on. The status of the home plays a major role as well. If you order a pre-listing home inspection, you get a headstart in knowing exactly what your home is worth, and how to price it appropriately.
For example, when selling your home, you may be aware that your roof is at the end of its lifespan. It will need replacing within a year, and you now have a choice to make. As the seller, you can either opt to replace the roof prior to listing, or you can bypass the splurge. Choosing to reduce your predicted listing price will account for this need. Not every issue uncovered in a pre-listing inspection needs to be addressed and repaired by the seller, and instead can be reflected in the listing price.
The advantage is yours; knowing your home top to bottom allows you to set the narrative in negotiations. You have educated knowledge of your home’s true value. Now you are less likely to need to bend to a buyer’s price reduction demands. As opposed to having to lower your price point due to the findings of a buyer’s inspection, you are already prepared to counter any points made with your own inspection report.
Ahead Of The Game
Are you ready for a change of scenery and aren’t sure where to begin? What are your concerns as you get ready to list your house? Start with a pre-listing inspection! Aside from the peace of mind you will gain without the potential of being blindsided by a buyers inspection, you also have the upper hand throughout the process, with repairs and with pricing. Having this report will help you ultimately save yourself from the stress and time crunch many sellers find themselves enduring.
Visit our website for our list of services, or call The BrickKicker today with any questions! We are happy to help you schedule your pre-listing inspection. Our dedicated team of professionals looks forward to assisting you through your home selling journey!