Pre-Listing Inspections
Why would a seller want to have a home inspection?
In many areas, home inspection are now a routine and important part of the real estate transaction. More and more home buyers are requesting a home inspection prior to purchasing a home. Eventually your buyers are going to conduct an inspection. This can be an anxious time for the seller. You may as well know what they are going to find by getting there first. Having an inspection performed ahead of time can help you in many other ways:
· It allows you to see your home through the eyes of a critical third-party.
· It helps you to price your home realistically.
· It permits you to make repairs ahead of time so that ...
· Defects won't become negotiating stumbling blocks later.
· There is no delay in obtaining the Use and Occupancy permit.
· You have the time to get reasonably priced contractors or make the repairs yourself, if qualified.
· It may encourage the buyer to waive the inspection contingency.
· It may alert you of items of immediate personal concern.
· It may relieve prospect's concerns and suspicions.
· It reduces your liability by adding professional supporting documentation to your disclosure statement.
· Alerting you to immediate safety issues before agents and visitors tour your home.
· Copies of the inspection report along with receipts for any repairs should be made available to potential buyers.
Trust is a large part of any transaction.
A pre-listing inspection helps to build trust between you and a prospective buyer and can bring them closer to making the decision to buy your property. Creating "curb appeal" is very important when listing your home on the market. It's what gets the buyer interested.
Once they take a closer look, they begin to decide if your property is the one they want to buy. There are many things that affect that decision. Trust in you and the property is a key element. A pre-listing inspection lets them know that your home is in good shape. It can make a difference if they feel good about you and the property.
Peace of mind
A pre-listing inspection eliminates concern about the condition of the property. It allows them to have a more relaxed perspective of the aspects of living there. They can concentrate on seeing themselves as the owners without worrying whether the property is a good investment. In other words, they can dream. This is what you want them to do.
Won't the buyer get their own inspection?
Probably. As stated above, home inspections are commonplace and may even be a required part of real estate transactions in the near future. Pre-listing inspections eliminate surprises and ease the negotiation process. There are steps you can take to help the buyers inspection proceed smoother.
· If you have had major work done on your home since you became the owner, it is a good idea to have the plans, contracts and receipts available.
· If anything about the home needs explanation, write it down on the disclosure form.
· Make sure access to attics and crawlspaces is not obstructed. The inspector will need to enter those areas.
· Clear the space in front of the electrical panel so that the inspector can remove the cover for inspection.
· Replace any burned out light bulbs.
· Replace smoke alarm batteries.
· Make sure the furnace is accessible and make available any records concerning its installation and maintenance.
· If you have pets, make sure they are contained or make arrangements to have someone look after them.
· While the inspector may not need them, the new owner would appreciate having manuals for any appliances that you may be selling with the home.
· Allow at least 3 hours for the inspection. You have every right to be present but it is not necessary.
Seriously consider having a pre-listing inspection
As a seller, getting a pre-listing inspection provides you with some advantages. If you have any questions, just give me a call. I do not use high pressure sales tactics. I will only give you honest and informative answers. I'm pleased to help you. You will not be disappointed.
