Most sellers are unaware that they can get a home inspection before listing their house. Those who do realize this option tend to choose not to have one. It’s understandable that a seller might find it difficult to pay for a home inspection before putting their house up for sale. It’s a decision that shouldn’t be avoided.
Home buyers will often add a condition to their offer that the buyer must complete a successful inspection. When the buyer is ready to conduct the inspection, he or she can negotiate with the seller about who will pay for any repairs that are needed. They also have the right to walk away. You could be out hundreds of thousand of dollars or have to start over.
Sellers can reduce the chances of a deal falling through by having a home inspection done before listing. Pre-listing home inspection in Brantford are beneficial to both the seller and their agent.
The Benefits of a Home Inspection Before Listing
- Allow the seller to perform repairs prior to the inspection.
A seller can have a pre-listing inspection to find out what problems are present and make the necessary repairs. This will make it easier for them to sell. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, making repairs prior to listing a house can make it look better.
The seller can still disclose all the information about the house to the potential buyer, even if he/she chooses to not make repairs. This gives the seller greater leverage in negotiations, as he/she will be prepared. If sellers present a copy to the buyer of their pre-listing home inspection, they may be able convince them to waive the contingency. - This ensures that the transaction will be smoother and more efficient
If issues are found during the pre-listing home inspection, the seller has two options: either fix them before putting the house on the market, or disclose the problems to potential buyers. The home will sell quicker if the seller chooses to disclose the issues or fix them before listing the property.
The buyer won’t be surprised and is less likely to demand a reduction in price or walk away from the house. Buyers who receive the results of the pre-listing inspection can decide if they want to buy the home regardless of its flaws.
- This tool helps the seller and their agent to accurately price the house
If the seller does not want to fix any issues that are revealed in a pre-listing home inspection, they can include the costs of repairs into the price and tell buyers that the house may have some issues but will cost less. In contrast, sellers who decide to fix the home or have a clean inspection report can charge buyers more. - The seller saves money
If issues are found during a home inspection initiated by the buyer, both the buyer and the seller will negotiate to determine who is responsible for the cost of repairs. Buyers tend to overestimate these costs, and sellers lose far more than they would have spent to complete the repairs prior to listing the house. - The seller becomes more trustworthy
Pre-inspections can be viewed as the “ultimate gesture of forthrightness” on the part the seller. By disclosing issues in advance, buyers can feel secure that they are doing business with someone who is trustworthy and not hiding anything. They can then decide if they wish to purchase the property based on its integrity and the diligence of the seller. It’s a win/win situation!
