Who said that only home buyers can order a home inspection? No one. In fact, in today’s real estate environment, pre-inspections ordered by the homeowner or seller are an even better idea. Thinking about selling soon? Such a move on your part will put you on the offensive before the “Tucker T” For Sale sign goes in your yard. Here’s why:
1. Prevent Surprises
One of the largest fears home sellers have is when an inspector discovers an issue that ends up killing a pending sale. A pre-sale inspection will give you a reality check, letting you know if you have any issues that will likely be raised during the buyer’s inspection period. Knowing of any issues before an offer even comes in allows you to handle them. Just make sure your inspector is a thorough and reputable one.
2. Price Higher
Taking care of repairs ahead of time, especially those that you know a buyer’s inspection report will call out, can possibly result in a higher listing price for your home. For example, would you rather wait to know your roof needs to be replaced after the purchase agreement is accepted or go ahead and fix the roof now and add marketable value to your home? If a buyer sees that your home includes a new roof, that’s a great selling point.
3. Save Money
If your inspection does show some issues, you may choose to address them immediately rather than waiting for the buyer to request a remedy. This allows you to choose how the problem is resolved, rather than negotiating with a potential buyer who may choose to use it for leverage or attempt to work in a few upgrades along with the repair. In addition, by knowing ahead of time what repairs need to be made, you can opt to handle them on your own rather than taking a chance that a buyer will ask for a licensed contractor, which could end up costing you more. Of course, the job needs to be done right and the problem properly remedied, but when you’re the one hiring the contractor or performing the repair yourself, you have full freedom over the decisions.
4. Negotiate Less
Quite often, buyers will use the home inspection as a point of asking for additional concessions (i.e., the upgrades mentioned earlier). A pre-inspection can alleviate any potential nitpicking and/or renegotiating of the home’s price. Inspectors are human and occasionally make mistakes, such as thinking an issue is more serious than it really is. Having a pre-existing report means that you’ll be able to compare the two and then begin negotiations from an informed perspective right out of the gate.
5. Complete Negotiations Faster
A buyer may still want to order a separate inspection, but if you include in the listing remarks that your home has been pre-inspected, they might opt to use your report, as long as the it is a thorough one. Adding an additional inspection to the mix adds to the number of days to your closing. Using your report will allow for a faster path to closing. In today’s market, and depending on your buyer, that might be a marketable selling feature.
6. Minimize Stress
As if the stress of selling your home wasn’t enough already, not knowing in advance if something is wrong with your home can add even more. Having a pre-inspection before an offer comes in will help you feel more confident about your home’s condition. Since this is YOUR inspection, you’ll be able to deliver information yourself about the work that has been done.
7. Improve Buyer Confidence
An inspection done before listing can help eliminate much of the doubt about the home. It shows that you’re open about its condition and can encourage trust from potential buyers. Knowing a professional has already looked over the home allows a buyer to make an offer more confidently.
For all of the latest information on our local real estate market in Southwestern Indiana, you can always trust the professionals at F.C. Tucker Emge. Our agents have superior training and resources at their disposal so they can better educate you about the road to homeownership. Even if you are 6-12 months (or more!) out from making a change, there is a lot to learn about the home buying and selling process, and our agents can help you learn what you need to know so that you can be confident in your decision and have a smooth experience when the time comes. Let’s Talk!
