Pre-listing inspection
A home inspection can be used as a fast-track selling tool. Getting a home inspected before it is listed puts the cost on the seller or listing agent, but can provide a written report on the pre-sale condition of the property. It can also uncover conditions or situations that might compromise a sale. Pre-listing inspections performed for the seller have become more common, as a way to move the sale process along. Pre-listing inspections are less commonly used when the real estate market is strong.
When the real estate markets are strong for sellers, it is more common that buyers purchase the home inspection to make sure there are not any surprise defects and to substantiate the purchase price. In an up market, sellers often forgo a pre-listing inspection because they know the buyer is less likely to walk away from the deal for fear of losing their chance to buy that property. In weaker markets, when there are more properties available and/or fewer buyers, the buyer will sometimes use the inspection to verify the property's condition and negotiate the price down to cover those repair and improvement costs.
Pre-listing inspections have many benefits.
Pre-listing inspections assist the seller in deciding what areas need work to improve the home's overall appeal. Pre-inspections help the agent and seller set the price expectation and can be used to substantiate a higher asking price. Agents have fewer issues to negotiate at the 11th hour, and buyers may even waive hiring their own inspection report. By having a pre-listing inspection report, sellers can choose who does the inspection and can offer more information about the home's specific condition, maintenance and other factors. It also gives them more time to make sure they take care of any necessary repairs or improvements.
Also, a pre-listing inspection may well ease some of the stress buyers face, but it is recommended that buyers eventually hire their own inspector just to be sure they have someone who is hired to look out for their concerns.
Home inspectors will check for potential problems all over the house. Here are the most significant features in a home that need inspection:
• Foundation and structure
• Exterior and interior
• Roof and attic
• Plumbing
• Insulation
• Major electrical components
For a newly built home
A reputable home inspector should identify all problems before a builder's warranty expires. Ask to join the inspector as he or she looks over the home. This gives you the opportunity to see any issues firsthand, and to learn about your home’s structure. A typical inspection should cost between $200 and $400, depending on the type of inspection being done, the size of the home and other variables, and a thorough home inspection should take at least two hours.
Once the inspection is done
You should receive a clearly worded, detailed report delivered within a few days. A report should list the condition of the home from top-to-bottom, inside and out, with recommendations from the inspector. If you have any questions about your report, do not hesitate to ask.
After the inspection
At the end of a home inspection, discuss with the service provider about their findings. If any issues seem complicated, ask to see the specific areas of concern. Your service agreement should include a detailed written report, delivered within a few days of the inspection. An inspection will likely find some issues, even if they are minor. Make sure the inspector clarifies what's critical to get done versus what would be nice, but not essential, to do.
Call us and we can help you successfully arrange the sale of your property..
