Benefits of Getting a Pre-Listing Home Inspection

   So, you've decided to put your home up for sale? The place where you've invested time, money and energy. Your first home. The house you brought your kids home to. The place where you spent years raising your family. Selling a home can be a very emotional experience. Although you're ready to move on, that does not mean that leaving can be hard and maybe a little sad.
 
   With all of the emotion and familiarity with your home, it is sometimes hard to get a non-biased view of it. You know how much you've invested into the home...how much sweat equity has been given. You get used to the quirks and small issues of your home...and while those things aren't an issue for you, it can be a potential barrier for your future buyer. Also, there could be conditions that exist that you may be unaware of. It is often a great idea to get a pre-listing inspection to get a new set of eyes on the condition of your home. This helps you to be in the best position for getting your home listed and sold! Let's take a look at some of the potential benefits of a pre-listing home inspection!

Benefits of Pre-Listing Home Inspection

1. Reduce the Stress of Selling

          As I have mentioned before, selling a home is emotional and stressful at times. Why not take              pro-active steps to eliminate as much of that as possible? Being aware of any issues and                      addressing those issues prior to listing your home puts control in your hands. Being out of                    control with unexpected issues during a buyers inspection results in stress due to the hassle of              repairs and the unforeseen costs associated with those repairs. Avoid this stress by being                      knowledgeable and informed about your home. Knowledge is power!

       

      2. Speed Up the Process

          

          Avoid potential delays due to re-negotitating the contract with repairs that often occur                          following a buyers property inspection that are typically conducted within 15 days or so. With            those negotiations can come delays as estimates and repairs are completed. Why not head off              as much of this as possible by addressing issues ahead of time, if possible? Or at least know                that the problem exists and have an idea of costs of repairs. This can cut down and streamline              the negotiation process if and when it occurs.

       3. Remove Barriers For Potential Buyers

           Don't underestimate the potential of buyer anxiety. It is a HUGE decision to put an offer in on             a house. By providing added confidence in their decision making, you are removing a barrier               thus making it easier to get an offer. A home that has had a pre-listing inspection and provides             documentation of the inspection as well as repairs made (including receipts) will assure a                     buyer that they are less likely to encounter any unpleasant surprises after submitting an offer               on your home. Also, a binder of updates and repairs with manuals and receipts is another                     added bonus. These things tell a potential buyer that you've cared for your home and that they             can buy with confidence. 

       4. Save Money

           Saving money is always a good thing! By attending to issues that are present in your home                   prior to listing it, you have the opportunity to hire the contractors! This is the perfect way to                 be able to save money by shopping around and choosing a contractor that you trust and that                 will likely be the most economical. A buyer will be looking to get the repair, but likely with                 costs not being considered...they aren't footing the bill. Again, put control back in your court               and save money!

           

      5. Competitive Edge

           By providing potential buyers with an educated opportunity to purchase, you are providing                 your listing a competitive edge against others in the market that may be similar. Eliminating                 barriers and reinforcing buyer confidence will be put miles beyond your competition. It's a                   small sacrifice towards a HUGE goal. And, you are in line to get a higher sales price due to                 the condition and lack of negotiating repairs. Winning!

          

   Do some folks think it's a waste of time and money? Sure! Everyone has an opinion and a right to that opinion. But, bottom line is that it's often a good idea. Any chance to improve a buyers confidence and remove obstacles is a chance well taken, in my opinion. The cost of a pre-listing inspection is typically around $300...it does fluctuate based on square footage. A very small investment for a peace of mind for you and your potential buyer. 

Until next time,

Melissa Hall, Realtor

Rector Hayden Realtors