Some Thoughts on a Pre-Listing Home Inspection

I am receiving more calls than ever before from home sellers wanting home inspections before they put their home on the market. Actually, even if I were not a home inspector I'd think that was a good idea.

Benefits

1. Full disclosure to the new homeowner. "We wanted to make sure everything was okay so we hired an independent third party professional to evaluate the condition of the home." 
2. Avoid surprises right before closing: A last minute buyer's home inspection can uncover problems that can delay closing or even cause buyers to change their mind on a home purchase.
3. Avoid costly last minute repairs: If repairs are needed, the seller has time to get the best contractor for the job and maybe even get a lower price for the needed repair. Last minute repairs are a repair contractor's dream since he has the homeowner over a barrel time-wise.
4. Avoid substandard last minute repairs: See #3. Sometimes the right contractor is worth waiting for.
5. Clear conscience: The home seller can sell the house knowing that they did everything within reason to provide the new homeowner with a quality home.

So, whether you call em or a different home inspector, as a home seller it's a really good idea to get a pre-listing inspection.

Not sure? Ask your real estate agent. I'll bet he or she has an opinion.

Tom Sinclair

About the House - Home Inspections

Fairhope, Alabama

(251) 990-3169

www.InspectTestAnalyze.com