Why do real estate agents recommend a pre-listing inspection?
Increasingly, realtors are recommending that sellers obtain a pre-listing inspection prior to listing their home. Pre-listing inspections, paid for by the seller, provide an unbiased report on the home’s condition. The report is written by the inspector, an independent third-party, who is able to provide an objective opinion on the home’s condition and any potential problems that are revealed during the inspection. Until recently, it was typically the buyer that paid for the property inspection, but pre-listing inspections are allowing sellers to regain control over their real estate transactions.
Having a pre-listing inspection done provides many benefits. As many realtors point out, they can allow the seller to identify problems that can be easily remedied, such as leaky faucets, loose handrails or insulation problems. Once these problems have been addressed, the seller can provide evidence of the completed work, and this can help alleviate any concerns on the part of the buyer. This also allows the seller to provide complete disclosure as to defects the home may have, which, in turn, minimizes the liability for all the parties involved, the seller, the buyer, and even the realtor.
Another benefit of a pre-listing inspection is that it allows the parties to negotiate the price upfront. It eliminates the need for conditional offers and the need to renegotiate at the 11th hour. If the seller remedies problems upfront, the buyer will feel more comfortable, and may even decide to forego the typical buyer inspection, which is so often the reason deals fall through. Having a pre-listing inspection conducted allows many sellers to ultimately obtain a higher selling price. If you’re thinking of selling your home, it would be advisable to keep these benefits in mind.