Advantages of Having a Pre-Listing Inspection

Having your home inspected by an InterNACHI inspector before you list is the recommendation found in the new edition of the book,  Sell Your Home For More by Nick Gromicko.

Eventually your buyers are going to conduct an inspection. You may as well know what they are going to find by getting there first. The author points out that having an inspection performed ahead of time helps in many other ways:

  • It allows you to see your home through the eyes of a critical third-party.
  • It helps you to price your home realistically.
  • It permits you to make repairs ahead of time so that ...
  • Defects won't become negotiating stumbling blocks later.
  • There is no delay in obtaining the Use and Occupancy permit.
  • You have the time to get reasonably priced contractors or make the repairs yourself, if qualified.
  • It may encourage the buyer to waive the inspection contingency.
  • It may alert you of items of immediate personal concern, such as radon gas or active termite infestation.
  • It may relieve prospect's concerns and suspicions.
  • It reduces your liability by adding professional supporting documentation to your disclosure statement.
  • Buyers are less likely to just back out because they found unexpected problems.
  • You are alerted about immediate safety issues before agents and visitors tour your home.

Copies of the inspection report along with receipts for any repairs should be made available to potential buyers.

Help Your Pre-Listing Inspection Go Smoothly

Sellers can speed their home inspection by following these suggestions. The inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing.

  • Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning.
  • Ensure pets won't hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from premises or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home.
  • Replace burned out bulbs to avoid a "Light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem.
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries.
  • Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely.
  • Remove stored items, debris and wood from foundation. These may be cited as "conducive conditions" for termites.
  • Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawl spaces.
  • Unlock areas the inspector must access - attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates and crawl spaces.
  • Trim tree limbs to 10' from the roof and shrubs from the house to allow access.
  • Attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches; windowpanes, screens and locks; gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.

Checking these areas before your home inspection is an investment in selling your property. Your real estate agent will thank you!