Why a Pre-Listing Inspection May Be Worth It in Today’s Market. That’s why it pays to anticipate potential issues before buyers ever step through the door. And one way to do that is with a pre-listing inspection. Why a Pre-Listing Inspection May Be Worth It
What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection?
A pre-listing inspection is essentially a professional home inspection you schedule before putting your house on the market.
“While it can be beneficial for a seller to do, a pre-listing inspection isn’t always necessary. For example, if your home is relatively new and you’ve been the only owner, you’re most likely already aware of any big issues that could impact a sale. But for an older home, a pre-listing inspection can be very insightful and help you get ahead of any potential problems.”
The key is deciding whether the benefits outweigh the costs for your situation.
Why It May Be Worth Considering in Today’s Market
Right now, buyers are more cautious about how much money they’re spending. And they want to be sure the home they’re buying is worth the expense. In a market like this, a pre-listing inspection can be your secret weapon to make sure your house shows well. Here are just a few ways it can help:
- Gives You Time To Make Repairs: When you know about issues ahead of time, it gives you the chance to fix them on your schedule, rather than rushing to make repairs when you’re under contract.
- Avoid Surprises During Negotiations: When buyers discover issues during their own inspection, it can lead to last-minute negotiations, price reductions, or even a deal falling through.
- Sell Your House Faster: According to Rocket Mortgage, if your house is listed in the best shape possible, there won’t be as many reasons for buyers to ask for concessions. That means you should be able to cut down on negotiation timelines and ultimately sell faster.
How Your Agent Will Help
Because it may not be as important if sellers still have the majority of the negotiation power where you live.
If your agent does recommend moving forward and getting one done, here’s how they’ll support you throughout the process.
- Offer Advice on How To Prioritize Repairs: If the inspection uncovers problems, your agent will sit down with you and offer perspective on what’s going to be a sticking point for buyers so you know what to prioritize.
- Knowledge of How To Handle Any Disclosure Requirements: After talking to your agent, you may decide not all of the repairs are worth it right now. Just be ready to disclose what you’re not tackling. Some states require disclosures as a part of a listing – lean on your agent for more information.