Of course you may not always need or want a pre – listing house inspection, every listing situation can be different. But for many seller’s considering putting their homes on the market, these babies can save you time and money (yes you read right $) and most importantly, alleviate stress!
What are the differences between a pre – listing and a buyer’s inspection?
Not very much. The scope and detail of the pre – listing inspection will be the same as if a buyer were having it done. The inspector focuses on the proper functionality of the home and it’s major systems: heating, electrical, plumbing, roof and structure, siding, doors and windows. The difference is that the seller becomes the customer in the situation, instead of the buyer.
How does it help the seller?
Having an inspection done before there is a buyer in the picture, gives the seller upfront insight into their home and allows them to process that info and decide how to move forward, without feeling rushed.
A pre – listing inspection will strengthen your negotiating skills when it comes time to sell your home. You and your real estate professional can decide who is going to cover repair costs ahead of time, so when it comes time to negotiate a sale price, you’re already comfortable with how much you’re willing to compromise.
Homes that have a pre – listing inspection usually sell faster and leave less room for “heat of the moment” issues by being so transparent, allowing for an all around smoother transaction.
How much will it cost me?
Pre – sale home inspections should run the same price as a buyer requested inspection, somewhere between $350.00 – $500.00 for a qualified home inspector.
Price can vary depending on the square footage, age and location of your home. Special conditions, such as being located on a steep incline may effect the price as well.
How to deal with the resulting info (good and bad)?
It is better to learn about and deal with your home’s strengths and weaknesses sooner than waiting to find out at the same time your potential buyer does! Best to get it all out in the open and address things head on.
Firstly, identify issues and then proceed to address them one at a time. What needs repairing right away? What doesn’t? Not all issues need to be fixed immediately. Clarify your goals and move forward.
How transparent should you be with these results?
First, consult with your chosen real estate professional because this is usually a situational matter. Transparency will help you earn trust with your buyer but too much transparency can be confusing in the wrong situation.
For example, offering the full inspection report to a first time buyer could prove to be more overwhelming than helpful but the full report can also confirm positive functionality throughout the home. Usually the summary of the report will suffice.
Wouldn’t buyers still want to do their own inspection?
Yes, most likely. Though most buyers will appreciate your forwardness by ordering the initial inspection, they’ll probably want to follow up with their own inspection, to make sure the original issues that were stated, have been fixed.
Whether or not the buyer chooses to use the original inspector or a new one is their own personal choice and either option can be beneficial. If the buyer chooses the original inspector, the inspector will be familiar to the home’s history and be able to see where improvements have been made base on a point in time. If the buyer chooses a new inspector, they will complete the inspection with the same unbiased approach.
If you are interested in Manzanita Real Estate or Surrounding areas, please feel welcome to reach out.
Tosha Reinmiller
Principal Broker
Living Room Realty – Manzanita
(541) 231-5829
tosha@livingroomre.com