Selling your home can be complicated and time-consuming, especially if you are in a buyer’s marketplace.
These are the three reasons sellers should get pre-listing inspections. The arrival of a global pandemic in the first quarter 2020 may be signaling that there is a buyer’s market. Many sellers have had to leave their homes due to the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19), which has already begun to affect the real estate market.
But, virus or not, the housing market is susceptible to constant ups and downs. It shifts its favor from sellers to purchasers in an endless cycle.
What can you do as a seller to increase your chances of selling your house quickly and with maximum income?
Answer:Â A pre-listing inspection
Home inspections are not just for buyers!
Today’s homebuyers are searching for properties that are “move in ready.” Any major or expensive problems can deter potential buyers. They had a home inspection to verify that!
Buyers have several options if the inspection report reveals a problem they don’t want to deal with. They can walk away or negotiate a lower price. That’s great for them…but what about you?
It can be frustrating to have to settle for a lower price or wait weeks, or even months, for a buyer.
A pre-listing inspection allows sellers to have options and gives them time to decide what steps to take before putting their home on the market.
There are many reasons to get a pre-listing inspection
Why bother if the buyers will get a home inspection?
A little preparation is key to success in all aspects of life. You’ll get off to a good start by conducting a pre listing inspection in rock springs.
These are the three main reasons you should get a pre-listing inspection.
- Price Your Home Right
Although your agent can help you determine the price of your home, they have limited information. They can assess the neighborhood comps and determine the value of your swimming pool, but they cannot tell if the water spots on your ceiling is cosmetic or indicative of a larger problem.
You can use any problems you find to calculate your asking price by conducting a pre-listing inspection. You can lower your asking price if you find that your roof will need to be replaced within the next few years.
Even if there are no major problems, an experienced inspector can help to strengthen your asking price.
- It’s time to make repairs
You can also use the inspection report to guide you in the repairs that you need before you sell your home.
Even the smallest flaws could be seen as a red flag to buyers who aren’t keen. If you are able to make the repairs before you list, it will be a proactive move toward a quick sale.
The homebuying process can be complicated by the need to negotiate both price and who will pay for what repairs. You can reduce the time it takes to close the deal by showing potential buyers the improvements and maintenance that have been made to the property.
- Both the buyer and seller can rest assured
A pre-listing inspection can provide peace of mind to both potential buyers and you.
You’re showing that you are willing to share a photo of the house. Many buyers fear that an inspection may reveal serious defects in the home they love. They will know that you aren’t hiding anything if you present the inspection report upfront.
You can also advertise your home as Move-In Certified, and provide the inspection report to ease any concerns.
A good pre-listing inspection is the only thing that can be substituted
Even if you are accompanied by a real estate agent, a visual walk-through cannot replace a thorough pre-listing inspection.
An experienced, qualified home inspector can tell the difference between a major problem and a minor cosmetic fix. They are able to spot a pest infestation, a water intrusion, and an electrical problem. The home inspector’s job is to give both the buyer and seller a thorough inspection of the property so that they can both take the necessary steps in the negotiations.
