Reduce Risk With A Seller's Pre-listing Inspection

As an agent, should you recommend your client get an inspection prior to listing the home? There are advantages to a pre-listing inspection that should not be ignored.

According to the Los Angeles Times, a pre-listing inspection signals to a buyer a sense of “openness and good faith” on the part of the seller. It simultaneously reveals any unpleasant surprises for the seller allowing them to be addressed prior to the listing going live and having buyers come through the property.

Knowing about defects ahead of time gives you as the listing agent as well as the seller the upper hand in many ways.I always recommend you provide a copy of the inspection report along with any documentation on repairs made as a result to a buyer as part of the disclosure. “One of the most common ways to sink a home sale or lower the bidding price is a surprise finding in a home inspection.” Fox Business

Any immediate concerns or safety issues are brought to light
Necessary repairs can be made on the seller’s timeline with reasonably priced contractors
Defects won’t become negotiating stumbling blocks later
It shows a willingness for transparency and alleviates a potential buyer’s concerns and suspicions
Sometimes a buyer is willing to accept the seller’s inspection report and waive his or her inspection contingency
Reduces your liability by adding professional supporting documentation to your disclosure statement
It helps you to price your home realistically

I always recommend you provide a copy of the inspection report along with any documentation on repairs made as a result to a buyer as part of the disclosure. “One of the most common ways to sink a home sale or lower the bidding price is a surprise finding in a home inspection.” Fox Business

One final thought, the buyer’s agent is going to push his client to get a home inspection. As the seller, wouldn’t you want know up front what issues are likely to come up in that inspection so you can address them before they become an issue in the negotiation?

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Brian Botch

Brian is the owner of House Fluent Inspections and is licensed by the Texas RealEstate Commission as a professional real estate inspector (TX License # 22824 ).In addition, he is certified by the National Swimming Pool Foundation as a Certified Pool Inspector.