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If you’re selling your house, you will need to obtain a home inspection report one way or another. Traditionally, the buyer purchases a home inspection to make sure they are buying a sound, solid home that’s free of major defects. Why not stay one step ahead of the buyer and have your home inspected beforehand?
Your Home Will Be in Tip-Top Shape
By getting a home inspection before listing your property, you can discover any problems ahead of time and fix them before a buyer even steps foot in your house. By making all the necessary repairs, your home will be in tip-top shape and more presentable, which will help you get top dollar for your property.
You’ll Have Greater Leverage in the Negotiating Phase
Having a home inspection in hand and all the repairs completed will put you in a better bargaining position when negotiating with potential buyers. You won’t be faced with any costly surprises and can negotiate for the buyer to pay more toward closing costs since you’ve already purchased the inspection.
Avoid Paying Inflated Amounts for Buyer Repairs
By discovering any problems ahead of time, you can decide how to repair them. You won't have a buyer insisting on high-end fixtures, name-brand appliances, or inflated financial concessions. Why pay the buyers an inflated amount when you can repair the problem more cost-effectively on your own?
Protect Yourself by Providing Full Disclosure
When you find problems during your home inspection, you can work with your real estate agent to determine whether to repair the problems or list the home “as is” with full disclosure. If you do make the necessary repairs, you can have the home reinspected and obtain a clean report to show potential buyers. They may choose to have their own home inspection or take your word for it.
The Deal Won’t Fall Through Due to Surprise Problems
One of the most significant benefits of getting a home inspection before listing your property is that it can prevent surprises from derailing the deal. If a buyer’s home inspection turns up with significant problems, they may back out of the sale or insist on inflated compensation to repair the damage on their own. By fixing the problems beforehand, you can avoid renegotiating and keep the sale moving forward.
A pre-listing home inspection is a win-win for everyone: The buyer gets a clean home and sellers avoid issues, such as renegotiations and a possible failed sale if defects are discovered.
