Getting your home ready to list for sale is a major undertaking. It will compete against other similar homes for sale in the area, so it needs to be presented in the best possible light.
You may think to make cosmetic improvements first, but you also may have some safety and maintenance issues to address. Before you start making updates, read on for the benefits of ordering a pre-listing home inspection.
What Is a Pre-Listing Home Inspection?
If you are unfamiliar with the term pre-listing home inspection, you may be wondering what it is and how it differs from a general property inspection. These two types of property inspections are the same except for one difference. A general inspection is usually ordered by a home buyer during the purchase process, and it tells the buyer more about the actual condition of the property.
A pre-listing inspection, on the other hand, is ordered by the property owner and informs him or her about any significant or minor issues and defects. There are a few good reasons why every seller should order and review a pre-listing home inspection report before listing their home for sale.
1. Understand the Property’s Actual Condition
Many homeowners assume that they know everything about their property’s condition, but there may be minor or major issues that are not obvious except to a professional home inspector. The last thing that you want is to be surprised by a serious situation towards the end of the sales process.
2. Be One Step Ahead
In a typical sales transaction, the price and terms are established by the seller and buyer before the buyer orders a property inspection. The results of the inspection are provided to the buyer, and the buyer often will use the inspection results to negotiate better terms.
The buyer also has a jump on dictating which repairs he or she wants to be addressed before closing. When you order an inspection before listing the home, you can be aware of any situations and be proactive in dealing with them.
3. Set Your Property Ahead of the Competition
The pre-listing home inspection gives you several opportunities to have a strategic advantage over the competition. For example, you can offer a clean property inspection report to the buyer as a selling point. It shows buyers that your property is in great condition while there may be uncertainties about other competing properties.
4. Focus Your Attention
It may not be reasonable to expect a home that has been lived in for years to be in perfect or like-new condition, but the home should be free of significant issues for a successful transaction. Without an inspection report, you may spend time and money making unnecessary or insignificant repairs before listing it for sale.
A pre-listing home inspection report will detail value-enhancing repairs or upgrades that require your attention and could help with the sale of your home. The inspection provides you with the focus that is needed to make smart decisions when preparing your home for sale.
The benefits of a pre-listing home inspection are exceptional. If you are ready to take advantage of these benefits, schedule an inspection with a reputable professional today.
Encompass Home Inspection Service provides inspections for home sellers and buyers to Southern New Jersey and Southeast Pennsylvania. Contact us to book your inspection.