Thinking about listing your home? Consider a pre-listing home inspection

By JERRY ROLISON - PILLAR TO POST HOME INSPECTORS

Before you list your home, think about a pre-listing home inspection.

The majority of contingencies in real estate transactions come from home inspections. Why not deal with them upfront instead of at the end? Why not know the house you are listing and understand any objections coming your way as soon as possible?

One could argue that the traditional way of negotiating a price for a home and then finding out what you’re buying is backwards. Depending on what is found on the inspection for the buyer, they may decide to negotiate again, slowing the transaction and adding undo stress to all parties.

A pre-listing inspection will reveal problems ahead of time and avoid unwanted surprises. As the seller, you will be more knowledgeable about your home, you will see your home through the eyes of an impartial third party and be more realistic about your asking price. And you could get up to 18% more money, according to the National Association of Enrolled Agents.

With a pre-listing inspection, you have more control. You can schedule an inspection at your convenience and not be at the mercy of the buyer’s inspection report — possibly rushing repairs and replacements to close the deal. You decide what to fix and when, taking time to make those changes as needed. Quotes or bids from contractors can be obtained and left for buyers to see, for full disclosure, or you can walk the buyers through and show them the completed repairs.

It also helps you shift the balance of power. You can provide your listing agent with all the information they need to get the best offer and have a smooth transaction, eliminating last minute issues. Don’t leave it up it up to the buyer’s inspector to find problems and slow or kill the deal. Provide the information your agent needs to be the most knowledgeable person about the home, introducing trust and transparency into the process with both the buyer and seller.

Remember that 93% of houses listed with a pre-listing inspection proceed with little or no re-negotiation needed.

To learn more, contact Licensed Home Inspector Jerry Rolison at 919-675-7472 or visit www.pillartopost.com/ jerryrolison.