The most-often accepted role of home inspections in the buying and selling process is
toward the end of the timeline. In most cases, prospective buyers will order an
inspection to ensure they are fully aware of the condition of the home they have made
an offer on; sometimes, inspection reports can be used to negotiate the deal or, in
extreme cases, back out of an offer.
As demand for homes decreases, sellers experience far less flexibility in what they’re
offering. While many homes would sell for tens of thousands of dollars above the
asking price in recent years, sellers are now seldom receiving more than one offer and
are, in many cases, making price cuts in an effort to draw in some interest.
One step that can make for a more informed seller is the pre-listing inspection. Rather
than waiting for a prospective buyer to make an offer and order an inspection, the pre-listing inspection happens before the home even hits the market, making the seller even
more aware of what they have to offer.
“A pre-listing home inspection provides sellers with valuable information that enables
them to enter the marketing, negotiation and final sales processes fully informed,”
explained Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service. “Though the buyer
will likely get their own inspection before confirming the purchase, a pre-listing
inspection prevents sellers from being caught off guard or forced to adjust pricing even
further due to unforeseen circumstances.”
Conducting this inspection ultimately has benefits for both the sellers and buyers. With
complete information, sellers can work with a real estate agent to determine which
issues will be critical to the sales process, what should be repaired and what can simply
be disclosed.
With this information, sellers are able to proceed, making any necessary changes to the
home itself, the listing or their marketing tactics. Providing upfront information to
buyers, even if it is not all great news, will likely have a positive impact on the buyers’
relationship with sellers. Not only are they receiving factual information to better inform
their decision, but a level of trust and transparency is established. This will go far when
carried throughout the buying process.
As the market continues to change from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market, obtaining
this information before entering the sales process will be highly beneficial for sellers,
allowing everyone involved to make the most informed, connected decision
