Pre-Inspections: The Right Move for Home Sellers

Most people are aware of the importance of a qualified home inspection when buying a home, but the advantages of a pre-inspection for the seller may not be immediately obvious. Several arguments are frequently made against pre-inspections. Skeptics note that buyers usually will perform a home inspection before buying, rendering the seller’s inspection redundant. The cost of a home inspection is raised as an objection, as well. Sellers sometimes argue that since they live in the home, they are already aware of its condition and thus do not need a home inspection to confirm what they already know.

In fact, performing a pre-inspection can actually be a selling point for your home. Knowing the exact condition of your home before it goes on the market can allow you to plan for repairs, if necessary, and will give you a better idea of your home’s real value, essential for pricing it correctly in today’s volatile housing market. Additionally, a pre-inspection can provide potential buyers with confidence, allowing them to offer a higher price for your property than they might otherwise be prepared to do.

If your property qualifies for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance, pre-inspections are especially important. FHA regulations require certain minimum property standards be met; a pre-inspection will ensure that your home meets the eligibility requirements for FHA insurance, increasing the number of qualified buyers for your home.

Because a pre-inspection takes place before your house goes on the market, you will have additional time to make any necessary repairs. Your home inspector will explain the extent of the problems and may even make suggestions about possible ways to repair them yourself, saving you money and avoiding the necessity of hiring a contractor or scheduling a repair. By performing needed repairs and replacements before the buyer sees the property, you ensure that your home makes the best possible first impression. Additionally, the decision about who will do the repairs will be in your hands, not the buyer’s. This will allow you to better control costs and allow you to plan your expenditures more accurately.

Precise knowledge of your property’s condition will allow you to price your home competitively. Especially in current housing market conditions, an accurate assessment of your home’s worth can make the difference between a home that sells quickly and one that remains on the market for months. A pre-inspection will give you the edge in determining your home’s asking price and in negotiating the best possible financial outcome for you.

Perhaps most importantly, a pre-inspection report can reassure prospective buyers about the condition of your home. It will showcase your home’s assets, describing in detail the improvements and upgrades your home has to offer. Potential buyers can place their offers with confidence, knowing that your home has been thoroughly inspected for any defects or problems. Pre-inspections eliminate the worry of last-minute negotiations, demands for repairs or, worst of all, having a sale fall through due to problems discovered during the standard pre-closing home inspection.

Pre-inspections provide many advantages to home sellers. In fact, most Realtors recommend that a pre-inspection be performed prior to placing your home on the market for the reasons listed here, and for one more reason: peace of mind. A thorough pre-inspection of your home will let you avoid unwanted surprises while selling your home, allowing you to relax and concentrate on your upcoming move.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas Realtor. Other articles written by the author related to Cedar Park real estate and Austin real estate can be found on the net.