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Every Seller Should Have a Pre-listing Inspection and Here's why

By Peter W. Bennett

Home Inspector with A Full House Inspection Co. LLC

October 25, 2009 07:15 AM

The conditions below would have been identified by a professional home inspector. The seller could have retained a professional for further evaluation and repairs. The seller can then present a repair document for the buyer's review.

Foundation

This Monmouth County home is only three years old.

The foundation has horizontal cracks located

at the front wall (top photo) and in the rear wall (bottom photo)

Rear Wall Crack

Here Are A Few Of The Important Benefits Of Having The Home Inspected BEFORE It Gets Put On The Market:

1. Helps buyers feel immediately more comfortable with the property.

2. Increases the homebuyer's perceived value of the property.

3. Gives the seller the opportunity to eliminate certain defects before the buyer's arrive.

4. Allows the sellers the proper time to make any needed repairs in order to more effectively market the home in the most positive light.

5. Reduces the likelihood that buyers will hire their own inspector.

6. Reduces the likelihood of costly surprises being found by a buyer's inspector after the sellers thought they had a firm offer.

7. Virtually eliminates emotionally and financially draining renegotiations.

8. Increases the likelihood that serious offers will turn into closings.

9. Reduces the buyer's negotiating leverage regarding the existing property conditions.

So let's review the facts: Having the home inspected before the first buyer shows up will allow the home to be sold for more money, reduce the cost of the needed repairs, and minimize the frustration with the entire sales process. So where's the down side to getting a Pre-Listing Inspection?

Still Not Convinced? Do a more research online, and invest in yourself with a pre-listing inspection. It will save you time and money

Contact me for a no obligation consulation.

Peter W. Bennett, Owner
Residential, Commercial Inspections
Infrared Thermal Imaging Services
Energy Inspection Services
www.AFullHouseInspection.com
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530 Prospect Avenue Little Silver, NJ 07739
Office 732-758-9887 Fax 732-758-8993 Cell 732-245-9817
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Bridget Cella

Re/Max Connection - Sewell, NJ

e-Pro, Realtor

I completely agree that it would give buyers a sense of security. Just curious, what would happen if the buyers had their own inspection (which I can almost guarantee they will) and their inspector finds something that the sellers inspector didn't? Would then a third inspector be brought forward? Who would pay?

Also, kinda scary that what ever the sellers inspector finds will then become a necessity to disclose to the new owners, some sellers just don't want that headache!

Oct 25, 2009 07:20 AM

Peter W. Bennett

A Full House Inspection Co. LLC - Little Silver, NJ

Bridget,

Let's answer your first question: "What would happen if the buyers had their own inspection (which I can almost guarantee they will) and their inspector finds something that the sellers inspector didn't?"

That just happened yesterday at my inspection for the buyer. The seller's inspector gave the previously termite infested beam a clean bill of health. (The end bearing section of the beam was unacceptable.)
Plus, the seller's inspector failed to mention the incorrectly installed posts (temporary adjustable steel posts, less than 3 inches in diameter, no concrete footing and not mechanically fastened to the beam and floor)

I don't know if a third party inspector would be brought forward and who will pay, but I will definitely follow up and find out. Can't wait to post this.

As far as what the seller's inspector finds and the seller does not want the headache is a foolish attitude by the seller. Fraudulent disclosure can bite the seller down the road.

Sellers need to be realistic when selling and marketing their home. They can't get full price with a home in average condition. Full price should equal full value. It makes no sense for a seller to have their home sit on the market for 7-9 months or longer, then have a buyer's inspector discover a significant defect, go through the typical post inspection negotiation process(both parties disagree on how much the repairs are - a topic for another discussion, then the deal falls through) The seller then has the only options: 1. take the house off the market, 2. kill the deal with the first buyer and put the home on the market at lower price, 3. sell the home to the buyer at a reduced price or give credits. 4. make repairs, provide receipts (indirect disclosure) and re-list at market price. All of my bullet points at the beginning of this blog illustrate the importance of a pre-listing inspection.

Thanks for your input Bridget,

Peter

Oct 25, 2009 12:25 PM

Every Seller Should Have a Pre-listing Inspection and Here's why

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Peter W. Bennett

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