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Are prelisting inspections a waste of time and money?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Warren Home Inspections

Is there a value to it? You agents are the experts. I'll take your word for it. For years I have been trying to sell prelisting inspections. And to no avail. Sure we get a few each year but not the number that I would expect. What's the answer? Are we, the inspection industry, selling it incorrectly? Maybe we're just wrong. Maybe there's no demand for this service. I hope that's not the case.

 

I can't imagine why we don't get 200 calls a year for prelisting inspections. It just seems to make sense to me. Any time there is a chance to avoid a last minute rush to repair or replace something it seems like a win. Why not set the sellers up for success? Maybe I just don't understand.

 

Is it the cost? I doubt that. Is it the fear of the unknown; what will he find? That shouldn't be a deterrent. Someone will find the defects during an inspection. Wouldn't it be better to discover the flaws when you are in control? Is it disclosure? If I was buying a home I'd prefer to know what the sellers know up front. Again, no last minute surprises.

 

As for disclosure and fear, you'll have to deal with that. Cost is something I can help with. How about if we put off paying for the inspection until closing? Your sellers pay me when you sell the home. Would that help? Again, I'm asking for your help here. You Realtors are the experts. I'm on the outside here looking for guidance and advice.

 

I would love to hear what you think. Call me. Email me. Let me know how to make this work.

 

Oh yeah, if you need a prelisting inspection, call us. You'll be glad that you did.

508-259-3248

rory@warrenhomeinspections.com

 

 

MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

I always recommend pre-listing inspections. However, as the economy has worsened, and with more sellers in foreclosure or short sale situations, I've had a larger number of clients refuse to do this based on price. I formerly would pay for it myself upfront if needed with seller to reimburse at close of escrow, but in 2008, had *5* different clients fail to adjust to the market and refuse to reimburse me.

I've found postponing till COE can be a definite incentive, however, I'd advise you put a caveat to deal with payment if home doesn't sell.

 

Apr 11, 2010 11:40 AM
Rory Warren
Warren Home Inspections - Hopkinton, MA

Thanks for the input. I'm going to ask for a credit card at the inspection and process it at closing.

Apr 11, 2010 12:05 PM