To Inspect, or Not to Inspect - Prior to Listing the Home For Sale

I personally like pre-sale Home Inspections. Once the maintenance is done the sellers can feel good about their sale and help the buyer to feel good, also.

It would be nice if all sellers would do this, but some just can't do it or will not do it.  I agree with David above both the seller and buyer can feel relieved...even though the buyer still may still want to hire his own inspector.

After 30 years, I prefer the buyer to make the inspection.

i will say there are times to do it.. if you are an equity propert do it... if not, i do not think you need to waste the money

Jan, I'd have to say I'm with David on this.  Then, when the seller's repair most of the stuff on the punch list, it shows them their willingness.  I do urge my home seller's to provide a log and receipt of any major work done over the years, if they have it.  I like to display that on the kitchen counter.  

I've lived in my home for 15 years now.  Although we've maintained it well, if I were to put it on the market, I've have it inspected before listing it.  I don't want anything to go wrong when I get a buyer.

Jan - I am not sure it is a good idea. Buyers usually do not trust the inspection done by Sellers. I am not sure the Sellers like the idea of paying for it before it is even needed.

I am not in favor of this practice. Our responsibility is to net the seller the most money possible. By conducting a home inspection, he will have the cost of the inspection and then repairs. Once the seller knows what is wrong with the house, he is required to disclose. Why beg a problem? We must remember that all things are negotiable in real estate...including repairs. Even if a number of things are found by a buyer, that doesn't necessarily mean the buyer will ask for them to be repaired. I do what will net my seller the most amount of money as possible and that is not to pre-inspect.

Hi Jan, it makes sense for the seller to repair the items they know need repairing.  It eliminates

the " haggling " once they get an offer on the property.

I once had a roof inspection on a cement tile  roof by an inspector that weighed in at about

300 + pounds , he told me there were several broken tiles. I wonder what could have

caused that ??

Irene Durocher Bristol Properties 

Boca Raton,Fla. on the Atlantic Ocean

One problem I have encountered is the different findings by different inspectors.  If the homeowner is clueless about codes and home maintenance a pre inspection might be great.  No guarantee that the buyers inspector won't find additional items he considers defective.