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Pre-listing home inspection

By
Real Estate Agent with Lacaze Meredith Real Estate

As I was teaching a home inspection course at a local college this spring, it occured to me that it would be a great idea to have every listing pre-inspected prior to putting it out for any potential buyer or even a preview by another agent.  That would bring up any potential issues that could be resolved ahead of time and especially if there were major problems like mold or rotting that could scare off potential buyers.

A case in point: recently one of the other agents in my office had a contract on what appeared to be a nicely renovated house.  The buyers were thrilled! Then came the home inspection and what was found in the crawl space killed the deal....

If the seller were to alleviate any issues ahead of time, the buyers would be more likely to think that the home was well taken care of!

Comments(7)

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Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!!!

Agents and home inspectors have tried to convince sellers to have a pre-listing inspection forever.  They do not want to spend the money.  Or, they figure, "if it's good enough for me, it's good enough for a buyer".

I actually DID HAVE a pre-listing home inspection when I sold my home 7 years ago in Bethesda.  It was well worth the money. 

BTW, welcome to ActiveRain.

Aug 17, 2013 04:00 AM
Jefferson Knapp
Lacaze Meredith Real Estate - Saint Michaels, MD
Jeff Knapp

I am actually going to start offering a pre-inpection free with every new listing!

Aug 17, 2013 04:03 AM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Jeff.  Careful.  That's risky.  You might want to check with your broker.

Aug 17, 2013 04:31 AM
Jefferson Knapp
Lacaze Meredith Real Estate - Saint Michaels, MD
Jeff Knapp

I did. Also with the company's regional director and attorney...I value my license!   Thanks for the input!

Aug 17, 2013 04:45 AM
Ken's Home Team LLC. | 360.609.0226 | Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA Real Estate Team
Ken's Home Team LLC. - Vancouver, WA
- SOLD IS OUR FAVORITE 4 LETTER WORD -

Welcome to Activerain from from all of us at Ken's Home Team. I think you will find this site to be a wealth of knowledge and referrals. This really is the best real estate blogging and real estate network on the internet. If you have any questions about Activerain, reach out to the wonderful Ambassadors here in the rain. (They are a wealth of knowledge and were picked by the Activerain staff for their willingness to help others

Aug 17, 2013 03:19 PM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon

Welcome to Activerain and I hope you are learning a lot and if you ever need any assistance, don't hesitate to check out my blog, email me, call me, I will be glad to help you in any way possible. Also, check out the main page of Activerain and look for the Activerain University tab, there are lots of educational webinars to help you build your business.

Aug 17, 2013 03:22 PM
Bette Gottwald
UNITED REAL ESTATE | Central PA - Mechanicsburg, PA
"Bet"on Central PA Real Estate!

Welcome Jeff!  This month I listed a home with past "issues."  It was recommended the Seller have a pre-listing inspection (and made note in all advertising) the inspection was available.  This home is  a 2 bedroom, 1 bath single and it sold in 8 days!  I believe the pre-inspection had much to do with the quick sale.

Aug 18, 2013 12:01 AM