Today, many agents are recommending a pre-listing home inspection, for a few good reasons.
A pre-listing inspection:
- Gives buyers an added level of confidence over and above the seller’s property condition report
- Alerts sellers to problems that can or should be addressed prior to listing
- Allows sellers to have repairs made less expensively
- Can prevent “escrow fall out”
First, the confidence.
When a licensed home inspector attests that prior repairs, additions, etc. were done correctly, or that the systems in the home are in excellent condition, it carries more weight than the homeowner’s assurance. If the inspector finds issues, the seller may either make needed repairs or simply disclose them. When repairs are made, the seller can attach documentation in the form of photos, invoices, etc. to assure the buyer that the work was done. On the other side of the question, if a seller discloses problems that he or she is not willing to correct, the buyer has even more confidence in the seller’s integrity. Some buyers will feel that the pre-inspection was “good enough” and will happily not spend the money on a second inspection. Others will hire a different inspector to verify the findings or to examine subsequent repairs.
Being alerted to problems is a benefit to sellers.
Things can go wrong that a seller doesn’t notice, so cannot disclose or repair. It’s beneficial to know these things ahead of time so they can be addressed or so they can be disclosed and the price can be adjusted accordingly.
Making repairs ahead of listing is less costly.
Repairs made in the period of time between the inspection and an already scheduled closing must be done in a hurry. They must also be done by a licensed contractor – often of the buyer’s choice. Thus, the homeowner has less chance of obtaining competitive bids or of making any of the repairs himself/herself.
A pre-listing inspection can prevent “escrow fall out.”
When the inspection is done just prior to closing and necessary repairs are extensive or time-consuming, some buyers won’t wait. Additionally, some won’t have confidence in repairs being made correctly, so they simply walk away. Repairs that were already completed will simply be noted on your property condition report and verified by the buyer’s inspector, should they opt for a second inspection.
Discuss a pre-listing inspection with your Orlando real estate professional.
If you decide to go forward, ask your agent to attend the inspection with you and to ask relevant questions. After the inspection, ask your agent for advice on what, if anything, you should do next. If repairs are necessary, he or she probably has a list or reputable contractors here in Orlando who can help. If no repairs are needed, your agent will know how to best use the information in marketing your home.
A pre-listing inspection is not a requirement to offering your Orlando home for sale, but in many cases, it is a wise idea.
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