What to Know About Getting a Home Inspection Before Listing

By Mark Spain Real Estate

Preparing your home to sell requires many steps. And while most sellers don’t love the idea of adding an extra task to their pre-listing checklist, a home inspection is a step you won’t want to skip. 

By working with the experts at Mark Spain Real Estate, you can ensure you check all the boxes off your pre-listing to-do list, especially your home inspection. With decades of valuable industry experience, our team can help you make informed decisions on proactively setting your listing up for success. For sellers considering getting a home inspection before putting their homes on the market, this blog is for you. Read below to learn more about pre-listing home inspections. 

What to Know About Getting a Home Inspection Before Listing

What is a Pre-Listing Home Inspection? 

A pre-listing home inspection follows the same protocol as a buyer’s home inspection, except the seller instigates it, and it takes place before the home is listed. Allowing sellers to take a more protective approach to their selling process, pre-listing home inspections reveal any potential problems with a property so the seller can make fixes before putting their home on the market. 

Like a buyer’s home inspection, a pre-listing inspection typically covers foundational areas like home structure, foundation, framing windows, walls, doors, electrical systems, plumbing, etc.

The main difference between a pre-listing home inspection and a traditional one is who is initiating and paying for the report. If you’re selling the property and request a pre-listing inspection, you’ll pay the costs. However, if the home inspection is something your buyer requests during the closing process, then it will be on their dime. The cost of a pre-listing home inspection generally depends on the location and size of your property, but prices tend to fall between $250 and $700. 

What are the Benefits of a Pre-Listing Home Inspection?

Arranging a pre-listing home inspection is the best way to get ahead of the game. By taking care of vital repairs and renovations before your home hits the market, you can avoid home inspection hiccups in the closing process. Below are some pros to consider for scheduling a pre-listing home inspection. 

No Unpleasant Surprises

Ignoring vital repairs and renovations is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling a home, and choosing this route of neglect can lead to some unpleasant surprises. Whether it’s a leaky roof or a faulty electrical system, foundational issues come to the surface during a home inspection and can significantly hinder the closing process. Getting a pre-listing home inspection allows you to detect potential problems early on and avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.  

Faster Sale Process

Pre-listing home inspections can be the biggest time saver. Rather than wasting time negotiating repairs with your buyers during closing, you can take care of things beforehand. After all, nobody wants the added stress of fixing a home while you’re in the middle of a move. Addressing repairs ahead of time will speed up the closing process by a mile.

More Negotiating Power

If issues arise during a buyer’s home inspection, they typically will rebuttal with a discounted price or compensation for repairs. With a pre-listing home inspection, you can proactively handle repairs and gain leverage when negotiating with buyers. Pre-listing home inspections also give you a better idea of your home’s value right off the bat, allowing you to price your home more fairly and lessen the risk of lowball offers.  

Better Marketing

A pre-listing home inspection will reveal both positives and negatives about your property. So, if your home inspector gives you good news, it’s wise to put this information in your listing. Perhaps the report says your plumbing system is in prime condition. Using this information could be a great way to build stronger trust and appeal with prospective buyers. 

Do I have to Disclose a Pre-Listing Home Inspection? 

As a seller, you must disclose any potential property issues you are aware of when listing a home. The extent of what you must disclose will depend on your state laws, but most places require sellers to share if the home has significant flaws. Working with an experienced real estate agent is a great way to ensure compliance with state disclosure laws. Your agent will offer guidance on the types of foundational issues requiring disclosure and even help you make arrangements for inspections and repairs. 

Sell a Home with Mark Spain Real Estate

Are you listing your home for sale? The industry professionals at Mark Spain Real Estate are here to help you every step of the way. Delivering unparalleled customer satisfaction, our team of expert listing consultants will help you navigate the listing process hassle-free! Check out our Guaranteed Offer Program for the potential to receive a competitive cash offer on your home in only 21 days. Contact our agents today!

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