Who Pays for Home Inspection Costs? The Buyer or Seller?
Budgeting for a home looks different for everyone, especially when it comes to home inspections. In most sales, buyers assume responsibility for home inspections. However, there are some instances in which it’s the seller’s job to pay for the inspection before the property goes up for sale.
Knowing your financial obligations is essential when buying or selling a home. That way, you can avoid unexpected expenses that could break your budget. To better understand home inspection costs and who they fall on in a sale, consult an industry professional at Mark Spain Real Estate. With years of industry experience, our agents will help you make informed decisions about your real estate transaction to stay within your budget. Read below to learn more about home inspection costs and who pays them in a real estate sale.
Who Pays for Home Inspection Costs? The Buyer or Seller?
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
A home inspection costs between $250 and $700, depending on a home’s size and location. Larger homes are more expensive to inspect, as well as older homes. Your price might also vary depending on how experienced your inspector is and what kind of inspection you’re requesting. 
A standard home inspection will be cheaper and cover the home’s structure, construction, mechanical systems, electrical, and plumbing. Meanwhile, a specialized home inspection will have extra costs, as it will cover the same areas of a standard inspection with the addition of safety evaluations concerning pest issues, mold, radon, asbestos, sewer, and septic systems.
Who Pays for Home Inspection Costs?
Who pays for home inspection costs will depend on the sale timeline. If a home inspection has not been conducted by the time an offer is extended and the sale is underway, the buyer will cover the fees. In most cases, buyers will include home inspection contingencies in their purchase agreements, allowing them to legally walk away from the sale if the home is in poor condition and the seller won’t negotiate pricing. 
If the seller wants to proactively address issues before they surface in an inspection, they’ll get a home inspection before listing their home. Pre-listing inspections follow the same protocol as a buyer’s inspection, except the seller initiates them and fronts the costs. Like a buyer’s inspection, pre-listing inspections will also cover foundational areas like the home’s structure, construction, and inner systems. Many sellers will do a pre-listing home inspection to avoid unpleasant surprises interrupting their sale and slowing things down. Home inspections also motivate sellers to get their homes in tip-top shape, which allows for better marketing and higher asking prices.
Who Pays for Repairs After a Home Inspection?
After completing the home inspection, the inspector will provide an inspection report outlining the property’s needed repairs. In the case of a pre-listing inspection, the seller will pay for those repairs before putting their home on the market. With a buyer’s home inspection, the repairs will typically still fall on the seller unless other negotiations are made. Sometimes, sellers will reduce the sale price to accommodate home inspection repairs. In this case, the buyer will pay less for the home and address repairs on their own.
Sell or Buy a Home with Mark Spain Real Estate
Are you budgeting for a home inspection? Don’t stress! The industry professionals at Mark Spain Real Estate will help you make informed financial decisions throughout the inspection process. Our team of experienced real estate agents delivers unparalleled customer satisfaction and promises a seamless and stress-free closing!
Check out our Guaranteed Offer Program! Our guaranteed offer participants receive the most competitive all-cash offers in the industry and close in as little as 21 days. Contact our agents today to learn more about our Guaranteed Offer Program and sell your home hassle-free!
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