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Why would you want to hire a professional home inspector prior to listing your property?
Because, if your home is in top condition you'll get the highest price and to the closing
quicker with fewer surprises.
This gives you two
options. First, the home can be presented "as is" and reflect any
problems in the purchase price. This allows you the option to negotiate with a buyer to accept
items in the current condition by stipulating that they are reflected in the purchase price. If
you hadn't identified these problems a buyer may walk away from the deal if the conditions
come as a surprise after an offer has already been made. You know the buyer's inspector
will find them, at the worst possible time, causing delays, and costing you more money.
Secondly, you can have the problems fixed before you list so they don't become an issue
between you and the buyer.
The inspection should be done as early as possible once you have made the decision to sell your
home.
This way, if there are any problems discovered that need to be repaired, you can have the repairs
done on your own terms
and schedule.
When a problem isn't found until the buyer has an inspection performed, the deal you've worked so
hard to get done may fall apart unless you act quickly to get the repairs done. Or you may have to
take a lower price in order to keep the deal. You'll most certainly have more headaches and spend
more money than if you'd known about the problem and had it repaired before negotiations
began. Buyers appreciate knowing the condition of the major elements of a home upfront and
in most area's sellers are required to disclose the condition of the home.
Knowing what's wrong with your home in advance allows you to shop around and get competitive
bids from contractors, rather than being forced into paying for a rush job at the last minute. You
also have the flexibility to choose the materials and methods used in the repair. By identifying
needed repairs early, you'll have the option to save money by using less expensive materials
for the repairs.
Don't wait until a real estate contract is on the line.
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