A home inspection has numerous purposes. For instance, it can help disclose major repairs that need to be done to a home that can impact a buyer's desire to purchase the property. From a seller's perspective, a home inspection may help the seller cut down on negotiations with buyers and assist them in closing deals faster at a price they want. However, before a seller decides to invest in these inspections prior to listing their property, it is crucial to understand the pros and cons of getting an inspection before selling, as well as the times when it may make sense to get these inspections done.
The pros of getting your home inspected
There are various reasons why a seller may want to get their home inspected before putting it up for sale. However, the top reasons for getting a home inspection before selling include the following:
Provide you with further information regarding your property
It's not uncommon for sellers to not know about issues within their homes or the extent of their problems. That is why conducting a pre-sale inspection can help uncover hidden issues or safety risks that could impact their ability to sell their property. For instance, an inspection can identify specific problems that can be possible deal breakers with the home or property, including:
- Allergens such as mold or fungi.
- Pest infestations, including rodents or termites.
- Structural problems.
- Air quality issues.
- Septic tank problems, leaking pipes, and poor water quality.
- Issues with electrical outlets or wiring.
- Room problems and window issues.
It is best to know about these major defects before listing your property instead of discovering them in the middle of a transaction.
Help you get ahead of the repairs
The chances are high that a buyer will have a number of things they want fixed with a property or home before they close on the deal. However, if you obtain an inspection before selling the property, you can get ahead of these requests and prevent deals from being squashed. In addition, knowing about these repairs ahead of time may help you save money down the road. For instance, a buyer may ask you to lower the price to accommodate certain repairs that they want done to the home. Yet, if you take care of these repairs beforehand, you will have more control over these negotiations.
Reduce stress when selling
A buyer will likely want a home inspection before making an offer on the property, even if they know that one was done already. However, getting this inspection done beforehand can assure you that you will not have to deal with significant issues that can slow down the selling process.
The cons of getting your home inspected
Although getting your home inspected before selling can provide you with various benefits, there are some consequences of getting these inspections. For instance:
You will have to disclose serious problems
While laws vary depending on the locality, in general, once you know about a significant issue with the home, it becomes your obligation to disclose it to potential buyers. This can include problems such as structural issues, including cracks in the home's foundation or termite damage. In addition, you may also have to disclose what you repaired and why. As a result, if you decide on a quick fix in place of a more detailed repair, the buyer will be able to find out, which can impact your ability to sell the property.
You will have to spend money
To obtain a solid inspection, you will end up spending money. These prices may also increase the larger the home is and the more thorough you want the inspection to be. While these costs may not be substantial, you may still need to budget for them, especially if the inspections lead to more repairs and further costs.
You create issues for yourself
Depending on the circumstances, obtaining a home inspection before you sell may not make sense. For instance, if you are listing the home in a seller's market, paying for these inspections yourself may not be a good idea. Some buyers may even be willing to purchase the house as it is and skip the inspection entirely.
The bottom line of getting your home inspected before selling
Getting a pre-sale home inspection will usually depend on numerous factors. In some instances, getting an inspection before selling the home may not even be worth it. That is why, before paying for this inspection, you should consider speaking with an experienced real estate agent who can help you better understand the pros and cons of these inspections and whether it is the right decision for you and your home.
Frequently asked questions regarding home inspections
When it comes to home inspections, the following are some of the most common questions that buyers and sellers tend to have:
Are fixes required after a home inspection?
If your home inspection finds water or mold damage, pest infestations, significant structural problems, or toxic hazards, you will either have to take care of these issues before you can list your property, or you will have to disclose these issues to potential buyers.
How do you find a company to complete a home inspection?
Before hiring the first home inspection company in your online search results, you want to do your research. This means asking for referrals from friends and family or thoroughly searching online. However, check reviews before hiring a company and try to interview two or more businesses so you have a better understanding of their prices and the type of inspections they handle. This can help you choose a company that will do a solid job and provide the necessary information.
When should a seller get a home inspection?
If sellers plan to have their home inspected, they should schedule it 45-60 days before listing it. This can help them figure out the condition of their home and set a more accurate asking price.
Find out if a pre-sale home inspection is necessary
If you are considering selling your home and want to know more about home inspections and if they are right for you, contact experienced real estate agent Denise Graves, who can provide the details you need. As one of the leading real estate agents in the area, Denise understands the purpose of these inspections and the effects they can have on the buying and selling process. As a result, she can provide you with the information you need to make a sound decision on whether a pre-sale home inspection is right for you.
