Pre-Listing Inspection Helps You Stay Ahead of the Game

Sellers usually brace themselves for price negotiations as the buyer’s home inspector combs through the house, but sellers do not need to feel powerless. A pre-listing inspection allows sellers to stay a step ahead in the following ways:

1. Better marketability: You can choose to fix potential defects that could turn off a prospective buyer.
2. Positive impressions: The fact that you took the time to inspect your home and address defects shows house hunters that you’re serious about selling your home, trustworthy and conscientious.
3. Helps avoid last-minute deal breakers: Pre-listing inspections help reduce the probability of complications at closing.

Pre-Listing Inspection Tips:
1. Choose the inspector carefully. Check the inspector’s training, ongoing education programs, any certifications they may carry and if they have all the necessary local licenses.
2. Attend the inspection. A good home inspector will encourage you to attend the inspection because it makes the written report more meaningful.
3. Focus on the major elements. Every home has minor or cosmetic flaws, that you should consider correcting. However, an inspector’s role is not to really focus on peeling wallpaper or cracked sidewalks, although he may document it. In general, anything that would cost less than $500 to fix should be considered normal maintenance. Repairs that exceed that amount are more likely to be negotiable.
4. Be realistic. If defects are discovered, get credible estimates to substantiate your position so that negotiations are substantive and professional.
5. Offer a home warranty. If many of the major systems in the home are working but are older, consider including a home warranty as a value-added bonus.

With the right preparation, you can sell your home in a way that feels fair and straightforward.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a real estate professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More information is available online at housemaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither HMA Franchise Systems, Inc. nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances.

© Copyright 2007 HMA. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of HMA Franchise Systems, Inc.