Getty Ready to Sell? Don't Forget the Pre-Inspection!
With the spring selling season upon us, our team is in high gear guiding our sellers to get ready for the market. While moving toward your next chapter can be an exciting transition, selling your home can feel overwhelming, with many moving parts. To make the process easier for you - and to ensure fewer surprises along the way - you may want to consider a per-inspection prior to listing.
So...what's a seller's pre-inspection?
A seller’s pre-inspection involves hiring a licensed inspector to examine your property for issues that can be addressed before you list your home. The inspector then provides a report on the issues identified and reasonable next steps to the homeowner.
Common things for inspectors to look at include:
- Radon level
- Exterior (siding and roof) including stairs, decks, driveway, gutters
- Structure, foundation and framing
- Windows and doors
- Walls and ceilings
- Basements and attics
- Major home systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing)
- Hazards (mold, poor water quality, lead paint, asbestos)
- Specialty, separate inspections for sewer lines, pools, underground oil tanks and termites/pests may also be conducted at this time
The report produced is aimed at you, giving you information about potential problems with the home that you could fix with the professional of your choosing before listing the property for sale.
How much will a pre-inspection report cost?
The average cost of an inspection is about $450, with most inspectors charging between $375 and $600. Variables including the location of home, square footage, the extent of the inspection and who you hire. and how big the property is.
Weighing the pros vs. the cons
A pre-inspection gives you time to fix major problems before you get too deep into the process of selling your property. You can prioritize and address necessary repairs, and avoid unpleasant surprises later on. You'll also make it tougher for buyers to negotiate, if you can do the needed repairs ahead of time. This can also mean securing a higher price for your home! Also, we often see the inspection cause the longest lag in the home sale process, so you can speed up the process to close.
Some of the potential cons of a pre-listing inspection include the costs, particularly if you are unsure if you will proceed with listing, as well as the fact that you might need to disclose certain types of issues that arise from the inspection on your Seller's Disclosure. For example, homeowners who are aware of lead-based paint or other lead hazards must inform buyers of that fact.
Whether selling up north or at the shore, our team has a few trusted inspector recommendations if you are considering a pre-inspection. It's important to hire a licensed, experienced inspector who is familiar with the nuances of your area's market. We've got you covered.
-Thoughtful Real Estate-