In this current market when multiple offers are the norm and each buyer is looking to make their offer the strongest and most appealing. Having inspections and disclosures available for buyers allows the buyer to be informed and reduce negotiating of repairs and possibly shorten contingency timeframes. This practice is common in many metropolitan areas.
Getting pre-inspections offers many key advantages to sellers that you may not be aware of. Having inspections before your house goes on the market ensures that you’ll find out the exact condition of your home, which makes setting a price much easier and whether to list “as-is” or do the repairs for a better return.
Not knowing if there is something wrong with your home often adds a lot of stress to the sales process. Selling your home is never easy, to begin with. Worrying that the sale will fall through because of something that turns up during an inspection can only add to the anxiety of the escrow process. By having a pre-inspection done, you can feel much more confident about the current condition of your home. This also allows you set your own schedule for repairs.
Buyers naturally are skeptical about a home’s condition. For many people purchasing a home will be the most money they will ever spend on a single purchase. Handing them an inspection report that details the present condition of a home will make them feel more confident about the purchase. Having a pre inspection allows the buyer to make a more confident offer and often can lower the inspection contingency that will make the off stronger by cutting down the exit period to cancel.
Just because you get a pre-listing inspection does not mean you will not have to go through a buyer’s inspection as well. However by having your own inspection and knowing the condition of your home it can help you in negotiations if the buyer inspector has a different opinion.
Quite often buyers will use the home inspection as a negotiation tool to ask for additional concessions. A pre inspection puts the buyer on notice and that both you and the buyer are aware of any issues and all repairs from the beginning of your interaction. Negotiations still may occur, but knowing up front usually will minimize this.
While having your own inspection is an added expense it is a proactive step that puts you ahead of the curve, allowing you to see the path ahead of you much more clearly and can save you money in the long run. You can plan better, rest easier and get a better price on your home.
Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker He can be contact by phone or text at (925) 899-5536, pmccarran@yahoo.com or www.CallPatrick.com. An independently owned and operated office. Equal Housing Opportunity.
