Before sellers list their home for sale, they can have a home inspector come in and check out the home’s condition from top to bottom. Home inspectors can help sellers streamline the sale process by identifying issues that could potentially lower the selling price.
However, home inspections can also leave sellers more vulnerable to legal liability.
What Is Pre-Listing Home Inspection?
A pre-listing home inspection is a process in which a home inspector comes in and looks at a home’s fixtures, walls and foundation before it is listed for sale. This process is a set of tests and examinations that mean to help the seller determine how likely it is that he or she can sell the home quickly and for a good price.
If the home is not in good condition, the home inspector will let the seller and the buyer know, so they can negotiate a lower sale price, or the buyer can walk away from the deal.
Why Do Sellers Conduct Pre-Listing Home Inspection?
There are several reasons why sellers conduct home inspections before listing their homes for sale. Some sellers want to make sure that their homes won’t give unsuspecting buyers any hidden surprises upon moving in.
If the seller’s home has any major issues, a pre-listing home inspection can reveal the problem and give the seller and the buyer time to discuss a lower price or other adjustments to the deal.
In some cases, the seller may have an opportunity to make repairs before selling.
Benefits of Pre-Listing Home Inspections
A pre-listing home inspection is a great way for an individual to figure out how much their home is really worth. If the home lacks any major issues and is in good condition, the seller can also enjoy a little peace of mind before selling. The pre-listing home inspection is a chance for a homeowner to get an idea of what their home is truly worth and whether the home is worth selling in its current condition.
Conducting pre-listing home inspections can also help to avoid disputes between the buyer and the seller. The home inspection can create a baseline of good and bad points that are important to the buyer, so they can make an educated decision about whether they want to proceed with the sale.
When necessary, a pre-listing home inspection can also be used to help make a case against a home or a home seller.
Regular Home Inspection vs. Pre-Listing Inspection
A regular home inspection is conducted by home inspectors to give buyers a comprehensive overview of a home’s condition. The average pre-listing home inspection is usually a more focused examination of an area or two to give an idea of a home’s condition and price.
Both a regular home inspection and a pre-listing home inspection can reveal problems that give buyers the information they need to make a decision about a home purchase.
When to Get an Inspection
If the seller wants to know whether they can sell the house and get a good price for it, they may need to have a pre-listing home inspection. In some cases, the home inspection may turn up more problems than the seller was expecting and lower the asking price.
Conclusion
The best way to avoid liability after a home inspection is to make the necessary repairs before listing the home for sale. If you have any concerns about pre-listing home inspections, you can talk to your real estate agent about them.
If you are planning to sell your home, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a home inspector before listing it for sale. Let's Do It Home Inspections does holistic home inspections in Birmingham, AL to have everything covered before your sale. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
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