Are you a seller? If so, you likely know that a diligent buyer will request an inspection of your home before making a purchase. However, did you know that you can be proactive and get a presale inspection done? There are several compelling reasons to consider this!
Curious to learn more? Here are 5 reasons why you should think about having your home inspected before listing it for sale.
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You'll gain a clearer understanding of your property
The period between accepting a conditional offer to purchase and receiving the inspection report can be stressful, especially when you’re uncertain about what might be revealed. A single issue can threaten your sale, giving the buyer leverage to renegotiate or even walk away.
Even if you believe your home is in good shape, no property is without flaws. An inspector might uncover hidden problems, such as:
- Damage from a water leak.
- Roof or gutter defects.
- Signs of foundation weakness.
Since you’ll eventually have to address these issues, why not uncover them early? A comprehensive report will provide you with valuable insights into your home’s conditions, helping you feel more confident when discussing it with potential buyers.
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You can address repairs before buyers discover any defects
Most issues flagged during an inspection are minor and easily fixable, such as:
- Cabinet doors that don’t close properly
- Peeling paint
- A noisy heating system
- A dripping faucet
As a seller, you might overlook these small defects, having grown accustomed to them. While they may not drastically affect the sale, they can give buyers leverage to negotiate a lower price.
By opting for a presale inspection, you’ll be aware of these minor issues in advance and can take care of the repairs. This allows you to present our property in its best light and potentially increase your home’s value, leading to a better sale price and a higher profit margin.
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You can better justify your asking price
By understanding your home’s strengths and weaknesses before buyers do, you’ll be better prepared for negotiations. This knowledge allows you to set a more accurate selling price, based on verified insights from an expert.
Even if you discover multiple defects that require a price adjustment, you’ll have time to evaluate their true impact on your home’s value.
Since you’ve proactively addressed these issues, buyers won’t have leverage to negotiate a lower offer based on unexpected findings. Additionally, if you choose to make the necessary repairs, you can justify your price by highlighting the improvements made.
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You will reduce the time for sale and negotiation
When you understand your property’s condition, make repairs if necessary, and set your price accordingly, you give buyers fewer reasons to hesitate. This facilitates and shortens the negotiation process.
If you feel your negotiation skills are lacking, don’t worry! You can learn effective strategies for selling your home. Plus, if you work with a real estate agent, you can rest assured that they’ll handle the negotiations on your behalf.
Additionally, a presale allows you to bypass the delays usually associated with buyers conducting their own inspections, enabling quicker closing. Of course, you’ll need to cover the inspection cost upfront, whereas buyers would typically pay for their own. However, think of this expense as an investment in a smoother selling process.
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You’ll demonstrate your good faith to buyers
Having your home inspected before listing it signals to potential buyers that you have nothing to hide and that you are a trustworthy seller. This can enhance your reputation and set you apart from other sellers, positively impacting your sale.
Are you looking for an expert for a residential inspection?
XpertSource.com can help you in your efforts to find a building inspector. By telling us about your project, we will refer you to top-rated experts, free of charge! Simply fill out the form (it only takes 2 minutes) and you will be put in contact with the right experts.