What is a Pre-Listing Home Inspection?

When it comes to residential property inspections, you’ve probably heard of “home inspections,” but what exactly is a “pre-listing inspection,” also known as a “pre-inspection”? Is it necessary to conduct an inspection prior to the inspection? Some shrewd homeowners who are planning to sell their home in the near future are opting for one. Before putting a house on the market, a seller may want to consider hiring a home inspector to inspect the property. Before making an offer, it is common for buyers to request a pre-inspection.

What Does a Home Inspection Cover?

The engineers and inspectors at Middle Tennessee Inspections will examine the condition of the home’s systems, as well as any deterioration that has occurred and will provide you with a modern, detailed, itemized report, which includes repair recommendations. The home inspection is typically included in a buyer’s due diligence to ensure that the major systems are in good working order and that there are no serious, expensive defects that are unknown to the seller, but this information can be critical for the pre-seller if they are trying to offer their home quickly and for a higher price. You, the seller, have the opportunity to address these issues before putting your home on the market.

You should never discover a major glitch such as a foundation problem after you’ve signed a contract and are close to completing the transaction. It’s possible that there are problems in the house that aren’t visible. A pre-inspection may be requested by a shrewd home seller in order to avoid unpleasant surprises that could jeopardize the sale of the property. When selling an older home that you’ve lived in for a number of years, this can be a good strategy. A pre-offer inspection can help you identify potential problems and give you the opportunity to fix them. Additionally, sellers can boast that they have received a “clean bill of health” and that they are being upfront about the condition of the property. A pre-inspection can also be beneficial when determining the value of a home. Many states require sellers to provide buyers with property condition disclosures; however, agents recommend that buyers hire an independent home inspector to inspect the property.

Should You Get a Pre-Inspection?

The astute response is to consult with your real estate agent. They will be well-versed in the local market, the current economic climate, and the most effective negotiating strategies available. The answer may also be influenced by the age and condition of the house, as well as whether you’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market at the time. A pre-inspection can give the seller the upper hand when it comes to determining the condition of the property being offered for sale. It is preferable to know ahead of time if you have or are likely to have a problem, as well as what repairs may be required and which appliances and systems may turn off prospective buyers. This is something that can be done on your timetable and that you can plan for. It is customary for the seller to be absent during a “typical home inspection”, but as this is your inspection you are very welcome and encouraged to attend.  You know your home the best.  The higher the number of offers received and the faster the house can be sold if there are fewer condition issues or red flags.

Another advantage is that a pre-inspection can assist you in pricing your home if there are issues, and it can also help you to correct those issues. Repairs that are required can be disclosed to the seller before the property is inspected. The fewer surprises there are, the better.

Pre-Inspection Myths

Some common myths about pre-listing inspections are that a potential deal could be lost from defects that are hidden.  It is better that you know about it before the buyers are surprised.  Some people think that a newer home in good condition doesn’t need an inspection.  New homes can have just as many surprises as some old ones.  That is a good reason that owners of newly built properties often get an “11th month inspection” to identify issues that are still in warranty.

The engineers and inspectors job at Middle Tennessee Inspections is to produce an objective and unbiased detailed report about the property you want to sell.  If your property is truly in great shape, inspection becomes a useful marketing piece.

Check out this article from Realtor.com  https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/should-home-sellers-get-a-pre-inspection/