Home Sellers

On Pre-listing Inspections

Having your home inspected before you list is the recommendation found in the new edition of the book, Sell Your Home For More by Nick Gromicko.

Eventually your buyers are going to conduct an inspection. You may as well know what they are going to find by getting there first. In most cases, defects exist in a home that the homeowners have learned to live with over time, adopting a 'fix it when it breaks' policy toward the home and its systems. All too often they are unpleasantly surprised, or even shocked to learn through the buyer's inspection report that the roof needs replacing even though no stains have been found, or the water heater has exceeded its expected lifespan, or significant mold growth exists in the attic due to poor ventilation, or the electrical service panel had been recalled years ago as a fire hazard. These are just a few of the dozens of potential defects that can become serious stumbling blocks prior to closing.

When we perform an inspection ahead of time, it helps in many ways:

• It allows you to see your home through the eyes of a critical third-party. It helps you to price your home realistically.
• It permits you to make appropriate repairs ahead of time so that serious or safety defects won't become negotiating stumbling blocks later.
• There is no delay in obtaining the Use and Occupancy permit where required.
• You have the time to get reasonably priced contractors or make the repairs yourself, if qualified.
• It may encourage the buyer to waive the inspection contingency.
• It may alert you of items of immediate personal concern, such as gas leaks, significant mold growth, radon gas or active termite or powder post beetle infestation.
• It may relieve a potential buyer's concerns and suspicions.
• It reduces your liability by adding professional supporting documentation to your disclosure statement.
• Alerting you to immediate safety issues before agents and visitors tour your home.

We will return to the home following repairs to inspect corrected defects and revise the inspection report accordingly - at no charge. This is an exclusive benefit provided by us.

No home is perfect. Mortgage lenders are becoming increasingly sensitive to issues that are identified in the buyer's inspection report or their own appraiser's report that in the lender's eyes could affect the current or future value of the home. Knowing these issues ahead of time can be invaluable leading up to a successful closing.

Copies of the inspection report along with receipts for any repairs can also be made available to potential buyers if desired.