Why Would a Seller Want to Have a Home Inspection?

In many areas, home inspections are now a routine and important part of the real estate transaction. More and more home buyers are requesting a home inspection prior to purchasing a home. Not surprisingly, it can be an anxious time for the home seller. This guide will help home sellers prepare for a home inspection and, at the same time, help the process go a bit smoother.

Trust Plays a Large Part in Any Transaction.

A pre-listing inspection let's your buyers concentrate on buying instead of worrying. Every legitimate effort you make to build trust with a potential buyer will bring them that much closer to making the decision to buy your property. It's very important to create "curb appeal" when placing your home on the market. That's the number one thing that gets a buyer interested. But once they take a closer look, they begin to decide whether your property is the one they want.

Many things play into that decision. And trust about you and the property's condition is a key element. A Pre-Listing Inspection lets them know your property is in good shape. They'll feel good about you and the property. That can make all the difference.

Give The Potential Buyer Peace Of Mind.

Eliminate the need to concern themselves with the condition of the property. That allows them a much more relaxed perspective on the lifestyle aspects of living there. It allows them to concentrate on seeing themselves as the owners, without clouding their thoughts with worries of whether the property is a good investment. They can dream. Which is exactly what you want them to do.

Won't the buyer have their own inspection anyway?

Yes. But having a pre-listing inspection will help ease the negotiation process, and help eliminate surprises. You can also take steps to help the buyers inspection proceed smoother:

If you have had any major work done on the house since you became the owner, it's a good idea to have the plans, contracts and receipts available.
If you feel the need to explain anything about the home, write it down on the disclosure form provided by the Listing Realtor.
Check to make sure Air Conditioner compressors, Hydro and Gas Meters are accessible and not obstructed by bushes or garden equipment.
Make sure access panels to attics and crawl spaces are unobstructed. The home inspector will need to enter those areas.
Clear the space in front of the Electrical Panel so that the cover can be removed.
Replace burned-out light bulbs in all places, brighter is better.
If you're leaving the house vacant while it sells, replace the batteries in the smoke alarms.
Ensure that the furnace is accessible and any records concerning it's installation and servicing are available. Make arrangements to contain your pets, (especially the biting kind...ouch) or have a friend or relative look after them during the inspection.
Make available the manual or operating instructions for all appliances that will be sold with the home. While the inspector may not need them, the new owner will certainly appreciate having them!
You should allow approximately 3 hours for the inspection, and while you have the right to be present, most vendors prefer to leave and have their Realtor attend the inspection.

A Pre-Listing Inspection Also Strengthens Your Position as a Seller. Sell your Home For More.

In Kansas and Missouri, sellers are responsible for providing a Seller's Property Disclosure Statement. This lists all known problems with your property. Your Pre-Listing Inspection supports your disclosure claims.
By having an inspection before selling, you're prepared for items that may show up during the buyer's inspection. You can prevent extended negotiations if the repairs are made ahead of time. You'll have the time to find reasonably priced contractors or make the repairs yourself, if qualified. Fewer contingencies in the sales contract will undoubtedly make the closing much smoother.
It reduces your liability by adding professional, supporting documentation to your disclosure statement.
You will be able to negotiate from a much stronger position if you have an inspection report to compare against your buyer's report. In many cases, if your report is provided by a certified inspector, the buyer will see no need to retain their own inspector.

Give Pre-Listing Inspections Some Serious Thought...

You'll immediately see the advantages it provides you as a seller. If you have any questions about pre-listing inspections, just give me a call. You won't run into high pressure sales tactics. Just honest, informative answers to your questions. I'll be pleased to assist. You won't be disappointed.