Nov 18, 2011

Get Your Home Ready to Sell! Home Inspection

I am a big fan of having my sellers get a pre-sale home inspection before we place their home on the market.  Our history of homes we’ve sold that were pre-inspected shows us that it is clearly an advantage for sellers because their homes sell faster and for more money than those that chose not to do this.  However, often times when I bring up this topic at my listing appointments I get the same questions from each seller.  Below you will find common questions as well as my advice to my sellers.

-"Doesn't the buyer usually pay for it?  I'd rather not pay for it I don't have to."
The buyer does usually pay for the home inspection but in my opinion, having your home pre-inspected and repairs complete will yield you a higher sales price and a smoother, quicker closing.  Even if a great offer comes in, you could lose that buyer or the sales price could be lowered if the buyer’s home inspection reveals unexpected repairs.  I believe it’s best to have all the information up front.  It also shows a buyer you are a serious seller and that you are selling them a solid home.
 
-"Isn't it better to wait so that a buyer doesn't know everything that's wrong with the house and they decide not to make an offer?"