If you are getting ready to list your home, having an inspection before you list may be a helpful tool. Here are some pros and cons to see if having one is right for you:
Find Issues Before You List - Having an inspection before you list your home may help you find potential issues you didn't know you had. In some cases, knowing some of these issues can benefit in that you will know what might come up with a buyer's inspection and you can anticipate what you might be able to negotiate when the time comes. However, once you know you have a potential issue, you must disclose that when you list your home.
Fix Issues Before You List - Another benefit of having a pre-list inspection is that you can fix any problems or issues before you have an offer on your home and you will have proof of the work that was done as well. This could be a benefit when you are in negotiations. However, repairs can be costly, and you may not have that money up front to fix a lot of things. If these problems come up during a buyer's inspection, however, sometimes you can have the repairs come out of your proceeds in the sale, eliminating the up front costs.
Inspections Aren't Perfect - You can have a pre-list inspection, fix all the things that were issues and then feel like you have done your part when the buyer orders their inspection, but, no inspection is perfect! There might be a few other things a different inspector might find in your home that a buyer might wish to be fixed for a deal to go through. Do you HAVE to fix those items? No, but, that buyer may decide not to buy your home and then, once you know there is an issue, it will have to be added to your disclosure for other potential buyers to see.
Cost - There is a cost for an inspection. Whether it is too costly for you or not, only you know, but, in terms of negotiation, it could save you more money in the long run than what you spend in an inspection. It might help you get a better price for your home if certain items are repaired ahead of time and it could eliminate any inspection negotiation issues down the road.
Bottom line is this: it's good to ask your Realtor, what they think might help in the long run for the sale of your home. Having a pre-listing inspection may be a big benefit with your property, or it may not depending on your individual situation. A professional who has dealt with a lot of inspection negotiations should be able to advise you on your best course of action--Jen Lush
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