When it comes to selling a house fast, there are many aspects to get to grips with throughout the entirety of the process. Those who want a quick house sale can take a number of steps to ensure that the process is as efficient as possible. One decision that a home seller will have to make is whether to get a pre-listing home inspection. Regardless of how old your home is, it can be worthwhile to get an inspection done. There are various pros and cons to getting a home inspection done before listing, and we will go through them in this article so that you can make the best decision.
What is a Pre-Listing Home Inspection?
A pre-listing home inspection is fairly similar to the inspection that would be carried out by the buyer. It usually costs between $250 to $700 depending on the home and area. The reassurance that an inspection provides can justify this cost, and you should keep in mind that a buyer would pay the full cost of a subsequent inspection. The same checks are conducted which include mechanicals, major systems, and windows. Signs of mold, cracks and water damage are looked for. An inspection usually takes a few hours to complete .
Pros of a Pre-Listing Home Inspection
There are various benefits to having this inspection done before listing your home. They include;
- Being Able to Make Major Repairs Beforehand
One key benefit of a pre-listing home inspection is the ability to find major defects and resolve them before listing. Owners worried about property condition could face a lengthy period of negotiation with the buyer if defects are found in an inspection after a sale. Having an inspection done beforehand provides reassurance and added peace of mind.
- Better for Pricing and Marketing
Knowing your home’s condition also means you can price it more accurately and more competitively. Additionally, having an inspection done allows you to promote any important details that were found and these can be appealing to buyers. You will also attract more serious buyers who see the value of a pre-listing inspection.
- Gain Valuable Improvement Advice
An inspection gives you an insight into which repairs and improvements could be conducted. You can then assess whether they would be worthwhile to improve the value of your home. It is easy to prioritize major repairs and leave out less important cosmetic upgrades.
Cons of a Pre-Listing Home Inspection
Alongside the benefits there are also some considerations to take into account. These include;
- Cost
The cost may be high in some areas or for larger homes, and it may not always be a wise decision. For example, if you live in a newly built home or have recently undergone major repairs, then a pre-listing home inspection may be less useful for your requirements.
- Potential to Catch More Repairs
Additionally, there is a chance that the inspection uncovers a repair that the buyers inspection may not have picked up on. Although, it is uncommon, it does mean you will be obligated to disclose these issues to the buyer and in most cases obligated to fix them.
Summary
Overall, getting a pre-listing home inspection is usually a good idea especially if you want to sell your home fast for cash. It allows you to identify any repairs quickly, and means you won’t expect any surprises when it comes to the buyer home inspection. The transaction can go through smoothly, but it does come at a cost so you will need to weigh up whether you think it would be worth it.
