What is a pre-sale inspection?

A pre-sale inspection is an inspection that is done before the house goes on the market. As a seller, you want the best price for your house and that is not possible until it has been inspected and cleared of all major repairs. Some sellers like to get their home inspected after the contract has been signed by the buyer and others prefer a presale inspection.

 

Why Get a Presale Inspection?

Many people want their house to be in the best condition before it is listed. It gives them the benefit of selling their house in a short time. You might already be familiar with the issues your house has, but a professional can help you assess the property and eliminate any problem areas that could open up renegotiation. 

Most buyers add a clause in the contract, which permits them to hire their own home inspector. It’s possible that this inspector might be biased and highlight more issues than there are. The biggest benefit you get by opting for a presale inspection is that you improve the necessary areas and set the right sale price without any worries.

 

The Process

The fee of the home inspector depends on the size and location of your house. Typically, the inspector may charge you anywhere between $200 and $500. The report created outlines the issues with the house’s systems and structures. 

To make sure that you receive an authentic report, hire someone who belongs to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). This is a trade organization, which tests the house, qualifies individuals, provides guidelines for the findings and governs the process. You can visit ASHI’s website to find inspectors in your area. 

Don’t forget to check out their ratings on Better Business Bureau and do ask for references before hiring one. 

If you have lived in a house for more than a decade, then it’s possible that you might not be aware of the problems it has. For instance, a toilet flushing slowly might seem like a small problem, but this could also mean that your main sewer line is blocked. 

The inspection takes about 2 to 3 hours, which covers your home’s structure, plumbing system, roof, exterior, interior, heating system, electric system, insulation, air-conditioning system, fuel-burning appliances, ventilation, fireplace, etc.

 

The Report

After the home inspection, you will be provided with two reports. The first one has an itemized list, which outlines the problems briefly, and the other contains a written in-depth narrative. The former report is handed to you on-site and the latter is mailed several days later. 

Both reports will indicate problem areas and potential problems. For example, the itemized list may mention that your HVAC unit has 3 more years of life.

 

Pros and Cons

 

Pros

• Gives you in-depth details about the condition of the house
• Allows you to price the house accurately
• Minimizes the stress of seeing your house on the market week after week, losing its value
• Fewer chances of negotiations on the sale price

 

Cons

• Cost of the pre-listing inspection might be a little high
• Disclosure laws require you to be completely accurate about the house’s condition
• Big repairs can become quite expensive

 

The main purpose of a presale inspection is to boost the value of your house. It’s also possible that you might get multiple offers. You can be assured that this inspection will make you and the buyer happy once the transaction is complete.