Selling a home can be just as stressful, if not more stressful, than buying a home.
If you are trying to buy a home yourself, and it’s contingent on selling your existing home or actively paying a mortgage on two separate homes, then the pressure to sell quickly can be unbearable.
One way sellers can ease this pressure and avoid obstacles in the closing process is with a pre-listing inspection. This article will outline the benefits of a pre-listing inspection for sellers and outline eleven home inspection tips for sellers to ease this process.
Why Should You Get a Pre-Listing Inspection?
The nationwide average for closing times is around 44 days, though this could easily double or triple in length with a bad inspection report.
For sellers under pressure to sell fast, unforeseen issues that inevitably come up in an inspection report can mean waiting weeks to repair or relisting the home at a lower price.
That’s why we often recommend a pre-listing inspection on your current home as the first step in selling it or buying another one.
By conducting a pre-listing inspection and getting an honest assessment of its condition, you will be able to:
- Price your home accurately, understanding how much you can get in equity to finance a new home.
- Market your home appropriately to attract the right buyers.
- Proactively make repairs that could delay closing times and actively imperil any offer you’ve made on another home.
What Does a Pre-Listing Inspection Check?
A pre-listing inspection provides the same overview of your home as a traditional residential home inspection that any buyer would purchase. Some of the most important elements of the inspection include:
- Structural integrity: The condition of the roof, foundation, and floors.
- Plumbing Issues: The condition of pipes, water heaters, and water pressure.
- Electrical Issues: The condition of wires, electrical boxes, and outlets.
- HVAC Issues: The condition of all heating and cooling equipment.
However, a pre-listing inspection will be more thorough than that. Most inspectors will evaluate every inch of your property and outline any problems they spot, from a chimney with poor flashing to a bedroom door knob that doesn’t function properly.
9 Tips for Homeowners to Prepare for an Inspection
You may think you are powerless during a home inspection, but there are many things you can do to help your inspector and clean up your inspection report.
1. Find the Right Inspector
First, it’s essential to find the right inspector. A good inspector will be able to identify any issues that may come up in a future inspection report and save you the headache.
There are many resources to find an inspector, including:
- Your realtor or brokerage
- Referrals from friends and family
- Online directories and review sites
One thing to keep in mind is certification. Look for things like certification from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) to find a properly qualified inspector. There are even tiers of service, with a Certified Master Inspector representing the highest tier.
2. Make Small Repairs Where Possible
While most people can’t fix a roof, you can be proactive in helping your inspection report by making small repairs wherever possible. Ideas could include:
- Fixing loose door knobs
- Sanding down doors that stick
- Patching any holes in walls or ceilings
- Tightening railings
- Fixing leaking or dripping pipes
- Applying caulk to cracks
- Using pest control to eliminate any pests
- Repairing or replacing weatherstripping
- Fixing light switches or loose outlet covers
- Ensuring locks work properly
3. Conduct Exterior Maintenance
Likewise, it helps to conduct some exterior maintenance on your home. This will also add some serious curb appeal. Some ideas include:
- Trimming overgrown brush
- Clearing out clogged gutters and downspouts
- Positioning downspouts away from the home
- Repairing loose bricks, stones, or cement.
- Painting and sealing wooden decks or porches.
- Power spraying your siding.
- Eliminating any birds or wasps nests.
4. Get Your HVAC System Tuned Up
Unlike many appliances in your home, heating and cooling systems require routine maintenance over the years to ensure they are in working order. This includes cleaning filters, though it often pays to hire a local contractor to ensure your refrigerant and coils are working on all cooling systems.
Ductwork inspections should also be done routinely to inspect for cracks and leaks that rob you of energy efficiency.
5. Inspect for Water Damage
Water damage is a massive concern for homeowners, and it can lead to issues like mold, pests, and damage to interior framing components. Inspect for water damage before an inspection to see if any repairs need to be made or if an additional mold inspection should be completed.
- Look for wet spots around pipes.
- Inspect pipes in your basement drop ceiling for corrosion and loose fittings.
- Search for cracks in drywall.
- Inspect for mold in areas where visible.
- Monitor humidity and moisture content in rooms with poor ventilation.
6. Clean and Eliminate Any Clutter
Tidying up your home and getting rid of clutter will allow the inspector to thoroughly search every inch of your home without missing any issues. Even just keeping your home neat could result in a more positive inspection report.
7. Ensure Utilities Are in Working Order
Inspect all utility hookups, including electrical, gas, water, and septic, to ensure they are in working order. For homes with septic systems, it often pays to complete a septic inspection to ensure all parts and filters are in working order.
8. Give Inspectors Enough Time and Space for Inspections
Some people recommend being present during inspections, but for sellers, it makes sense to give an inspector enough freedom to conduct the inspection at their own pace. This may require you to leave for an hour or two and possibly take your pet or restrict them to one room of the house.
9. Disclose All Known Issues
State law requires you to disclose all known issues to buyers, but it’s good practice to do the same for your inspector. This will give them a good starting point to look at and allow them to determine the extent of the damage.
Next Steps for Sellers
If the inspection report comes back positive, you can list your home and price it confidently.
However, if the report uncovers some major issues that do require repair or a close eye, there are a few options you can pursue:
- Hire a Contractor for Repairs: This is often the most straightforward solution, especially for major repairs that require technical knowledge. The important thing here is finding a contractor you trust that can make the repairs quickly.
- Make the Repair Yourself: This is not recommended for major repairs, but many homeowners don’t want to pay the additional cost of a contractor. Just be sure to disclose that you made the repairs yourself when providing the inspection report, as some buyers may want a follow-up inspection.
- Sell Home As-Is: This isn’t a bad option if you want to sell your home quickly, but it may require repricing the home.
Overall, a pre-listing inspection will help you avoid unforeseen obstacles that could slow or stall the sale of your home and allow you to make the necessary adjustments before listing.
FAQs
Should I provide documentation of past repairs or maintenance?
Yes, providing documentation of repairs, maintenance, and upgrades can demonstrate that the home has been well cared for and can alleviate buyer concerns.
Do I need to disclose known issues?
Yes, sellers are typically required to disclose known issues with the property. Honesty is crucial to avoiding legal issues and maintaining trust with potential buyers.