Everything You Need to Know About Getting Your Home Inspected Before Selling

Chances are pretty high that before you purchased your house, you got a home inspection. While home inspections are often tied to buyers, sellers can also utilize this tool to streamline the home-selling process and ensure their properties are in truly amazing condition. So, if you’re hoping to sell your home on the Boulder, Colorado, real estate scene, here is everything you need to know about getting a home inspection before selling.

Conducting a pre-listing home inspection is a great way to get a head start on any issues that would ultimately be uncovered during the buyer’s inspection. Not only that, but the pre-listing inspection can reduce the chances of your buyer walking away from the transaction. It can also lead to a higher price at the closing table.

Without a doubt, one of the best aspects of getting your home inspected before you put it on the market is the ability to get ahead of problems and make repairs in a timely manner. All too often, sellers forgo a pre-listing inspection and find themselves juggling last-minute repairs that are revealed only after the buyer conducts their own home inspection. Not only does this result in added costs, but it also leads to unnecessary stress on the seller’s end.

 

Getting your home pre-inspected will make you aware of any problems with your property early on, which will give you more time to complete any necessary repairs. This added time will decrease stress from the home-selling process and help you avoid any snags in the transaction.

Regardless of whether you order a home inspection before selling, any potential buyers will conduct their own inspection during the contingency period. In fact, only 30 percent of buyers waived the inspection contingency in 2022.

 

No matter how well-maintained your home is, there is a good chance there are at least some problems hiding beneath the surface. If these problems are not addressed early on, buyers will use them are bargaining chips to re-enter negotiations. These renegotiations could lead to lowering the asking price or adding certain contingencies that ask you to make the necessary repairs before the sale is final.

 

By effectively getting ahead of the problems plaguing your property beforehand, you essentially cut out that bargaining chip, which means you are less likely to enter renegotiations with the buyer. This means a more streamlined sale with fewer roadblocks. In addition, your buyer will likely appreciate that you took the effort to address any necessary repairs ahead of time, and they will feel more confident working with a seller who is transparent about their property’s issues.

Plain and simple, making any improvements to your home could increase its value and allow you to list it with a higher asking price. This is true whether the repairs are significant, such as installing a new roof, or small, such as fixing leaky pipes. Although you might not get a 100 percent return on the amount you spend, your repairs will make your property more attractive to buyers, which will increase its overall value and appeal.

Unfortunately, home inspections are not free. You will need to hire a qualified home inspector for your pre-listing inspection. This can typically cost anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on your location and the inspector you choose. Your inspector may also charge you extra for specific tests, such as radon testing or checking for mold or mildew. However, while this may seem like an unnecessary upfront cost, getting a pre-listing inspection is an important part of any thorough selling process.

During the process of selling your home, you, as the seller, are required to complete a Seller’s Disclosure Notice (SDN). An SDN is a document that discloses everything you know concerning the condition of your house. One risk of getting a home inspection before selling is uncovering major problems with a property that you weren’t otherwise aware of but now must disclose. Of course, however, those issues would be uncovered by the buyer’s home inspection anyway. Therefore, revealing these problems early on could give you more breathing room and ensure you are being fully transparent to your buyer.

Whether you opt to get a pre-listing inspection or not solely depends on your specific situation. Your best bet is to hire a knowledgeable real estate agent and take their advice. Your agent will evaluate your home’s features and the current state of the market to help you decide whether a pre-listing inspection is the right move.

To schedule a home inspection, you will need to find a reputable home inspection company. You can do this by asking for referrals from friends, family members, or coworkers, or by searching online. If you are working with a real estate agent at this point, you could also ask them to refer you to a qualified home inspector. Do not simply choose the cheapest option. You want an inspector that will do the job thoroughly.

Certain problems uncovered during a home inspection are mandatory to repair. You will legally need to make repairs if your home inspector reports major structural issues, toxic hazards, or the presence of water damage, mold, termites, or pest infestations.

If you’re hoping for a successful selling journey, it’s time to team up with a skilled agent to guide you through the process. Nina Mooney is an expert on the Boulder, CO, real estate scene. Nina has helped numerous clients navigate the selling process with phenomenal results. If you’re ready to make waves in the market, contact Nina today.

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