Why Would Sellers Want a
Home Inspection?

Home inspection is an important part of a successful real estate transaction. In many areas, it has already become a routine. More and more homebuyers are requesting for a home inspection prior to purchasing one. Apparently, this trend presents an anxious time for home sellers. Top Dog helps home sellers prepare for a home inspection and, at the same time, helps the transaction proceed smoothly.

 

Trust Plays a Large Part in Any Transaction.

A pre-listing inspection allows homebuyers to concentrate on buying instead of worrying. Every legitimate effort of a home seller to earn the trust of a potential buyer will certainly affect his decision to buy your property. It is very important to create "curb appeal" when putting your home on the market. That is the number one thing that gets a buyer interested.
There are of course a lot of things that influence a buying decision. The trust of a prospective buyer on the seller and the property’s condition, however, can make a big difference. A Pre-Listing Inspection lets a buyer know that your property is a nice buy and a worthy investment. This will surely produce a positive result, both on the part of the seller and the buyer.

 

Give The Potential Buyer Peace of Mind.

Prevent buyers from worrying over the condition of the property. Do not cloud their thoughts with worries on whether the property is a good investment or not. Give them, instead, a more relaxed perspective as they picture themselves living in the property. This will allow them to focus on becoming a home owner, which is exactly what you want them to do.

 

Won't the buyers have their own inspection anyway?

Yes. But having a pre-listing inspection will help ease the negotiation process. You can also take steps to help the buyers’ inspection proceed smoothly:

• If you have had any major work done on the house since you became its owner, it's a good idea to have the plans, contracts, and receipts available.
• If you feel the need to explain anything about the home, write it down on the disclosure form provided by the Listing Realtor.
• Check to make sure that Air Conditioner compressors and Hydro and Gas Meters are accessible and not obstructed by bushes or any garden equipment.
• Make sure that access panels to attics and crawl spaces are unobstructed. The home inspector will need to enter those areas.
• Clear the space in front of the Electrical Panel, so that the cover can be easily removed.
• Replace burned-out light bulbs in all places. A brighter area is much better.
• If you're leaving the house vacant, while it sells, replace the batteries in the smoke alarms.
• Ensure that the furnace is accessible and any record on its installation and servicing are available. Make arrangements to keep your pets, particularly those that bite, or have a friend or relative look after them during the inspection.
• Make available the manual or operating instructions for all appliances that will be sold together with the home. While the inspector may not need them, the new owner will certainly appreciate having them around.
• You should allow approximately three hours for the inspection. While you have the right to be present, most vendors prefer to leave and have their Realtor attend the inspection.

 

A Pre-Listing Inspection Also Strengthens Your Position as a Seller.

• In Kansas and Missouri, sellers are responsible for providing a Seller's Property Disclosure Statement. It lists all known problems with your property. Your Pre-Listing Inspection also supports your disclosure claims.
• By having an inspection before selling, you can prepare for the factors that may arise during the buyer's inspection. You can prevent extended negotiations if the repairs are made ahead of time. You can also have the time to find reasonably-priced contractors or make the repairs yourself. Fewer contingencies in the sales contract will undoubtedly make its closure easier.  
• A Pre-Listing Inspection reduces your liability by adding professional, supporting documentation to your disclosure statement.
• You will be able to negotiate from a much stronger position if you have an inspection report to compare against your buyer's report. In many cases, if your report is provided by a certified inspector, the buyer will see no need to retain their own inspector.

 

Give Pre-Listing Inspections Some Serious Thought.

You will immediately see the advantages it provides you as a seller. Should you have any questions about pre-listing inspections, just give me a call. You would not run into high pressure sales tactics. Just give your honest, informative answers to your questions. I will be pleased to assist you.