Before You Hire
an Inspector

Why Not
Do-it Yourself?

Pre-Listing Inspection

Online Order Form

Email Merritt Inspector

Meet the Inspector

News Letter

Home

Real Estate Home inspections have traditionally been for the benefit of the purchaser.
Pre-listing Inspections benefit all parties: purchasers, sellers, and realtors. Home inspections, performed as a condition of the offer, can kill deals. Sometimes this is because the purchaser gets cold feet. Sometimes it is because the house has been misrepresented. Sometimes there's a serious condition that no one knew about. Sometimes it is because the home inspector scared the purchasers by not explaining that minor and typical problems are just that - minor and typical. If the home inspection is performed prior to the house being listed, all parties are aware of the physical condition of the house before an offer is drawn. There will be no surprises after the fact that might have been a deal breaker.
Pre-listing Inspections Avoid Renegotiation
In a buyer's market, most houses have to be sold twice. It takes a lot of work to get a signed Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Then the home inspection is performed and the purchaser wants to renegotiate. If all parties know the condition of the house prior to the offer, there is no need for re-negotiation. As most Real Estate Agents know, renegotiation is very difficult. Sellers have already mentally sold the house; purchasers are suffering buyer's remorse. Egos, pride, and frustration can muddy the already emotional waters. A seller who pays for a home inspection will be further ahead than one who has to renegotiate. He or she may even sell the house faster. 
Unrealistic Sellers 
An inspection at the time of listing can also help a Realtor deal with a seller who has unrealistic expectations. The inspection report is good ammunition for explaining why one can't ask top dollar for a house that is not in top condition. 
Repairs Prior to Sale 
Sometimes the home inspection will reveal items that should be repaired immediately. A pre-listing inspection allows the seller to repair the condition prior to putting the house on the market. If the inspection occurs after the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, the purchaser could walk, renegotiate or, depending on the inspection clause, the seller may have an option to repair. A repair done by an unmotivated seller to satisfy the condition may not be the best repair and may not meet the purchaser's expectations. This has caused more than one deal not to close. 
Peace of Mind for the Purchaser 
There is no doubt that part of the value of a home inspection is a guided tour of the house for the prospective purchaser. I can return to do a walk-through with the purchaser, if requested. 
Reputable Inspection Company 
Pre-listing inspections will only have value if the home inspection company is perceived to be reputable, qualified, and properly insured. Prospective purchasers will have little or no faith in a report done by someone they perceive to be in the sellers or Realtors pocket.