Pre-Listing Inspections: Are They Worth it?

Pre-listing inspections increasingly are being used by agents to give their listings a competitive edge, although it may be difficult to get sellers on board when they insist that inspections are the responsibility of the buyer.

However, there are numerous benefits to using pre-listing inspections on a regular basis. If sellers know about flaws and repair needs ahead of time, they can remedy them in a time frame that is less hectic than when problems arise out of buyer’s inspections.

Additionally, when sellers provide inspection reports to buyers before offers are made, it creates an atmosphere of honesty and trust and decreases the likelihood that deals will fall through after the buyer’s inspection.

Pre-listing inspections allow agents to market homes as “Certified Pre-Owned;” and homebuyers, like those purchasing new cars, are willing to spend more money on properties that have been professionally inspected.

Source: Realty Times, Steve Rodriguez (12/27/07)