Professional Home Inspection

Not Just for Buyers

     If you buy a home without a professional inspection, you're assuming an unnecessary risk.  But, home sellers can also benefit by having a professional home inspection.

     If you're a seller, your first reaction might be "Why?   I don't want an inspector to uncover a hidden problem that will cost me thousands to repair."  Or, you may think, "Wait a minute. &bsnp;If an inspection uncovers a problem, I'll be required to disclose the problem and either get it fixed or reduce my asking price to compensate the buyer for the cost of the needed repair."

     The truth is that there are several good reasons why as a seller, you will be well served by having a professionally conducted home inspection before you put the property on the market.  Why?  Because if a professional inspector reports that your home is in good condition structurally and is in full compliance with local codes, you have an great marketing tool that will help your Realtor® sell your home more quickly for the highest possible price.  The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is a professional trade group that maintains a database of qualified home inspectors on its website at www.ashi.com.

     A clean pre-inspection report by a reputable professional gives validity to your asking price.  It also gives your prospective buyers a measure of confidence about your home versus others they may be considering.

     Finally, you can assume that any intelligent Realtor®, acting as a Buyer's Agent, will strongly recommend that his client make their offer on your home contingent upon a professional inspection. It's not likely that you are going to sell your home without an inspection so why not "get ahead of the curve".

     Your pre-sale inspection report shows the buyer that you're serious and that you are so confident in the structural integrity of your home that you paid to have it inspected and it either passed or you made the necessary repairs on your own.

     Your Listing Agent Realtor® will undoubtedly advise you of any visible or cosmetic improvements that will help your home sell more quickly or at a higher price, like a fresh coat of paint, more neutral colors, removal of excess furniture to make rooms appear larger, replacing aged appliances, and applying fresh landscaping.  But, your Realtor® can't see the less obvious problems like small roof leaks, water damage in the attic, or electrical or building code violations.

     Your Realtor® will counsel you that it is your responsibility to report any problems of which you are aware under the terms of the sellers' disclosure laws in your state.  But if a problem is behind a wall or in the foundation, even if you're unaware of it, the buyer may come to you months later, with your seller's property disclosure in hand, demanding to be compensated for the cost of repairs.

     Let's say the buyer did just that -- but you had protected yourself by having a home inspection before you placed your house on the market.  And, your inspection, performed by a competent professional, uncovered some problems which you dutifully repaired.  If that inspection did not uncover the problem your buyer is complaining about, you may not be held responsible.  You made an honest effort to uncover defects, you repaired those that showed up, and you properly disclosed everything you knew about.  That old caveat "let the buyer beware" clause may be a legitimate defense.

     In summary, having your home pre-inspected can not only prevent issues from occurring at the "11th hour" just before closing, it can also be a great selling tool and an extra measure of protection for you after the sale.  Think of it as "an inexpensive insurance policy" for a smooth home selling experience.