With a pre-listing inspection in hand, you can put apprehensive buyers at ease and have the best chance for a fast and hassle-free closing.

If you’re selling your home and don’t like unpleasant surprises, you’re going to want to schedule a pre-listing inspection.

When the contract on your house is executed, it may seem like cause for celebration. But in reality, it marks the beginning of a long and uncertain process to a potential closing. The buyer’s home inspection is actually the place where more home sales crumble than any other. Fortunately, you can take proactive measures to avoid this scenario by scheduling a pre-listing home inspection. Having a home inspection performed before it goes on the market will allow you to get a clear picture about the state of your house, including any problems that may cause a sale to go awry. Not only will it afford you the opportunity to address any major issues, the information you gain will be useful in pricing your home. A pre-listing home inspection is a valuable tool that dramatically increases your likelihood of a smooth sales transaction.

Let’s take a look at some of the best reasons why you should include one in your home sales process.

• It may make your house easier to sell. If you opt to perform a pre-listing inspection, you’ll have advance notice of the condition of your home and necessary repairs that will make it more attractive to potential buyers. According to data from The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, making certain reparations can even help it show better. A new roof, fresh siding and sparkling windows, for example, can add appeal to an older residence.
• You’re in the driver’s seat. Even if you choose not to rectify the issues discovered during your pre-listing inspection, you’ll be advised of them and can disclose this information to potential buyers. It also gives you more leverage during negotiations because you’ll be fully aware and won’t be blindsided. While buyers will still request their own inspections as a condition of sale in most cases, their secondary report should only strengthen the information in your inspection, paving the way for a haggle-free closing process.
• You and your agent can more accurately price your home. If you decide not to fix the problems the pre-listing inspection reveals, you can factor the repair costs into the asking price of the home. You can then explain to buyers that your residence has some issues and you have reduced the listing price as a result. If you opt to make the repairs, or if you have a flawless pre-listing inspection report, you can make the case for a higher sticker price.
• It lets you know about potential deal breakers. There are some problems that may show up on your list that represent significant barriers to a sale. Because they’re often expensive and time consuming to repair, they can cause buyers to withdraw their offer. Some of the top deal breakers include foundation issues, mold, water damage, outmoded electrical systems, roof repairs, leaky pipes and outdated plumbing.
• You get a competitive edge. A pre-listing home inspection tells buyers that you’ve done the due diligence on their future home. It can also give potential buyers confidence in you as a trustworthy and honest seller, and in the quality of your home.
• It can save you money. By being aware of and disclosing the property issues upfront, you can make it known that consideration for those items has already been factored into the sales price. That effectively removes the issues from negotiation. And because you can choose to fix them prior to listing, it gives you more control over the cost of repair.

A pre-listing home inspection is a good idea.

Waiting for the buyer to work through an independent home inspection could cause the deal to fall through. Even if you offer to fix problems that arise during the buyer’s inspection, nervous home shoppers may be hesitant to close the deal.

With a pre-listing inspection in hand, you can put apprehensive buyers at ease and have the best chance for a fast and hassle-free closing.

At Certified Title Corporation, we go above and beyond to provide top-notch customer service, robust online services, and an unmatched commitment to excellence. For more information about pre-listing inspections or any other aspect of your home’s sales process, please contact our helpful team of professionals. We’re always happy to serve you.

About Certified Title Corporation: Since 1994, attorney-owned Certified Title Corporation has been furnishing residential and commercial real estate stakeholders across the nation with robust title insurance, settlement, and escrow services. Renowned for their industry-leading reliability and exemplary level of service and quality, the Maryland-based company helps clients from all walks of life achieve their asset goals. To learn more, call (888)486-5511 or visit https://www.certifiedtitlecorp.com/.