What is a Pre-sale / Pre-listing inspection?

It’s an inspection that many sellers do prior to putting their home on the market for sale.  This inspection has proven to be an invaluable tool in assisting the sellers during the selling process.  The information gained during this inspection gives the seller a better idea of what repairs they will likely have to make prior to the sale.  By having a pre-sale / pre-listing inspection done, you can identify problems early. Then either correct them or at the very least, be aware that they are there.  By knowing that the problems exist, you will better be able to estimate the expenses that you will be facing during the sale.

The benefits of having a Pre-sale / Pre-listing inspection are immeasurable.

Most all sales contracts include the condition that the contract is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory inspection. This is known as the inspection contingency.  Most buyers will insist on having a professional home inspection performed on your home by a professional inspector that they will hire.  If the buyer’s inspector finds problems, (and likely will) it can cause the buyer to get cold feet and the deal can possibly fall through.  At best, unexpected problems uncovered by the buyer’s inspector will cause delays in closing, and usually cause unexpected expenses for repairs at the last minute that you will have to pay for.  Or the problems found can cause you to be forced to renegotiate the sales price resulting in a lower price for your home.

In most cases it is far less expensive to have a pre-sale / pre-listing inspection done prior to putting a home on the market, than not having one.  Did you know, that in the state of Florida once you put your home on the market, you can no longer pull your own permits legally or legally make repairs on systems that trade persons are required to hold a license for?  One of the key benefits of having the inspection done prior to putting your home on the market, is that if there are any problems discovered that need to be repaired or systems replaced, you can have them done on your own terms, on your own schedule, and pull the permits yourself if need.  This will likely save you more money than the cost of the inspection itself.

If you are selling a home, you will likely get the highest price in the shortest time, if your home is in top condition.