If you’re preparing to sell your house, you’ve already got a lot on your plate. But I know something you can do that might actually take problems off your plate in the future: getting a pre-listing inspection. What are they and why are they important? Let’s break it down:

What is a pre-listing inspection? 

It’s all in the name: before you list your house for sale, an inspector like me inspects it and gives you an idea of its condition in a report.

The difference between a standard home inspection and pre-listing inspection is that while a standard inspection is initiated by the buyer, this one is initiated by you, the seller. They’re not a requirement, but there are still plenty of ways they can be useful to you!

How can a pre-listing inspection help you?

The more you know about your home’s condition, the better prepared you are to negotiate its selling price. Getting a pre-listing inspection may be an added upfront cost, but think of it as making an investment in making the sales process as smooth as possible. No major inspection surprises means no sudden price changes or renegotiations. Plus, if you’re the one who discovers repairs need to be made, that means you’re in control of who’s making the repairs– and at what price.

If the home you’re selling is newer, you’re likely to already be aware of any major price-affecting issues. But if your home is older, it’s a good idea to check on it with an inspection so you can factor any necessary repairs into the price of the home, or fix them before you sell.  

Buyers will still most likely end up doing their own inspection. If you already have an idea of what they’ll find, that gives you more than just peace of mind; it also gives you negotiating power. And if buyers choose to waive their own inspection process after seeing your report, you can take a shortcut through the sales process and get to closing faster.

If you didn’t have time to read this whole blog thoroughly because you’re too focused on preparing to sell, don’t worry, I’ve got a quick summary for you:

Why get a pre-listing inspection?

  • More knowledge about your home’s condition = more negotiating power
  • Peace of mind- no major inspection surprises = no sudden price changes or renegotiations
  • More control over the cost of making repairs
  • Can potentially help you sell faster if buyers waive their inspection

And if you’re selling on Long Island and ready to take the next step of connecting with a home inspector, reach out to me today!