Would you like to know what’s really wrong with your house before you list it for sale?
If you’re like most home sellers, the answer is yes. That’s why it makes sense to hire a professional home inspector before you put your house up for sale.
When prospective buyers ask if they can perform their own inspections, you can avoid the inconvenience and delays of multiple inspections by hiring a home inspector to tell you about any major problems. You can use that information to focus your own inspections on more minor issues or, in some cases, put off necessary repairs until after you move.
But when should you hire a home inspector? There’s no right answer to that question, because it all depends on conditions and circumstances such as:
Before You List Your Property for Sale
It’s a good idea to hire a home inspector before listing your property to spot any significant problems and address them promptly. It will help avoid surprises during negotiations, resulting in an offer withdrawal or a lower sale price.
Also, it’s a good idea to be there when they do this because you can ask questions and learn more about your property in general, or you may want to negotiate some repairs with the buyer, depending on what is found.
Some things you may want to ask about include the roof’s condition, the foundation, and the wiring. You may also want to ask about any potential problems that could occur in the future. You can better understand what needs to be fixed before selling your home by asking these questions.
You can also ask about the possible water damage if there is a leak in the basement. Or, you can ask about the condition of the windows and whether you need to replace them or not.
If you’re looking to sell your home in the future, the more information you can get now, the better. In many cases, having an inspection done is a good idea because it gives you a better idea of what needs to be fixed. If you do have to fix some things, it’s best to do them before you put your home on the market.
To find a reputable home inspector near you, ask your friends and family for recommendations or check out online reviews. For example, if you live in Melbourne, check out Landmark Inspections Victoria for a comprehensive building inspection.
Before You Schedule Showings With Agents or Buyers
If there are any significant issues with the property, you must find them before making an offer. Doing this gives you enough time to address any concerns. Some of the things you may want to consider include repairs that need to be made, updating what needs to be done, and whether or not the property is in a desirable location.
If everything checks out and you’re ready to start scheduling showings, make sure you have plenty of photos of the property available. You’ll also want to create a listing sheet with all pertinent information about the home. It will help potential buyers get a better idea of what your home has to offer.
Once you have all of this ready, reach out to agents and buyers who may be interested in viewing your home.
When You Don’t Want Buyers Finding Issues After Making an Offer
Hiring a home inspector is the best thing to do to avoid this situation. When buyers find out about the defects in your property after making an offer, they will most likely ask you to do one of the following things:
- Reduce the selling price.
- Request a credit at closing.
- Make repairs before or after closing and deduct the cost from the purchase price.
- Cancel contract (if the contract is contingent on inspection).
And you don’t want any of these things to happen. That’s why it’s best to hire a home inspector in advance so that you can take care of the repairs before buyers even have a chance to see it. This way, you’ll save yourself time, money, and hassle down the road.
When Your House Is Ready for Sale
If you’re selling a home that’s been on the market for a while, it may be time to consider getting an inspection done. Perhaps there’s something about the property that’s causing potential buyers to shy away. Even if you’re not having any trouble selling your home, an inspection can give you a good idea of what repairs may be needed in the future.
Doing so will help buyers feel more comfortable with the purchase, potentially speeding up the selling process. Plus, it never hurts to have an extra set of eyes looking at your home’s condition.
Conclusion
When it comes time to sell a home, hiring a professional home inspector is a good idea. It can help you identify any potential problems with the property before they become an issue for potential buyers. It can also help you negotiate a better price for the home since buyers will know that you’ve already addressed or resolved any issues.