The Why and How of Passing Your Buyer’s Home Inspection Before Putting Your Home on the Market
If you’re planning on putting your home on the market during real estate’s upcoming busy spring and summer months, chances are you’ve already started preparing for it. And if you haven’t — here’s a reminder to start! Moving homes is a huge undertaking and being ready for every aspect of it can take months of prep work. Time and time again I’ve seen clients not give thought to their home inspection until their potential buyers are looking to schedule one prior to signing. Here’s the problem with that: if your home buyers have a home inspection before signing and issues are identified, buyers will want to renegotiate the price or have you complete the repairs. Take my word for it, when you’re about to move — this is the last thing you want to be thinking about. In order to ensure the best deal possible and a smooth transaction, prepare for the buyer’s home inspection before putting your home on the market.
Here are a few things to think about:
1. Consider having a seller’s home inspection: This is certainly a good thing to think about. Home inspectors know exactly what to look for. Often times, you’ll be alerted to only quick, easy to fix issues that you were simply unaware of. By having them fixed before the buyers inspection, your home will look in very good shape thereby justifying your price.
Alternatively, if something arises that you do not want to repair, your honesty and disclosure of the issue prior to your buyers submitting an offer will likely keep them from wanting to renegotiate. Buyers will also feel confident that you know exactly what you are selling them and that the price you have chosen takes all items into consideration. Trust is the most valuable attribute for a seamless real estate transaction.
2. Documentation of maintenance: Assemble all maintenance documentation in a folder. Keep note of who has performed work on your house, exactly what was needed, and how the house and it’s systems have been maintained and running in at least the last five years. Have the folder available for potential buyers to look through before signing, and then have after signing.
3. Disclose everything: In addition to the above, if there has been a problem in the time that you have lived in the house and you have done what was necessary to rectify said problem, discuss and show potential buyers before a home inspection so that they are aware.
4. Bright lights and clutter free: Make sure all parts of the house are accessible and well lit for potential buyers. Avoid having boxes or general clutter piled up in corners, basements and attics and, if possible, bulky plants should be removed. Do everything you can to make sure the entire house can be seen easily.
5. Do not attend the buyer’s home inspection. Now that you’ve done all that you can do, there is no need to be present for the inspection. By the time the inspection has been scheduled, you have provided them will all necessary information and done your best to ensure that your home is in its best possible condition. Give them the time and space to make the decision best for them.
Good luck!
Curbside in DC 
Reblogged this on US Title North Salt Lake.