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If you’re thinking about listing your home, one thing you might be nervous about is the home inspection. A home inspection is standard practice in most real estate transactions. An essential part of my job as a real estate agent is educating and protecting my clients. Therefore, my job is to teach my clients the pros and cons of a pre-listing inspection.

According to American Society of Home Inspectors a home inspection report will include the condition of:

· Home’s heating system
· Central air conditioning system (temperature permitting)
· Interior plumbing and electrical systems
· Roof
· Attic and visible insulation
· Walls
· Ceilings
· Floors
· Windows and doors
· Foundation
· Basement and structural components

Should You Get a Home Inspection Before You Put Your Home on the Market?

While each house transaction is different, a pre-listing inspection is very beneficial. Knowing before listing your home is better than receiving a nasty surprise down the road.

Benefits of Pre-Listing Inspection

If your home does require repairs, doing them ahead of time will help move the selling process quicker. Along with this, it will allow you to shop for lower-priced supplies, gather estimates for the repair, hire your favorite contractor, or help you make the repairs yourself.

Repairs vs. Upgrades

You will need to know the difference between maintenance repairs and home upgrades. Making necessary maintenance repairs does not mean that you can increase your list price. Repairing or replacing your home’s roof does not pump up the sale price, but it is helpful as a marketing point over other listings in the area. Therefore, a roof is a maintenance repair, not an upgrade, such as a kitchen renovation.

If you choose not to make the necessary repairs, know that it could negatively impact your sale price. For example, if you want to hold off and do not take care of a $1,000 structural repair, potential buyers will think about the time, inconvenience, and cost required to repair. A $1,000 repair could translate to a $3,000 reduction in the asking price.

You Must Disclose

‘Honesty’ is the only policy! Failing to disclose a problem in the inspection could translate into a much larger problem.

Although I have given multiple benefits for pre-listing inspection in this article, it is vital to consider the pros and cons. I would be glad to sit down with you and talk about your concerns about your home if you’re preparing to list it. Contact USA Real Estate & Property Management today (928) 775-0400!

Additional Reading:  It is Time to Sell?