Selling a home is one of the biggest decisions anyone can make. There’s a lot at stake for the seller. Real estate agents play a big role in this process. It’s in the best interests of both parties to sell the home for the highest price, and a home inspection can have big impact on the sale.
Why Do It?
Not all sellers like the idea of inspecting the home before it is listed. The seller is responsible for the cost of a pre listing inspection, while the buyer will pay for the pre-purchase inspection. If your customers are wary of spending the time and money, make sure they understand the benefits of the home inspection. This evaluation tells the sellers what issues exist in the home. This can help the sellers decide whether they want to fix them or lower the sale price of the home.
What To Address?
As inspection day nears, you should advise your clients on what issues they should repair. This can prepare the sellers mentally and financially if they get a report pointing out any concerns. Sellers should focus on safety and how they can correct these concerns. The homeowners should take care of plumbing problems such as leaky faucets or broken pipes, and electrical issues such as hanging wires or broken circuits. The seller must also look for repairs in areas such as the front steps and handrails.
What To Let the Buyer Repair?
Your clients should know that not all home inspection red flags require their action. Sometimes, the seller can disclose the issues to the buyer and have them decide what to do. This includes replacing the roofing or heating or updating the water heater or getting new windows. Many updates to the home should be according to the buyer’s preferences and needs.
In Summary
Meet with your clients to discuss the advantages of doing a pre-listing home inspection. Discuss whether this makes sense to you and them, and you can approach the process effectively so that all parties are satisfied.
