A home seller's guide: Reasons to get an inspection before listing

Home inspections are included in real estate contracts as a contingency towards the final few steps of selling a home, and are typically requested by the homebuyer. However, as a home seller, it’s beneficial to get a home inspection even before listing your home to ensure the process runs smoothly.  

To diagnose problems with your home

Before listing your home, it’s good to be mindful of factors homebuyers may find to be negative about your home. For example, are the shudders on your home old? Are the hinges on doors rusted and squeaky?  

A home inspector can help you identify areas in need of repair and improvement, so you can make the necessary adjustments before potential homebuyers get the chance to view your property. 

What do inspectors search for?

When inspecting your property, a licensed professional examines your house for a multitude of items. These include, but are not limited to:  

• Exterior components, such as cracks or broken seals on surfaces, structural integrity, garage door function, etc.
• The roof is checked for things such as broken shingles or nearby tree branches that could pose risk of damage to your home or nearby power lines during a storm.
• The HVAC system will be checked to make sure it’s running properly, and vents are also checked to make sure they are clean and clear of debris.
• Interior components of your home will be checked for safety, which may include issues such as water damages and pests.   

Will the seller still order an inspection if one was done prior? 

An inspection contingency is built into most real estate purchase contracts to protect the interests of the buyer and seller. 

In most cases, a buyer may want to get their own inspection performed to make certain the home is fit for purchase. 

Getting an inspection ahead of time can help you troubleshoot as a home seller and boost your preparation to sell your property.