Smart Sellers Using PreSale Home Inspections

Home inspections can be the make or break obstacle when it comes to closing the deal, so many smart sellers are opting for a presale home inspection to alert them of potential problems that may arise.

"A successful home sale is one where buyers and sellers experience no after-closing disputes or legal claims." says Dian Hymer of Inman News. "One way to maximize the chance of a happy ending is to have the property well inspected before the sale is consummated."

Buyers have been using home inspections for years, but smart sellers are using this tool to fix problems before they arise. Hymer suggests taking care of any known defects before the inspection and then show the seller receipts for work done on problems noted in the report. Make the Inspection Report available to potential buyers, anything not fixed by the seller can be disclosed as known defects in the marketing materials.

"What Do I Fix?" Prioritizing the cost vs return of the fix-up can be difficult. Your realtor can help you decide what needs to be done. Remember, that in today's tough real estate market, homebuyers can afford to be picky; there are a lot of homes for sale and first impressions count!

Cleaning up the exterior of your home is the most important project you can tackle. Landscaping should be well maintained and, as spring arrives, add color with inexpensive flowering plants, clean up beds with new mulch and new edging as needed. Repair fencing and exterior paint on the house and trim should be well maintained; no peeling paint.

Remodeling Magazine and the National Association of Realtors team up every year to create the Cost vs.Value Report for home improvements. The top 2 projects to do to recoup your investment, are a new front entry door and replace the garage door.

Ask your realtor or friends to recommend a local inspector and always check with the state's contractor licensing department and Better Business Bureau before hiring anyone.

photo credit: MyEyeSees