If you're like most home sellers, you have probably lived in your home several years. During this time the home selling process has changed significantly. First, Sellers Disclosure is now a legal requirement, and you -- the homeowner-- are obligated to list all the known defects in the home. Second, most buyers now insist on a home inspection as a condition of the sale. The home inspector is usually hired by the Buyer after an offer is made, and arrives at your property to check for and list any defects, questionable areas, upgrade suggestions and maintenance items. If problems are detected by the home inspector, the buyer may ask to have the problem fixed -- in which case, you will need to do so quickly (i.e. at premium prices) to avoid delaying closing. Potentially, a prospective buyer may wish to renegotiate the terms of the sale or even terminate the contract without sufficient opportunity for what could be relatively simple repairs.

The timing of the home inspection can be part of the problem. The trend is changing. A greater proportion of sellers are now having a home inspection when they decide to list their property, allowing them to arrange for any needed repairs. A pre-sale inspection can also be a valuable sales tool. A Seller's inspection can help eliminate the hassles that buyer inspections can cause, and gives the leverage back to the Seller. It can prevent "rush" fixes, which generally also mean premium prices for quick turnaround. It can eliminate bother and/or delays with renegotiating deals based upon a buyer's inspection findings. And above all, a Seller's Inspection is the ultimate gesture of full disclosure and good will. So before you sell your home, give us a call. We will be happy to work with you and your Realtor® to set up a pre-sale inspection program for your home.

When a seller's inspection is performed and notable deficiencies are found, there may be disappointment, but no deal is lost. The agent can discuss the problems with the Seller and they can agree if the listing will be "AS IS" with disclosure or if repairs will be made. The Seller can then have any corrections made at their own pace. If desired, the seller can then call for a re-inspection to verify that the needed fixes are in place, and an updated report can be supplied with the problem items amended. When buyers then come along, they may choose to have another inspection, but will most likely accept and accept the pre-sale home inspection. Even if a second inspection is ordered, no major problems should be found, and the sale is more likely to progress with less potential for an inspection related hitch.

• It will allow the agent and the seller to discuss what items should be fixed and what should not, and get things done in advance.
• It will substantiate your price, or give grounds for an amended price.
• It will be full disclosure protection for the seller and agent.
• It will allow the seller to shop around for the best price on a repair (not an inflated price that a Buyer would use to make sure that everything is safely covered).