What Is A Pre-Listing Inspection & Do You Need It?

When selling your home or an investment property, your goal may be to get the highest possible price and to make a quick sale. You can take many steps to achieve your goal, from working with an experienced Hillsborough County realtor, to staging your home, to having professional pictures taken to put the property in its best light. Another option may be to have a pre-listing inspection performed.

Unlike a typical inspection, which is done on behalf of the buyer after an offer is accepted, a pre-listing inspection happens before a seller puts their property on the market. It can cover specific issues or be a more comprehensive whole-house inspection. While it is not necessary, a pre-listing inspection is often an excellent way to identify and address potential problems before they become a sticking point with a buyer.

At Eaton Realty, we work with buyers, sellers, renters, and landlords to help them achieve their real estate dreams. We know that selling a house can be stressful and expensive. We’ll work with you to make the process as simple as possible. Reach out today to talk to a seasoned real estate agent in Tampa, Florida.

Want to learn even more about selling your home for the best possible price? Contact us to speak with an experienced Hillsborough County real estate agent.

What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection?

A pre-listing inspection is exactly what it sounds like: an inspection performed before a house is put on the market for sale. It differs from an appraisal, which assesses the fair market value of your home. With a pre-listing inspection, a professional home inspector will examine your property to identify potential issues or repairs that should be made.

Most people are aware that buyers will have an inspection performed after their offer is accepted and before closing on a home. In fact, some banks will require an inspection before issuing certain types of mortgages backed by the federal government. Many real estate contracts contain contingencies that require a home to pass inspection; if the home inspection report reveals major defects, the buyer may be able to back out of the contract without penalty.

A buyer’s inspection is done for their own protection, as an inspection report will give them a better understanding of the home's condition. It also allows buyers to negotiate for credits or repairs before closing. For example, if an inspection uncovers leaks in the roof, a buyer can ask for a price reduction or for the homeowner to repair or replace the roof.

A pre-listing inspection is different from a typical inspection in that it is commissioned by a seller before a house even goes on the market. It can be as broad or as narrow as the seller wants. In some cases, if you’re worried about a specific issue - such as a roof - you can ask for an inspection of only that area. You could also request a full-blown, comprehensive inspection, similar to what a buyer would have done after their offer is accepted.

A licensed home inspector will conduct a thorough evaluation of your property by examining the following:

• The foundation, checking for any cracks or excessive settling
• Drainage issues around the home
• Whether crawl spaces are easily accessible
• Exterior walls are straight
• Roof shingles are not missing or damaged
• Siding, bricks, or paint is in good condition
• Gutters are properly installed and drain properly
• Any deck, shed, fence, or other exterior structure is in good condition
• No evidence of leaks from the roof
• Adequate ventilation in the attic
• Sufficient insulation
• Visible plumbing under sinks is in good condition
• Adequate water pressure for all fixtures
• All tubs, showers, and sinks drain properly
• No evidence of leaks around any plumbing fixtures
• All appliances work properly
• Exhaust fans are in working order
• Interior walls are straight and level without stains, cracking, or damage
• Doors open easily and latch properly
• Lights, outlets, and switches operate correctly
• The HVAC system is in working order, with vents in all rooms
• Stairway risers and treads are in good condition
• All wiring is in good condition, with a service panel that has sufficient capacity
• No electrical splices are exposed or inaccessible

The home inspector will then issue a report, which will provide an overview of the home's condition. It will also identify any potential problems or issues that may need to be repaired.

Should I Get a Pre-Listing Inspection?

As noted above, a pre-listing home inspection is not required. If you have a newer home and have been the only owner, it may not even be necessary, as you likely know about any significant issues that could affect a sale. If your home is older or you aren’t the first owner, getting a pre-listing inspection could be a valuable way to maximize your home sale price and complete a sale more quickly.

Home inspection costs can vary significantly by region, the type of report you want, and the size and age of your home. The typical price is around $350 for a pre-listing home inspection. Before you decide to have this type of inspection, you should consult with your Hillsborough County real estate agent about whether it makes sense.

Advantages of a Pre-Listing Inspection

A pre-listing inspection is a relatively inexpensive way to get the most comprehensive picture of the condition of your home. An inspection will help you in several ways, starting with setting the price of your home. Understanding any potential issues with the roof, plumbing, foundation, electrical, or HVAC system can help your Realtor list your home at a price that matches the property's condition.

At the same time, getting this report can help you address any problems that may impact the sale price of your home. For example, if your inspection reveals a plumbing leak, you can get it fixed by a trusted plumber before putting your house on the market. This can avoid the situation where a buyer asks for credit or a concession for the plumbing issue - and you could even build the repair costs into your listing price.

If the pre-listing inspection report is favorable, it can often be a selling point. When your real estate agent shows the home, they can offer the report to potential buyers. This can make your home even more attractive, as buyers will know that your home is in excellent condition.

Finally, a pre-listing inspection can speed up the process of selling your house. The time between accepting an offer and closing can be lengthy. If you already had an inspection done and fixed any issues, you can avoid repair delays.

Disadvantages of a Pre-Listing Inspection

There are some drawbacks to getting a pre-listing inspection done. First, selling a home can be costly. Even if your inspection only costs a few hundred dollars, that money can quickly add up. If you’re concerned about expenses, you may choose to forego this step.

Second, a pre-listing inspection may prompt you to make unnecessary repairs. There may be things on the report that you feel compelled to fix - even if they won’t really affect the home's value and may not even be something that potential buyers would notice. This can affect your bottom line.

Third, your inspection report could conflict with the buyer’s report. This could create issues and possibly make negotiations more difficult if you disagree about what repairs may be necessary or whether credits should be given.

Fourth - and perhaps most importantly - a pre-listing inspection could require you to make certain disclosures. In Florida, sellers must generally disclose any facts or conditions about the property that substantially impact its value or desirability and that others cannot easily see for themselves. If you learn about an issue with structural or essential components of a home through an inspection and do not disclose it, it could cause legal problems in the future.

Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to do a pre-listing inspection will depend on multiple factors. Your real estate agent can help you make an informed choice based on your situation and the pros and cons of a report for you as a seller.

Thinking about Selling Your House in Hillsborough County? Give Us a Call

There is a lot that goes into selling your home. After you decide to sell, you will still have to make many decisions, including when to sell, if you should clear out your house and stage it, and if you should do a pre-listing inspection. Our team of experienced Florida real estate agents can help you make a choice that works for you and your family.

Eaton Realty works with buyers, renters, sellers, and investors to help them with a range of real estate needs. We have decades of experience in the Tampa-St. Petersburg region, which we put to use for our clients. If you’d like to learn more, fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 813-672-8022 to talk to a team member.