If you’re ready to sell your home and want to ensure the sale process will go smoothly and quickly, you may want to consider a pre listing home inspection.

A pre-listing home inspection, which is paid for by the home seller or listing agent, provides a written report as to the condition of the property. It could uncover any concerns that might compromise a sale.

Typically, home inspections are paid for by the buyer and performed right before closing the sale of the home. By moving the inspection to the beginning of the sales cycle, sellers are able to shorten the process by removing obstacles before they can interfere with a potential sale.

Pre-listing inspections benefit all parties involved, and they are gaining in popularity. Here are seven benefits to a pre-listing home inspection:

1. Time – Selling agents are given time to help the seller decide what areas to work on to improve the home’s appeal.

2. Options – Sellers can choose who they want to perform the inspection and assist in providing details of equipment maintenance, supply dates of improvements and explanations for current conditions.

3. Flexibility – Sellers gain more time to make repairs and compare bids on work to be done, and can truly provide full disclosure to their potential buyers.

4. Accurate pricing – A pre-listing home inspection helps the agent set the seller’s price expectation and can be used to substantiate a higher asking price.

5. No surprises – Agents will have fewer issues to negotiate at the 11th hour, and buyers may even waive their inspection.

6. Full disclosure – Buyers’ benefits include receiving a third-party review of the home’s condition before making an offer which can assist in procuring financing.

7. Stress relief – The inspection can remove any doubt the buyer might have regarding any initial concerns and may also reduce the stress associated with purchasing a home.

Pre listing inspections may eventually become the more common home inspection, but the importance of having a home inspection as part of the home sales process cannot be understated. It protects all parties involved by providing invaluable information so that educated decisions can be made.

Editor’s Note: This is an updated version of a story originally posted on June 23, 2011.

Have you ever had a pre-listing home inspection? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

WatchDog Inspectors, Rochester NH 03868 Serving Maine and NH

2076513976 watchdoginspectors@gmail.com