PRE-SALE INSPECTIONS

Avoid renegotiations, delays and lost sales

One of the most frustrating aspects of selling a house is when a problem turns up on the physical inspection. Depending on the severity of the problem, it can lead to a new round of negotiations, delay your escrow, or even ruin your sale. List your house knowing that there won't be any surprises. And if you are buying another house on contingency, having your house pre-inspected gives you more negotiating power. The seller of the house you want to buy will feel better knowing your house will have a clean inspection, and shouldn't delay your purchase.

Regardless of how a home looks on the outside, there may be underlying issues that need to be identified. A home inspection and home inspection reports or home inspection list can protect the seller. Problems may develop over time which can go un-noticed by even the most meticulous homeowner. Unfortunately these issues can lead to delays, unhappy buyers or even lawsuits after the sale.

Eventually your buyers are going to conduct an inspection. You may as well know what they are going to find by getting there first. 
-It allows you to see your home through the eyes of a critical third-party. 
-It helps you to price your home realistically. 
-It permits you to make repairs ahead of time so that ... 

a. Defects won't become negotiating stumbling blocks later.

b. There is no delay in obtaining the Use and Occupancy permit.

c. You have the time to get reasonably priced contractors or make the repairs yourself, if qualified.

-It may encourage the buyer to waive the inspection contingency. 
-It may alert you of items of immediate personal concern, such as radon gas or active termite infestation. 
-It may relieve prospect's concerns and suspicions. 
-It reduces your liability by adding professional supporting documentation to your disclosure statement. 
-It may alert you to immediate safety issues before agents and visitors tour your home.

The Real Estate Disclosure law in California state:

"In a sale of real property with one to four dwelling units (or a manufactured home as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 18007), the listing and selling brokers must each conduct a reasonably competent and diligent visual inspection of the property and disclose to the prospective buyer all material facts affecting the value, desirability, and intended use of the property." Click here to go to the State of California Department of Real Estate Disclosure page.