Home Inspections not just for buyers, sellers benefit too!

Over the years performing home inspections in Rhode Island, I have noticed a similar theme. Not during my home inspections per se, but after when the client gets the report. It is often used to re-negotiate the price. I have seen buyers ask sellers for concessions far beyond the cost to actually repair the defects. I’ve seen them get it too. Sellers often feel like they have had their feet put to the fire so to speak during the inspection response period.   OK, the buyer (my client) has me do the home inspection. They then re-open negotiations if there are significant defects and create a more difficult buying process for the seller. Remember my clients who are buyers were once sellers in most cases, and had someone do it to them too.   If only the seller had an inspection, or at least a consultation with a home inspector first… A pre listing inspection is the same as a buyer’s inspection, same detail, same report, (same fee) etc.   They could find the issues that may arise and take action in advance at their own schedule. Think of the benefit to them.

• Having the time to find a good contractor and get quality estimates. Then work could either be done, or not, but if negotiations occur from the buyers inspection, the seller could then use the estimate they got to debunk the inflated figures asked for by the buyer.
• The seller would be far less likely to be surprised and have the deal killed all together.
• The seller could have their home ready for the inspection, little things like replacing light bulbs to avoid inspection defects because the light doesn’t turn on.
• The seller could possibly handle some DIY type items as well.
• I have actually seen multiple occasions where my inspection report for a seller was handed to the buyer (or copies even left out on the kitchen counter during open houses), who then waived their own inspection, based on having a quality report right there already.

I know, realtors are thinking. “Oh no, what if the pre inspection consult reveals a big item then we need to disclose what you found?”

• If it’s a big-ticket item, the buyer’s inspector will likely find it too. Only your buyer will leave you only 10 days or so to remedy it.
• The seller can simply disclose it and the home is priced with the potential issue, then it takes it off the negotiating table all together. No big deal.

Think about it, should we have been doing this all along? I say yes. Ready to buy a new home with your new found knowledge?