FSBO Inspections or Pre-Inspection ... Inspections

I am not selling my house through a real estate agent. It is FSBO. Why would I need a home inspection?

A home inspection is not related to having a real estate agent. Agents do not require home inspections. Home inspections are generally required by lenders who will finance the home for the buyer.

Most homes these days are financed in whole or in part. The lender will generally require the buyer get a home inspection on the property they wish to purchase. This allows an unbiased third party to come in and give the house a good "once over". Finding negative or potentially negative items is not uncommon. In fact it can be quite common on both new and old houses alike no matter how much TLC the previous owner gave the home.

The prudent seller gets a home inspection prior to listing their property. Many a sales contract has been terminated as a result of a less than perfect home inspection. Doesn't it make sense to head this potential deal killer off before it becomes an issue?

As mentioned, buyers are generally required by the lender to get a home inspection. Once they hire a home inspector, they are the client - not the seller! The licensed home inspector is bound by a strict code of ethics and confidentiality. The inspector is working for the buyer, watching out for their interest.

Many times buyers get the inspection report and are immediately turned off or want to knock thousands off the sales price. Although a good home inspector will thoroughly discuss the report and the severity of the problems with the client, some do not. Even a small issue can cause the buyer to terminate the sales contract! After all, the sales agreements are "buyer friendly"!

Why not show the buyer you are working with them by getting a "pre-inspection" or "Seller's Inspection"? This inspection can be used as a marketing tool to get your house to closing as quickly as possible. And if there are issues, you will be prepared to discuss these with the buyer. You will be given the opportunity ahead of time to get repair estimates so that you know what it will take to remedy a certain problem. And if you decide to repair the problems, we will be glad to perform a final inspection where we can certify the initial problems have been remedied. After all, aren't the best deals a win-win situation? We encourage all FSBOs to get a home inspection to help prepare their home for the market.