The seller’s home inspection—a great investment!
Many Cypress Realtors automatically check the “buyer” box on the purchase contract when it comes to deciding who will obtain and pay for a home inspection. While common practice, this is not necessarily the easiest or best option for the seller. A more productive (and increasingly encouraged) approach for the seller is to obtain an inspection before their home goes on the market.
The first reason to have the home inspected pre-showings is to help determine your price. A licensed Cypress home inspector should be familiar with Cypress, TX subdivisions and the type of amenities a purchaser will expect when buying in your area. For instance, have most of the homes on your block had their windows recently replaced? Do they have central heat and air? Are the homes in your area well-maintained and up-to-date? If the homes in your neighborhood all have similar characteristics, then your inspector can help you and/or your Realtor determine the selling price based on those factors. You will also be made aware of any possible out-of-pocket expenses that may be required to get your home repaired before the sale.
If you think your home may be in need of some repairs, or if you are a “do-it-yourselfer” an inspection can point out areas that will need to be fixed (either damaged or not in compliance with building codes) before a buyer will be willing, or able, to close. In fact, some types of loans will not allow closings until very specific repairs are made—repairs that you may not realize were problems in the first place. Your plumbing may run perfectly well, but if it is an older home with galvanized pipe, the buyer’s loan may require replacement of the entire system before closing. Knob and tube or aluminum wiring are also items that may function in your home, but will restrict a buyer on the loan or type of insurance they buy. Why wait until the last minute to find out?
Real estate is a buyer’s market right now; that means that people who come to look at your home will have many options to choose from. A seller needs to do everything in their power to make their home more appealing than the rest. It can be scary for a new buyer when they are searching for their perfect fit. Horror stories of hidden problems abound, and what looks like a great home can be a nightmare to close when the inspection report comes in. Providing an inspection report from the very beginning shows that your home is safe and sound, ready for a new buyer. The trust you gain from the potential buyer can mean the difference between getting a contract, or more weekends filled with open houses.
The biggest objection to obtaining a seller’s inspection report is the up-front cost. Inspections can range from $250 and up, depending on the size of your home and the accessibility of your systems, especially if you add on an extended warranty. But, if you keep in mind the monthly mortgage payments that can pile up, the stress caused by your home lingering on the market, and the worry that something will come up at the last minute to stop the closing, it is well worth the money. The up-front cost may well save you money when all is said and done.
Obtaining a seller’s home inspection before putting your Cypress, Texas home on the real estate market is an excellent investment of your time and money. For a reasonable price, you can troubleshoot your home from the very beginning, prepare for showings, gain the trust of potential homebuyers, and shorten the amount of time your house is on the market. So the big question is, “Why wouldn’t you?”
If you’re looking for a Cypress, TX home inspector, please visit our Service Providers page.
