Are Pre-Listing Inspections Truly Necessary?

When preparing to sell your home, we often advise our clients to consider a pre-listing inspection before undertaking any improvements. But are pre-listing inspections truly necessary? A professional inspection involves a comprehensive examination of the property, revealing a detailed list of both minor issues like cracked grout, dirty air conditioning filters, and broken switch plates, as well as potentially more severe defects.

Uncovering these unknown conditions gives sellers the chance to address desired repairs before officially listing their home on the market. As real estate professionals, it’s crucial for us to assess whether significant repairs are needed. After all, there’s little sense in beautifying a home’s interior if its foundation is compromised or mold is present. In such cases, sellers may choose to sell “AS IS” with appropriate disclosures or include high-ticket repair items in their renovation plans. For those looking for a streamlined approach, many of our Harb and Co. clients opt for our Fix It and List It program, allowing for upfront repair costs to be reimbursed at closing.

Following the pre-inspection, we compile a tailored list for the client, specifying which items require attention from a handyman, electrician, plumber, or other professionals. Once repairs are completed, the inspection report is updated, minimizing defects and giving sellers greater control over their spending. It’s a proactive strategy that pays off when sellers or their listing agents share inspection reports and estimates with potential buyers. Without a pre-inspection, sellers may find themselves at the mercy of a buyer’s inspector and potentially inflated repair estimates. A recent example involved a Pasadena condominium sale, where a buyer presented a $1,200.00 electrical estimate. Thankfully, relying on our trusted list of home maintenance providers, our electrician completed the same repairs for only $650.00.

Addressing inspections upfront also reduces the likelihood of renegotiation or a canceled escrow, providing a smoother selling process. So, are pre-listing inspections necessary? The answer depends on your unique situation. Partner with a qualified and experienced real estate agent who can offer guidance tailored to your needs. I consistently provide our clients with two values to consider: AS IS and AS REPAIRED.