How Pre-Listing Home Inspections Can Help Realtors

There’s no denying that the markets are unpredictable and, as a real estate agent, you’re always looking for that next client. It’s your hustle that makes you successful. You may ask yourself, “How can I stand out from other realtors?” Conducting a pre-listing inspection could be the answer. 

What are the Advantages?

When you conduct a home inspection before listing it in the MLS, here’s what you can expect. 

Addressing Issues Before Listing

Once the inspection is done, you and your client can address any issues found one by one. Let’s say mold is found. Would it be better for your client to have it taken care of before listing? Or would they prefer to take down their asking price? 

These are important questions for you and your listing client, but it’s best you address them before you list. That way you avoid price reductions in the MLS, which are never helpful.

You’re Client Will Be Less Anxious

Once you explain the horror of having a contract ready to go, and the buyer pulling out due to some latent defect, your listing client will probably be happy to conduct a pre-listing inspection. It will save them time, money, and stress. 

They should understand that by knowing what issues are in the home they can jump ahead of all that stressful back and forth with potential buyers. As sellers, they will feel more in control of the sale, which will elevate the stress of selling a home. 

Set a Price That’s Prudent

Knowing what the latent defects of a property are, if any, can give you an advantage by helping you and your client decide on the right price. Every seasoned real estate agent has experienced setting a price in the MLS only to have to drop it several times. 

While some of these price drops are due to the market, some are because something was found during a home inspection. When a price drops in the MLS, it becomes less attractive to potential buyers. So it’s essential to get the place listed at the right price the first time. A pre-listing inspection will make your chances of that much greater. 

Moving Through the Selling Process Quickly

How often have you experienced a buyer pulling out of a sale because they didn’t like the home inspection results? More often than you’d care to think about. Potential buyers will also be happy to know that an inspection has already been conducted, which can give them confidence in making the deal. 

Solidify Your Power in Negotiations

Having an inspection ready for potential buyers and their agents will make it more difficult for buyer agents to ask for a price reduction. Any issues or latent defects discovered were worked out when your client set their price. Since you already had the inspection done, they won’t need one. 

Most price reductions that occur do so because something is discovered when the buyer has an inspection. Because your client already had an inspection, there isn’t much room for negotiations. You, as the listing agent, will be able to control the sale. 

Get More Clients

The marketing advantages are exceptional too. When you set the right price, you’ll sell more homes, which will attract more clients. It’s that simple. People want to work with a real estate agent they can trust. When you offer sellers an opportunity to be transparent, they appreciate it. 

Plus, when potential sellers see that you are selling more homes than other agents, they’ll want to sign with you because no matter what, it all comes down to the sale. Sellers want a stress-free transaction that will get them the price they feel they deserve. Having an inspection before listing a home is a great way to make this a reality for them. 

Tips For Realtors on How To Negotiate After an Inspection

How to negotiate after an inspection depends on the results. This is one of the strongest arguments for conducting a pre-listing inspection, so you and your seller can avoid any surprises. 

Below are some common findings during inspections and what you can expect. 

Pests

This all depends on the type of pest. If you have some ants, it’s an easy fix and shouldn’t be too concerning. But if you have termites then it’s a bigger issue. 

Mold, Asbestos, Toxins

These are all possibilities and, if discovered, need to be taken care of before listing or upon purchase. Living with toxins is not healthy. Removal of asbestos is a completely different process than clearing out mold.

Structural Problems

Roofs, foundations, water damage, and more are all considered structural problems. Home can be neglected or they can simply age. The cost and speed of repairs depend on the severity of the issue.

Radon

This gas is colorless and odorless and has been linked to lung cancer. Every home needs this inspection before selling. 

Wiring

Electrical problems are not only annoying, they’re dangerous. Costs can vary for repairs with electrical issues as well. 

Exteriors

Windows and doors that aren’t sealed well are an issue and can be negotiated in the price of the home. 

TIPS

Our tip to you is to offer pre-listing home inspections to your sellers. This way, you are on top of any possible repairs before a buyer comes along. This is a HUGE selling point to potential clients. Once you have the listing, you’ll set the right price, which doesn’t give much room for buyer agents to negotiate. 

Need Pre-Listing Home Inspection Assistance In The Charlotte, Huntersville or Waxhaw Area?

In the end, there is no downside to offering your listing clients a pre-listing inspection. When you spell out the advantages they’ll set a realistic price and their home will sell faster. If you’re selling homes in the Charlotte, Huntersville, Waxhaw, NC area give us a call to discuss pre-listing inspection options for agents.