Home Inspections, Not Just for Home Buyers

If you buy a home here in Florida without a professional inspection, you're assuming an unnecessary risk. But sellers of Florida homes and condos can also benefit by having a professional home inspection before the home is put on the market.

If you're about to sell your home, your first reaction might be "Why? I don't want an inspector to uncover hidden problems that I'll have to pay to repair." Or, "Then, I'll have to disclose the problem and reduce my asking price to compensate the buyer for the needed repair."

Well, actually, there are several good reasons why, as a home seller, you will be well served by a professionally-conducted home inspection before you put the property on the market. Why?

Your Listing Agent Realtor® can and most likely will advise you of any visible or cosmetic improvements that will help your home sell more quickly or at a higher price -- a fresh coat of paint, more neutral colors, removing excess furniture to make rooms seem bigger, etc. But your Realtor® cannot see less obvious problems like small roof leaks or electrical or code violation problems that will be picked up by a professional home inspector.

Think about it. Any good Realtor®, acting as a Buyer's Agent, will strongly recommend that his buyers demand a professional inspection as a contingency in any offer they make for your home. It's not as though you are going to get through this home sale without an inspection anyway so why not get it behind you upfront.

There are real benefits to you if a professional inspector seconds your opinion that your home is in good condition structurally and is in full compliance with local codes, you have an great marketing tool that will help your home sell more quickly at the highest possible price.

Your pre-sale inspection report shows the propsective buyer that you're so confident in the integrity of your home that you paid to have it inspected upfront and either it passed or you made the necessary repairs on your own. Your credibility as an honest home seller is immediately apparent.

A clean pre-inspection report by a reputable professional also adds validity to your asking price. It also gives your prospective buyers an extra measure of confidence about your home versus others they may be considering.

Having your Florida home for sale pre-inspected can not only prevent any issues from occurring at the "11th hour" just before closing, it can also be a great selling tool. Think of a pre-sale home inspection as "an inexpensive insurance policy" for a smooth home selling experience.