Price negotiations are a part of most real estate deals. Sellers usually brace themselves as the buyer’s home inspector combs through the house, but sellers do not need to feel powerless and anxious. Sellers are better positioned to fend off unrealistic price negotiations by getting a pre-listing home inspection first.

Stay Ahead of the Game
A pre-listing inspection allows the seller to stay a step ahead. There are three major benefits for the seller to get his or her own inspection:
1. Better preparation for a more efficient sale: You can choose to fix potential defects that could turn off a prospective buyer. So when you’re ready to list your home it’s in a highly marketable condition.
2. Positive impressions: The fact that you took the time to inspect your home and address defects in advance shows house hunters that you’re serious about selling your home, trustworthy and conscientious.
3. Helps avoid last-minute deal breakers: Pre-listing inspections help reduce the probability of last-minute complications at closing. A defect discovered during a buyer’s inspection can derail a deal at the last minute, after weeks have gone by.

Pre-Listing Inspection Tips:
1. Choose your inspector carefully. Your home inspector should be qualified and credible. Check the inspector’s training, ongoing education programs, any certifications they may carry and if they have all the necessary local licenses.
2. Attend the inspection. A good home inspector will encourage you to attend the inspection because it makes the written report much more meaningful.
3. Focus on the major elements. Every home has minor or cosmetic flaws which you should consider correcting. An inspector will not really focus on peeling wallpaper or cracked sidewalks, although he may document it. In general, anything that would cost less than $500 to fix should be considered normal maintenance. Repairs that exceed that amount are more likely to be negotiable.
4. Be realistic. Avoid souring a deal by trying to over-exploit a situation during negotiations. If defects are discovered, get reputable or solid estimates to substantiate your position so that negotiations are realistic and professional.
5. Consider a home warranty. If many of the major systems in the home are working but are older, consider offering a home warranty as a bonus. Most warranty programs are renewable so a buyer can opt to continue the coverage after the warranty period expires.

A professional inspection report and estimates for repairs will provide you with the right documentation to engage in realistic negotiations. With the right preparation, you can sell your home in a way that feels fair and straightforward.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a real estate or home inspection professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More information is available online at HouseMaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither HMA Franchise Systems, Inc. nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances.

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