Home Inspection

The Pre-Listing Inspection

Many home sellers contract for an inspection report prior to the listing of a home. Such an inspection report will determine if any easily remedied defects can be repaired prior to the listing of the property; thus improving the quality of the listing. It can also be used as a potential tool in the sale of the house. However , by having the home inspected prior to listing the home, the seller may become aware of new information about defects in the home. Such new information may have to be disclosed to any potential buyer. Sellers are advised to consult with their attorneys about locally applicable disclosure laws, and how these laws apply to the information gained from a pre-listing inspection. A pre-listing inspection may also not eliminate the desire of the prospective buyer of the property to have an independent inspection performed. The prospective buyer may decide that their own inspection is less likely to be biased on behalf of the seller. More importantly, the prospective buyer may decide that their inspection is needed in order to make preliminary determinations regarding their proposed use and modifications of the structure in question. For example, the prospective buyer may want to know if the electrical system is adequate for its existing use, and for any planned additions of a bathroom, hot tub, or the use of various power tools.

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