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Home Selling Tips from a Home Inspector

 

March 1, 2024 - DMC Residential Inspection Services Inc.

 

If you are thinking about selling your home soon, you are most likely thinking about what a good selling price may be, or ways you can enhance curb appeal or perhaps how best to stage the home, among other things. Those issues are important for attracting potential buyers. But, from a home inspector's prespective, I would like to share some of my insights into what I think may help seal the deal once you have captured the interest of would be buyers to look inside.

 

Many times, home buyers already have an idea of what they think they are looking for in a home, such as price point, key features, or a specific location, etc. However, some other important items also on that list is the condition of the home and potential future resale value, which is why it is important to ensure there are no surprises when showing the home. 

 

Smart homebuyers will purchase a home inspection to ensure the condition of the home they are considering to buy is sound. If surprises are found at this stage, it complicates the selling process by adding uncertainty into the mix and uncertainty can be a deal killer, especially major uncertainty when it comes to the condition of a home. Things like repair costs, and a host of other unknowns, start to become a real issue. This may start a negotiation process for a lower price, or it may create cold feet and you could see a potential sale vanish. This is why it is important for sellers to get to know their home prior to selling. Getting re-acquainted with your home reduces the chance of any future problems that may be found with the home that could come back to bite.

 

When selling your home it is important to be upfront and honest. The best way to do this is by conducting a pre-listing inspection. If you find major issues, address them either by fixing them or by obtaining a cost estimate to fix the problem. It is best to be up front and factor this into the selling price. If you do fix the problems found, document what was done and perhaps what wasn't done, and document all other maintenance and upgrades. This provides a clear understanding to the potential buyer of the current condition of the home. Doing this creates a much better position for you to sell your property and it also provides the opportunity for the potential buyer to get to know the home much better. No surprises. 

 

Although staging, curb appeal and high quality photos are important to attract buyers, ensuring you know the current condition of the home is just as, if not more, important if you want a no fuss approach to selling your home and closing the deal. Following these simple tips I believe can enhance your chances of selling your home more quickly and for an expected price, while also providing the buyer with confidence in their purchase. 

 

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