If you're planning to sell your home in the coming year, you’ll want to ensure that you’re maximizing your earnings. One critical step in achieving this goal is getting a thorough home inspection before putting your property on the market. Typically, in the Bay Area, home inspections are seen as a seller's responsibility once their offer has been accepted.

As you prepare to sell, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about getting your home inspected beforehand. Whether you're a seasoned real estate veteran or a first-time seller, use these tips to gain the knowledge and confidence you need to make informed decisions about your property.

 

One of the best reasons to get a home inspection before selling is so you can identify any potential issues with your home before listing it for sale. This allows you to address these problems and make necessary repairs, eliminating the potential for negotiations with your buyer down the line. In a high-value, high-demand market such as the mid-Peninsula and Silicon Valley, buyers want to know what they are buying before they put an offer on a home. Plus, with so much buyer demand today, most, if not all, offers are being presented with no contingencies. That’s because all inspection disclosures, such as home, pest, and roof inspections, as well as the seller's complete disclosure package, have already been completed, so the intel about each house on the market is fully disclosed. That ensures quick, no hassle, and on-time close dates.

 

 

If issues arise during your inspection, you’ll have the opportunity to make repairs before you settle on a final listing price. Any repairs and renovations you make to your home have the potential to increase your home’s total value, making it more appealing to potential buyers.

 

 

By getting a pre-sale inspection and addressing any necessary repairs, sellers demonstrate to potential buyers that they are committed to selling a high-quality, well-maintained home. This can attract more buyers upfront while building trust and helping to secure a sale more quickly. It also allows buyers to make an educated decision on the type of offer they will make based on the condition of the home. If the reports are clean, the offers will reflect that. If the reports have issues and the seller has not addressed them, that also reflects the type of offers the buyers will submit and offer. 

Ultimately, the decision to get a home inspection should be based on your individual circumstances and goals. If you're selling a luxury property, which most are in the Peninsula and South Bay, it may be worth the investment to have a comprehensive inspection to ensure that you're presenting a top-quality property to potential buyers.

 

Scheduling a home inspection is a straightforward process, but it does require some preparation. You’ll want to start by researching and choosing a reputable home inspector. In California, home inspectors don’t have to be licensed, but you’ll want to make sure they’re insured and have experience with the type of property you own. You can check online reviews, ask for referrals from your real estate team, or contact your local chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) for recommendations.

Once you’ve chosen an inspector, you’ll want to contact them and schedule the inspection. Provide them with the address of the property and any other relevant information, such as the type of home, its age, and any specific areas you would like them to focus on. Make sure the inspector has access to the property on the day of the inspection by planning to be present or providing the inspector with a key or lockbox code.

The legal requirements for repairs after a home inspection vary by state and jurisdiction. However, most home inspections include a review of the property's systems and structures to ensure that they are in good working order and meet minimum safety standards. If any safety issues are identified, they must be addressed before the home can be sold.

Home inspectors may find electrical problems, such as outdated wiring or a lack of grounding, plumbing issues, including leaks and clogs, heating and cooling system problems, structural issues, or health and safety hazards. It is important to note that while some repairs may be legally required, others may be a matter of negotiation between the buyer and seller.

Preparing your home for an inspection can help to ensure a thorough and accurate evaluation. Before the inspector arrives, remove any clutter that might obstruct the inspector's view. This includes cleaning the bathrooms, kitchen, and windows, as well as vacuuming and dusting the entire home. Check that the heating and cooling systems are in good working order, as well as the appliances. If any appliances are not working, have them repaired before the inspection. Keep in mind that your inspector will need access to all areas of the home, including the attic, basement, crawl spaces, and roof. Make sure that these areas are accessible and that any clutter or obstacles are removed.

 

As you prepare to sell your home, know that getting a home inspection can provide valuable information about the condition of your property, help you to avoid surprises during the sale, and potentially increase your home’s value.

To ensure a smooth and successful sale, partner with the Palermo Properties Team. Their team of experienced real estate agents can guide you through the process of getting a home inspection and determining what’s right for your property. With expert knowledge of the Burlingame market and a steadfast commitment to their clients, the Palermo Properties Team is an ideal partner for anyone who wants to get the best possible outcome from their sale. So when you’re ready to take the first step, contact the Palermo Properties Team.