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Should I Have a Home Inspection?

Is the cost of a professional home inspection justified for the majority of sellers prior to marketing the home?

A home inspection report provides an accurate description of the condition of the property including upgrades and improvements, as well as any defects.

In the majority of cases the two most important considerations in deciding whether or not to pay for a home Inspection on your property prior to marketing it is probably the age of the home and the condition it is in.

If your home is older, and has not been recently updated, a home inspection can be a valuable tool for deciding what repairs or renovations should be made in order to obtain the maximum return on the house when you sell. Certain types of renovations yield a much greater return than others. For example, new vinyl siding typically has a 100% return rate. The home inspector can help you decide which types of renovations will be the best investments for your particular property.

A Home Inspection will also be helpful in assisting the seller when filing out the NYS Property Condition Disclosure Form. It is imperative that the seller do a thorough inspection of the property prior to marketing the home. By filling out a NYS disclosure form, a seller must truthfully disclose the condition of the property to the buyer. Not only is the seller responsible for any immediate defects, but he can also be held accountable for unknown defects that could cause problems in the future for the buyer. Having a professional home inspection is the best way for a seller to assure he has the information he needs to fill the form out accurately.

In addition to helping you decide what improvements to make to your home before putting it on the market, and aiding with the process of disclosure, a home inspection can also serve as a powerful resource when you are negotiating a sale price with your prospective buyer. If the buyer sees you have provided him with a well researched disclosure form backed up by a certified home inspection, he will feel assured that you have done your absolute best to provide him with truthful, pertinent information regarding your property. This confidence in you as a seller will certainly make the buyer feel much more motivated to make you a solid offer on the home.

Taking all of these factors into consideration when deciding whether or not to have a home inspections done on your property is vital. Being informed and knowledgeable about the condition of your property will ultimately give you the leverage you need to negotiate a solid deal with your buyer.

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