prior to listing. It will be invaluable in discovering the universal condition of the home. The inspection will cover electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, insulation, as well as structural features and could uncover issues invisible on the surface. This will give you a realistic idea of what to expect when you sell your home. Most buyers require home inspections to eliminate any questions regarding your home’s integrity. Typically, a buyer will order and pay for a home inspection. However, doing this proactively in advance offers two advantages: 1. Both spouses are made aware of any underlying problems with the home, and arrangements can be made to split the cost of repairs. 2. Buyers who are interested in the home will have an additional layer of security in knowing the integrity of the home, without having to put out the money themselves for the inspection. It may cost you a few hundred dollars upfront, but buyers appreciate having this information available, and that goes a long way toward building a relationship of trust and willingness to do business. And again, on my team I have home inspectors that are willing to defer payment until settlement if need be. I always recommend offering a 1-year home warranty through one of many companies that provide this service. When prospective buyers see that a home comes with a home warranty, they are less likely to scrutinize defects, as they know many issues will be covered with the home warranty. 1-year home warranties typically cost about $500-$600 for a year of coverage, but in my experience, I have found they are an excellent tool to allay the often unwarranted concerns of buyers with over zealous inspectors, or of those that watch too much HGTV and have become self-proclaimed "experts".
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