So, let’s jump right in and set the stage. You’ve decided to put your home on the market, but before you do your Realtor suggests that it would be wise to have a home inspection report done. You shell out the money to have a certified home inspector perform all the necessary tests, and anxiously await the report that will show the whole world how meticulously your home has been maintained.
Then you get the report back and your jaw hits the floor, but not before you let loose a barrage of expletives. The report concludes there are some minor issues that could use addressing, but you vehemently deny all claims. You’ve gone to great lengths to maintain your home, and you scoff at someone telling you otherwise…even if they are a professional engineer. Now you’re left feeling upset that you spent money for some jerk to unfairly critique your home, and you’re adamant about not showing the report to potential buyers.
The above mentioned scenario is not uncommon. On the one hand I can totally relate to the Sellers’ frustration. People take pride in caring for their homes and nobody likes to be negatively critiqued. On the other hand though, it’s such a minor aspect of the whole selling process and can be misinterpreted by the seller for emotional reasons.
Before you get too riled up over the inspection report, here are a few key pieces of info that should help you return to a state of Zen. Or at least cause that vein in your forehead to disappear.
1. No inspection report is perfect.
Even for a multi-million dollar custom-built brand new home, there will be issues and imperfections. Humans are imperfect ergo our work is as well. It should be no surprise then that your home built decades ago will show, at the very least, a few problems that need shoring up. Savvy buyers know it won’t be perfect. They just don’t want to see any huge and costly potential problems.
2. It helps identify potential major issues
You don’t want to sell your home when your furnace is about to flatline or there’s a major fire hazard somewhere in the house. Those are the kinds of things that can result in serious injury or litigation. Nobody wants that. A home inspection report helps identify any potential major concerns and gives you time to address the issues. You’ll sleep much better knowing you sold someone a great home. Plus, it’s just the right thing to do.
3. In instills confidence in buyers
The mere presence of an inspection report gives the impression that you’re being completely up front with buyers and that you have nothing to hide. Some people will think you’re being dubious if one isn’t provided, even when that’s not the case.
4. Many don’t even look at it and will conduct their own.
Some Realtors and buyers may choose not to look at a home inspection report provided by the seller. They just don’t trust anyone other than their own inspectors. Maybe they’ve been burned in the past, or just want to be as thorough and safe as possible. It happens quite often. But if you’re hoping for multiple offers you want to make it as easy and comfortable for buyers to put in an offer. That’s why it can be an important tool if your strategy is to get multiple offers on offer night.
5. If you fix the problem, they’ll fix the report.
Thankfully, these reports aren’t cast in stone. If you’re able to fix an issue you can always ask the inspector to come back, verify the work, and then edit the report. Most inspectors will be willing to do this. That’s why it’s a good idea to leave sometime in between the home inspection and when you go to market.
Try to have a discussion with your Realtor before you get too frustrated over a home inspection report. We see tons of them and will be quick to tell you if there’s something to be concerned about. We understand you’ve taken great care of your home, and in most cases we’re likely to tell you it shows that in the report.