Inspections prior to sale

In various areas around the country real estate customs are different.  In California, is is customary for the seller to have his home inspected prior to putting it on the market for sale.  In Colorado, the seller puts his home on the market and lets the buyer inspect it.

This custom is not in the best interest of the Colorado home owner.  Why?  Most real estate transactions fall to close due to inspection items.  Typically, it's an item that the seller could have easily fixed if he had known there was a problem. 

Understanding that buyers get very touchy about having homes with unsafe or excess items of deferred maintainance.  If they find an issue that the home inspector calls to repair they will ask the seller to repair it.  If they ask for a monetary amount it's usually in excess of the actual cost to repair. Even if the seller is willing to repair, the buyers may insist on terms that the seller isn't willing to meet.  When the parties can't agree on settlement, the buyers walk.

In an effort to avoid wasted time and aggravation, the seller should hire his own inspector to find defects prior the home going on the market.  If issues are found, the seller can remedy them.  By doing so he is putting his house in the best light for the prospect.

Since home inspectors are not required to be licensed in Colorado, choosing a home inspector can  be tricky.  Naturally the seller should hire an experienced reputable inspector for the job.   The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) have an excellent reputation, primarily because of their tough membership requirements, testing and continuing education.

To learn more about Home Inspections visit The Berkshire Group.