If you're preparing to sell your home, you've probably heard the term pre-listing inspection. But is it worth the time and money? In a recent video, Jason Dalbey of The Denver Group breaks down the pros and cons to help sellers make an informed decision.
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Benefits of a Pre-Listing Inspection
A pre-listing inspection is exactly what it sounds like: a home inspection you, the seller, schedule before putting your property on the market. Here's how it can help:
✔️ Avoid Surprises During Negotiations
One of the biggest benefits of a pre-listing inspection is heading off any unwelcome surprises during the buyer’s inspection. Knowing the condition of your home up front puts you in control and can minimize last-minute negotiations.
✔️ Set a More Accurate Asking Price
With a full picture of your home’s condition, you can price your home more accurately. If there are issues, you can either fix them or factor them into the price, helping avoid price reductions later.
✔️ Speed Up the Closing Process
Fewer surprises mean fewer delays. A pre-inspection helps you avoid the back-and-forth of repair negotiations and can keep the transaction moving smoothly toward closing.
✔️ Build Buyer Confidence
A clean inspection report (or full transparency about known issues) builds trust. Buyers may feel more confident making an offer—possibly even a stronger one—when they know what they’re getting.
Potential Drawbacks
While the upsides are significant, Jason also cautions that a pre-listing inspection isn’t right for every seller. Here’s what to consider:
➡️ Disclosure Obligations
In Colorado and many other states, once you know about a problem, you’re legally obligated to disclose it to potential buyers. That means if your inspector finds something major, you can’t ignore it—it becomes part of your disclosure.
➡️ Upfront Costs & Potential Repairs
Inspections typically cost a few hundred dollars, and you may feel pressure to address any issues they uncover. Depending on your timeline and budget, that might not be ideal.
So, Should You Get One?
The Denver Group's advice: It depends on your goals, your home’s condition, and how competitive the market is. A pre-listing inspection can be a powerful tool—especially if you're looking to avoid surprises and streamline the selling process.
Selling in Denver or anywhere in Colorado?
We can help you decide whether a pre-inspection makes sense for your specific situation.
Have questions? Reach out—we’d love to walk you through the pros and cons and help you prepare your home for the market.
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