A home inspector might be a seller’s best asset.
Home inspections usually happen at some point in the sale of a house. Once an interested party decides to take a step forward, the real estate agent often arranges for an inspection to determine whether any problems exist. But by that time, both the seller and the buyer have a stake in whether the sale happens or not.
An inspection before a house hits the market gives peace of mind, even if it uncovers problems, says Reuben Saltzman, a home inspector who writes for the Star Tribune in Minnesota. It’s not the most common approach, but it makes good sense for everyone involved.
Here’s why:
An Inspection Helps Support the Asking Price
Home buyers can be very skeptical people. And with good reason, too. A home is one of the largest investments that any person or couple make. With so much on the line, including a long-term commitment, it’s natural for buyers to wonder whether a home is really worth what it’s listed for.
As a home inspector, your expertise before a house hits the market can give both the seller and potential buyers peace of mind. There’s usually an inspection prior to committing to a contract. But at that point, earnest money might be issued by the buyer, and the real estate agent might change the listing to “under contract” status. An inspection on the front end can help avoid unnecessary paperwork and undue stress.
Home owners can make repairs before a house hits the market instead of losing a sale altogether.
Home Owners May Also Learn About Problems
Few things are as trying as the sale or purchase a home. From the seller’s standpoint, it can be a real roller coaster ride with people who are interested, people who are just looking, and people who change their mind at some point in the process. Oftentimes, this happens because the buyer is afraid of the unknown.
When the seller has an inspection done before the house hits the market, he’s armed with the knowledge of everything that’s right about the house, and also everything that’s wrong. He can make arrangements to repair what needs it, and move forward with the confidence that nothing scary will emerge during the buyer’s inspection.
Your work as an inspector helps the seller avoid unnecessary stress.
Bottom Line: Knowledge is Power
Knowledge is rarely a bad thing, especially in the sale of a house. But there’s a veil of mystery around nearly every transaction. Who really knows what happens in a real estate agent’s office or at the bank? When the seller understands the condition of his property top to bottom, he might not be thrilled with the overall report. But some disappointment in the beginning removes at least one worry from his plate.
Knowledge also helps the seller feel more involved in the process instead of merely subject to it. Just as understanding a little about how a vehicle operates helps you communicate better with a mechanic, a thorough inspection helps the seller stay involved with possible repairs and all other aspects of listing and selling his home.
Home inspections usually happen anyway, but having one before a house hits the market does everyone a favor. The seller might not be happy, but he will be happier than if a hazard is revealed after the property is under contract.
As a home inspector, you provide a valuable service to anyone who hires you. And if you’re still only thinking about training, get a demo of our courses, and see how ICA School can help prepare you for a rewarding career. 
