Published August 23, 2024.
Written by Gisele Afman.

Should I Hire a Home Inspector When Selling My Property?

When you're selling a home, you might wonder if it's worth hiring a home inspector, or if you should just wait for the buyer to do it. While it’s common for buyers to hire an inspector during the purchasing process, getting a home inspection before listing your property can offer some key advantages. Here are several reasons why hiring a home inspector when selling your home could save you time, stress, and even money in the long run, especially in the competitive Southern California real estate market.

1. Uncover Potential Issues Before Buyers Do

One key reason to hire a home inspector as a seller is to identify problems before buyers can. A coworker recently shared a story about a seller who hired a home inspector before listing their home. The inspection uncovered several issues—including a hidden water leak and significant termite damage—that neither the seller nor the agent had been aware of. The seller chose to fix these issues before putting the property on the market, ensuring it would be in the best possible condition for prospective buyers.

In Southern California, where weather and architectural styles can lead to unique property challenges, proactive inspections can help sellers avoid surprises. Homes built in styles like Tudor, for example, are particularly prone to wood rot due to their design. Dealing with these issues upfront ensures that your property doesn’t come across as a "fixer-upper" when buyers walk through the door.

2. Make Your Home More Attractive to Buyers

Homes in areas like Pasadena and other Southern California neighborhoods often face stiff competition. An inspection report showing that your home is in top shape can give your listing a competitive edge. Buyers are often willing to pay more for a home that appears well-maintained and problem-free. This can also prevent buyers from requesting major repairs or credits during negotiations, which can often result in reduced sale prices.

As the example from our conversation demonstrates, when a seller fixed their property issues ahead of time, it positioned them for smoother negotiations. Instead of allowing buyers to haggle for lower prices due to unexpected problems, the seller was able to present a property that buyers saw as move-in ready.

3. Prevent Buyer Walkaways

When buyers order their inspection, they may find issues that cause them to reconsider their offer or walk away altogether. Some problems, such as structural or pest-related issues, can be dealbreakers for buyers, especially first-time homebuyers who are nervous about major repairs.

By hiring an inspector first, sellers can address these issues and avoid any last-minute surprises that could derail a sale. With the right repairs, sellers may even reduce buyer anxiety and make the property more appealing to buyers, including investors or those looking to buy a home with fewer complications.

4. Gain More Control Over Repair Costs

A common concern sellers have is: Why should I pay for an inspection? Won’t the buyer do it anyway? While it’s true that buyers often hire their own inspectors, when you control the inspection process, you also control how repairs are managed. Instead of being rushed to meet buyer demands during negotiations, sellers can handle repairs on their own terms. This can prevent buyers from asking for larger credits or price reductions based on issues they find.

As seen in the conversation between two agents, the seller who proactively fixed issues—such as a $20,000 termite treatment—was able to ensure those repairs were done correctly and efficiently. Had the buyer discovered those issues, they could have asked for significant price reductions or walked away entirely.

5. Increase Buyer Confidence

In the real estate market, buyers are often more cautious due to high property prices. Providing a clean inspection report can help boost buyer confidence and encourage offers. Buyers know that if you’ve taken care of an inspection, you’re likely to have been diligent about maintaining the property. This assurance can lead to quicker, more solid offers, especially in markets where buyers are wary of potential hidden costs.

Final Thoughts

While it’s not always common practice for sellers to hire a home inspector before listing, it can be a smart move in certain situations. Whether your home has unique design features, is older, or you simply want to offer buyers peace of mind, an inspection can make your property stand out in Southern California's competitive market. By addressing issues early, you’ll have more control over the sale process, reduce buyer concerns, and potentially increase your final sale price.

For more information on real estate opportunities in these areas, feel free to contact the Marty Rodriguez Team. We’ve been helping our clients make the right decisions about real estate in Southern California since 1978!