How a Home Inspection Can Save Your Sale

If there was one simple step that could help make your home sale a seamless process, wouldn’t you want to know about it? There’s a lot that happens from the time your house goes under contract to closing day, and a few things still have to go right for the deal to go through. But here’s what a lot of sellers may not realize. A home inspection can play a bigger role than you might think.

There is one part of the process where some homeowners are hitting a road bump that’s causing buyers to back out these days. The good news is that most of these snags are completely avoidable when you understand what’s causing them and how to be proactive. That’s where a great agent and a little preparation can make all the difference.

What’s Causing Some Buyers To Back Out

The latest data from Redfin says 15% of pending home sales are falling through. And that’s not wildly higher than the 12% norm from 2017-2019. But it is an increase. That means roughly 1 in 7 deals today don’t make it to the closing table. But, at the same time, 6 out of 7 do.

So, the majority of sellers never face this problem – and odds are, you won’t either. But you can help make it even less likely if you know how to get ahead. You might assume the main reason buyers are backing out today is financing. But that’s actually not the case. The most common deal breaker today, by far, is inspection and repair issues (see graph below):

Here’s why that’s a sticking point for buyers right now:

• Buyers are already stretched thin from high prices and challenging mortgage rates, so they don’t have the appetite (or budget) for unexpected repairs.
• If they’re going to spend all that money, they want to get something that’s move-in ready. They don’t want to take on another high-cost project themselves.
• They have more homes to choose from, so if yours seems like a hassle or if you’re not willing to fix something, they can just move on.

The sellers who work with the best agents have already heard about this shift in the market, and they’re doing what they can to go in prepared. One of the smartest ways to do that is by scheduling a home inspection before listing. Often called a pre-listing inspection, this simple step gives sellers a clear picture of their home’s condition and helps them tackle small repairs before buyers ever walk through the door. That preparation can make all the difference when it comes time to negotiate and close with confidence.

What’s a Pre-Listing Inspection?

It’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s a professional home inspection you schedule before your home hits the market. And while it’s not required, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains why it could be a valuable step for some sellers right now:

“To keep deals from unraveling . . . it allows a seller the opportunity to address any repairs before the For Sale sign even goes up. It also can help avoid surprises like a costly plumbing problem, a failing roof or an outdated electrical panel that could cause financially stretched buyers to bolt before closing.”

Think of it as a way to avoid future headaches. You’ll know what issues could pop up during the buyer’s inspection – and you’ll have time to fix them or decide what to disclose before you put your house on the market. This way, when the buyer’s inspector walks in, you’re ready. No surprises. No last-minute panic. No deal on the line.

Is It Worth It?

Generally speaking, a home inspection or pre-listing inspection costs just a few hundred dollars, making it a small investment for the value it provides. The insights you gain can be invaluable, especially if they help you avoid unexpected repairs or keep your sale on track. Before moving forward, talk to your local agent about whether this step makes sense for your area. In some markets, it may not be necessary, while in others, it can be the best move you make before putting your home on the market. If your agent recommends scheduling an inspection, they’ll also:

• Help you decide which issues to fix
• Prioritize repairs based on what buyers in your area are focusing on
• Connect you with trusted professionals to get the work done
• Ensure you understand local disclosure laws

That small step could save your deal (and your timeline).

Bottom Line

So, if there was one simple step that could help make your home sale go according to plan, would you take it? A home inspection before listing, often called a pre-listing inspection, can make all the difference. If you’d rather handle any surprises on your own terms instead of under the pressure of a contract deadline, let’s talk about whether this step makes sense for your home. It could be the key to hitting the market confident, prepared, and fully in control.

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Jess & Co. Real Estate, LLC does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Jess & Co. Real Estate, LLC will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.