When you’re trying to sell your home, should you hire your own inspector? As it turns out, there are a lot of great reasons to get a pre-listing home inspection before a buyer makes an offer. Here are the top 3:

1. You won’t be surprised.
There are certain flaws about your home you’re already aware of, but what about the things you know nothing about? When you order a pre-listing inspection, you get a top-to-bottom report of hundreds of features and systems in your home. If any problems are revealed, you’ll have a chance to repair them or build repairs into your asking price. This is especially good for DIYers, who can save a lot of money by completing simple repairs themselves.

2. You can price your home more accurately.
Pricing is one of the toughest parts of selling your home, but a pre-listing inspection makes it easier. Once you have a full picture of your home’s strengths and weaknesses, you can be a lot more confident that you’ve arrived at the right price point. If a buyer sees that you’ve priced your home transparently based on an independent inspection, they may also be less likely to submit a lower offer.

3. You’ll save time and stress on negotiations.
When all parties are fully informed about the home being sold, the process of selling goes much faster. Without a pre-listing inspection, the one question that’s bound to be on your mind is “What if there’s a deal-killing problem I don’t know about?” Conversely, if you do know about a problem that’s likely to affect a buyer’s decision, it’s better to get everything out in the open from the get-go.

Getting a pre-listing home inspection gives you peace of mind, helps you price your home accurately, and makes the selling process smoother for everyone involved. By addressing potential issues upfront, you can avoid surprises, reduce stress during negotiations, and present your home confidently to buyers. In the end, a little preparation goes a long way toward a faster, more successful sale.

Our inspectors are always finding interesting maintenance issues in the field. What’s going on in this picture?

Pictured above is a crawlspace with an improvised support column—what appears to be a cut log with a piece of scrap wood on top is wedged in place, seemingly to support the floor framing. Needless to say, makeshift repairs like these are not a viable solution and may be susceptible to movement, settlement, and moisture damage. We recommend that this new homeowner orders an assessment by a qualified foundation repair contractor. 

Sometimes it really is the little things. These five maintenance issues might seem minor, but keeping up with them can go a long way toward making sure your home is safe and healthy. 

1. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential for alerting families to dangerous conditions and should be checked on a regular basis. Batteries should be replaced every six months and the devices themselves should be replaced every seven to ten years. 

2. GFCI Outlets.
GFCIs, or ground-fault circuit interrupters, help protect against electrical shocks in areas of the home where water is present, like the kitchen and the bathroom. Testing these outlets monthly ensures they trip correctly, preventing potential electrocution hazards.

3. Door & Window Locks.
Regularly inspecting and maintaining deadbolts, latches, and window locks helps ensure your home remains secure. It’s important to regularly inspect these items for loose screws and worn parts.

4. HVAC Filter Replacement.
Routinely changing HVAC filters is more than a comfort or money-saving issue, it’s actually important for your family’s health. A clean HVAC filter has the power to remove dust, allergens, and pollutants from the air, improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory problems. This is particularly important for children, the elderly, or anyone with allergies or asthma.

5. Water Leak Checks.
Small leaks under sinks, around toilets, or near appliances can quickly lead to bigger problems like mold growth. Performing routine inspections helps catch leaks early, preventing property damage and expensive repairs in the future.