What are the advantages and disadvantages of getting a home inspection before putting a house on the market?

As a home seller, you may be wondering whether or not to allow potential buyers to inspect your property before officially putting it on the market. While this is a common conundrum, it's important to understand the reasons why this might occur and how to approach the situation.

Why agree to a property preview:

Agreeing to a property preview can be a smart move for homeowners who are looking to sell their property quickly and efficiently. By allowing keen buyers and their agents to view the property ahead of the traditional open house, homeowners may be able to secure a faster sale and potentially avoid the hassle of multiple open house events. Additionally, a property preview can attract highly motivated buyers who are ready to make an offer, which can be beneficial for homeowners who are looking to sell their property quickly. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of agreeing to a property preview and to work closely with a trusted real estate agent to ensure that it's the right choice for your individual circumstances.

Pros and cons of letting buyers in before you are market ready.

Allowing buyers to view your property before it's fully market ready can have its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some potential pros and cons to consider:

Cons:

You may not get the highest price
You may not get an offer
Lost opportunity

Unfinished appearance: Early viewings may give buyers an unfinished impression of your home if it's not fully market ready. This can negatively impact their perception of the property and result in lower offers.

Safety and security: Letting buyers in before you're fully prepared may create a security risk if you haven't removed valuable items or taken other necessary precautions.

Rushed preparation: You may feel pressured to complete repairs or updates more quickly than you would like, potentially leading to a lower quality job.

Pros:

Getting it over with
The chance for feedback
Privacy
Competition

Increased interest: Allowing buyers to view the property early can generate more interest and potentially lead to a quicker sale.

Feedback: Buyers can provide feedback that can help you make improvements or repairs that can increase the value of your home.

Flexibility: Early viewings allow you to be more flexible with scheduling, as you can accommodate buyers outside of traditional open house hours.

Overall, allowing early viewings can be a useful strategy to increase interest in your property, but it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and your own circumstances. Work with a trusted real estate agent to determine the best strategy for your individual situation.

What to Do?

If you're looking for a quick sale and don't mind being flexible on the final price, an early offer may be a good option for you. However, if you're aiming to get the highest possible price for your property, it's better to wait until you're fully prepared and have invested in staging, repairs, and a high-quality marketing campaign. It's important to discuss these options with your real estate agent to determine which strategy is the most suitable for your specific situation.

Disclaimers

Data provided in this article is of a general nature and should not be construed as specific advice or relied upon in lieu of appropriate professional advice.