Barrett Sotheby's International Realty
Mary-Lou McDonough, Barrett Sotheby's International RealtyPhone: (617) 947-9279
Email: [email protected]

Why should you get an inspection prior to listing your property?

by Mary-Lou McDonough 09/11/2024

Reasons to get a home inspection prior to listing your home featured image

Home inspections are included in real estate contracts as a contingency towards the final few steps of selling a home, and are typically requested by the homebuyer. However, as a home seller, it’s beneficial to get a home inspection even before listing your home to ensure the process runs smoothly.  


To diagnose problems with your home

Before listing your home, it’s good to be mindful of factors homebuyers may find to be negative about your home. For example, are the shudders on your home old? Are the hinges on doors rusted and squeaky?  

A home inspector can help you identify areas in need of repair and improvement, so you can make the necessary adjustments before potential homebuyers get the chance to view your property. 


What do inspectors search for?

When inspecting your property, a licensed professional examines your house for a multitude of items. These include, but are not limited to:  


  • Exterior components, such as cracks or broken seals on surfaces, structural integrity, garage door function, etc.
  • The roof is checked for things such as broken shingles or nearby tree branches that could pose risk of damage to your home or nearby power lines during a storm.
  • The HVAC system will be checked to make sure it’s running properly, and vents are also checked to make sure they are clean and clear of debris.
  • Interior components of your home will be checked for safety, which may include issues such as water damages and pests.   

Will the seller still order an inspection if one was done prior? 

An inspection contingency is built into most real estate purchase contracts to protect the interests of the buyer and seller. 

In most cases, a buyer may want to get their own inspection performed to make certain the home is fit for purchase. 

Getting an inspection ahead of time can help you troubleshoot as a home seller and boost your preparation to sell your property. 




About the Author
Author

Mary-Lou McDonough

With strong connections to her community, Mary-Lou has held fund-raising events for The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, The Kids in Need Foundation and Dress for Success. This sense of personal responsibility extends to her professional life, and she continuously strives to exceed her clients’ expectations, empowering them throughout selling or buying process. "Only a well-informed client is prepared to make the best decisions on their own behalf, so the role of Market Expert is one I take very seriously.” It is this sense of personal accountability that drives Mary-Lou; keeping her focused on her clients and providing them with highest level of professionalism, solution-focused service, and sound guidance from start to SOLD!

Mary-Lou McDonough is Professionally Affiliated with The MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® The GREATER BOSTON REAL ESTATE BOARD, THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Women’s Council of REALTORS®, The State and National Association of Certified Residential Specialists and The REALTORS® Political Action Committee

Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.