You’ve decided to move on to the next chapter and put your beloved home on the market. Though your slice of Big Sky real estate may be visually stunning and spacious, its beauty isn’t the only aspect that leads to a closed deal. Buyers want to know that the home they are purchasing is habitable, in working order, and up to code. The easiest way to reassure them is to conduct a home inspection before selling. Even if you think your property is in perfect shape, getting an inspection can save you a lot of stress as you move forward with the sale. Read on!

Home inspections are for the good of all parties involved in a home sale. Inspections are for determining the general health of your home. Structural defects are identified, any safety hazards are noted, and the best parts of your home (such as a stellar HVAC system) have gained the approval of a professional. Buyers will appreciate the transparency of a pre-listing inspection, and sellers receive a detailed home analysis that will help determine a great listing price and generate a ton of interest.

A precautionary inspection should be performed before your home hits the market. You can expect to pay around $350 to $500 for a home inspection, which includes checking out the interior, exterior, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. The inspector will also ensure your home is free from fire hazards and that all smoke detectors and outlets are in working order.

In addition, your buyer will typically pay for their own inspection toward the end of the deal just to ensure that the home is in its expected condition.

A home inspection is not something that will take up a great deal of your time. In general, the inspection will take about two to four hours, depending on the size of your home. Another factor determining the length of the inspection is how old the house is. Older homes will likely come with more structural issues than newer properties, so inspectors tend to spend a little more time to ensure everything is up to par.

Normally, you can expect to receive the result of your inspection within 48 hours. However, if you’re in a bit of a time crunch and looking to get your home listed pronto, you should consider scheduling an inspection shortly after you decide to sell. Inspectors are quite busy, especially during the spring and summer during peak season, so getting a firm date settled ahead of your listing date will keep you organized and way less stressed.

One of the first things an inspector will do when visiting your property is to examine the home's exterior. Ultimately, a pre-listing home inspection benefits the buyer and ensures the house is in working order and habitable. This includes checking out the surrounding trees and other plant life, such as moss and vines, and ensuring none of the surrounding foliage touches the home. The inspector will make sure all wooden aspects of the exterior are in good condition and not rotted. The foundation and roof of the home will also be examined; any cracks or damaged shingles can prove hazardous and devalue your home.

For the interior, your inspector will look for any areas of concern, such as chips or splintering of the floor, sagging or cracked ceilings, and improperly functioning doors or windows. The electrical panel, along with all outlets and appliances, will be tested to make sure the electric components of your house are working properly.

You can expect your home’s HVAC system to be examined, as adequate cooling and heating is absolutely crucial for buyers. The inspector will also make sure your plumbing is in good condition, which means they will take a look at your toilets, faucets, pipes, and showers to check for any leaks, mold, or other issues.

An inspection can affect the value of your home and the buyers' confidence in you as a seller. When a buyer initiates the purchase of a home that did not undergo a pre-listing inspection, and their own inspection reveals an array of issues you may not be aware of, you lose a bit of negotiating power. You may also decide at this point to hire your own inspector to verify the buyers’ claims. This can extend the closing of the deal by a couple of weeks or more, especially if you find yourself needing to repair the home before moving forward. You may also feel the need to lower the price of your home accordingly.

Beyond this, should a buyer find any prominent issues with the home, it could cause them to pull out of the deal entirely. They may not be interested in waiting or making repairs, or they may be unable to trust that they have received all the information they need from you to make an informed purchase. Pre-listing inspections show buyers that you care about their time and money, which backs up your initial asking price with cold, hard facts.

After receiving the full inspection report from your inspector, consult with your real estate agent about your next steps. Any repairs will take time to fix, so devising a timeline for listing and selling your home will give you some clarity and insight into your financial needs and future.

After consulting with your real estate agent, create a summary that potential buyers can examine upon request. Some reports can be well over 50 pages, and buyers simply do not have time to review a complex document when house hunting. Offering a summary with all the most crucial facts that highlight the functionality of your home is an important task that will provide comfort and encouragement to buyers during the home-buying process.

There are many moving parts when conducting a home sale, and it can be challenging to keep track of everything on your own. Whether you’re performing a home inspection before selling or in the final round of negotiations, having an experienced real estate professional by your side can have a profound impact on the entire process.

Eric Becker understands real estate inside and out, and he knows how to take the most stressful parts of the selling experience and turn them into magic. When working with Eric, you can relax knowing you have a successful business owner and real estate expert in your corner who can find the perfect buyer for your home. Reach out to Eric today to learn more about successfully selling your house in Big Sky and beyond!

 

Whether you're interested in Bozeman real estate or properties elsewhere, Eric is here to help you achieve your real estate goals with confidence.