Home Inspections for Sellers: Do You Really Need One?

By Matt Stark

Matt Stark is a top 1% REALTOR® in Seattle with over 19 years of experience. A Seattle native, he began his career in 1999 as an investor before transitioning to full-time real estate.

If you’re thinking about selling your home and want it gone quickly—and for top dollar—there’s one thing you should do first. You need a pre-inspection. I know it’s not the first thing that comes to mind when selling a home, but trust me, this step can make all the difference:

1. Increase price. A pre-inspection is like giving buyers a sneak peek of your home’s condition. It gives them the confidence to make a strong offer, knowing there won’t be hidden surprises. The more confident buyers are, the more they’re willing to pay. A pre-inspection can help you get the best possible price for your home.

2. Eliminate inspection contingency. No one wants to deal with a second round of negotiations after accepting an offer. A pre-inspection helps eliminate the inspection contingency, meaning buyers are less likely to ask for price reductions or repairs. This means fewer surprises and a smoother sale.

3. Gain leverage. A pre-inspection gives you leverage during negotiations. When buyers have all the information upfront, they’re less likely to negotiate for repairs or a lower price. You’ve already disclosed everything, and they’re making an informed decision, giving you the upper hand in negotiations.

4. More demand. The more buyers know, the more comfortable they feel, and the more they’ll pay. Transparency attracts more buyers and can even lead to multiple offers. This increased demand puts you in a strong position to sell your home for the best possible price.

5. Identify early issues. A pre-inspection helps you catch any deal-breakers before buyers do. Maybe there’s a plumbing issue or a problem with the roof that could scare buyers away. By identifying and fixing these issues ahead of time, you turn potential problems into selling points. Buyers see a well-maintained home that’s worth every penny you’re asking for.

If you’re considering selling—whether it’s this year or next—it’s smart to start with a conversation about pre-inspections. I’ve worked with some great home inspectors who do an amazing job, and I’d be happy to help set that up for you. You can give me a call or text at (206) 940-4557. Let’s chat about how this works and how we can make your home irresistible to buyers. I’d love to help you make selling your home as smooth and profitable as possible.