Ask Phyllis!

Benefits Of Pre-inspections

Dear Phyllis,

I love reading your column…. Strange times for all of us.  I was laid off due to COVID. My daughter lives in Texas and just had her second baby. I have decided that now is the perfect time to move and be closer to them.  I was divorced many years ago.  As a single woman it’s been hard for me to properly maintain my home so there is some wear and tear. My fear is that once I sell, there will be a lot of back and forth over the condition. With the divorce and then the layoff, my nerves are shot. I hate negotiating and don’t want to have to go through that. How do you think I best avoid this?  Jeannie

Dear Jeannie,

This has been a lot for everyone and I am sorry that you lost your job. But it’s exciting that you will be moving closer to loved ones. Perhaps this was just the push you needed. 

I understand that you are concerned about the back and forth negotiations. Indeed, they are tiresome and frustrating. All homes in California are sold AS IS. But that doesn’t always prevent a home buyer from trying to renegotiate after their inspections.

It never ceases to amaze me, when after obtaining a home inspection a buyer balks at an old worn roof, when it was readily apparent that the roof was old.  After the inspection, home buyers often have second thoughts. This is a big purchase and now the cost of repairs and upgrades are very real.

One of the benefits of a pre-inspection is that it will very clearly list your homes deficiencies. I have found that pre-inspections for homes in worn condition can be very helpful.  It can be provided to a buyer either before or after they make an offer. That timing will depend on current market conditions. But always it should be reviewed before an offer is accepted. The pre-inspection almost always alleviates any renegotiation.

Best of luck on your sale and your move.