A home inspector is often brought in as part of the home buying process, typically by the buyers. Their job is to make sure both parties – buyers and sellers – know the condition of the home and any issues it might have that could impact the value, condition, or safety of the home. A lot can ride on the outcome of a home inspection, from getting a potential buyer to agree to buy to losing thousands of dollars on the home’s value if any problems arise from the inspection. As a seller, it might be tempting to try and hide things from a home inspector. This blog is going to try and dissuade you.
1. Home Inspectors Have the Experience to Find Issues
If your buyers are smart, they will be getting the services of an experienced home inspector. If the home inspector for your house is a veteran, they are an expert when it comes to identifying issues. From common-place issues to unique cases, inspectors are trained to locate the signs and symptoms of problems. This extends past simply knowing “what is up to code” to knowing the exceptions and reasoning behind every issue. Beside outright banning a home inspector from an area (a red flag in any inspection), they are going to find the issue.
2. Hiding the Condition of a Home Does More Damage
We’ve all had the situation as a child where lying about an issue caused more problems than the issue itself. The same is true when it comes to hiding an inspection issue from an inspector which they find out about during the inspection. It can hurt your negotiations in several ways:
- Loss of Trust: Once you’ve been caught outright lying or trying to conceal the truth, you’re going to be seen as untrustworthy to both the inspector and the buyer and agent they represent.
- Further Scrutiny: Once you’ve been found trying to hide something, the inspector and buyer may insist on further home inspections, and they might pass the costs onto you.
- Failed Inspection: Hiding or denying access to a home inspector may result in a failed home inspection, which means you’ll need another one before the buyer is satisfied.
- Loss of Money: Almost always, the above reasons will also translate into a lower price then what you are asking, if not a complete pull of any offer, taking you back to square one.
3. It’s Always Better to Come Clean on Home Issues
Honest is the best policy. If you know about pre-existing issues, bringing them up early not only shows that you’re willing to negotiate, it also shows that you’re honest and trustworthy. It gives you a better starting point in negotiations then having the issue found out by an inspector. An even better option is to have your own home inspector. Having a home inspection before you put your home on the market allows you to identify all issues and document or even repair them before trying to sell.
Want to learn more about how a home inspector can help both buyers and sellers? It’s time to contact the Homeinex Corporation. We experienced staff and quick service, and we’re also accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating. Check out what our comprehensive home inspection covers, and then contact us today for an appointment!