As a home seller, you are legally obligated to reveal all information you have about the house you’re selling, including knowledge of any existing issues. Generally, it’s best if you make the necessary repairs prior to putting your house on the market. Few buyers want to deal with repair work unless they’re investing in a fixer-upper.
As soon as you accept an offer, a home inspection will need to take place. Who pays for that home inspection can vary.
Why Is Home Inspection Necessary?
A buyer won’t want to be surprised by expensive problems after buying your house. Even if you’ve had a previous inspection and have invested in repairs and renovations, the buyer(s) will want another inspection of their own. Perhaps there have been issues that were overlooked or new issues have developed.
Do You Need to Pay for It?
Usually, the buyer will pay for the inspection. However, it’s not uncommon for sellers to pay for the inspection if negotiated. If you’re facing a buyer’s market, buyers may have more negotiating power. They may request you pay for the home inspection.
If your house has been on the market for some time and you haven’t had many interested parties, the cost of the inspection might be a valuable incentive. Generally speaking, a professional home inspection costs between $279-$399. The cost varies based not on the size of your property but also depends on where the property is located. The national average, according to Home Advisor, is $388.
Who pays for the home inspection is often part of the negotiation process. For more advice about buying or selling a home, be sure to contact us at Randy Lindsay today.
