Why More Sellers Are Getting Pre-Listing Inspections: As the market slowly shifts, more home sales are falling through, and inspection reports are often to blame. Buyers are backing out at record rates. In May alone, Redfin reported that 15% of homes under contract didn’t close. Usually, the deal falls apart after a negative home inspection. To prevent this, many top real estate agents recommend pre-listing inspections. By inspecting the home before it goes on the market, sellers can discover potential issues early. This gives them the chance to make repairs or disclose problems upfront, helping avoid last-minute surprises that can scare off buyers.
As a result, sellers gain more control over the process. Instead of scrambling to fix problems during escrow, they can address them on their terms. Moreover, buyers may feel more confident making an offer when they see the home has already been inspected. Being transparent about the home’s condition reassures buyers and reduces the risk of renegotiation or cancellations later. While pre-listing inspections aren’t necessary for every home—newer or recently updated homes may not need them—they can be a smart move for older properties or those with potential red flags.
Ultimately, in a market where high interest rates and rising costs stretch buyers, a pre-listing inspection offers a proactive way to keep sales on track. And this is why more sellers are getting pre-listing inspections.
