Home inspections are the make-or-break for most home sales in Ottawa.
Almost all home purchase contracts include a home inspection clause.
Buyers want to know everything about the property: and we mean everything.
Homeowners shouldn’t be around for showings. It interferes with the buying process, and can curb interest.
But home inspections are more intensive, and a sign of serious interest in your property.
So should the seller be present for a home inspection?
Buyers Will Feel Like Guests If You’re There
A home inspection is where buyers learn about any major issues your home has, as well as another chance for buyers to picture themselves living there.
But it’s hard to focus on the house when the current owner is hanging around.
They’ll feel like a guest in a place they want to call home. This makes them less likely to engage with the home and the inspection.
They Need to Be Able to Ask Blunt Questions
Home buyers need to be able to ask blunt questions about the condition of your home.
What’s the state of the foundation?
How’s the roof?
Is this place worth the price?
When the seller is present, it can make the entire process a little awkward. After all, who wants to be critical of something if the owner is right there?
There are a lot of emotions on both sides of this transaction: the last thing you want to do is create a situation where someone feels uncomfortable or upset.
By being there, you’ll be taking away the buyer’s ability to learn about the house, and put the entire transaction at risk.
How Often Do Home Sales Fall Through After Inspection?
Sometimes home sales fall through after an inspection. If you’re properly prepared, this is unlikely to happen to you. But some buyers get the final report and start to panic.
In some cases, buyers may ask for a lower sale price to make up for problems. They could also request that pre-existing problems be fixed beforehand.
At this point you need to talk to your real estate agent. Our agents are highly experienced and knowledgeable in negotiations, and can advise you on what to do next.
Home Inspection Tips for Sellers
A home inspection can be a rough, emotional experience.
These tips will help you get ready.
1. Get Your Own Home Inspection, and Use Home Inspection Guide
Home inspections can be especially hard on the sellers who aren’t aware of the problems before they list. You could be in for an unwelcome surprise.
It’s important that you know exactly what home inspectors are going to be looking at when they evaluate your home.
The best way to do that is by getting your own inspection. You’ll avoid any nasty shocks, and you’ll have confidence when buyers start showing up.
Another way to prepare is to download our helpful home inspection guide, “11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection,” and complete a pre-inspection yourself.
This guide goes into extensive detail about what a home inspection covers, and how you can get ready.
2. Have a Place to Go During the Inspection
A home inspection takes about 3 hours to complete. If you don’t have a coffee shop on the corner of your block, you should have a plan.
We recommend making this plan well in advance, especially for days when you’re with your whole family.
Whether it’s a trip to the park, the movies, a museum, or even a friend’s house, you should have everything you need to entertain kids, pets, and yourself.
3. Keep Your House Neat
When you have buyers coming in and out of your home, it needs to be kept clean and neat to make a good first impression.
This holds true for home inspections, too. Not only does it keep the buyer interested, but it makes it a little easier for the home inspector to move around.
What if I don’t have time to clean? >
We’ll Help You Navigate the Selling Process
The home inspection is just one small part of the selling process. It can be overwhelming for homeowners, particularly because of the emotional connections to the house.
We can help you navigate the selling process, and make the entire experience easier. When you work with us, you have a whole team behind you, committed to getting you the best price in the shortest time period.
