Should I Get a Home Inspection Before Selling My House?
If you are planning to sell your home, you may be wondering if it is worth getting a home inspection before you put your home on the market. Most people associate home inspections with working for the buyer. But pre-listing inspections, done before a house even goes on the market, are becoming more popular with sellers who want to avoid surprises, gain leverage, and have a smooth transaction.
As a full-time New Jersey home inspector who works directly for the home purchaser, I want to explain when a pre-listing home inspection makes sense and what the pros and cons are. I am going to provide useful information, so you can decide what is best for your situation.
What Is a Pre-Listing Home Inspection?
A pre-listing home inspection is a professional inspection of your home before you put it on the market. The inspector looks at the major systems of the home, including the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, attic, and structure, just like they would during a buyer’s inspection.
You get a full home inspection report showing what is working properly and what issues are present. You do not have to share the report with anyone if you do not want to, but many sellers choose to show it to prospective buyers or use it to make repairs ahead of time.
Why Would a Seller Get a Home Inspection?
- Avoid Getting Blindsided Later
One of the biggest reasons sellers choose to get a pre-listing inspection is to avoid unwanted surprises. If a buyer finds a serious problem during their inspection, like a failing roof, a foundation crack, or knob-and-tube wiring, it can really affect the transaction in a negative way. The buyer might cancel the transaction, or they might ask for a large credit or repair.
When you get your own inspection first, you are in control. You can repair things on your terms and timeline, or price the home accordingly.
- Speed Up the Sale
Homes that are pre-inspected can sometimes move through the real estate transaction process more quickly. Buyers feel more confident when they see that you have taken care of the home and been transparent about its condition. It can reduce time in negotiation and give the buyer one less reason to hesitate.
- Build Trust With Buyers
Selling a home is not just about the issues, it is about emotions. Buyers want to feel good about the purchase. When a seller has a home inspection report available and has already addressed the major issues, it sends the message that the home has been well maintained and cared for. It also shows you have nothing to hide.
- Price the Home Accurately
If you do not know the condition of the home, it can be hard to price it properly. A pre-listing inspection gives you a clearer picture of what the home is really worth based on its present condition, and what items might come up that could reduce the value during negotiations. Having that information is power.
Are There Any Downsides?
There are a few things to consider before ordering a pre-listing inspection:
- Disclosure requirements: In some states, if you become aware of material defects, you may be legally required to disclose them to the new buyers. You should talk to your real estate agent or attorney about your local laws.
- Out-of-pocket cost: A home inspection will cost you money up front, and you may also need to spend money on repairs. But compared to the cost of a sale falling apart, it can be a smart investment.
- Buyers may still get their own inspection: Even if you share your report, most buyers will want their own independent inspection anyway. But having your report shows that you have been proactive and upfront.
What Happens After the Pre-Listing Inspection?
Once the inspection is complete, you will get a detailed report. You can then:
- Fix the issues you are comfortable fixing.
- Get estimates for any big-ticket items you do not want to fix and share those with potential buyers.
- Decide to sell the home “as-is” but with full transparency.
Many sellers find that the report becomes a useful tool to help them negotiate with confidence and avoid last-minute panic.
Should You Do It?
If your home is older, has not been updated in a while, or you just want a smoother transaction, a pre-listing inspection can be a smart move. It helps you stay in control, gives you time to plan, and shows buyers that you are serious.
If your home is newer and in great condition, you may not need one—but even then, it can still help you spot something unexpected before a buyer finds it first.
Final Thoughts
Getting a home inspection before you sell is not required, but in many cases, it can save time, reduce stress, and help your home sell for more money. Buyers will still do their due diligence, but if you take care of issues early, you protect the deal and build trust.
As a NJ home inspector, I always say it is better to know what you are dealing with than to find out later when the buyer has the upper hand.
About the Author
My name is John Martino, owner of LookSmart Home Inspections. I have been performing home inspections for over 24 years and bring real-world experience to every inspection. My job is to give you the facts and help you make an informed decision. I provide detailed reports with photos, use thermal imaging when needed, and I am available for questions even after the inspection is over.
If you are selling your home and wondering if a pre-listing inspection is right for you, feel free to reach out. You can find more information or schedule an inspection at
👉 https://www.looksmarthomeinspections.com