It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize our nation is in the grips one of the worst real estate markets in decades. Home prices in Las Vegas and Sacramento have plunged as much as 50% in the last two years. Sellers desperate to sell their gorgeous homes before things get even worse can’t even get an offer. There are few buyers but interest rates are low. What in the world is going on? It’s the old waiting game. Buyers are holding back in hopes that prices will drop further and sellers can’t sell their homes because the buyers are holding back. Talk about a catch 22!

In today’s fiercely competitive world one must differentiate to be successful. Whether you’re a salesperson, restaurateur or a home seller you must think outside the box or you will likely fail to accomplish your goals. An excellent way a home seller can differentiate their home for sale from other similar listings in the area, is to have the home pre-inspected before placing the home on the market with an agent or selling by owner. Buyers love pre-inspected properties. As a home and building inspector I can tell you that there is no such thing as a home without issues. Some newer homes are worse than older ones and today’s savvy buyers know it. With a pre-listing inspection the home inspector examines the home just as thoroughly as a pre-purchase inspection. Roof, structure, electrical, plumbing, attic, furnace, AC and much more. When the homeowner receives the inspection report it will likely contain at least a few issues that need to be addressed. Maybe your sump pump is defective or you have a double tapped breaker in your service panel, perhaps much more. It is in the homeowner’s best interest (especially in a poor real estate market) to have the problems fixed before listing. Buyers will tour your home knowing that you were pro-active and honest. The marketing edge is now yours with two signs on your front lawn instead of one - the typical for sale sign and an attention grabbing ‘pre-inspected home’ sign. Happy selling!