What are the benefits of a home inspection for Realtors?
As a real estate agent, you want to provide your clients the best possible service. Whether you’re a listing agent or a buyer’s agent, a home inspection is critical to the buying and selling process. A home inspection can save your clients from costly repairs and hidden surprises and provide assurances about the home’s condition.
Let’s walk through the benefits of a home inspection and how it can protect your client’s investment without further ado.
For listing agents
A home inspection helps you and your clients understand the property’s condition and identify potential negotiation points. Your client can then decide whether or not to make repairs before listing.
Getting a head start on potential issues can be very beneficial to sellers because, as we all know, the perceived costs can be higher than the actual cost of the repair, making negotiations more expensive to a seller. It’s good to understand your options and priorities. Additionally, taking action on a pre-listing home inspection helps you and your client avoid potential closing delays due to repairs that could have been handled before listing.
For buyer’s agents
Home inspections are crucial for buyer’s agents because they help protect both the buyer and the agent from the cost of unforeseen damage and necessary repairs. These inspections inform the buyer on the property’s condition; therefore, the buyer can avoid overpaying for it. Additionally, they provide some protection for agents from legal claims due to unknown damages. Once issues are found during the inspection, Realtors can guide their client on how to resolve them best.
A home inspection is essential to the real estate buying process. Not only does it help protect your client’s investment, but it also provides them with peace of mind, knowing the ins and outs of their future home.
Zoom designed its reports to make it easy for agents and clients to understand the state of the property. Our digital reports are consistently praised for how straightforward they are. We present the facts, include clear photos or videos, and advise on the appropriate specialist to contact to evaluate further or resolve the issue. Buying or selling a home is complicated enough; we make it easier.
What should Realtors communicate to their home inspector?
We encourage Realtors to discuss any essential topics with the home inspector. For instance, if you have a tight deadline, be sure to inform your inspector so they can rush the report to you and your client. Zoom is always happy to accommodate a short inspection contingency.
We also recommend communicating specific worries your clients may have about the property. By presenting client-centric concerns, Realtors can ensure that their buyers and sellers receive a thorough inspection and a comprehensive report tailored to their needs.
Oversights that Realtors can make regarding home inspections
One potential misstep is failing to prepare clients for the fact that all previously owned homes are sure to have plenty of minor repairs reflected in the report, but it’s important to stay focused on the major concerns that may be costly to resolve. We like to consider the minor repairs as a honey-do list for the buyer!
Another common misunderstanding is that a buyer’s agent doesn’t realize they can contact the seller’s inspector to gain clarity on the details in the report. This lack of communication can leave buyers with unanswered questions about the property. It’s important to note here that home inspectors can only discuss the details of a property with a buyer’s agent upon the seller’s and their Realtor’s approval.
By understanding these ways of supporting their clients, Realtors can help them navigate home inspections with confidence.
Top five home inspection preparation tips
Before a home inspection, Realtors can take proactive steps to ensure that the process goes smoothly by informing the seller to complete the following:
- Service the furnace and change the filter in the HVAC system
- Ensure smoke detectors are within ten years of age
- Install water heater seismic straps
- Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home
- Ensure access to the attic, crawlspace, electric panel, furnace, and water heater are cleared
A word about home inspection contingencies
A home inspection contingency is a purchase and sale agreement clause allowing the buyer to inspect the property before the sale is final. It gives the buyer an understanding of the property’s condition and will enable them to move forward, negotiate further, or back out of the contract without penalty.
Typically, the standard timeline for an inspection contingency per MLS forms is ten days. However, by shortening the inspection contingency timeline or opting for a pre-offer inspection, buyers can increase their chances of securing the property they desire in a competitive market.
How we collaborate with Realtors
Working with a reputable home inspection company helps make home-buying and selling as smooth and stress-free as possible. Zoom Home Inspections works closely with Realtors to ensure the home inspection process is of value to all parties involved.
Our website offers a convenient scheduling tool with real-time inspector availability, allowing users to instantly schedule a date and time that works for everyone. Additionally, we offer no-cost cancellations, so you can hold your spot without worrying about incurring any fees if you need to cancel or reschedule.
One of the most valuable aspects of working with Zoom Home Inspections is our extensive knowledge of home systems. With decades in the building industry, our inspectors are well-versed in the turn-of-the-century classics to modern homes and can detect potential issues that could lead to costly repairs down the line. We also recognize the stress of buying or selling a home and can patiently explain the inspection findings to help ease clients’ concerns regarding the property.
At Zoom Home Inspections, we understand the value of the relationship between a Realtor and their client. Besides our quick availability and thorough inspections, once the inspection report is complete, we can provide an extensive list of specialists who can help with any necessary repairs. We pride ourselves in understanding the nuances of fulfilling a successful transaction and strive to support the unique needs of our real estate professionals. We’re sure you’ll find that our easy, grounded approach to home inspections will help you quickly move your transactions to the closing table.
Let Zoom help you
Our goal at Zoom Home Inspections is to make your inspection process as smooth and worry-free as possible. By following these proactive steps, you can ensure your clients are well-prepared for the buying and selling process.
We’re dedicated to helping you and your clients every step of the way. To schedule your inspection with us, click here.
