By John Pignatore, RHI, CCI




Selling your house? If you are, a pre-listing inspection is the single most important action that you can take. Today's market is a buyer's market. The interest rates are low and the economy is strong. A pre-listing inspection will give your home the selling edge you need. A home with a pre-listing will sell faster, will attract top dollar, and reduces the negotiating time.

For these reasons a pre-listing inspection is a prudent first phase in the selling process. The report will indentify the major deficiencies and provide you with valuable information on the steps, as well as, estimated cost of correcting the problems. Correction prior to placing your home on the market will enhance the value of the home.

With a pre-listing inspection you have two options, either make repairs, or acknowledge the defects to the buyer with the asking price considering the cost of repairs. Bottom line, you'll get what you are asking for and the negotiating time is practically eliminated.

Research indicates that buyers are positively influenced by a professional home inspection report, which improves the speed, price and likelihood of sale.



Most buyers do not want to invest a great deal of money correcting problems in critical areas. The pre-listing inspection can reveal problems and includes recommendations for repairs.


(a) roof structure and covering,

(b) foundation, basement, and / or crawl space,

(c) central heating and air conditioning,

(d) electrical system, and

(e) plumbing system.

:: Make maintenance improvements :

(a) Trim trees and shrubs,

(b) apply new caulking and weather stripping, and

(c) clean / repair gutters.


(a) Repair leaky faucets,

(b) tighten loose door knobs,

(c) replace broken screens,

(d) replace burned out bulbs,

(e) secure loose railings, and

(f) repair or replace faded / peeling wallpaper.


Home inspectors also pay attention to items relating to protecting the home and occupants from danger. Home inspectors can alert you to important safety precautions which buyers will appreciate.


John Pignatore, RHI, CCI
843-293-2119

john@realestateinspectionssc.com
Letuschk4u@yahoo.com


Property Inspection Specialist
3797C Cape Landing Circle
Myrtle Beach SC 29588


RHI = Registered House Inspector
CCI = Certified Construction Inspector