Why Every Home Seller Should Get a Pre-Inspection—Before Listing
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter—but what’s behind the walls can matter even more. Yet, many sellers skip one of the most critical steps in the selling process: a pre-inspection. This oversight can end up costing thousands of dollars and jeopardizing your sale.
As a seasoned real estate professional, I’ve seen this scenario play out time and again. If your goal is to sell your home for the highest price possible, here’s why a professional pre-inspection should be at the top of your to-do list before you go on the market.
The Hidden Risks of Skipping a Pre-Inspection
Older homes, even those that appear well-maintained, often have hidden issues. From aging electrical systems to foundation cracks or roof wear, these aren’t always visible during casual walkthroughs. If you don’t uncover these issues in advance, the buyer will—and likely during their due diligence period once you’re already in escrow.
At that point, the balance of power shifts. You lose leverage. The buyer may ask for a substantial credit, a price reduction, or in some cases, may walk away altogether. None of these scenarios work in your favor.
Sellers Hold the Most Power Before Accepting an Offer
Before you accept an offer, buyers are at their most motivated. They’re trying to outshine competing buyers and present strong terms. But once you’re under contract, that dynamic changes. That’s why disclosing known issues in advance puts you in a much stronger position—it shifts the narrative from defense to offense.
When you conduct a pre-inspection and provide that report to potential buyers, you’re being fully transparent. You’re saying: “Here’s the current condition of the home. If you’re interested, it’s being sold as-is.”
A Real-Life Example: How a Pre-Inspection Saved My Client $250,000
Take my client Chris, for example. He hired me to sell his beautiful character home in Pasadena, which was over 100 years old. We received multiple offers and entered escrow with a motivated buyer who, as expected, conducted thorough inspections.
But then they came back asking for a $250,000 price reduction, citing issues uncovered during the inspection. The twist? Those same issues were already disclosed in our pre-inspection report before they even submitted their offer.
Chris was in a powerful position to push back. He simply reminded the buyer: “You knew the home’s condition when you made your offer.” As a result, we closed the deal with no concessions, and Chris maximized his equity.
The Bottom Line: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Getting a pre-inspection isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s a strategic move that safeguards your sale price, reduces surprises, and boosts buyer confidence. It also allows you to repair or disclose issues upfront and market your property honestly and clearly.
Before you put your home on the market, invest in a pre-inspection. If you need a referral to a trusted inspector, I’d be happy to share a few names with you.
Eva Lin is Pasadena’s top-selling real estate agent. Known for her proactive strategies and market expertise, Eva helps home sellers maximize their results in any market condition.