🔎 Should You Get a Pre-Sale Home Inspection Before Selling?

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Should I get a pre-sale inspection?”

While many sellers leave inspections up to the buyer, more and more homeowners are choosing to take the proactive route—and it’s paying off. Whether you’re aiming to sell faster, avoid last-minute surprises, or negotiate from a stronger position, a pre-sale home inspection might just be your secret weapon.

In this article, I’ll walk you through what a pre-sale inspection is, the pros and cons, and when it makes the most sense to do one.

🛠 What Is a Pre-Sale Home Inspection?

A pre-sale inspection (also known as a pre-listing inspection) is a professional home inspection done before your home goes on the market.

It covers the same things as a buyer’s inspection:

• Roof, plumbing, electrical, foundation, HVAC, appliances, etc.

• Any potential safety issues or repairs that need to be made

The difference? You control the timing and the narrative.

📌 Tip: Think of it as a preemptive strike—identify problems before they cost you money or the deal.

✅ Benefits of Getting a Pre-Sale Inspection

Here’s why it could be one of your smartest moves:

1. Avoid Deal-Breaking Surprises

Buyers will likely order their own inspection. If it uncovers major issues, they may:

• Ask for a price reduction

• Walk away from the deal

• Delay closing

A pre-inspection lets you fix issues in advance, avoiding panic or last-minute negotiations.

2. Sell Faster & With Fewer Conditions

When buyers see you’ve done a professional inspection:

• They feel more confident making an offer

• They may waive their own inspection

• The transaction becomes smoother, faster, and more predictable

3. Increase Your Home’s Value

Fixing small items ahead of time can:

• Improve perceived value

• Help justify a higher asking price

• Show that the home is well-maintained

Even inexpensive fixes—like caulking windows, replacing light switches, or tightening railings—can go a long way.

4. Stand Out in a Competitive Market

In a crowded market, buyers are comparing multiple properties.
If your home has:

• A clean inspection report

• Proof of recent updates or repairs

• Transparency from day one

…it stands out as the “safe bet”—and often attracts more offers.

📌 Pro Tip: Use the inspection report as a feature in your marketing. Include “Pre-Inspected for Peace of Mind” in the listing description!

⚠️ The Downsides to Consider

While a pre-sale inspection has plenty of benefits, it’s not right for every situation.

1. Upfront Cost

Expect to spend $300–$600, depending on your home’s size and location.

For some sellers on a tight budget, this might not feel worth it—especially if they plan to sell “as is.”

2. Disclosure Obligations

In most provinces (including Saskatchewan), once you know about a defect, you may be legally required to disclose it to potential buyers.

That means if the inspector finds major structural issues or safety hazards, you’ll need to decide whether to:

• Fix them

• Disclose them

• Or price the home accordingly

3. Not Always Necessary in a Hot Market

In a strong seller’s market where:

• Inventory is low

• Homes sell in bidding wars

• Buyers are skipping inspections to compete

…you might not need a pre-inspection at all.
It’s best to speak with your Realtor to determine if it's worth doing.

🧠 How to Use a Pre-Sale Inspection to Your Advantage

If you decide to move forward, here’s how to make it work for you:

• Fix the small stuff before listing (buyers notice everything)

• Get repair estimates for bigger issues so buyers can budget accurately

• Use a clean report as a selling tool in your marketing materials

• Be transparent—today’s buyers value honesty over perfection

📌 Tip: You can turn a potential deal-breaker into a confidence booster with the right approach.

📞 Final Thoughts: Should You Get One?

Yes, if:

• You want to reduce risk and surprises

• You’re in a balanced or buyer’s market

• Your home has some age or deferred maintenance

No, if:

• You’re selling in a red-hot market with multiple offers

• You’re selling as-is and don’t want to invest in repairs

• You’re confident the home has no major issues

Want Help Deciding What’s Best for Your Home?

If you're preparing to sell and wondering whether a pre-sale inspection is right for you, I’d be happy to walk you through it.

📱 Call or Text: (306) 370-6179
📧 jack@bouvierrealestate.com

🔍 The right preparation leads to better offers, faster sales, and fewer headaches. Let’s get your home sold the smart way.