When it comes to enhancing the appeal and value of a property before a sale, our panel of CEOs and business owners share their experiences and strategies. From conducting thorough pre-sale inspections to meticulous checks that facilitate successful transactions, discover the top ten insights on how pre-sale steps can positively influence a sale. How do you approach pre-sale inspections and necessary repairs?


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  • Conduct Pre-Sale Inspections and Repairs
  • Enhance Curb Appeal with Exterior Upgrades
  • Guarantee Pool Condition with Pre-Sale Checks
  • Boost Structural Integrity Before Selling
  • Prevent Negotiation Tactics with Pre-Sale Inspection
  • Address Minor Issues for Higher Sale Price
  • Match Repairs with Homeowner’s Longevity Plan
  • Increase Property Value with Necessary Repairs
  • Reveal Crucial House Issues
  • Facilitate Successful Transactions

Conduct Pre-Sale Inspections and Repairs

When listing a home, I recommend my clients get a professional inspection done upfront to identify any issues that may impact value or function. This allows us to make repairs before listing, rather than negotiating over problems later.

For example, I once had a seller balk at the $5,000 estimate to replace a roof near the end of its life. Doing the work before listing lets us price the home appropriately and avoid issues down the line. When the buyer’s inspection found no major defects, it reinforced their confidence in the property’s condition and facilitated a quick close at the full asking price.

The pre-sale inspection revealed roof damage that would have derailed the eventual sale if left unaddressed. By making the investment upfront, my client was able to sell for top dollar in under a week with no contingencies. This experience demonstrated how proper prep work pays off in a smooth sales process and maximizes value for the seller.

Dmitriy Bobriakov, Marketing Manager, RealEstateU

Enhance Curb Appeal with Exterior Upgrades

In my role with JASB Roofing & Exterior Remodeling, specializing in exterior remodeling projects such as siding installation and repairs, I’ve witnessed how crucial pre-sale inspections and subsequent repairs are in positively influencing a property’s sale. Our comprehensive approach not only ensures the structural integrity of the siding but also significantly enhances the curb appeal of the property, directly impacting its market value and sale potential.

One particular instance that stands out involved a property in Austin, TX, that had been on the market with little interest from potential buyers. The feedback highlighted concerns over the outdated and somewhat deteriorated siding. We conducted a thorough pre-sale inspection and recommended replacing the old siding with new, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing vinyl siding. Following the makeover, the property’s appeal skyrocketed, resulting in a swift sale at a price that exceeded the seller’s expectations by over 10%.

The lesson here is clear: investing in the exterior appearance and functionality of a property before putting it on the market can significantly impact its attractiveness to potential buyers. Siding, in particular, plays a critical role in this process due to its visual prominence and its function in protecting the property from the elements. 

By prioritizing siding inspections and repairs, homeowners can ensure their property stands out in a competitive market, fetching a higher sale price and a faster closing process. Through these experiences, I’ve seen the tangible benefits of addressing exterior concerns proactively, reinforcing the value of such improvements in the real estate sales process.

Audie Brower, Owner, JASB Roofing and Exterior Remodeling

Guarantee Pool Condition with Pre-Sale Checks

Our approach to pre-sale inspections is characterized by meticulousness and openness. We take measures to guarantee a thorough examination of all elements comprising the pool, including its mechanical components and structural soundness. We promptly attend to any identified repairs or maintenance needs in order to ensure that the pool is in its highest possible condition for the incoming proprietor.

During a recent pre-sale inspection, a modest leak in the pool’s filtration system was identified. The breach was expeditiously rectified, and comprehensive repair documentation was furnished to the vendor. The prospective purchaser was reassured of the pool’s condition by this forthrightness and proactive approach, which contributed to the sale’s success and efficiency.

Through the implementation of pre-sale inspections as a top priority and the timely resolution of required repairs, we effectively showcase our dedication to ensuring client satisfaction and instill confidence in the purchasers regarding the pool’s operational capabilities and overall quality.

Jacob Mendrin, Owner and Home Care Enthusiast, Pool Care Arizona LLC

Boost Structural Integrity Before Selling

In my capacity as co-owner of Bonsai Builders, I’ve witnessed the impact of preemptive inspections and repairs on the sales process. A particularly noteworthy example is a project we undertook in Massachusetts, where a client was struggling to sell their commercial property due to concerns about the structural integrity of the building. Upon our inspection, we discovered issues with the foundation that, if left unaddressed, could deter potential buyers.

Understanding the market’s concerns, we embarked on a series of necessary repairs, including reinforcing the building’s foundation and updating the HVAC system for improved energy efficiency. Not only did these actions address the immediate structural concerns, but they also demonstrated to potential buyers the property’s long-term value and commitment to quality. As a result, the property garnered increased interest, leading to a sale that exceeded the client’s initial price expectations.

This experience solidified my belief in the power of transparency and proactive problem-solving in the real estate market. By conducting thorough pre-sale inspections and making the necessary repairs, we were able to transform a potentially stagnant sale into a success story. It’s a testament to the fact that investing in the integrity and appeal of a property before it hits the market can significantly influence the sale outcome, providing peace of mind to both sellers and buyers and ultimately enhancing the property’s value.

Kristin Hintlian, Owner, Bonsai Builders

Prevent Negotiation Tactics with Pre-Sale Inspection

When it comes to pre-sale inspections and necessary repairs, these are two vitally important factors for maximizing top-dollar sales and also the best way to sell a house quickly on the market. The reason that someone is able to get top dollar by utilizing this method is that it eliminates the option for a potential buyer to use an inspection as a means to get an additional price reduction. 

Inspections are often used to increase the buyer’s confidence with a purchase but also as a negotiation tactic to try to squeeze an extra $10,000 or $20,000 off the purchase price, sometimes even more. If a seller knows this, they may as well invest a few hundred dollars into a home inspection to make sure that they are adequately protected from this tactic. 

Additionally, making some necessary repairs is also going to keep more money in the seller’s pocket. Often, buyers will inflate the potential repairs that are required that come up in their inspection report, and they’ll try to squeeze more money out of the seller. In my experience, I had a flip property that we were looking to sell that was done fairly quickly with fairly cheap renovations. Because it was more of a “lipstick on a pig” renovation, we wanted to be sure that there would be no surprises for potential buyers, so we did a quick pre-sale inspection.

During this pre-sale inspection, we found an issue with one of the joists, and we were able to replace it fairly quickly for not much money, which protected us from future buyers trying to negotiate that or telling us that the property is a teardown.

Sebastian Jania, CEO, Alberta Property Buyers

Address Minor Issues for Higher Sale Price

When it comes to selling a property, pre-sale inspections and necessary repairs can greatly impact the success of the sale. Taking care of these steps before listing a property can help attract more potential buyers and increase the value of the property.

In my experience as a real estate agent, I had a client who was looking to sell their family home. The property was in a desirable location and had great potential, but it needed some repairs and updates. We decided to conduct pre-sale inspections and address any necessary repairs before putting the property on the market.

The pre-sale inspections revealed some minor issues that were easily fixed, such as a leaking faucet and cracked tiles in the bathroom. We also made some cosmetic updates, such as repainting the walls and updating light fixtures.

These small improvements made a big difference in the overall appearance of the property and gave potential buyers confidence that the house was well-maintained. As a result, we received multiple offers on the property and were able to sell it for a higher price than expected.

Brian Rudderow, Founder & CEO, HBR Colorado

Match Repairs with Homeowner’s Longevity Plan

This is a good time to discuss concerns and the longevity of the investment being made. Is the repair going to be necessary for the home to function long-term, or would a simple solution be the right fix? Typically, understanding someone’s timeframe in a home and the purpose helps us direct a client in the right direction. 

Are you planning to live here for 2-5 years, or are you looking for a more permanent fix to the problem? For example, cost-effective patio pavers might be a temporary improvement for an outdoor space, but a more permanent solution would be a concrete patio. It really depends on their situation and how much time and money is necessary to be spent on the repair.

Casey Marks, Chief Operating Officer, Marks Building Company

Increase Property Value with Necessary Repairs

In the real estate industry, pre-sale inspections and necessary repairs play a crucial role in selling a property. These steps not only ensure that the property is in good condition, but also give potential buyers confidence in their purchase. Pre-sale inspections provide sellers with an opportunity to identify any issues with the property before putting it on the market. This allows them to make necessary repairs and updates, ensuring that the property is in top condition and ready for sale. 

On the other hand, necessary repairs are important because they address any issues that may deter potential buyers from making an offer. By completing necessary repairs, sellers can increase the value of their property and attract more interested buyers. To ensure an accurate assessment of the property, it is recommended to hire a professional inspector. They have the expertise and knowledge to identify any potential issues that may affect the sale. After the inspection is completed, review the report with your real estate agent and determine which repairs are necessary to address. 

A recent example of how pre-sale inspections and necessary repairs positively influenced a sale was with a client of mine who was selling their family home. Upon conducting the pre-sale inspection, we discovered that the roof had some minor damage from a recent storm. The sellers were initially hesitant to address this issue, as they didn’t want to incur additional expenses.

Mandy Murry, Founder & CEO, Independent Hotel Consultant

Reveal Crucial House Issues

As a real estate agent, one of the most important aspects of my job is to ensure that a property is in good condition before putting it on the market. This includes conducting pre-sale inspections and addressing any necessary repairs. 

Pre-sale inspections involve hiring a professional inspector to thoroughly examine the property and provide a report on its current condition. This not only helps identify any potential issues that may affect the sale, but also gives buyers peace of mind knowing that the property has been thoroughly checked and approved. In one particular situation, I was representing a seller who had inherited a property from their parents. The house was quite old and had not received proper maintenance in years. 

The seller was initially hesitant to invest in pre-sale inspections or repairs, as they wanted to sell the property “as-is” and avoid any extra expenses. However, I convinced them of the benefits of conducting pre-sale inspections and addressing necessary repairs. The inspection report revealed several major issues that needed to be fixed in order for the property to pass regulations and attract potential buyers.

Keith Sant, Founder & CEO, Kind House Buyers

Facilitate Successful Transactions

Approaching pre-sale inspections and necessary repairs requires a thorough and proactive mindset. It’s about identifying potential issues before they become deal-breakers. For instance, during a recent project, a routine inspection revealed minor roof damage. Rather than glossing over it, the team addressed it immediately, ensuring the repair matched the existing structure seamlessly. 

This attention to detail not only prevented future complications but also significantly boosted the property’s appeal. The buyers were impressed with our commitment to quality and transparency, which played a key role in closing the sale smoothly and to everyone’s satisfaction. This experience underscores the importance of meticulous inspections and timely repairs in facilitating successful transactions.

Gil Clark Jr., CEO, GH Clark