Short answerSometimes. A pre listing inspection removes surprises, gives you time to get quotes, and can make buyers more confident. The tradeoff is that what it finds becomes something you know, and Indiana's disclosure form asks about what you know. It makes the most sense on older houses, estates, and homes you have not lived in.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No surprises during the buyer's inspection | Findings become known conditions you may need to disclose |
| Time to get quotes and fix on your schedule | Costs a few hundred dollars |
| Can be shared with buyers to build confidence | Buyers will usually still do their own inspection |
A lighter first step is a free condition walk, a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation that is not a home inspection. How the condition walk works. Ask a real estate attorney how disclosure applies before ordering any inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Will buyers trust my pre listing inspection?
Some will use it to shortlist the house, but most will still order their own.
Do I have to give buyers the report?
That is your choice, but known defects must be disclosed on the state form. Ask a real estate attorney.
Keep reading
Want to know what a buyer's inspector may find before they do?
Book a free pre listing condition walk. I walk the house with you, point out what inspectors and FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers tend to flag, and give you planning ranges so you can decide what to fix, credit, price in, or disclose.
Book a condition walkOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The condition walk is a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation, not a home inspection, and it does not replace one. If you have already signed a listing agreement with another agent, please take these questions to your agent.
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.