An important element of any real estate transaction, a home inspection provides a buyer with an objective look at the condition of a house. But some inspectors also offer what’s called a “seller’s inspection.” What’s the difference between a buyer’s inspection and a seller’s inspection? According to Brian Lunsford of Inspect-All Services in Atlanta, the difference is simple. Lunsford, whose company offers Atlanta home inspections and termite inspections, says that the majority of home inspections are done when someone is preparing to purchase a house. However, a seller can actually benefit from having an inspection done prior to putting his home on the market. He explains.
Buyer’s Inspection
According to Lunsford, a buyer’s inspection is the type of home inspection most people are familiar with. “Probably 90 to 95% of our home inspections are buyer’s inspections,” he says.
The buyer’s inspection (also called a pre-sale inspection) is a standard part of a real estate transaction, and is intended to help a potential home buyer make an informed decision about whether to buy a particular house. This non-invasive examination process typically includes the roof, basement, crawlspace, attic, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical, foundation, and other aspects of the structure.
The benefits of a buyer’s inspection are obvious, Lunsford says. The inspector’s report will make you aware of any potential problems with the property so that you can make a decision about which, if any, items you’d like the seller to address before you move forward with the purchase. The inspector’s report will also highlight items that could become problematic in the future so that you will understand the risks you may be undertaking by purchasing a particular home.
Seller’s Inspection
A seller’s inspection, on the other hand, is generally done before putting a home on the market or as part of a decision as to when (and whether) to sell a home. There are a number of good reasons, Lunsford says, for a seller to consider a professional home inspection.
“This is something a lot of savvy sellers do,” Lunsford says. “It provides the seller with some warning in advance of what a potential buyer might say about their house.”
Having an inspection completed in advance of a home sale allows the seller to identify and address any issues that could prevent or delay the sale of the home. It helps the seller avoid being caught off guard by problems that may arise during a buyer’s inspection, and affords him the opportunity to save time and money by completing necessary repairs in advance of selling.
Choosing an Inspector
When choosing an inspector, you’ll want someone you can trust not to overlook any critical details. In business since 1984, Inspect-All Services provides fast, affordable, professional service, and has the solid customer relationships to prove it. In fact, the company was recently named one of the top 100 fastest growing alumni-owned businesses by University of Georgia. “Inspect-All continues to grow and earn its reputation as one of the state’s most respected home inspection and pest solution companies,” Lunsford says proudly.