Pre-Offer Inspections
The real estate market is heating back up for 2022! Multiple offers are over asking price, so you may be wondering what to do when you waive inspections?
At AClark Inspections, we provide “pre-offer inspections/walk-through consultations.”
We will go through the home using only a flashlight in the time allotted during a regular showing, usually 15-30 minutes.
The inspector will give a verbal summary of their findings.
Schedule a full inspection to occur after you close to take advantage of your discount of $50! This means the pre-offer inspection only costs you $50!
The price is $100 for the first home and $50 for each additional home scheduled, provided the showings are back to back.
Once you have your offer accepted or have closed on your home, call our office to schedule your full home inspection.
To schedule a walk-through consultation call or text (913)662-3354
Regular home inspections can still be scheduled at www.aclarkinspections.com/schedule
What is a pre-offer inspection?
A pre-offer inspection is when a home inspector evaluates a home on behalf of the buyer before they make an offer. Here are some of the typical details:
An inspector accompanies the buyer during a showing of the property.
The inspector does a visual walk through of the home.
The only tool used is a flashlight.
A written report is not produced.
The inspector views the property during a very short window of time.
The goal is to alert the buyer to any major problems that might turn them away from the home.
There is no set standard for pre-offer inspections anywhere in the country. In fact, the home inspection licensing boards in some states have prohibited home inspectors from performing this type of inspection. (If you happen to live in one of these areas, you can simply hire a contractor to do it.) We, at AClark Inspections, do provide this service (details below).
Pros of a Pre-Offer Inspection
Competing with a strong offer is great, as long as the house you win is also great. A pre-offer inspection can help you know whether you should come in strong with your offer, lower your offer, or run for the hills.
It’s true that you might make a weaker offer if you are factoring in the foundation damage that the other buyers don’t know about. This doesn’t change the fact that the foundation needs repair, and in the long run, an unstable foundation doesn’t care how much you’ve already paid for the home.
If you’ve found the perfect home, the pre-offer inspection can give you the confidence you need to write a solid, strong offer and win the home!
Even if it doesn’t occur before closing, a full home inspection is always recommended. Some inspectors offer a discount or special offers on the full inspection once you move in.
Cons of a Pre-Offer Inspection
A pre-offer inspection is NOT a home inspection. In fact, many inspectors do not call this service an “inspection” at all, but rather a “walk-through consultation.” Calling it a “walk-through consultation” more clearly describes the service.
Pre-offer inspections do not follow any standards of practice like the InterNACHI Standards of Practice we follow during our standard home inspections.
A pre-offer inspection will not discover all defects with the home, even when performed by an experienced, qualified inspector.
