As I was researching topics having to do with getting your house ready to sell, I stumbled upon a number of articles having to do with hiring an engineer before you go to market. I was a bit surprised at this advice until I realized that, perhaps, the laws that regulate real estate transactions in the state of New York are probably different than those in other states. I firmly reject the notion that you should hire an engineer before listing your house for sale. Here’s why-
According to state law, sellers are required to disclose any known deficiency to a prospective buyer of real estate. Stated another way, ignorance really is bliss.
Traditionally, buyers will choose to conduct an engineer’s inspection of the home that they are looking to purchase. Let them find deficiencies. You don’t need to nor should you help them to find problems.
Finally, buyers typically have an emotional need that you, the seller, need to understand and fulfill. As a result of spending upwards of $850 on several inspections, buyers want to feel that their money was well spent and, therefore, will often turn to the homeowner and ask them to make a few repairs. Well, if you were to conduct an inspection before listing your house and decided to address a few problems, I’m absolutely confident that the buyers will simply ask you to fix another set of issues. In other words, regardless of how much you repair, buyers will likely still ask you to address something else.
In short, if there are problems with your house that are obvious, then you should consider resolving them. Otherwise, you’re better off spending your money on addressing some of the aesthetic issues that will more certainly entice a prospect to write an offer.
For any questions regarding the sale of your home, contact us.