PRE-LISTING INSPECTION
Same Thorough Inspection for 25% Less
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Why Get a Pre-Listing Inspection
A pre-listing inspection is a professional home inspection conducted before a property is listed for sale or while it’s on the market. It helps sellers identify issues in advance, avoid last-minute surprises, and address concerns strategically. A pre-inspected home builds buyer confidence, reduces negotiations, and speeds up closing, making the selling process smoother and more profitable.
ADVANTAGES OF PRE-LISTING INSPECTIONS
Sell Faster & Smoother
A pre-listing inspection helps avoid delays and last-minute surprises, making the selling process more predictable and stress-free for both you and the buyer
Sell For More Money
When buyers feel confident in a home’s condition, they’re more likely to make strong offers rather than negotiating for price reductions due to unknown issues.
Avoid Costly Surprises
Knowing about issues a head of time prevents deals from falling apart due to unexpected findings in the buyer’s inspection.
Reduce Negotiation Pressure
Disclosing known issues upfront removes leverage from buyers, so they can’t use minor defects to push for steep price reductions.
Control Repairs & Costs
Fixing issues on your terms lets you shop around for repairs instead of dealing with rushed, buyer-requested fixes under a tight deadline
Increase Buyer Confidence
A pre-listing inspection reassures buyers and may even encourage them to waive their own inspection contingency, speeding up the closing process.
Stand Out from Other Listings
Transparency builds trust! In competitive markets, pre-inspected homes stand out, attracting serious buyers who appreciate the upfront disclosure.
Protect Yourself from Legal Issues
Being aware of and disclosing property issues reduces the risk of post-sale disputes or legal claims from buyers after the deal is done.
Sell Smart, Stay in Control, Avoid Surprises
A professional repair estimate helps sellers stay in control, avoiding inflated repair costs and last-minute negotiations.
Benefits for Sellers:
- Justify Your Price – Show buyers the home is competitively priced.
- Avoid Renegotiations – Prevent buyers from inflating repair costs.
- Make Smart Repairs – Fix key issues before listing.
- Help Agents Price Right – Ensure the listing reflects true value.
How It Works
Exclusive to Inspect Canada clients, SmallJobs.ca provides a 48-hour professional repair estimate based on your inspection report and trade connections.
Free Repair
Concierge & Affordable Repair Estimates
Available Only to Inspect Canada Clients
Deficiency only Inspection - A smarter, More Affordable Choice
If you only need builder deficiencies checked,
our Deficiency Only Inspection offers the same expertise at 25% off.
Pre-Listing Inspection Cost
A pre-listing inspection is the same inspection as if it was done for the buyer. iIf you would like a deficiency only inspection, you will receive 25% of the regular inspection price
- Full, Thorough Home Inspection
- Thermal Imaging
- Appliance Inspection
- Pest Inspection
- Full, Detailed Walk-Through
- Full, Thorough Home Inspection
- Thermal Imaging
- Green Tape for Deficiencies*
- Deficiency Only Walk-Through*
- Deficiency-Only Report*
- Appliances Inspection
- General Property Pictures*
- Description of Systems*
- Full Walkthrough*
- Proof Pictures*
*** See FAQ Below
Pre-Listing Inspection - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Pre-Listing Inspection?
A pre-listing inspection is a home inspection conducted before a property is listed for sale or while it’s on the market. It helps sellers identify potential issues in advance, reduce surprises, and create a smoother, more controlled selling process.
What is the difference between a Buyer Inspection and a Seller (Pre-Listing) Inspection?
There is no difference in the inspection process. Both follow the same standards, agreement, and thorough evaluation. The only difference is who orders the inspection—a seller does it to prepare for listing, while a buyer does it to evaluate the home before purchasing.
Our goal is that if the buyer hires their own inspector, both reports are fairly the same, preventing unexpected deal-breakers.
When is the best time to get a pre-listing inspection?
The best time is before listing, allowing you to address any issues that could affect the sale. However, if your home is already on the market, a pre-listing inspection can still provide valuable insights and help attract confident buyers.
What if the home has issues? Should I still do a pre-listing inspection?
Yes! Even if the home has problems, a pre-listing inspection puts you in control. If the report highlights major concerns, you have three options:
✔ Fix key issues before listing to attract stronger offers.
✔ Adjust your price accordingly to reflect repairs.
✔ Disclose the report to buyers upfront to prevent surprises later.
If the home is in very poor condition, your agent may choose not to publicize the report but instead discuss it with serious buyers.
Why disclose issues to buyers in advance?
A pre-listing inspection eliminates surprises and gives sellers control over the process. If you let the buyer conduct the inspection, you risk:
🔹 Delays in closing.
🔹 Stressful renegotiations over repair costs.
🔹 Deals falling apart due to unexpected findings.
By providing the inspection upfront, you stay ahead and prevent buyers from using inspection findings as leverage.
Will a pre-listing inspection scare buyers away?
No—it actually gives them confidence. Many buyers are afraid of hidden issues, and a pre-listing inspection helps them make an informed decision.
Disclosing known defects upfront reduces liability for the seller and allows buyers to negotiate fairly from the start.
What are the benefits for buyers when purchasing a pre-inspected home?
✔ Fewer surprises – Buyers already know the home’s condition
✔ Smoother negotiations – Issues are addressed before the offer stage.
✔ Saves money – Buyers may not need to pay for their own inspection.
✔ More confidence in the deal – Transparency builds trust in the transaction.
If the seller hires the inspector, won’t the report be biased?
No. Home inspectors are independent, third-party professionals who follow strict industry standards. A buyer may still choose to hire their own inspector for extra peace of mind, but pre-listing inspections ensure fair and accurate reporting for both parties.
Does a pre-listing inspection replace a buyer’s inspection?
No. A buyer can still hire their own inspector for protection. However, when a home has already been inspected, the reports are usually very similar, increasing trust and transparency.
From experience, about half of buyers waive their own inspection after reviewing the pre-listing report.
Can I get repair estimates based on my inspection report?
Yes! Inspect Canada clients can get a professional repair estimate within 24 hours through SmallJobs.ca, helping sellers:
✔ Justify their price by showing repair costs upfront.
✔ Prevent buyers from inflating repair estimates during negotiations.
✔ Decide which repairs to make before listing.
A small fee applies, which is refundable if you proceed with repairs through SmallJobs.ca’s trusted trade partners.
📌 Click here to learn more.
What is the difference between a Full Detailed Walkthrough and a Deficiency-Only Walkthrough?
A Full Detailed Walkthrough covers everything about the home, including where the water, electric, and gas shut-offs are, how different systems work, and what to do in case of an emergency. Since you already live in the house, you likely already know this information.
A Deficiency-Only Walkthrough focuses only on the deficiencies found during the inspection.
Why choose a Deficiency-Only Inspection?
A Deficiency-Only Inspection provides the same professional home inspection at a lower cost by focusing only on deficiencies rather than documenting all systems in the home. This allows sellers to get accurate defect documentation without paying for a full report.
What is the difference between a Full Report and a Deficiency-Only Report?
A Full Report includes everything—photos of the roof, exterior, interior, heating system, appliances, and more. These reports are designed to protect both the inspector and the client in case an issue is found later.
A Deficiency-Only Report is a streamlined version that includes only deficiencies and recommendations that we believe the buyer’s inspector would report on.
What are Proof Pictures, and why aren’t they included in a Deficiency-Only Inspection?
In a regular inspection, we take proof pictures to document that appliances and systems were working at the time of inspection. If something stops working before possession, these pictures prove it was functional.
Does a Deficiency-Only Inspection include an appliance check?
No. Since you live in the house, you are already aware if the appliances are in good working order. However, we can include an appliance inspection for a small additional fee.
If I order a Deficiency-Only Inspection, can I upgrade to a Full Inspection later?
Yes, you can upgrade to a full home inspection at any time before the scheduled appointment. If you’ve already had a Deficiency-Only Inspection, a second full inspection can be scheduled separately.
Why can you offer 25% off?
The most time-consuming part of a full home inspection isn’t just finding deficiencies—it’s documenting everything else. A regular inspection includes:
🔹 Proof pictures of working systems (sinks, toilets, fans, drains).
🔹 Dozens of infrared and moisture meter images for full verification.
🔹 Extensive documentation of all home systems.
A Deficiency-Only Inspection focuses only on deficiencies, meaning we can complete it in about half the time while still offering the same level of professional expertise. Since it takes less time, we pass those savings on to you with a 25% discount.
What if I want a full inspection instead?
No problem! You can book a regular home inspection for a complete evaluation of your property.
📌 Schedule a Home Inspection
📌 Schedule a Townhouse Inspection
📌 Schedule a Condo Inspection
📞 Contact us if you have any questions.
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