Would a Pre-Inspection Help Me Sell Faster?

Greg Powell
Sep 10, 2025
2 min read

When preparing to sell your home in Central Oregon, one question often comes up: “Should I get a pre-inspection before I list?” While inspections are typically the buyer’s responsibility, a pre-inspection can actually be a powerful tool to help your home sell faster — and sometimes for more money.

Let’s break down why.

What Is a Pre-Inspection?

A pre-inspection is a professional home inspection that you, the seller, order before listing your home. It’s the same type of inspection a buyer would get — checking major systems like the roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC — but you get the results upfront.

Benefits of a Pre-Inspection

1. Identify Problems Early

By knowing about issues before going on the market, you can decide whether to fix them or price accordingly — avoiding surprises later.

2. Boost Buyer Confidence

When buyers see a recent inspection report, they feel reassured that your home has been well cared for. This can lead to stronger offers and fewer renegotiations.

3. Faster Closings

Buyers who trust your inspection report may waive or shorten their own inspection contingency, which can speed up the process.

4. Better Negotiation Power

If you’ve already addressed repairs, buyers have less leverage to ask for credits or price reductions.

Potential Downsides

Disclosure Obligations: In Oregon, if you learn about a problem from the inspection, you may need to disclose it to all potential buyers — even if you choose not to fix it.
Upfront Cost: A typical home inspection costs $300–$600, which you’ll pay out-of-pocket.
Buyers May Still Inspect: Some buyers will still order their own inspection, though the pre-inspection often reduces surprises.

Central Oregon Market Insight

In Bend, Redmond, and Sisters, where buyers often compete for well-prepped homes, pre-inspections are becoming more common. They’re especially helpful if your home is older or has unique features (like a well or septic system) that buyers may have questions about.

A pre-inspection isn’t mandatory, but it can be a smart move if you want a smoother, faster sale. By being proactive, you position your home as a “low-risk” choice for buyers — which often means better offers and fewer headaches.