Having your home inspected prior to putting it on the market will allow you to see your home through the eyes of an impartial inspector. Most likely, the offer to purchase your home will include a contingency that includes an inspection prior to moving forward. You may as well know what they are going to find by getting there first. Having an inspection performed ahead of time helps in many ways:

• It reduces your liability by adding a professional supporting document to your Disclosure Statement.
• It helps you to price your home realistically (based on repairs needed, if your going to be selling the home in as-is condition.

If you plan to address the needed repairs, it permits you to make repairs ahead of time so that:

• Defects won't become negotiating stumbling blocks later.
• You have the time to get reasonably priced contractors.
• It may encourage the buyer to waive the inspection contingency.
• It may relieve the buyers concerns and suspicions.
• Safety issues can be addressed before agents and visitors tour your home.
• It may alert you of items of immediate personal concern, such as electrical hazards, mold, explosive gas odors or active termite infestation.

Copies of the inspection report along with receipts for any repairs should be made available to potential buyers.