F.A.Q.

A pre-listing inspection is a home inspection ordered by the seller
before listing the property on the market.

It identifies repairs or issues in advance so the seller can fix them,
obtain estimates, or disclose them proactively.

No. A pre-listing inspection is optional.

However, it can give sellers more control over the selling process and
reduce surprises during the buyer’s inspection or escrow.

Potential benefits include:

• Identifying repairs before the buyer’s inspection
• Reducing the risk of inspection-related renegotiations
• Increasing confidence before listing
• Reducing unexpected delays during escrow
• Providing greater transparency to prospective buyers

A pre-listing inspection does not guarantee a higher sale price, but it
may help make the property more attractive to buyers.

Listings with a pre-listing inspection may:

• Give buyers greater confidence in the property’s condition
• Receive stronger or cleaner offers
• Reduce inspection-related negotiations and credits
• Move through escrow with fewer unexpected issues

Results will depend on the property, pricing, market conditions, and how
any identified issues are handled.

Sellers in Washington generally must disclose known material defects as
required by law, including applicable disclosures on the
Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 17).

Repairing an issue does not necessarily eliminate the need to disclose
relevant information about the property’s condition or repair history.
Sellers should retain invoices, receipts, permits, and other supporting
documentation.

Not necessarily. Buyers may still choose to hire their own inspector or
conduct additional evaluations.

However, a thorough and recent inspection report may give buyers more
confidence and may encourage some buyers to shorten or waive their own
inspection contingency.

A typical inspection may cost approximately
$350–$700, depending on the location, property size,
age, construction type, and inspector.

Additional services, such as a sewer scope, roof inspection, chimney
inspection, mold evaluation, pest inspection, or structural evaluation,
may cost extra.

Not necessarily. Possible strategies include:

• Correcting significant safety or system-related concerns
• Completing inexpensive repairs that improve buyer confidence
• Obtaining estimates for larger repairs
• Disclosing issues without completing the work
• Pricing the property to account for its current condition

Your real estate broker can help determine which approach makes the most
sense based on the property, expected return, and current market conditions.

Yes. Depending on your marketing strategy, the report may be:

• Uploaded with the MLS supplements
• Provided through a secure transaction or document link
• Made available during showings or open houses
• Emailed to interested buyers or their brokers

Buyers may also be asked to acknowledge that they received the report and
understand that it does not prevent them from conducting their own
inspection.