The Value of Pre-Listing Inspections
Want a smoother sale and fewer surprises?
Pre-inspections give you the edge before buyers ever walk through the door.
Inspections are one of the most important steps in preparing your home for market — and in California, they help protect you legally. By uncovering issues early, you stay in control of the narrative, avoid renegotiations, and earn buyer trust from day one. I’ll help coordinate the right inspections and make sure everything is documented, disclosed, and done with full transparency.
Which Inspections Make Sense for Your Home?
Standard Inspections
Home Inspection
Your Property’s Full Physical
A licensed home inspector walks through your property to evaluate all major systems — including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, attic, foundation, windows, and appliances. Think of it as a full checkup that uncovers issues before buyers do, giving you the chance to prepare or price accordingly.
It’s one of the most important tools we use to set realistic pricing and reduce surprises during escrow.
Standard Inspections
Structural Pest Inspection
The Invisible Threat
Covers active termite activity, dry rot, fungus, or wood-destroying organisms (WDO). This is often required by lenders and is a key factor in many buyer negotiations. It also helps ensure that hidden structural issues won’t become deal-breakers later on.
Required for many buyers and sometimes negotiated mid-escrow.
Optional Inspections
Roof Inspection
Is It Time for a Replacement?
Inspects the roof material, flashing, venting, and condition. Especially recommended if your roof is more than 10 years old or shows signs of wear. This helps avoid buyer credit requests or repair demands once you’re in contract.
Knowing the roof’s condition gives us pricing leverage, time to repair *these inspections are often required for insurance qualification and coverage.
Optional Inspections
Fireplace & Chimney Safety
A Legal Requirement in Many Cities
Inspects structural integrity, safety clearance, smoke chamber, and venting. In cities like San Francisco, this inspection is required prior to transfer of ownership. It’s also a buyer red flag if not addressed early.
Great for peace of mind — and required in most Bay Area municipalities.
Optional Inspections
Pool Inspection
Pool, Spa & Hot Tub Inspection – More Than Just a Splash
Evaluates pool safety features, fencing, pumps, leaks, heating, and structural condition. California Health & Safety Code requires disclosures on these features in most counties. We’ll make sure nothing is overlooked.
Required in many counties for legal compliance — especially with kids and liability.
City and Gov Required Inspection
Sewer Lateral Inspection
What Lies Beneath Can Cost You
A video-scope inspection that checks for cracks, blockages, or root damage in the sewer line. Required in cities like Mill Valley and Sausalito before closing. Certificates must be issued prior to transfer.
Avoid surprise repair costs or closing delays with this early check.
City and Gov Required Inspection
City Resale Inspection
City Sign-Off Required to Sell
Many Bay Area cities require a pre-sale inspection by the city itself. They check for smoke/CO detectors, handrails, safety codes, and permits. We’ll schedule this for you and walk you through any punch list.
A must-have for legal compliance and closing documents.
City and Gov Required Inspection
San Francisco Energy Audit
Energy Efficiency is the Law
SF requires a Residential Energy Audit to assess insulation, ducting, water heater safety, and more. It's legally mandated and must be provided to the buyer before close.
Great for transparency — and often leads to smart upgrades.
City and Gov Required Inspection
Home Hardening / Fire Inspection
Required in Fire Risk Zones
AB-38 requires a defensible space inspection and wildfire disclosure in high or very high fire zones. This includes vegetation clearance and ember-resistant vents.
Protects your home — and ensures buyer confidence and insurability.
What Happens Next
Build Your Disclosure Packet
We compile all reports into a professional disclosure folder to provide buyers upfront. This speeds up contingencies and builds buyer trust.
Review Digital Reports
You’ll receive detailed inspection reports via email — with time to review findings, ask questions, and plan next steps.
We Coordinate the Inspections
You’ll get scheduling options with trusted professionals who know local standards and timelines.