I don't suggest a pre-listing inspection, but I do suggest that sellers address known issues sooner than later. 

 We suggest it most don't. In Tennessee, there is a disclosure law that states if the seller is aware, they have to disclose. Even if the deal falls apart, and they have not seen the inspection report, they don't have to disclose it. Neither does the listing agent. I think it is underhanded, however, it is the law.

Sometimes.  Mostly for those homes where I know that surprises will come up.

Sometimes if we are going to allow a FHA or silalar gov. backed financing

No I don't. I let the Buyers do their own due diligence. Why give them something for the Buyers inspector to work off of ? If there are large issues my Seller will most likely be aware of them and have included them in their disclosures when they listed the Home. I do make it easy for buyers to access my sellers property condition disclosure statement.

This is not common in our area but it could make some home sellers more comfortable with the process.

Tony and Suzanne,

That was one of things we recommended when we were helping to manage a brokerage in Napa.  We did that when selling our home, and included the report as part of the paperwork.  We are big fans of peace of mind.  A

I certainly do, but less than half of my sellers agree to it.

no...never...it's never done in my area.... the buyer will have the inspection and it's the buyer's expense.... the more money the buyer has into the deal, the more likely fewer items will be requested to be improved.....

I do; however few will listen.

Depends on the situation. If I suspect problems, I will suggest it!

no

Nope. The buyer usually likes to perform their own home inspection.

I have not recommended an inspection.  I think I would on a case by case basis.

Absolutely not!  Home Inspectors are going to find a problem and the more you fix the deeper they'll deep.

No, I don't know anyone here that does do this. I agree with Barbara, the more money a buyer has invested, the more serious they will be about the whole process...

I do because the seller an control the remedy.  Often times there are multiple ways to cure a suggested deficiency and the buyers could demand the more expensive route.  This is especially prevalent with termite.  

It depends on the condition of the house. If no maintenance is apparent I would suggest a pre inspection so the widow client doesn't get sticker shock. 

I don't but can see how it would be useful.  I have found inspections vary from inspectors.   Just like I dont recommend they pay for an apprasial up front either, since the buyer will not be able to use it and it is a statement of opinion.   Course, if they are way over priced, I will suggest the appraisal to help bring them back to earth.  Do you recommend them?

Absolutely! I did a pre-listing inspection on my home and when the buyer did they home inspection I had no items for repair.

Tony and Suzanne,
In a state like Texas where inspectors are licensed and inspect to state standards I might suggest it. Here in Colorado where inspectors are not licensed and write up stuff all over the map, never.

We do this ourselves...Between us, we all know what should get done

It depends on the seller.  Physical inspections can be a waste, since the buyer will usually want their own.  Termite though, I usually recommend that.  Now if the house were older, I would suggest a home inspection so that the seller has an idea what may be requested prior to accepting an offer.

No never, the sellers know generally whats wrong. And if you had an inspection and fixed everything, the buyers inspector would find his own stuff, and the harder he looks the worse it gets. A buyers inspector has to find stuff to justify him being there, on well maintained houses I've had sellers disconnect an outlet or two and loosen a faucet just to give the inspector some easy stuff to find.

It depends on the age and condition of the house. most times it's not needed, but sometimes an owner wants to bring some things up to code.

Easy to suggest but most do not unless a RELO company requires pre-listing inspections. 

I think it is a great idea.  There is a local inspector who does the inspection and gives it a "Certification".

It depends on the situation and what is known, price point, overall plan.
If a seller NEEDS to 'stick the landing' on a deal asap and it is not an 'as is investor marketed deal' . . . yes, I would suggest it. If/when MY home goes on the market, after moving me, the husband and dog OUT . . . inspection and repairs is first order of business.

I advise the pre-inspection so the seller and I are on the 'same page' regarding the strategy in place for specific situations. 

Yes, they do help.

Tony and Suzanne - I have recommended it to some sellers, depending on the situation.