Inspections & Appraisals

Inspections & Appraisals: Key Steps in Selling Your Investment Property

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The Buyer's Property Inspection

Most buyers will hire a licensed property inspector to verify the property's condition and ensure that all contract terms are accurate. Inspection timelines are specified in the Purchase Agreement, and some buyers may opt for specialized inspections—such as roof, plumbing, or HVAC—to assess specific aspects of the property in greater detail. This thorough evaluation helps prevent issues down the road, giving both parties confidence in the transaction.

Appraisals for Financing

If the buyer is securing a loan, a licensed appraiser will likely assess your property’s value. Because the financing agreement depends on the property’s appraised value, lenders require a third-party appraisal to confirm that the investment aligns with the sale price. This step ensures that both the buyer and lender are protected in the transaction.

Role of the Closing Agent

A title company or attorney will act as the closing agent (or escrow) to facilitate a smooth transfer of ownership. The closing agent conducts a title search to verify that the property is free of any encumbrances—such as leases, mortgages, or restrictions—that could interfere with the sale. Once they certify a clear title, the property can be officially transferred to the buyer at closing.

When you are ready to get started, call us at 803.329.3285 or fill out this short form, and one of our agents will reach out to assist you through every step of the selling process.

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What Else You Should Know When Selling Your Investment Property

Contingencies

A contingency is a condition that must be met for the contract to be legally binding. Common contingencies include buyer approval of home inspections or securing financing.

Before finalizing the purchase, buyers typically:

  • Secure financing and insurance
  • Review key documents, including preliminary title reports and disclosure statements
  • Complete property inspections. Buyers often perform a wide range of inspections—such as roof, termite/pest, fireplace, property boundary surveys, well and septic, pool/spa, and even mold or lead-based paint tests—to ensure the property’s condition aligns with expectations.

When buyers request renegotiations based on inspection results, it’s essential to respond objectively while protecting your interests. This is where a skilled listing agent can add significant value. Our team brings experience, professionalism, and a commitment to ensuring a successful outcome, even through complex negotiations.

Loan Approval and Appraisal

For a smoother transaction, we recommend prioritizing buyers with a lender’s pre-approval, approval letter, or a written loan commitment. These documents offer more assurance of the buyer’s financial readiness than a simple pre-qualification. Expect an appraiser from the lender to review the property and confirm that the agreed sale price aligns with market value, ensuring both the buyer and lender are protected.

TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR INVESTMENT PROPERTY

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Deep Clean for First Impressions

First impressions are crucial when selling a property. Before listing, invest in a thorough deep clean. This includes cleaning all surfaces, mopping floors, scrubbing bathrooms, and freshening up carpets and rugs. Consider hiring professional cleaners to ensure every detail shines, making your property more attractive to buyers.

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Declutter to Highlight the Space

A clutter-free home allows buyers to focus on the property itself rather than personal belongings or mess. By removing excess items, you help potential buyers envision their own belongings in the space, creating a more inviting environment. Organized, minimal spaces often lead to quicker, more favorable offers.

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Make Necessary Repairs

Addressing any minor repairs before listing signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained. Calling in a handyman to fix anything that’s worn or broken reassures buyers and enhances the property’s appeal, leading to a smoother transaction and potentially higher offers.

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Paint the Walls

Not only is painting a great way to clean up the walls but making the overall color scheme neutral will increase the appeal to potential buyers, making it easier for them to envision their belongings in the house - get rid of any bright, outdated paint colors and go with a neutral palette throughout the house.

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Increase Your Curb Appeal

The outside aesthetic of your home is just important as the inside. Give buyers a good feeling before they even open the front door. Landscaping, mulching, flowers, pressure washing the driveway and exterior of the home are all simple ways to increase the value of your home.

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Stage Your Home

Staged homes tend to fill quickly because they feel homier - if you have neutral furniture that you can leave in the home, do it, otherwise consider a professional staging company.

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Depersonalize Your Home

You want to leave a few nice, framed photos around the house to make the home appear inviting and lived in, but in general, removing your very personal items, such as family photos will let the potential buyers see their photos in those places, versus yours.

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