At a recent showing, the listing agent had uploaded records from a structural company to the MLS before we toured the home. Those records included information about work that had been done and receipts showing the costs.
There were visible cracks in some of the walls and drywall. Having the records available gave us context and a starting point for questions. It did not tell us what caused every crack or establish the home’s current condition.
A previous inspection report was available at the house, too. I saw that it was there, but I did not review it with my buyer because the home was not a fit for them.
Even though we did not move forward, I appreciated that the listing agent had made that information available. It is an approach I recommend because I have seen how useful it can be for both buyers and sellers.
Give buyers information before they make an offer
When a seller has inspection reports, repair records, or receipts that they are authorized to share, my preference is to make them available early. That includes information that might make a buyer pause or ask more questions.
Buyers are trying to decide whether a home fits their needs, their budget, and the work they are comfortable taking on. Information about previous findings and repairs can help them make that decision.
Some buyers may decide the property is not right for them. Others may be comfortable moving forward after reviewing the records, asking questions, and planning their own inspections.
Either way, I would rather have those conversations before an offer than have a buyer learn something significant after they are already under contract.
Discuss repair requests from the beginning
In previous transactions, I have shared available inspection reports with subsequent buyers. That gave those buyers an opportunity to consider the findings and include repair requests in their initial offers. In my experience, that has helped deals stay together.
The buyer could explain what they wanted addressed, and the seller could consider those requests along with the rest of the offer. Both sides had more information when deciding whether the terms worked for them.
Additional inspections can still lead to new questions or negotiations. Sharing an earlier report simply gives everyone a better starting point and can reduce avoidable surprises.
Consider what happens if a home comes back on the market
I have seen buyers hesitate when a home returns to the market after going under contract. They may wonder why the previous sale did not move forward. Sometimes that hesitation has contributed to weaker offers.
That does not happen with every property, and a home can come back on the market for many reasons. Still, it is one reason I prefer to address available information early. If a buyer can review a report and discuss repair requests before making an offer, there may be fewer unresolved concerns left for later.
Buyers still need to do their own homework
An earlier inspection report reflects what was documented at that time. Repair records describe previous work. Neither gives a buyer a complete picture of the home today.
I encourage buyers to review the available documents, ask about anything unclear, and arrange their own inspections. Depending on the findings, that may include further evaluation by an appropriate specialist.
A receipt showing that work was completed is useful information. Buyers still need to understand the scope of that work and whether there are current concerns that need attention.
My recommendation
Make the inspection reports and repair records you have available early when you are authorized to share them, including information that may be unfavorable.
Sharing those documents cannot guarantee that a buyer will make an offer or that a sale will close. It can help buyers make a more informed decision and give both sides a chance to discuss repairs before agreeing on terms.
That is why I recommend it. I want buyers and sellers to have useful information at the point when it can help them make decisions, rather than encounter avoidable surprises later.