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If you plan to put your home on the market in the year ahead, scheduling a pre-home inspection now can save you anxiety during the transaction process and protect your health and well-being. Too often, sellers wait until their home is under contract before having an inspection, leaving them vulnerable to unexpected issues that could derail the sale.

As a real estate broker, I’ve seen many sellers blindsided by poor inspection reports. Common issues include harmful radon gas levels, mold, air and water quality concerns, and septic problems. Many of these problems go unaddressed for years, especially for homeowners who have lived in their homes for a long time and never had an inspection. Yet, the information uncovered in an inspection isn’t just for the benefit of a potential buyer—it can be critical to your own safety and quality of life.

Radon gas, for instance, is an invisible and odorless radioactive gas that is now recognized as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for around 21,000 deaths annually. Testing for radon is simple, and remediation is effective, but too many homeowners neglect to check their homes. Even in areas like western North Carolina, where radon testing is standard practice during real estate transactions, many sellers fail to test beforehand. Radon exposure is a serious health risk, and understanding your home’s radon levels is a critical step in protecting your family’s well-being.

Water quality is another commonly overlooked issue, particularly in rural areas where homes rely on wells. Contaminants in drinking water can have long-term health effects, but testing and addressing these problems is usually straightforward. Unfortunately, like radon testing, water quality checks are rarely conducted unless required by a buyer or lender.

Home inspections provide much more than a list of issues to resolve for a buyer—they offer homeowners valuable insight into the condition of their property. Structural integrity, plumbing systems, electrical safety, HVAC performance, and even the condition of the roof or evidence of pest infestations can all affect your quality of life. By identifying and addressing these issues early, you can enjoy a safer, healthier living environment while also ensuring a smoother transaction when it’s time to sell.

Using the findings of a pre-inspection to proactively make improvements not only builds confidence in buyers but can significantly enhance your own well-being. Small investments in your home now can have a big payoff in terms of safety, comfort, and peace of mind. It’s also worth discussing with your real estate agent whether they might cover the cost of a pre-inspection as a value-added service. This simple gesture from your agent can demonstrate their commitment to your success and provide a strong foundation for a positive transaction.

If you’re planning to sell your home, don’t wait to discover potential problems when it’s too late to address them effectively. A pre-home inspection can reveal important information that protects your health today and ensures a successful sale tomorrow. By taking action now, you’ll not only reduce stress during the transaction process but also enjoy the comfort of knowing your home is a safe and healthy place to live.

Kirk Gollwitzer is a local real estate broker serving Tryon and the surrounding areas.