Why Savvy Sellers in The Villages Are Getting Inspections Before Listing, The Villages, FL

If you’re thinking about selling your home here in The Villages, Florida, you might be surprised to learn that one of the smartest moves you can make doesn’t involve staging or fancy upgrades. It’s simply this: get a home inspection before you list. Now, I live in Virginia Trace, right between 466 and 466A—smack in the heart of The Villages—so I see firsthand what’s happening in our market. And let me tell you: competition is heating up fast. As of this week, there are 551 active listings, up from 517 just last week. That’s a 7% increase in inventory in only seven days. On top of that, 84 new homes hit the market this week, compared to just 60 the week before. Buyers suddenly have a lot more options, and that means sellers need to step up their game. Why Pre-Listing Inspections Are a Power Move Here’s the deal: when a buyer does their inspection after you’re under contract, they hold the leverage. They can ask for repairs, demand a price reduction, or even back out altogether. You, as the seller, are on the defensive—just days away from closing, often emotionally and financially committed. But when you inspect before listing, you flip that script. You find and fix issues on your terms. You price the home with confidence. And you present buyers with a clean, transparent report that builds trust. In many cases, this can lead to faster offers and fewer surprises during escrow. I recently worked with a seller who did exactly this. The pre-listing inspection uncovered a minor plumbing issue and an aging water heater. They handled both quickly, included the report in the listing file, and we received two full-price offers in the first week. Contrast that with another seller who skipped the inspection—only to lose $12,000 during negotiations when the buyer’s inspection uncovered items they weren’t prepared to address. The Contract Detail Most Sellers Miss Now let’s talk about something hidden deep in the paperwork: the Florida FAR/BAR contract. There’s a clause in that standard contract that sets a repair limit. If left blank, the seller automatically agrees to cover up to 1.5% of the purchase price in repairs. That’s $6,000 on a $400,000 home—and most sellers have no idea. But here’s the good news: this clause is totally negotiable. If you’ve taken care of repairs ahead of time or have a clean inspection in hand, you may be able to reduce or remove that contribution completely. The key is knowing this before you accept the offer—not after. And unfortunately, many agents don’t fully explain this during the listing process. That’s why having a prepared strategy from the start can put thousands back in your pocket. Whether you’re in Virginia Trace like I am, or any other Village between 466 and 466A, the reality is the same: homes are taking longer to sell, and buyers are getting more selective. That’s especially true as we continue to see increased interest from out-of-state buyers—many coming from New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. These folks are relocating for sunshine, tax advantages, and lifestyle—but they’re also savvy. They want clean inspections, competitive pricing, and confidence in the property they’re buying. Sellers who prepare ahead of time? They’re the ones catching the attention of these motivated buyers. Final Thought Selling your home in The Villages isn’t just about putting a sign in the yard anymore. It’s about strategy. It’s about preparation. And it’s about knowing how to protect your value in a shifting market. If you’re not sure where to start—or just want to talk through your options—reach out. I’m local, I live here, and I’m happy to help. Prepared. Personal. Strategic. Always With Integrity.