Question 1

Why should I pay for an inspection before selling?

Accepted Answer

A pre-listing inspection in Ontario gives you advance knowledge of every deficiency in the home before buyers see it. Without one, you are exposed to last-minute renegotiation — a buyer's inspector finds a cracked heat exchanger or active roof leak the night before closing, and suddenly you are negotiating under extreme time pressure. With a pre-listing report in hand, you can fix issues on your schedule, price the home accurately, or disclose them proactively. Ontario sellers who list with a completed inspection report consistently report smoother transactions and fewer conditions from buyers.

Question 2

Does a pre-listing inspection hurt my sale?

Accepted Answer

No — it strengthens your listing. Ontario buyers and their agents approach homes with no inspection history more cautiously, adding stronger inspection conditions or offering below asking on the assumption there are hidden deficiencies. When you list with a completed ASADS report available for review, buyers have independent documentation, which reduces their uncertainty and their need for aggressive conditions. Some buyers in Ontario will waive their own inspection altogether when a credible pre-listing report is already available, which accelerates your closing timeline considerably.

Question 3

Can I share the report with buyers?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and most Ontario sellers do exactly that. The ASADS pre-listing report is formatted to be shared directly with buyers and their agents as part of listing disclosure. Providing the report upfront signals transparency and good faith, which builds buyer confidence. Your listing agent can include the report link or PDF in the listing package on MLS. Buyers who receive it before making an offer are better informed, make faster decisions, and are less likely to back out after an accepted offer.

Question 4

What if issues are found?

Accepted Answer

Finding issues before listing is the entire point. With advance knowledge, you have three options: repair the item before listing (best for high-impact deficiencies like roofing, electrical, or moisture), adjust your asking price to reflect the known condition, or disclose the deficiency in the listing with supporting documentation. Each approach is legally defensible and far preferable to a buyer's inspector finding the same issue after your offer is accepted in Ontario — at that stage, you have no leverage and significant time pressure. The report turns a potential liability into a managed disclosure.

Pre-Listing Home Inspection Ontario | Seller Inspection