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When you're ready to sell your home in the current market, you need to take every step you can to ensure a timely sale at the price you want. A surplus of homes for sale means that yours needs to stand out in style, amenities and quality to make an impression on potential buyers. The more steps you take to make your house sale-ready, the better results you'll get.

Currently, home sales are at a historic low -- so what do you need to do to buck that trend?  Updated decor and proper staging certainly help present your home well, but don't think that cosmetic fixes are all you need. Buyers want to know the home they're considering is safe and sound, and the best way to establish that is to hire a home inspector.

Twenty years ago, it seemed extravagant to hire a home inspector, but today it's standard practice. Buyers will often bring their own inspectors to the table, so you need to start by hiring one yourself. Hiring a professional will give you a realistic perspective on what's going on in the bones of your home.

"In a down market, a pre-sale inspection can make a home stand out," says David Tamny, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors. "More and more, sellers are obtaining pre-sale inspections to help uncover and address potential issues before the first prospective buyer walks through the door. This simple step allows for better planning and lowers repair costs, adds value to the home, and it could increase the likelihood of an offer."

Even if someone in your family is handy, a professional home inspector will be able to point out issues that might go unnoticed by someone who doesn't know the ins and outs of inspecting. Today's buyers are quick to point out flaws uncovered by the home inspectors they bring with them, particularly if the flaws could compromise health or safety.

Buyers can use problems as bargaining chips, causing previously agreed upon prices to be lowered or even the cancellation of a deal. Inspections help uncover imperfections that often can be fixed easily and inexpensively, so it's worth it to get your home inspected before you list it.

In addition, a good inspection can raise the likelihood of an offer being placed on your home. Buyers are looking for security. If you can show them your home has been inspected, they'll feel more comfortable with it. That confidence often equates to more dollars in your pocket when you agree to the sale.

The areas covered in home inspections are: the major systems and components such as the foundation, exterior siding, flashing and trim, the roof, plumbing, electrical and heating and cooling units. In addition, some home inspectors offer additional services including radon testing, energy assessments and pool and spa inspections.

The current housing market requires a proactive approach to selling, and to get the result you want, you have to think about every aspect of your home. Having a home inspection can add value to the property, speed up the negotiation process, increase the likelihood of an offer and, most importantly, help sell your home.