Do You Need an Inspection to Sell a Home in Portland? Local Seller FAQ
While some Portland sellers choose to do a pre-listing home inspection, in Oregon you’re not legally required to get one in order to sell a home. However, it can help you avoid surprises, build buyer confidence, and reduce negotiation stress.
What Oregon Law Says About Pre-Listing Inspections
You don’t need a pre-listing inspection to sell a home in Oregon. But if you do choose to get one, the inspector must be a licensed Oregon home inspector through the Construction Contractors Board (CCB). Buyers typically get their own inspection regardless, so treat a pre-listing inspection as optional preparation.
Pros and Cons of Doing a Pre-Listing Inspection
Pros
Helps you address issues before a buyer sees them
Reduces the risk of surprise findings during escrow
Gives you more confidence in pricing and negotiation
Builds buyer trust and makes your listing stronger
Cons
Adds an upfront cost
Anything discovered must be disclosed
Repairs may reduce your net proceeds
Most buyers will still conduct their own inspection
Your Free Guide: Preparing Your House for Inspection
Before you schedule a pre-listing inspection, it helps to know exactly what inspectors look for and how to get your home ready. Our custom Portland-focused checklist outlines what sellers should do before an inspection and the common issues that show up in Portland home inspections, including:
Tasks to complete before an inspection
What inspectors check in attics, crawl spaces, and mechanical systems
Common problems noted in Portland homes
Tips to prevent avoidable red flags
Download your free Preparing Your House for Inspection guide using the button below.
Local Market Realities in Portland
Many Portland neighborhoods have older homes with aging systems.
Older homes in Portland often have original wiring and foundations.
A pre-listing inspection can help surface issues before they impact negotiations.
When You Might Skip a Pre-Listing Inspection
You're selling the home as-is with no repairs.
You plan to price the home below market value.
You're selling to an investor or cash buyer.
You don’t want to take on repairs beforehand.
How the Bridge to Portland Group Helps Sellers Navigate Inspections
We help you decide whether a pre-listing inspection makes sense.
We connect you with trusted, licensed Portland inspectors.
We guide you on required disclosures under Oregon law.
We help you decide whether to make repairs or offer credits.
We help you prepare your home for a successful buyer inspection.
Conclusion & Next Steps
A pre-listing inspection isn’t required, but it can be a smart move when selling your Portland home. If you’re unsure what’s best for your situation, reach out to the Bridge to Portland Group. We’ll help you evaluate your options and prepare your home with confidence.
