Pre-Sale Inspections That Pay Off in Daly City
October 23, 2025
October 23, 2025
Selling in Daly City, a small surprise can turn into a big price cut. In a market where many homes sell around the low-to-mid seven figures, even a modest credit or delay can sting. You want buyers to feel confident, lenders to sign off fast, and your closing to stay on track. This guide shows which pre-sale inspections tend to pay off in Daly City, how the City’s 3R requirement fits in, what each inspection costs, and how to use results to your advantage. Let’s dive in.
Pre-sale inspections reduce buyer renegotiations, speed timelines, and help you price with precision. When you surface issues early, you choose what to fix, what to disclose, and where a credit makes sense, rather than reacting under pressure in escrow. Guidance for sellers shows that pre-listing inspections can cut surprises and strengthen your position with buyers and lenders (pre-listing inspection benefits).
Many Daly City homes are mid-century wood-frame structures. In the Bay Area, buyers are tuned in to seismic risk, aging sewer laterals, and termite exposure. The U.S. Geological Survey projects a significant probability of a damaging Bay Area earthquake over the next 30 years, so clear structural information is valuable to buyers and lenders (USGS earthquake probability).
Daly City requires a Residential Requirements Report (the 3R) before entering into an agreement of sale for residential properties of three units or less. The 3R is a records report, not a physical inspection. It lists permits and enforcement history from City records and is valid for six months. The current City fee is 124 dollars effective July 1, 2025. You must provide the 3R to the buyer prior to consummation of sale (Daly City 3R).
California requires sellers to deliver the Transfer Disclosure Statement and the Natural Hazard Disclosure, among other statutory forms. “As-is” does not remove your duty to disclose known material facts about the property (California Civil Code 1102.3).
Daly City’s point-of-sale requirement centers on the 3R. While some nearby cities require private sewer lateral compliance at sale, Daly City does not list a universal PSL mandate on its 3R page. Many buyers still expect a sewer camera scope due to the age of local laterals. A voluntary scope often prevents last-minute sewer credits.
Below are the inspections that most often help Daly City sellers lock stronger offers and cleaner escrows, plus typical cost ranges. Prices vary by size, age, and access.
A full pre-listing inspection identifies common deal drivers like roof condition, HVAC, plumbing leaks, electrical issues, and signs of foundation movement. Sharing the report and addressing key items up front builds confidence and reduces buyer leverage to renegotiate (why sellers order pre-listing inspections). Typical cost is about 300 to 1,000 dollars depending on size and age, with many homes landing around 350 to 700 dollars (home inspection cost ranges). Best timing is 30 to 60 days before listing.
Termites and wood rot are common in California wood structures. VA loans often require a pest report, and appraisers can flag visible damage. Getting a clean report or clear plan prevents lender delays. Expect 100 to 300 dollars for the inspection; treatment and repairs are additional (termite inspection costs).
Older laterals can crack, offset, or collapse, and surprise repairs can run into the thousands. A pre-listing sewer scope sets clear expectations and avoids a common escrow snag. Camera inspections generally run 250 to 700 dollars. If repairs are needed, costs can range widely from about 5,000 to 20,000 dollars depending on method and access (sewer scope cost guide).
Roof condition is a frequent negotiating item. A quick roof inspection, or documentation of a recent replacement, can calm buyer concerns and keep lenders comfortable. Plan roughly 150 to 400 dollars for an inspection, with replacement costs varying based on size and material.
Older panels, mixed wiring, or unpermitted upgrades can draw scrutiny from buyers and insurers. A licensed electrician can evaluate the panel, bonding, and visible wiring for safety concerns. Expect 150 to 400 dollars for an electrical safety check. Addressing obvious hazards before listing can remove easy objections.
If your home shows settlement, has a hillside foundation, or includes past modifications or additions, a structural engineer’s evaluation can add confidence. A targeted visit often runs 300 to 1,500 dollars or more. For retrofit planning, early guidance helps you decide whether to fix, disclose, or price accordingly. The seismic context matters to buyers in Daly City and across the Bay Area (USGS Bay Area risk).
For pre-1978 homes or where moisture is present, lead paint, asbestos, or mold testing can be prudent. These are not required in every sale, but targeted tests help when specific risks are suspected. Typical tests run about 200 to 600 dollars. Disclosure duties still apply to known issues (California Civil Code references for disclosures).
If you have a chimney, pool, or unique mechanical systems, order the relevant specialty inspection. Daly City properties are usually on public sewer, but if a septic system exists, obtain a current inspection.
| Inspection | Why it matters | Typical cost | Best timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| General home | Finds major items buyers use to renegotiate | 300–1,000 dollars | 30–60 days pre-listing |
| Termite/WDO | Lender and buyer confidence, common in CA | 100–300 dollars | 2–6 weeks pre-listing |
| Sewer scope | Avoids big credits for aging laterals | 250–700 dollars | 2–6 weeks pre-listing |
| Roof | Frequent bargaining point | 150–400 dollars | 2–6 weeks pre-listing |
| Electrical | Safety and insurance concerns | 150–400 dollars | 2–6 weeks pre-listing |
| Structural | Seismic risk, foundation clarity | 300–1,500+ dollars | If signs of movement or additions |
Cost sources: seller guidance and vendor averages for the Bay Area (pre-listing overview, home inspection costs, termite costs, sewer scope costs).
If repairs require permits, work with the Daly City Building Division. Permitted work preserves marketability, and unpermitted additions often trigger buyer questions. The 3R may not show unpermitted work because it reflects City records only. If you know about unpermitted improvements, disclose them and consider consulting the City about options (Daly City permits, regional advisory on disclosures and permits).
When you go to market, package your 3R, state disclosures, pre-listing inspections, and any repair invoices or permit closeouts. Advertising the home as “pre-inspected” can help buyers focus on the fit and value instead of unknowns.
After inspections, you typically have four options: fix high-impact items and show invoices, price the home to reflect needed work, disclose and offer a credit or small holdback, or sell as-is while fully disclosing known defects. The right choice depends on your timing, budget, and buyer pool. Pre-sale inspections give you the data to make the call and reduce the chance of a deal-threatening surprise.
Ready to align an inspection plan with your goals and timeline? Get lender-aware, concierge guidance from James Kil to prep, price, and negotiate your Daly City sale with confidence.
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