Should the buyer’s real estate agent attend the home inspection? It’s a frequent question, especially when prospective buyers live out of town or buy the house sight unseen.
Whether you attend or not depends on several factors, including your relationship with the client, their comfort level with the purchasing process, and the level of trust you have with the building inspector.
In most cases, we recommend real estate agents attend home inspections as they’ll glean more information about whether this is the right home for their clients or the types of seller credits/price reductions that should be on the table based on what we find.
What Is The Agent’s Job During An Inspection?
Here are a few things to remember when considering whether to attend your client’s home inspection.
It’s best to leave the inspection to the inspector. The real estate agent’s job is representing the client to the best of their ability. That means asking good questions and requesting clarification if your client needs it. It facilitates communication and looks out for your client’s best interest.
Do Inspectors Want Real Estate Agents There?
Any experienced, professional home inspector welcomes the presence of realtors and prospective buyers during the inspection. This is a wise way to learn everything you can about the home’s structural and systems status, as well as to glean professional recommendations about general home maintenance and upkeep.
Your goals are actually more aligned with the inspector’s than you might think –
- Real estate agents and home inspectors both want what’s best for the client, whether that means purchasing the home or moving on from it.
- They both want to do a thorough job and provide your client with all the information they need to make a decision, including effectively communicating concepts that can confuse the untrained.
- You’re also best positioned to identify your clients’ deal breakers (or deal makers).
- Agents and inspectors understand that time is of the essence, so an accurate, detailed, and quick turnaround on inspections/reports is a priority for both of us.
Having real estate agents there can really help smooth out the process, and an inspector willing to be completely transparent in their process, is always a sign they’re the right one for the job.
NOTE: If a prospective home inspector balks or seems resistant to having you there during the inspection, that’s a sign to move on to home inspection companies with the right qualifications and who welcome your attendance.
Being Present At an Inspection Builds Mutual Trust
Ultimately, whether or not an agent is present at an inspection comes down to whatever you and your clients are most comfortable with. If clients request that an agent attend the inspection, do your best to be there. Being there to ask the right questions and clarify the answers will ensure your clients get all the information they need to make an informed decision.
If you’re unable to attend in person, you can still help your client prepare for the process. A little bit of coaching about what sorts of questions to ask can go a long way toward making the inspection a success. A successful inspection is an informative inspection – one that allows agents and clients to make the right decision about whether this home is the right one.
Schedule a Full Home Inspection With Super Inspection Pros
Super Inspection Pros (SIP) has a long history of partnering with real estate professionals in and around Volusia County. Contact SIP today for more information on our home inspection process or to schedule an inspection of your home. We look forward to meeting you there!