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Home Buying Property Inspection Video ~ Home Selling Property Inspections

By Lynda Eisenmann

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Preferred Home Brokers 00402040

December 21, 2010 11:09 AM

Whether you're a home buyer or a home seller, from my perspective there are things you want to know about a home inspection.

While I know this goes against the grain of many real estate professionals, I'm a proponent of buyers being present during the inspection. Meaning if you're the home buyer, being present for the inspection will (from my experience) give you a better understanding of the home you're buying. I've yet to meet an inspector who didn't pass along to buyers a few tips, knowledge and know-how during the inspection process.

Also from my perspective, if you're a home seller I've found it helpful to have at least one seller present. Preferably not the emotional one in the family. Also with that said, be prepared for the inspector to pick your place a part and don't take it personal, and don't hide anything. It's job of inspectorto report on findings. Every now and then I have an inspector who has a question or two about something in the home another reason I've also found it helpful to have a seller present. In addition I've had sellers who have said, "Well it was that way when we bought it"...thinking everything was fine not realizing there was an issue, even back then that may have been overlooked.

And if you're a home inspector out there who may be reading this, you may have a different perspective and that's okay too. I know some prefer to inspect homes on their own without anyone being present and if your customers are fine with that, so be it. Yet from my experience I feel my clients have a better understanding of the process and a better home buying/selling experience by being present. Not only are there fewer foll Preferred Home Brokers, Brea CA ow up/call back questions to the inspector, but also the agents involved.

If you're buying a home in Southern Cal, you can contact me at Lynda@PreferredHomeBrokers.com or direct, (714) 595-1494. Also if your a Southern Cal home seller check out HomeSelling101.com for great home selling help!

My company is Preferred Home Brokers, we're one of Orange County's oldest independent brokerages under the same ownership. The vast majority of our business is from repeat clients and personal referrals. We also represent a variety of lenders with bank owned properties and would love the opportunity to earn your business!

You can call and speak with any of the Preferred Realtors! (714) 990-6060 or toll free (800) 871-9798

CA Broker License #00402040.

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Rick Bunzel

Pacific Crest Inspections - Anacortes, WA

Great information and presentation video

//Rick

Lopez Home Inspections; San Juan Island Home Inspections By Pacific Crest Inspections
Orcas Village and East Sound Home Inspections; Orcas Island Home Inspections By Pacific Crest Inspections

__________________
Rick Bunzel
WWW.PacCrestInspections.com
360-588-6956

Dec 21, 2010 05:25 PM

Bill Gassett

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA

Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Interesting Lynda....buyers do not attend home inspection in CA? Buyers here ALWAYS go to inspections!

Dec 22, 2010 12:13 AM

Teri Eckholm

Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN

REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

Lynda--I was surprised that the buyers do not attend inspections in California. Buyers almost always go on the inspections in MN unless physically unable...the inspectors prefer it that way so they can point out any concerns directly. Agents don't always attend...I sometimes will stop by but for liability reasons it is recommended that we leave the inspector handle the inspection.

Dec 22, 2010 12:57 AM

Lynda Eisenmann

Preferred Home Brokers - Brea, CA

Broker Associate ,CRS,GRI,SRES, Brea,CA, Orange Co

Hi there ~ Thanks, and YES most buyers do attend, yet many for the follow up the re-cap at the end of the inspection. Teri it's interesting that you leave for liability reasons, and this is recommenned by, your association, your broker?

Dec 22, 2010 01:11 AM

Steve, Joel & Steve A. Chain

Chain Real Estate Investments & Mortgage, Steve & Joel Chain - Cottonwood, CA

Lynda,

Great topic; I think it depends on the personality and verbal skills of the inspector. Some inspectors have superb technical writing skills, but their verbal commentary might be distracting to parties present. JMHO,

Merry Christmas!

Steve

Dec 23, 2010 01:37 AM

William Johnson

Retired - La Jolla, CA

Retired

Merr Christmas Lynda,

Great subject and Post. I can't imagine a Buyer not attending their own inspection. And I also agree with you that a Seller should attend. Better still the Seller should have had an inspection done prior to listing and take care of the health and safety issues ( at least). In my 20 plus years, I have never had an inspector that " overdid " the commentary. Whatever can be found that could be potential problems, code issues, construction issues, in my view, you can't discover too much. I'd rather my clients pass on the property if scared off than be facing those issues in other ways down the road. Discover, Disclose, Discuss.

Dec 23, 2010 05:10 AM

William Johnson

Retired - La Jolla, CA

Retired

PS, I thought this would be a great post to recommend. This subject is not discussed enough here in the Rain. I also failed to mention I recommend to Buyers and Sellers to use licensed Contractors and Engineers for their inspections. They are licensed to give " expert" advise on findings.

Dec 23, 2010 05:20 AM

Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®

Lewisburg, WV

Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Lynda, I always suggest buyers go to the home inspection...suggested this post as I would like to see what others in AR opinions are.

Dec 23, 2010 11:04 AM

Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, ePRO, GRI

Keller Williams Indianapolis Metro NE - Carmel, IN

Carmel, Fishers, Westfield IN Real Estate Expert

Lynda--Have you opened a can of worms? :O) My buyers ALWAYS attend unless out of state. I never attend as recommended by the Indiana Association of REALTORS attorney, and sellers are never invited because they get in the way and argue about things with the inspector---plus they are not the ones PAYING for the inspection. Love your video---making me feel as if I am way behind....

Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!

Dec 24, 2010 05:27 AM

Lynda Eisenmann

Preferred Home Brokers - Brea, CA

Broker Associate ,CRS,GRI,SRES, Brea,CA, Orange Co

Steve ~ I found your comment very interesting. So far most that my clients have worked with is great. I also did a video interview with an inspector, he gave some really good advice on the topic of how buyers choose their inspector.

Hi William ~ Often the "comentary" as you put it does not make it onto the report, that is unless it's an issue. Sometimes side comments in general can be helpful to a consumer, that's part of the benefit (IMHO) of being present.

Rebecca ~ Thanks.

Hey Pat ~ You know I guess it depends on the practice & laws of your state. I've heard the issue of liability (b4) would love to see how that's communicated in writing. In my state for example, agents are required to make a diligent visual inspepection themselves as stated in our Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS). In additon we now have an AVID=Agents Visual Inspection Disclosure-3 pgs laying out room by room. That one is optional yet is becoming the standard of the industry. Again this is NOT the same as the physical inspection, it's a visual inspection.

Btw, I also did a "disclosure video" a couple of months ago and was suprised to find out that many states do not have any seller or agent disclosures at all.

Dec 25, 2010 01:59 PM

Debbie Malone

Londeree's Real Estate & Property Management - Lynchburg, VA

From Lynchburg To The Lake (434) 546-0369

Hi Lynda, What a great idea, I really liked your video! My buyers here in Virginia always attend home inspections (if they don't choose to order one I have them sign off) and we can usually resolve problems thanks to the inspectors thorough report. Best wishes for a prosperous 2011!

Dec 26, 2010 01:11 PM

Jennifer Fivelsdal

JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY

Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Lynda I always love your videos, they are so professional. The inspection is such an important aspect of the transaction so both buyers and sellers should not take it lightly.

Dec 26, 2010 03:02 PM

Lynda Eisenmann

Preferred Home Brokers - Brea, CA

Broker Associate ,CRS,GRI,SRES, Brea,CA, Orange Co

Hi Deb ~ Thank you, my best to you too in the new year. Btw, I think you have a new profile photo, right?

Jennifer ~ Right not I'm doing my best to create a virtual transaction, giving home buyers and sellers an idea of what goes on. I've got a new homeselling blog at www.HomeSelling101.com, info for both buyers and sellers. So good my friend to hear from you, thanks!

Dec 26, 2010 04:43 PM

Karen Kruschka

RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA

- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Lynda I hope you had a lovely Christmas and I wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2011

Dec 27, 2010 02:58 AM

Jeff Dowler, CRS

eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA

The Southern California Relocation Dude

Lynda - I think it's a great idea for buyers to be there during their inspection, although I know many inspectors prefer they show up at the end. It is such a terrific learning experience, especially for someone who has never owned a home.

I don't agree with the seller being present. I have done this a couple of time because the seller insisted, and it was ugly, even with coaching. Also as a buyer agent it drives me nuts - I think it can be problematic for the bueyrs, who are, after all, paying for it - they feel inhibited, they are worried about asking questions, and having the seller step in with lots of rationalizing or denial does not help. I think it really depends on the seller and the situation but it is not my preference and I would argue against it.

Jeff

Dec 28, 2010 02:37 PM

Lynda Eisenmann

Preferred Home Brokers - Brea, CA

Broker Associate ,CRS,GRI,SRES, Brea,CA, Orange Co

Hi Karen ~ Thank you, my best to you and yours now and in 2011.

Hey Jeff ~ Thanks for the interesting comment. As for the seller being present understand what you're saying...however for me it comes down to a seller being prepared (and stay out of the way) for what takes place during the inspection, and that's why I said what I did in my video, checking every nook and crannie. I think it's all about the preparation, like so many things that happen in a transaction. Do they get a little defensive, maybe every now and the, yet not (imho) any more when they read something on a written report.

As for the buyer paying you're right, yet it's still the seller's home and if the buyer asks for repairs to be made, then it makes sense to me for the seller to hear the problem/issue directly from the inspector. Out of all the inspections/sales, I think I've only had one that didn't go through as a result of the inspection...and now I'm trying to remember which one that was.

Dec 28, 2010 03:04 PM

Lee & Carol Barbour, REALTORS

Murphy and Hayesville, NC; Hiawassee, Blairsville, Blue Ridge GA - Murphy, NC

Mountain Living Team in Murphy NC and North GA

Got to say if I were a buyer and found your professional and informative videos I'd definitely be contacting you Lynda. Many Buyers and Sellers think they shouldn't attend the home inspection or have been told that they will only be in the way, but we don't agree and encourage it, but do let them know that they have to not be in the way. You certainly brought up a great point that having the Seller there that they would be able to not only give, but get information on the home. Many of our Buyers are out of state when the inspection takes place but we are always there for the Home Inspection.

Jan 02, 2011 11:39 AM

Lynda Eisenmann

Preferred Home Brokers - Brea, CA

Broker Associate ,CRS,GRI,SRES, Brea,CA, Orange Co

Hi Lee & Carol ~ Thanks for the visit and I appreciate your comment.

Jan 02, 2011 01:02 PM