Some tips on preparing your Agent Visual Inspection
As agents, we provide a visual inspection on properties on which we represent either the buyer or seller.
The most important aspect is to realize that it is just that - a VISUAL inspection.
It is entirely separate from and does not have anything to do with the general inspection that is performed on behalf of the buyer by a certified property inspector.
In other words, you should not be lifting carpet, looking behind paneling, moving appliances, or in essence, placing your hands on anything in order to do your visual inspection. The second you start to do that, you are placing yourself in the realm of the inspector, which you are not qualified to do.
The premise of the AVI is to do a reasonable visual inspection of the property to note anything that looks abnormal in your opinion.
The other thing to remember is to NEVER speculate or assume anything. A good example of that could be "some dark spots on wall that could possibly be mold" or "hairline crack in ceiling that could possibly be due to settlement".
Never make any speculative statements, because you are not qualified to do so. In the example above, the correct statement would be "some dark spots on west side of bedroom wall" or "hairline crack in ceiling".
Another helpful suggestion is to perform your AVI BEFORE the physical inspection takes place. Why? Because once the certified property inspector has done their inspection (which you should always be present for by the way) you are then verifiably aware of any of his/her findings. So after that point, for you to not include some of those findings which you have knowledge of, on your AVI would consitute you not having a fiduciary responsibility to your client. That could even be constituted as non-disclosure on your part.
But at the same time you want to make sure you have some items listed on your AVI that would be noticeable to any reasonable person. Being too skimpy or having next to nothing on your AVI would seem like you just phoned it in!
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