FAQ #10 - Do I need to be present for the Home Inspection?

FAQ # 10 - Do I need to be present for the Home Inspection?
This is a question that real estate agents are most likely to get from time to time. Do I need to be present for the home inspection? The simple answer is. “Yes”. The Home Inspections are for the buyer’s benefit, and most home inspectors would prefer to brief the buyers of their findings on the same day of the inspection.

These home inspections normally take from one to three hours, depending on the size of the house, and if the inspector has to check out that septic tank, or crawl under the house for those older pier and beam homes. The inspector will check everything from the roof, plumbing, electrical, and to the foundation, and if they find any major concerns or issues with the properties, it will be best for the buyers to be present to get first hand information, and actually see some of these deficiencies first. Of course, the buyers and their agents will normally get a detailed inspection report within 24 to 48 hours with full color photos too. But, nothing can take the place of actually being present for that inspection.

Now, I normally advise all my buyers to arrange to show up during the last hour of the appointment, so they won’t get in the inspector’s way, and slow down his home inspection. There have been times when buyers are not able to get off work to be at these inspections, but it is always recommended that at least one of them be present if it is a couple. Some out of town buyers are not able to make these inspections, so they will ask their agents to attend the inspections, and get the information from the inspector. Only under an extreme emergency should a home buyer miss their home inspection. Then, it is up to the buyer if they want to share those findings from that inspection report with the sellers. It may help the buyer to negotiate any requested repairs if the seller has a copy of that inspection report.