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Should Realtors Attend Inspections and Closings?

By
Real Estate Agent with Libertas Real Estate

ClosingWhen I first started in real estate, I wasn't sure if I should attend inspections and closings.  I thought, "If I attend, I'm just going to be standing there twiddling my thumbs while the inspector or escrow officer does all the talking."

I've since learned that while the foregoing might be true, Buyers appreciate their real estate agent being present through every step of the transaction.

It is highly recommended that all home buyers have a home inspection on the home that they are purchasing.  In Arizona, this inspection must take place within the first 10 days of contract being accepted.  The question is, does the Realtor have to be present at the inspection?

As a Buyers' agent, I feel that in order to best represent my clients, I should be present at the home inspection.  Of course, I don't stay there for the entire 3-4 hours the inspection is taking place.  I want the inspector to use his/her time to do a thorough job without interruptions.   Instead, I opt to meet the inspector and my clients towards the end of the inspection.  This allows for all questions to be addressed and any potential problems to be pointed out first hand.  

When it comes time to close, I like to be present to ensure that all contractual representations are fulfilled during closing.  If that means I'm sitting there quietly throughout the signing process and am simply there to congratulate them and hand them their keys, so be it.  My clients deserve my full representation.  

As a Buyer, Seller, Realtor, Escrow Officer, or Inspector, what are your thoughts on this topic?

 

Jana Haren, Realtor, MSSC

www.janaharenhomes.com

Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Yes, Absolutely to both! 

     What else are we doing that is more important? 

      Maybe not the entire Inspection, but at least "be there" at the end of it.    As for the Closing - what if something goes wrong - do you want to be called by the Title Office and told, "Sorry it did not Close"?   Be There!

May 19, 2013 02:11 PM