The Previous Buyer is Allowing you their Inspection Report - Do you Still Have an Inspection?

I would ask for a copy of it and still order an inspection, unless you know and trust the inspector then call for updates.

I have done that before, however the buyers needs to feel comfortable with it and weigh it agianst the money they save. I definitely give it a shot especially if the inspector is reputable

It depends. I generally want my clients to get their own. That said if it's not too old, and done by one of the inspectors I use maybe. In that case I may suggest we talk to the inspector first! I don't do that very often, but I have done it!

As the LA we do not give out any inspection reports that may have done on the property to any buyers. They must get their own inspector. As a BA I will strongly advise the buyer to hire their own inspector (s) and not take the word of the previous inspector. If they chose to not do so they will sign off in writing that they are doing so and will not hold the BA or Broker responsible should other issues pop up at anytime in the future. There have been huge liablity issues about 15 years or so ago with agents freely handling out the previous report.  That's when that practice came to an end in my area. For those that still do that, I highly suggest stop doing it.

I think it depends on the circumstances. Usually, I would recommend the buyer get their own inspection. But there have been times when my buyer wanted to just use the inspection provided by the seller, and I was okay with it. If there is not a lot wrong with the house, if it is newer, or if the buyer just wants to take it as is, then I don't see anything wrong with using the previous buyer's report.

If an inspection report was done, my buyer (and me!) will want to see it.  I've seen so many reports over the years...some inspections seem very negative, some don't seem very specific, many have pages and pages of boilerplate copy.  Best to get your own inspection!

A timely post for sure.   I just had this happen this week and I am working with the buyer.  The inspector I would normally use and that I trust had already inspected the home a few weeks ago for a buyer who had to cancel their deal. 

That deal fell through because unfortunately for that buyer they wanted to put a daycare in the home and that is not allowed in this subdivision without a lot of red tape and the buyer cut their losses and moved on (not my buyer...the previous buyer). Would have been a fantastic place for an in-home daycare.

Anyway...my buyers elected to use the inspection report.  With it we got the well/water report; the radon report; and the survey. The home has a new hvac system, new roof, new siding, and new radon system.

My buyers are from Denver although the husband grew up in my area.

While I agree with many of the valid points in the comments...I gave the buyers their options and cost and through e-mails and text and have a paper trail that the decision was theirs.

I usually try to keep my previous career as a carpenter many, many decades ago out of my real estate career...and the fact that I replaced my own water heater and plumbing fixtures, etc...but I will admit that some of that old carpenter in me kicked in when they said they would consider the previous report that was only a few weeks old. I looked at the house from the eyes of an inspector/finish carpenter.   I am comfortable with their decision.

Since I let my license go before inspections became common in our area, I don't have experience to apply here. However, after reading all the comments, I'd have to answer with "it depends."

There are many factors to consider.

Hi Joan... can't say I'm seeing a lot of back on markets due to inspections... I see more them just a few days after contract was signed... I attribute that to buyer's remorse. As for sharing inspection reports, for me that's an absolute no-no. The report is the intellectual property of the person who paid for it and we need their written approval to release it to a seller even when not terminating a contract. Sellers have no business releasing another buyer's report. And buyers should have their own inspection. Fortunately, here in NC and SC our inspectors are licensed and insured and tightly regulated.

great advice - if you don't know the iinspector or the inspection company you have to be careful  very careful