Are You There For The Inspection

Always there for the inspection with my buyers. I don't normally go when it's my listing as the inspector is working for the buyers and they will not discuss anything with the seller or the sellers agent. We do demand that the buyer's agent be present with their clients and home inspector....

We also do not sign at the same time as the other party and do not hand over keys until it records with the Bureau of Conveyances....but through signing, handing keys, and all parts of the transaction...I am there.  Except of course, with an out of towner. :)

HI JL-Since I'm not a realtor I don't do it of course and the lady I work for I know doesn't go. I know the guy she generally recommends. He inspected both of my Mom's homes since we moved here and he is very thorough. She said that if she was there the inspector might not be as comfortable with her being there. I was at both of my Mom's places. He was very willing to answer any of my questions or concerns. In most cases and probably all of them. It probably is a good idea. I think in her case she knows she can trust him to take care of the folks and I can attest to the fact that he is extremely thorough and very knowledgeable but I'm sure there are many that are there just to collect a check. Great post. Have a great Sunday. :-)

JL ~ this has been a hotly contested debate over the years, and appears to still be that way.  I recently witnessed a 'knock down, drag out' on Trulia about this issue, too.  For myself, as the listing agent I've not in 12 years experience attended a home inspection.  As the buyer's agent, I've never missed a home inspection.  And as a buyer's agent, my preference is that the sellers and listing agent do NOT attend, especially unannounced.  If they insist, then we just muddle our way through it.  We do what we do to serve our clients in the best way we believe is possible and appropriate.  In this arena (attending inspections), there is plenty of room for variety and choice.

Absolutely I attend every single one. I feel it in the best interest of my client when any 3rd party is involved to be there.

JL - I attend the inspections, how else can you help the buyer understand it if you weren't there to see it. I don't usually attend as a sellers agent. If the seller is going to be present, I request that they remain quiet throughout the process. The buyer is paying for it (even if the seller is giving a concession).

JL when I am on the buying side I want to be there, and when I am working for the buyer I want to be there.... when I'm on the selling side it's a 50/50 if I feel there are issueswith the home I want to be there to help protect my seller and the buyer...YES both...peace zane 

JL - I show up for the buy side, but never for the list side.  I don't want to be stuck in a disclosure issue.  If, for instance, the inspector finds something that the buyer just doesn't like, I would have to disclose it to future buyers.  I can't keep notes like that on every home I sell.  Unless I specifically recall a health or safety issue, I'm within rules and regulations.  But, the buyer may need represenation at the time of inspection and I just like them anyway.  But, as you know, I'm a little strange! I usually learn something. 

I have done almost every buyer, and and a few sellers.  Depending on the condition of the home and who the agent is.

JL, I wrote almost the same post yesterday??!!  I came home from an inspection with my buyers  and started thinking about the last couple of inspections I had attended and the fact that some agents were there and some were not?  In 20 years I could count on one hand when a  listing agent shows up at the end or attend the inspection.  That was just the custom in our area,  However, in the past year, I have had more listing agents be present during the inspection.  I guess our school of thought in MD in the past is that it is the buyer's inspection and they should have full access and some privacy during their inspection. 

I hear you and the other commenters here where they want to be present.  That argument rings true to me as well.  Hmmm, guess I am going to have to rethink attending the inspection. 

I guess great minds think alike . . . ;0)

I think its great that you are involved with the inspections.  Its good to know what the inspector actually says rather than the other agents version.

JL  I think you should be there with the inspector also.  I teach my agent/owners that they really need to be there -- I believe that you owe that to your client. Thanks for sharing -- great post.

JL, I can see why you are a top agent, because you care about your clients FIRST and work hard to represent them.  On the one hand, it's important to get the information first-hand, when you can look at it in person, that is doing a great job for your clients.  On the other hand, home inspectors HATE it when we follow them around the property and look over their shoulder.  It's distracting and it make the inspection take much longer.  The solution:  Go to the home inspection at the end!  If the inspector knows you're going to meet him there, he'll have a draft of the report ready, photos done, and will be happy to point out the major issues.

JL- well, that would make life easier then.  If that were the case, I would definitely attend as the seller's agent.  So, I could see firsthand what the issues were.  But, I don't think I would want my sellers there, it might make the buyers uncomfortable.  And, since they are paying for it, they should be allowed the "space" to ask anything they choose to. 

I personally am never there 8) I know that my trusted project manager will be there!

Hi JL!  I always attend my buyer's home inspections, but when I am the listing agent, it's kind of unspoken that we are not really to attend due to the liability of hearing something that the buyer may have missed and then being held accountable for it.   The likelihood of me hearing something (with my hearing) that someone else doesn't are slim and none, but our brokers would prefer we not attend.  I chuckled at your other post about the fast talking, high pitched buyer!  I wouldn't have caught a single word from that guy!!  xxoo