The nose knows, or why you should be at all of your inspections!

I have been on 3 home inspections in less than a week. Two were my listings and one was my buyer who I refer to as a future listing.

So many agents do not attend because they have been "advised of their liability".   IMHO...we have more liability if not present.  It is a big part of my representation.

Margaret

I use my combustible gas "sniffer" on all inspections.  I have a great nose, but sometimes it's "off".

Great job Victoria!

I would always advise being there for your buying clients during an inspection.  Like it was previuosly said, it is more for support than anything else. 

Let the professionals do their bit, but it's never a bad idea to ask questions if you have a doubt.

"Realtor conflict of interest. A Realtor should never be with an inspector while inspecting a home and should never know what the inspection results are or see the report - legal issue!!"

IMHO an urban myth! Check with you own lawyer but none I have asked about this issue felt it was a problem if no attempt is made to influence the inspection results.

A Realtor who attends an inspection should never do anything that would/could be interpreted as directing the actions of the inspector because this could then be seen as an attempt to influence the findings. That is a no no.

If the Realtor does not know the report findings how would they properly convey concerns to the seller? Having knowledge of the report findings could have some bearing on future disclosures should the deal go south. The safest path there as always; if you know disclose!

I always felt a little badly when a Realtor was not at the inspection in support of their client and I am glad to see how many of you do attend. I think that speaks well of the quality of Realtors on AR. Frankly I was frequently asked questions about the findings that the Realtor would be far more qualified to answer if they were only there.

Because of this urban myth, or perhaps using it as an excuse, in ten years of inspecting and somewhere around 3000 inspections around 1% of the inspections were attended by the Realtor. Sad.

Great catch on the propane leak. Some people are more sensitive to smells than others. How much would you rent your nose for? :) It's always good to get an education from watching the inspections.

Well put!  I want to be one of the 1% that attend all inspections! Thanks for your insight and for sharing!

Carefree Marilyn

There's nothing quite like a well functioning nose. I had a partner who could smell and identify virtually anything. Sometimes I wish mine worked that well. Other times I think it could feel like a curse.

How can a buyer tell that their agent doesn't really care about them?

Easy. The agent doesn't attend the inspection(s).

It's amazing how lazy some people can be. I'm not referring to those who have an emergency situation, of course.

Sorry Dave(#34), but there are no legal problems, unless a Realtor goes too far trying to be an "expert." In fact, in California there is a standard inspection form that agents are required to complete after doing their "mini" inspections.

Attending all INspections is something I've always done. To support my clients, but to also observe what it being inspected as well as what the inspector may say. Sure makes it easier to understand what is in inspection report. I don't have a problem asking about a smell asking inspector a question or two. But basically staying back and out of the way. During the actual inspection. My clients are comforted when they know I'm present.

I was on a webinar yesterday titled "37 Ways Not to Suck at Real Estate."  The gentleman leading the webinar stated that you should send your assistant, or let the seller's agent open the door for the inspector.  You shouldn't be wasting your time at inspections! 

I couldn't disagree more.  What a terrible message to send to your client.  You're telling your client that now that I have you under contract on this property, I don't care about you anymore.  I don't believe it's necessary to spend the entire 4 hours at the inspection, but at least show up for some of it.  One of the marketing slogans I use is "I'll be beside you, every step of the way!"  If I'm handing things off to someone else to do after I get the contract signed, then I'm not living up to what I said I'd do.

I like to be at my clients inspections because it shows I care, allows me to talk to them and get to know them more (and get referals).  I can reassure them and do paper work with them.

I got to every inspection I can possibly make. It makes my clients feel more comfortable and I learn alot about homes for future knowledge!

My closing last week, I was unable to attend the inspection as it was scheduled rather last minute and I had prior RE obligations.  There were a couple of issues with the underwriting regarding the inspections.  I felt totally out of the loop not having been there to answer and address these issues. 

Buyers inspections this week I was there and having seen the issues that the buyers want handled, I can tell Seller's Agent specifically what is being asked for.  We are going back and forth with that right now - but at least I feel more informed to be able to help my buyers. 

First I find Marshall's 1% astounding. The vast majority of inspections here in CT are attended by the buyers agent, sometimes the listing agent too :( .

I want the agent at the inspection because first off they need to know the issues in order to help their client negotiate later. Also once something is found, it is their area of expertise to discuss how it affects the transaction. On my last inspection I worked with a new agent (new to me, she has been in real estate 14 years) who was just fantastic. The client was using FHA and there were issues with the home that could affect his financing. By her being there she was able to be proactive in discussing these issues with the client.

Bottom line the agent should be at the inspection.

Great catch and shows why it's so important to be there. Further, that's just good practice as another service to offer to clients, keeping their interest as top priority. Nice blog!

Can across the post a while ago, thanks for sharing