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You can help the Inspector

By Andrew Cox

Home Inspector with Cox Property Services HI-2899

December 11, 2006 01:58 AM

Several times, I've been asked, "What do I need to do?" when preparing for the home inspection. Actually, there are many areas a realtor can help in the inspection process.

Be there. It always helps to have a professional presence there. Even if it's just to keep the buyer company. (some inspectors disagree here - some think the fewer witnesses, the better!)
Prepare the buyer for the results - if it's an older home, remind the client of that - no home is "perfect", it's just a matter of how perfect it is, and how you can handle the imperfections.
Make a list of concerns. Days before, and even on the day of inspection, have the buyer make a list of concerns they have about the inspection - i.e. - is the roof OK? the A/C? Plumbing? - Often, the buyer will already have a clue if there is something to be found by the inspector. Have them write it down to ask about when talking to the inspector.
Have any disclosures available for the inspector to see. He can give a 2nd opinion about these areas.
Discourage the buyer from bringing the whole family - I've seen a buyer bring 2-3 kids, a dog, grandma... keep it simple - bring only those who need to be there. Be considerate of the sellers.

And for the home seller -

Let the realtor handle it - leave home. If there, you won't be able to resist watching over the inspector. I've had sellers argue and get angry over a finding in their home.
Take any pets out of the home. Letting Rover stay in the back yard is not good enough.
Take any children/family/houseguests out with you.
Clean house. You'd be surprised how many inspections are done, and the laundry room can't be assessed because of piles of dirty laundry, or the kitchen sink. If the house is being inspected, shouldn't you be packed by now?
If there are any fixtures/appliances/etc. that don't work - disclose them. There are stories (Thankfully, not mine) of broken plumbing fixtures, not disclosed, causing major damage when turned on by the home inspector.
Replace any burnt-out light bulbs, smoke detector batteries, and clean out the disposal.

In short - the inspection does not have to be a horrible experience - and can even be manageable - if you're prepared!

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Jay Thompson

Jay.Life, LLC - Aransas Pass, TX

Thanks for the tips Andrew! None should be all that difficult to do..

"Discourage the buyer from bringing the whole family - I've seen a buyer bring 2-3 kids, a dog, grandma... keep it simple - bring only those who need to be there. Be considerate of the sellers."

At this VERY MOMENT, my lovely bride is showing a home to some buyers. They showed up in 3 cars. There's 14 of them, ages infant to 80ish. I'll have to call her to see if they brought the pets. They are web site clients that we've never met in person. I suspect my wife never even thought to ask, "You don't plan on bringing 13 other people with you, do you?"

Dec 11, 2006 03:18 AM

Andrew Cox

Cox Property Services - Kissimmee, FL

Jay-

You can always bring a pinata and make it a party!

Thanks for the comment!

Dec 11, 2006 06:05 AM

Anonymous

Andrew,

Nice blog by the way...

I own and operate a home inspection firm in Ohio and we actually want our buyers to be there at the inspection. We want them there to see exactly what we are inspecting so that if they do have any unexpected things happen after they move in...they will most likely know that we looked at that during the inspection.

We also want the buyers agent there, too....EXCELLENT way for them to see how we interact with their client and explain things!

Even better...if the listing agent is there...they will see that we are doing a thorough and FAIR inspection of their seller's home!

Great marketing opportunity!

John Helmick

Dec 17, 2006 10:26 AM

John, thanks for the compliment.

Yes, I firmly believe the agents and the buyer should attend the inspection. I got a tip from someone a while back - I put out a notebook with blank paper, and a pen. I tell the buyer and his agent to write down any questions otr concerns they have. That way, we will address all questions by the time we're through. They seem to like this, and usually have several questions that they may have forgotten if they hadn't written them down.

My motto is "Not just an inspection - an Education." And I try to follow through on that. I tell my clients I am there to learn everything I can about their new property so I can then pass that knowledge on to them.

Thanks again for the comments.

Dec 18, 2006 12:01 AM

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