Should My Realtor Attend My Inspection?

Hi Belinda,

I agree with 100 percent.  Not only that, but if the Realtor attends the home inspection, they are know aware of all detail of the home and have to disclose all that they know, more than they want to know!!  They are held liable. 

Most in our area just arrange to open the door and do not stay for the inspection.  

IMNO * the buyers should be there with the inspector to ask questions

I like to talk with the inspector at the house. It seems to help me to be familiar with the problems my client are asking to be corrected.

Howdy and morning Belinda

Belinda my friend, I understand the reasoning behind the shift by of Agents in some States, but with the Agent being there actually can held the Inspection of the home go a bit faster. The Agent does not need to follow the Inspector around, but it does help if the Buyer's Agent does keep their Buyer company as the Inspector does his or her job.

Have a good one
Dale in New Hampshire

As the Listing agent I attend all inspections, appraisals, termite inspection, closings and anything to do with my sellers homes, selling a 100 plus homes a year does not excuse me from representing my sellers. I don't talk unless spoken too but I am there with the disclosures and usually can address any concerns that the buyer, their agent or inspector may have. I cannot count the deals or at least the concerns that we have overcome by this courtesy.

In fact we offer a seller a pre inspection at time of listing to try to always stay ahead of the curve. My goal is to always have a win win and it really is that simple. I am no ones adversary.

Very good information for home buyers.  The home inspection procedures should be addressed by the buyer agent.

Have a very special Memorial Day holiday and an outstanding week.

Hi Belinda - The shift in attitude in Colorado came about as a result of a lwasuit (of course). The buyer's agent had been present at an inspection at which some major defects were missed, and the buyer sued everyone. Interestingly, the court held the buyer's agent liable, as acting in the capacity of "supervising" the inspector. I guess we would have had to have been there to understand how the plaintif's lawyer managed to convince the judge of that, but precedent was set, so few of us go anywhere near an inspection today. Good topic for discussion!

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Very interesting, Belinda. Here most buyers agents are present at the inspection. As a listing agent, we will attend if the seller wants us to but usually not. Suggested.

#Richard -Most buyers agents I meet at inspections are sitting on the couch doing their paperwork so I'm not sure they would see any major defects. Could be an interesting debate.

Belinda,  I think there is two ways to look at this, but I am coming over to the side of letting the inspector do his thing and I just open the door and wait for the final report.

This is certainly an area where there is potential liability - I often provide access and I am present for the inspector walkthru at the end (if my buyer). This way I best understand the issues if my buyer requests repairs.

I am usually present for my inspections, but sit and quietly work on a laptop.  I'm there the entire time, but don't advise my client's what they should or should not ask for.  I like to see whatever the inspectors point out that may end up needing clarification later.  

I attend inspections.  It helps me know how to write up the objection.  If the seller or agent has a question, it's good if I know what I'm actually talking about. 

Belinda, Larry always attends the inspection with our buyers. He doesn't follow the inspector around but is there as support for our clients. Guess a lawsuit can change things though...

Hi Belinda -- I respectfully disagree and maybe it's an issue in Colorado(as Dick Greenberg's comment alludes) -- I attend my buyers inspections -- I don't take an active role - that's the inspector's job.   It definitely is interesting to see how real estate is practiced across the country -- it really goes back to the old adage -- all real estate is local.  When in Rome....

Belinda we have a different custom here in AZ. The buyer does not attend the  entire inspection. Instead our buyer and myself will meet with the inspector after he is done.  It is the buyers choice to ask for repairs but these last few years most homes are foreclosure and/or short sales with no repairs but we still do an inspection - absolutely even more imporant in these situations.

Belinda...

I tend to agree that the inspection is between the buyer and the inspector. Featured in the Group "Whacked!!!"