Should The Buyer Attend The Home Inspection?
Greg revisits a post subject that has been blogged about many times. It happens to us all on a regular basis. It seems different areas and different people handle this matter as professionally as possible but in the end it is for the client so that they might be best equipped to make the most sound decision of their lifetime. Please stop by and give Greg a comment on his blog.
Should the buyer attend the entire home inspection? Is it in their best interest to be there throughout the entire process?
I say no. Let me explain why...
The photo to the left is from an actual inspection report. The man holding his arms up with the camera is the home inspector and the lady standing one foot away is the buyer. She shadowed him throughout the entire inspection asking questions, opening doors and at one point reached for his flash light!
Many buyers would simply assert that this was about to be the largest purchase of their adult life and you can bet your britches they're going to watch every single thing the inspector does. They deserve to know!
I can't say I don't understand and slightly agree with that attitude, but at the same time you can't shadow someone who is working for you and expect them to do a great job. No mechanic, inspector, doctor, CPA or brick layer want's you standing over their shoulder talking, asking questions and pointing out things before the professional can get a chance to do them.
There's a reason people waive banners, scream and squeal their noise makers before the kicker attempts to make a field goal. It's to distract them. The difference here is that Home Inspector aren't paid athletes. They're every day people like you and me. And MOST buyers do not attend the full inspection. An inspection can take 2-4 hours depending on the complexity of the subject property and of course its size. You being there can add hours depending on how it goes.
An inspector could miss a defect if he's busy responding to questions or being distracted.
The photo in this blog is from an inspection some 4 years ago. The lady in the photo is my Aunt. She didn't take my advice. She followed around my inspector like the paparazzi. She called me several times during the inspection to let me know the inspector was "missing things."
It's best to attend the last 30 minutes of the inspection to review the report, pay the inspector and even take time to view some of the bigger ticket items that may be detrimental to the transaction. In any case, the inspector is going to email the report to you and the agent you're working with. Would you perform your job better if your customer stood over your shoulder for 4 hours?
The information contained in this blog is believed to be reliable and while every effort is made to assure that the information is as accurate as possible, the author of this blog, and its comments disclaim any implied warranty or representation about it's accuracy, completeness or appropriateness for any particular purpose. All information is copywritten and the property of Greg Nino.
