Does a Listing Agent have to attend the Home Inspection?

Great information thanks for sharing.  I am sure this topic will generate many responses.

We usually do not attend the inspections of our listings Scott. We often get a report and very interesting to hear your thoughts and how it's done in NH.

Scott every area has different ways of operating. I understand you're thinking of being at the inspections - I do.  But with that being said it's not the norm here in my area and hasn't been in many years.   We do consider the inspection the 'buyers time' and we respect it as such. 

It is not the norm here either, in fact, if a listing agent or the sellers are there, it is bad conduct. The inspection is paid for by the buyers and it is the time for them to ask questions and discuss any findings with their agent and the inspector. I do get your point, but that's the way it's done in the wild west. Lol. 

Do not agree.  I attend home inspections when I represent the buyer each and everytime. But if I attend as listing agent and the deal falls through I am then obligated to disclose everything I have learned to new prospective buyers. If I mis interpet what the inspector has found and make a mis leading disclosure as a result I am deepening my mess. Selling agent absolutely, listing absolutely not.

That is a super explanation, Scott.  The listing agent and seller can request a copy of the home inspection if it results in a renegotiation of terms but hearing the information first-hand (especially the home inspector's voice inflections and tonality) is far more valuable. I was not surprised to hear that you attend them for your listings.

I think it is a good idea for listing agents to attend the home inspections but may do not want to spend the time that is required.

Hi Scott - Practices vary widely by location, as you well know. Here, no agents are generally present at an inspection, mostly because a legal precedent in this state brought the issue of potential liability to the forefront. However, I wouldn't argue with your well-made point about representing the client's best interests.

I know that listing Agents in Westchester County always attend an inspection so that they can best represent their clients and communicate things that come up in the process-perhaps ahead of the written report.

I recently attended an inspection for my listing, and It was the best choice I made through out the course of this transaction. I wasn't planning on being there, but the owners needed me there to let the inspector and the buyers in the home. After hours of inspecting the home, the inspector informed the buyer that the foundation supports were off balance in numerous places. If not corrected this could turn into a BIG problem. I'm glad I showed up of the inspection. It gave me enough to communicate with the sellers and let them know what was coming. From now on, I attend all inspections.

Hey there SCOTT GODZYK,

that is a very good one post! thanks for bringing it here...

have a great day to you!...

I do not attend the inpsections and leave the job to the inspector. I recommend all my buyers attend or at least come at the end of the inspection to get the overview. The inspector needs to communicate with the buyer. I will not trump an inspector, I do not want that authority.