Should the listing agent be present at the home inspection?

The inspector works for the buyer, not the seller. The sellers agent should not be present in my opinion.

Interesting post, Bobbi.  On our team, we never attend the home inspections of our listings.  I believe what you were told is accurate since it would be your obligation to let your clients know of defects.

I don't see why you would.  I get a copy of the report and have my fix it guy go take a look and see if the inspector is nit picking or if their is a problem.  Besides, I would not know a leaky faucet unless it dripped on my head and even then I might think it was raining.  It is not like it is going to do you any good to be there as the listing agent.  The report has been sanctioned by the purchaser and the inspector is working for them.  The report will be what it is.  I may be missing something, but that is my feeling.  Good post and look forward to hearing other opinions.

The only reason that I would be present is th facillitate access to the property, then I would wait in my car or leave if the other agent were present and I didn't need to secure the property.

I do not think the Listing Agent should be there.  Thats kinda like having the seller there when you go show a property.  The home inspection is paid for by the buyer and in my opinion, I would like to keep all info between me and my buyer until I submit my addendum for repairs. 

Nate Rowe  Homes in Richmond VA

Never.  We learned this a long time ago.  It is just afutile attempt at control.  Just give me hte report and we'll dael with it.  Also if you talk to many real estate lawyers the answer is "No!"

In our area, the listing agent is customarily present at home inspection.  The reasoning behind is if there is a problem, the seller wants to know right away to facilitate the signing of the contract.  In Long Island, the attorney writes the contract and that can go on for days.  

No wonder the consumer is confused about the agent's role and responsibilities.  Agents have a different view of their fiduciary responsibilities to their client.  You must be present to represent your seller.  Don't hover, be available for questions and to hear about the concerns of the inspection.  I agree that the written report is often different than what is said in the field.

The home inspector works for the BUYER.  It is inappropriate for the listing agent to be present.

Bobbi - I don't think it is a good idea for the listing agent to be home at time of the inspection.

This situation just came up and in an attempt to get other's views I found this post. Either I or one of my team agents are always at the inspections for my sellers.  I open the door, take care of any questions that the listing agent may have and then I get out of the way of what they need to do and out of ear shot of anything they may discuss.  The reason is simple.  I have had Buyer agents open the door for the inspectior and then leave the house.  I have had Buyer agents leave and have others at the house that have no business being there, like friends of the buyer who want to see the house.  I have had spas and pools drained because something went wrong.  I have had water left on in a tub that was being filled and water running...need I say more?  I am responsible to make sure that I am representing the seller and am responsible for the house when others are present.