Sellers at Home Inspections! Good or Bad?

I would agree with you and insist that the sellers be available only as a resource for questions or clarifications. 

If the seller has nothing to hide they should not have a problem being outside or off-site for the inspection.  www.ronpickett.com

Hi Jim,

Thanks for posing the question. Normally I prefer to have at least one of my seller's at home, usually the person who's the least emotional. I prefer they are available to answer any necessary questions that may come up. It can also save a lot of follow up calls later for everyone concerned.

However with that said, as Realtors I feel it's part of our duty to properly prepare the seller's what to expect. I explain how it feels like a "check-up" on the house, and they may feel like they are being invaded, etc. etc., yet it's a necessary aspect of the process. I also let them know we will have a brief re-cap at the end, usually followed by a written report in a few days.

I can also say with very few exceptions, the inspection is a learning process for the sellers too. Although many have been long time owners, most owners know more about their home after the process.

Jim,

I guess I haven't had that seller from hell yet. I or my client frequently have questions that only the seller can answer. My recommendation would have Realtor prepare seller by asking them to be there but not hovering, after all the inspection is for benefit of purchaser.

Alaska Don

Just today I had an inspection for a condo where the developer walked in and announced,had four inspectors here and they all said it was the best they had seen with no problems whatsoever.

Well after being told I was not allowed to inspect any common areas,roof ,basement,etc;then ordered to end my inspection after less than two hours you can imagine how I feel about sellers being present.

I could go much further but keep client dealings private.

I must say that I really don't care who is at the home while I'm performing the inspection.  It is all about keeping control of the inspection process.  As the home inspector, I'm in control.  I have a specific job to do and I'm going to do it.  I also realize that it I'm a guest in the home, and that the owner still is the owner.

I seldom have any problems.  If any of the folks that are at the home while I'm doing the inspection start to get in the way, I simply give them a job to do.  I might had them an extra outlet tester and tell them that they can help me by testing every outlet in the home, this will keep them busy for a good while.   Sometimes I might even disappear to the attic or crawl space.  I have even been known to tell them to please leave me alone, because I would not want them to make me miss something.  But again, I seldom have any problems.   I think that this has a great deal to do with how I start the inspection, I let everyone know that I have an important job to do and that the more interruptions I have the longer it will take to complete the inspection.  In other words, I'm showing that I in charge!

Way to go Bruce,

I always pull panel covers, as you know anything can be hidden in that box. I just remind the agent that I am working on behalf of the purchaser. Over the years I have developed an understanding with the agents that I frequently work with, and they understand that I am working for who ever hires me.

Alaska Don

It doesn't really bother me if the sellers are present or not.  I was a Probation Officer in my previous life so I've been through all sorts of situations.  But I have been doing a lot of foreclosures lately and it's nice to inspect vacant homes.

Now I did have one home inspection where a knife was pulled on me, that wasn't fun at all.  You can read about it HERE.  So be safe out there.

No the purchaser is not required to give the inspection report to the seller.  The purchaser may give some information to the seller by way of negotiating, but the report belongs only to the person who paid for it (the pruchaser).