The home inspection is a detailed and meticulous evaluation of a structure. The home inspector should be allocated the utmost consideration while allowing them to concentrate during inspection of the property or future home. To safely inspect a house requires a thorough understanding of the components and how they function and relate to one another. Before the inspection, we like to enquire if the buyer has any concerns with the property. Buyers often feel uneasy if the seller or the agent follows the inspector and injects their opinion or disputes their discoveries. We have had several clients walkout at this point because they feel the seller or their agents are trying to hide or conceal defects.
Should the home seller
be at the inspection? What about their real estate agent?
Who should attend the home inspection?
The buyer's agent usually coordinates the home inspection with the homeowner's agent once the inspection is scheduled. The agents should also ensure access to areas of the home like the attic, garage, electrical panel, water heater, gates, and keys for locked doors. The areas that are locked or inaccessible will not be inspected.
The buyer can bring friends, relatives, and an agent to the inspection. We recommend limiting the number to three or less. Fewer people ensure the inspector can concentrate on the inspecting and not what else is going on during the inspection. During COVID, we have also required masks for all who attend the inspection. The inspectors are not responsible for damage caused to the home by pets and children in attendance. The seller may limit the number of people a buyer can bring with them or insist on being present during the inspection. The inspector is there for the buyer and will not interact or discuss the property with the seller or their agent. You should avoid having the seller or their agent interact with your home inspector.
When the buyer cannot attend
have to work, be out of state, or not want to be present.
When the buyer attends the inspection, we can visually and verbally convey the findings before writing the report.
Should the Sellers attend the inspection?
It is not advisable the sellers or their agents are present during the inspection. The homeowner or their agent that follows the inspector and prevents him or distracts him from inspecting should be a red flag for the buyer. We have an inspection agreement; we enter into with the buyer that prohibits our interaction with the sellers or their agents. Sellers may prevent or interfere with private conversations between the inspector and the buyer. Some homeowners have intentionally shadowed the inspectors or tried to distract the inspector. This type of interaction or interference often leads to the buyers pulling out of the deal.
Hiring your inspector
Often inspectors that have been in business for twenty years have only one or two reviews a year. Some new inspectors have hundreds of reviews, but are they legit? After completing your research and being confident in your decision, hire the best inspector you can find.
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| Frank Carr, Florida Licensed Home Inspector |
