This is their opportunity to observe the inspector and learn about all the major systems in their new house. Most home inspections take two to three hours to complete. If often takes an inspector up to 3 hours to complete an home inspection and it the agent is … This is almost like a parent who does their child's homework for them. In MOST cases, home inspectors are happy to walk you through the inspection and have light conversation! The home inspection is one of the most important hurdles to clear in a real estate transaction. The buyer needs to attend the home inspection because it is their chance to understand the actual condition of the home. The home inspections are purchased by the buyer for the buyer. Homebuyer and agent: Traditionally, the home buyer and their real estate agent attend the home inspection together. Naturally, some home buyers want to attend the entire inspection and walk around with the inspector while he or she is working and inspecting. In most cases, Buyers will attend all or part of the home inspection. You can best advocate and negotiate for your client when you have all the information. The agent is hired to represent the client, and representing the client means being there when needed. Whether Sellers should attend the inspection is more complicated. Home Appraisal Cost. The important take-away seems to be that the buyer’s agent should refrain from influencing the buyer’s conclusions about the home inspection. Lastly, some agents say a listing agent shouldn’t be present at a buyer’s inspection because they should be holding independent inspections of their own. On the other hand, if the buyers are going to attend the inspection, which is what happens with the majority of my business, I would much prefer that the seller take off. “I usually do a pre-listing inspection at the seller’s expense,” Debbie Miller says. A home inspection report is a document in which an inspector records the condition of the seller's house and cites any problems they find in their examination, such as foundation or safety issues that the buyer should be aware of. All real estate agents should attend home inspections! Often, the buyer’s agent will also be present at the home inspection. We have a lot of experience inspecting homes and recommend that home buyers attend the final hour. They can walk you through the process and identify any repairs that the seller should address. When buying or selling a house, the home inspection is a vital part of the process. With the emotions still simmering down, this may not be the best time to introduce them. Do buyers go to the home inspection? The report is considered the buyer’s property and does not have to be released to the seller. Furthermore, I’ve seen several deals actually go awry simply due to emotions between Buyers and Sellers. Buyers should decide who attends a home inspection. Many buyers also want their agents to be present so they can go over the details of the inspection report and develop a strategy together. Agents represent their client, and the sooner they are aware of a given issue the sooner it can be addressed. Anything under $100 that the buyer can reasonably fix on their own (especially in a sellers market, where buyers shouldn’t want to come off as overly picky) Cosmetic issues, like paint touch-ups … Some home inspectors believe that the buyer’s agent gets in the way of the inspection and influences their client’s opinion. Buyers will often request structural damage, electrical issues, plumbing leaks, roof leaks, and … They have a chance to get their questions asked and answered on the spot. That's just my professional opinion. Again, every purchase is different, but when you can be there, we generally say, yes. As the buyer, you can attend the home inspection and follow the inspector through the house, asking questions as you go. Furthermore, in some places, you cannot follow the home inspector, such as, the roof or attic. 9 mo. A talkative customer. Occasionally the home buyer will provide the seller a copy of the home inspection report (or a copy of the home inspection summary) to justify a repair request. However, since it’s usually the buyer who hires a home inspector, circumstances often override the real estate agent’s preferences. A home inspection is a critical part of any home sale, and there are many misconceptions and often some confusion surrounding it. Overall, buyers should attend the inspection and it is best practice to ask the home inspectors if it’s okay you follow them and watch. When asked why, they cited the following reasons. Of course, whether or not to attend a home inspection is entirely up to the buyer’s agent and the preferences of the home inspector and buyer. First and foremost, a seller's presence at the home inspection can be an inhibitor to its success. by Natalie Eisen, Staff Writer, Working RE Magazine The short answer to that is, "Usually, no." Distracting the Inspector. Buyers that are not able to go to the home inspection themselves should also enlist the help of a real estate agent. A home inspection costs an average of $338, but ranges from $250 to $400 or more for a large house. How long does a home inspection take? Home inspections generally take between 2 and 4 hours depending on the size and age of the house. Furthermore, at the end of the day, a buyer is a potential customer, and a customer is always … ... How much does a home inspection cost? The home inspection is a time for the Buyer to ask the Home Inspector frank questions about the home; this can be difficult for Buyers when the Seller is present. If you can’t get time off work, don’t worry. However, it isn’t mandatory. Property sold in as-is condition, and is not contingent upon buyer's financing, condition of property, appraisal, inspection, etc. It may take longer if: The home is large; The home is old; The inspector finds a lot of problems; The inspector finds issues that are complicated or serious; The home inspector will need to write up a detailed report after they visit the home. In circumstances where the buyer cannot be there in person, their real estate agent can act as their representative. It is best to allow the home inspector to inspect the entire home and document the findings. A home inspection isn’t a requirement, but it’s almost always done to protect the buyer from acquiring a house with unknown issues. On the other hand, real estate agents argue that the presence of the buyer’s agent provides an intermediary between the buyer and the home inspector, explaining terms or requesting clarification. Having the seller attend the inspection can assist the inspectors with documentation or knowledge about when renovations were made. Homebuyers may wish to attend the home inspection in order to discuss any discoveries that the inspector may have discovered. Can I attend the home inspection? Here are a few examples (of many) why an agent may ask a buyer or seller not to attend: A tough negotiation leading up to the sale. It is not necessary for the Seller to be there unless Buyer agrees to it. The home buyer and the Realtor should attend the home inspection. If it is a pre-listing inspection ordered by the seller, they are absolutely okay to be there and should be. You can typically expect to pay $300 to $400 for a single-family home. Unreasonable requests after a home inspection. This process also can work well and allows the home buyer to view the findings as the inspector does, and to discuss each item as you go through the home. It might be difficult for buyers to attend the home inspection, especially when they live out of town. Should I be at the home inspection? 1. Buyers and sellers shouldn’t attend home inspections. This may occur with or without his/her Agent, or it may also include contractors and possibly some relatives and friends. They can also ask questions about what is found during the inspection, how the home’s various systems work, and what needs to be done for repairs and improvements. A home inspection isn’t a requirement, but it’s almost always done to protect the buyer from acquiring a house with unknown issues. A home inspection costs an average of $338, but ranges from $250 to $400 or more for a large house. 1. level 1. Real estate agents are normally the ones who coordinate home inspections. After the inspection, a home inspector will prepare a written report that documents all of their findings. If the inspector identifies unexpected problems, the buyer can renegotiate the sale price with the seller, request that the seller cover the cost of repairs, or cancel the purchase agreement. In my market the buyer's agent does typically go to the appraisal and not the seller's agent. After all, it’s in the best interests of property purchasers to avoid making a terrible investment. What the seller does end up seeing is a list of repair requests that are based on the home inspection. Buyers usually pay for a home inspection, which is scheduled after their offer is accepted. Moreover, this section can also include if the inspector cannot properly operate a component of a home. A 10% buyer's premium will be added to the final bid, and will become a part of the purchase price. The home inspection is no exception. Prepare as a Buyer for the Home Inspection It is recommended that buyers do try to attend the inspection. Agents should not attend home inspections. Some inspectors prefer to inspect the home without any distractions and that's ok, but we believe it's important that the buyers attend the inspection to have a better understanding of what the inspector is observing firsthand. Why Agents Should Be at Home Inspections. I also think the seller agent should let the buyer know and get their ok because after all the buyer is the one that's paying for it. As a home inspector, and previously an agent myself, I understand both sides of the question. You're really just going to let them in and they do their thing. For a multi-family unit, this cost goes up to $600 on average. Some of the inspectors we interviewed were against clients attending their inspections. Yes, you can go as you are hiring us AND yes, you should go, as it’s the best time to learn about your possible new home. On the rare occasions when the seller is present, it can make for an uncomfortable inspection for both the buyers and sellers. If your buyer orders a home inspection before closing — and 95% of buyers purchasing existing homes will — you’re off the hook for this one. But (and there’s always a but!) the seller can end up “paying” for the inspection in other ways, in the form of a price cut or repairs. If all this is a little confusing, here we’ll explain the following: But, if it is a buyer paid inspection, it's just not a good idea, and here's why. When possible, the home buyer and buyer’s agent should attend the home inspection. The home inspection is the best time for the buyer and the buyer’s agent to ask questions and clarify items that will be included in the home inspection report. Sometimes, the buyer can’t be present for the home inspection. In a nutshell, home buyers are always encouraged to attend a home inspection because they need to know as much as possible about the home, and may have several questions to ask . Home inspection checklist for buyers. ago. One or both parties could be suffering from “negotiation rage.”. As a buyers’ agent, being present at the home inspection is a best practice. There are a number of reasons why the agent – buyer's or seller's - should attend the home inspection, not the least of which is that it is their job. The answer is pretty simple – it is part of my job! Some buyers live out of state, and due to … As a buyer, your agent can attend the inspection. Does the seller have to fix everything on a home inspection? Pre-approved (no later than 5 pm on 6/5/22) broker participation is compensated. It is common (and expected) in my market place for the buyer agent to attend the home inspection. Sometimes, the buyer can’t be present for the home inspection. When possible, the home buyer and buyer’s agent should attend the home inspection. However, some buyers prefer to attend the inspection on their own, or the buyer’s agent might not be able to attend due to time constraints. Seems to vary by region. This is the best time for questions to ask and clarify items that will be included in the final report. . Let the inspector do his job. Your agent should help them find another home inspection company nearby. The home inspection is the best time for the buyer and the buyer’s agent to ask questions and clarify items that will be included in the home inspection report. The noted repairs give hints as to what was discussed at length in the report. Also Read: Who Pays For the Repair After Home Inspection. Yes. The home buyer generally hires the home inspector. Tags: Buyers, Inspection DayStar Inspections always encourages the buyer to attend their inspection. There will be an entire report with pictures for you to review.