Home inspections are an important part of the transaction for both buyer's agents and listing agents. In this lesson, Cindy explains what to watch for during an inspection, how to prepare your clients, what to listen for, and how to handle inspection issues without creating unnecessary stress.
Watch the 17-minute video to learn practical home inspection tips that can help you better represent your buyers and sellers.
Resources Mentioned in This Lesson
- Inspection Field Guide
Quick Summary
A home inspection is more than something to get through before closing. It's an opportunity to learn about the property, understand what matters to the buyer, prepare the seller for possible requests, and keep the transaction moving forward.
Whether you're representing the buyer or the seller, attend the inspection whenever possible. Pay attention to what the inspector finds, how those findings are explained, and which issues concern the buyer most. That firsthand knowledge can make it much easier to understand the inspection report and work through repair requests or credits afterward.
Key Takeaways
- Attend inspections whenever possible, especially when you're a newer real estate agent. You'll learn about common property issues and become better prepared for future transactions.
- If you're the listing agent, prepare the property before the inspection. Make sure accessible fixtures have working bulbs, personal or valuable items are put away, and areas the inspector needs to reach aren't blocked.
- Prepare sellers for what will happen. Inspectors may operate appliances, run plumbing, test outlets, open windows and doors, and check other components that convey with the property.
- When possible, give the buyer and inspector space to complete the inspection without the seller present. Stay available to represent your seller and address questions appropriately.
- Listen carefully during the inspection. A written report can make a minor issue sound much more intimidating when you didn't see the condition firsthand.
- Don't make promises about repairs during the inspection. Take notes, gather the information, and wait until the inspection findings and requests can be reviewed properly.
- Pay attention to issues that may affect insurance or the property's major systems, while distinguishing those concerns from smaller maintenance items.
- When inspection requests arrive, determine which issues matter most to the buyer. Depending on the situation, repairs or an appropriate credit may help resolve the concern.
- Keep your clients calm. A long inspection report doesn't automatically mean the transaction is in trouble, and many smaller items may be relatively straightforward to address.
- Maintain professional relationships with the inspector and the other agent. Good communication can make it easier to work through problems.
- Before leaving a seller's property, make sure the home is secured and returned to the condition you found it in.
- If you're representing the buyer and there are no inspection issues to address, let the listing agent know you're moving forward.
- For condo or HOA transactions, don't unnecessarily delay association paperwork while waiting for the inspection period to end. Waiting can create timing problems or rush fees later in the transaction.
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