Most residential home sales involve an inspector at some point in the process. What should a real estate agent tell their client when the client desires to employ an inspector? Here are four tips.

Have your client there for the inspection.

The purchase of a home is a significant investment and being part of the process provides a client a better understanding of the home and any possible issues they may need to be addressed in the purchase process.

Have your client ask the inspector questions.

The inspector is there to assist the client in providing information about the home. The inspector has the responsibility to protect and promote the interest of their client (typically the buyer) to the best of the inspector’s ability and knowledge, recognizing that the client has placed the client’s trust and confidence in the inspector. If any item or comment in the report is unclear the client should ask the inspector to clarify and educate them about the finding.

Have your client read the full report.

The inspection report helps the client in the purchase of the home. The inspection does not eliminate all risks but may reduce the risk in the purchase of the home. Reading and understanding the full report allows the client to make an informed decision on the purchase of the home.

Have your client follow up on the recommendations in the report, if they feel it is necessary.

The inspection report notes deficiencies, if any, with systems in the home. An inspector may recommend that a client have another professional perform further evaluations on any deficient systems. It is the responsibility of the client to follow up on these recommendations before the expiration of any limitations such as an option period. A real estate inspection is not an exhaustive inspection of the structure, systems, or components. Therefore, it is important a client obtain other evaluations, if the client feels it is necessary. 

Your client should be actively involved in the inspection process. This is a client’s best opportunity to gain knowledge about any deficiencies in the property. A licensed inspector is there to render a fair and impartial opinion regarding the inspection performed.

 

Published November 2016