Home Inspection Tips for Real Estate Agents

The homebuyer can pay the home inspection fees upon arrival at the inspection or choose to pre-pay for it online by card. It's important to inform your clients that the average fee is about $400. Remind them that this fee is minimal compared to the value they will gain from a thorough inspection, whether they are scheduling a home inspection or opting for pre-listing inspections. Payments can be made either online or in person.

Explain to homebuyers that the inspection is visual only, meaning inspectors do not move seller belongings or "see through walls". The inspection is a "snapshot in time" and circumstances can change. While a home inspection can help reduce some of the risks of buying a home, it cannot completely eliminate them. Things will likely wear out and break unexpectedly. Encourage your clients to explore various home warranty options and to thoroughly evaluate the home during the final walkthrough. If your client wants to know specific details about what the home inspection includes and what is excluded, refer them to the standards of practice. Additionally, remind them to consider home inspection fees and the benefits of pre-listing inspections especially when scheduling a home inspection.

The home inspection can be scheduled by phone, text, or email. Typically, the buyer's agent handles scheduling a home inspection, as they can better coordinate it with everyone's schedules. It's important that the owner of the home, along with their family and pets, are not present during the inspection. The homebuyer should be invited to attend towards the end of the inspection to receive a summary, pay any home inspection fees, and take time to explore the home. Agents should supervise their clients and any guests they bring along as they explore the property to prevent issues such as property damage or theft, especially when it comes to pre-listing inspections.

Before scheduling a home inspection, the listing agent should ensure that the following areas are readily accessible: the furnace, attic entry ladder or ceiling hatch, water heater, breaker panel, crawl space, and kitchen stove (remember to remove all pots and pans from it). The home should be 'show ready,' meaning it is clean and decluttered. The homeowner should also lock up or remove valuables such as jewelry, money, drugs, and guns prior to the pre-listing inspections. It's important to inform the homeowner that the inspection will take about 3 hours. While some homeowners prefer to be present, it’s usually not advisable because 1) they can hinder the process 2) potential buyers need the opportunity to explore the property freely 3) the inspector should have the ability to converse openly with the buyer and their agent. Additionally, the listing agent does not need to attend the inspection, but they are welcome to arrive after everyone has left to ensure the home is properly locked up and that the stove is off. This preparation also helps manage any home inspection fees that may arise.

The agent has the option of scheduling a follow-up inspection if their client is willing to cover the home inspection fees associated with it. For example, if the inspector found a leak under the home during the home inspection, which you requested to be repaired, the home buyer may want proof of the repair through a follow-up inspection. The original report will be updated accordingly. I typically charge $100 for follow-up inspections, which can be particularly beneficial after pre-listing inspections.