Since the buyer is responsible for paying for the home inspection, who goes to it?. The buyer pays the inspector to inspect the exterior of the building. This includes the roof and quite often, for wood destroying insects, such as termites, carpenter bees and more. As to the inside of the home, the major systems are inspected – the furnace, the air conditioner and the hot water heater. Also, a good inspector will check that all included appliances are functioning. The inspector will check all of the windows to ensure that they open, stay open, close, do not have failed sealed or broken glass. The plumbing system gets tested, along with the entire electrical system. In addition, many more items in the property are inspected.
Home Inspection – Who Goes to it?
Since the buyer is paying for the inspection, the buyer should absolutely be there. The buyer’s Realtor is responsible to gain access. And of course the inspector needs to be there. Also, this is not a good opportunity for the soon to be owner to show the property to family and friends, or to have contractors stop in to give an estimate.
As to people who attend from the seller’s side, there should be nobody. The seller(s) should not be there. The listing Realtor should not be there.
The buyer is paying for the inspection, the seller does not have the right to observe or have access to the inspection report. If the inspection turns up any deficiencies, the buyer may, at the buyer’s option, share the inspection report with the seller.
What if the Seller goes?
Should the seller be present, it will probably make the buyer nervous. The buyer may think that they cannot speak openly with their inspector about any issues that may arise. Most of the listing Realtors will refuse to attend, as there may be exposure to legal liabilities.
If you have questions regarding the home inspection process please call me at 732.598-7700
Arthur Reiman – Realtor
