A home inspection plays an important role in your home-buying process. By knowing the actual condition of the house that you’re buying, you’re able to reach an informed decision which can either be to move forward or to leave the deal. Curb appeal is one thing, but it’s what’s under the surface that counts. You can hire a contractor to quickly make a property look better on the surface, but what about the foundation, electrical, and plumbing? Those are all big unknowns that need to be addressed.
If you’re not there, you can’t ask questions about the unknowns your inspector uncovers.
It’s undeniably important that you not miss the inspection. Being physically present during the actual home inspection will allow you to familiarize yourself more with the property as well as raise any concerns you have about the property. But should your agent also attend the inspection? Absolutely YES!
You hired your agent to represent you throughout the home-buying process. This means that your agent should be present whenever needed, and that includes a home inspection. Even the seller’s agent should be present during the inspection to ensure that both sides are equally represented.
Here are the top 4 reasons why your agent should attend the home inspection:
1. Not all inspectors offer the same quality of work.
Just like realtors, home inspectors can offer amazing to terrible services. They’re only human and therefore are not exempt from making mistakes. However, your agent is your dedicated representative. Having said that, if an inspector is intentionally cutting corners or missing important details, that’s when your agent steps in on your behalf. And while most inspectors always give their best effort to adhere to the standards and requirements of their profession, not all do. That’s why it’s definitely important that you and your realtor are present during the inspection.
2. Your agent helps you make sense of inspection results.
If you’re like most homebuyers, you lack the expertise to analyze the results of the inspection. This is where your realtor should show due diligence by giving you insight and advice to aid you throughout the process. The results of the inspection can make or break a sale. So, it’s always best to have another set of eyes.
3. An agent must be able to make effective negotiations.
In addition, if your agent isn’t present during the actual inspection, effective negotiations just aren’t possible. Negotiation is one of the most important reasons you hire a realtor. A home inspection report will detail issues, minor and major, and that often requires a re-negotiation concerning the terms of the sale. When your realtor is present during the inspection, chances are the negotiation process goes much more smoothly.
4. Representing you as a client is part of a realtor’s job.
Homebuyers’ hire realtors to ensure they’re represented professionally throughout the entire process, and not just during the negotiation process. This means your agent is there from the very beginning all the way through the day you close on your new home. The professional advice of a realtor is not only much needed and deserved, but it’s also crucial to the home-buying process.
Finding the best realtor and the right inspector can be a bit hard, but it’s a necessary step for you to get the most out of your investment. This is why you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the best from your realtor, as well as from your home inspector.
