Nick
If the real estate agent is not the buyer personally …I don’t have an obligation to entertain him/her.Although I did an inspection on a home and my client [who was not at inspection] gave me specific instructions to show all defects to realtor.I would prefer if they stayed out of my way until the inspection is complete. Bottom line my obligation is to my client.
I prefer to have my client there so I can explain issues in person, rather than on the phone looking at photos. I don’t mind if the Buyer’s agent is present, as long as I have the clients approval in advance. As long as the agent doesn’t try to “explain” things or interfere, that is.
If at all possible, I try and get the buyer to come at the end. If they want to be there the whole time that’s fine too. I’ll do my chat with them after every few rooms or systems to keep them from getting bored. Takes no more time than a longer chat at the end. It also builds rapport with them and helps cement the concept that you are there as someone on their side.
I always arrive at the inspection 1/2 hour early. When the client arrives (at the appointed time), I have the exterior portion of the report completed. I then have them follow me around for the entire inspection. I’ll be talking the entire time while showing my clients everything they need to know about their perspective home.
As for the Realtors…In Massachusetts, the Listing agent and the Buyers agent will show up 98% of the time. I prefer that they both stay out of my way and not tag along with (my client(s) and I) during the inspection. I’ve had agents follow me and my client throughout the inspection and talk to their clients while I’m trying to discuss issues with the house. I politely interrupt and ask my clients for their undivided attention.
Realtors should stay out of the walk through and go on their own when an inspection is taking place.
That would have lost you a client in many a case over here. I know many clients who want their agent to accompany them, ask the questions, be treated as an equal in the inspection, and then have the report sent to them at the end.
Very interesting that they consider Nick a threat. Why? All he did is say who he is and post a link that they removed.
If you go back and read the posting Nick had put a link to this site. They called it self promotion and I guess don’t think too kindly of that.
Many buyers say they want to be there the whole time and are very enthusiastic. I think to myself, ok, you really do not understand how bored you are going to get watching me write? Sure, I love the company and will chit chat some like Ronald said. Knock yourself out if you want to join me the whole time…
I can remember maybe one or two people in 4 years that has stayed the entire time.
I always request that the buyer walk with me. If the Realtor comes along thats fine too. But if the Realtor buts in where they shouldn’t I point it out to them or talk right over them. This is my customers time guaranteed by there contract. If im in an area where there is nothing to explain i ask them questions and ask them to ask me questions.I also tell them if they dont ask me enough questions i get to double the fee. That gets them motivated.
That’s why I’m inspecting in Massachusetts and you are inspecting in Washington.
Big difference in the moves that are made out here. Most of my clients tell me that they would rather spend time with me ALONE.
I agree completely 40% of my inspection is the report written to protect me . 60% of my report is verbal so the client knows how good or not so good things about the home and the best way to tune it up and my best guessestimate of costs.
I understand from those who have been sued most clients where not on site at the inspection.
The only difference to you and me is I try to arrive 60 minutes before the client.
On advice from lawyers I do get the contract signed before I say any thing about the home.
… Cookie
Did just a quick review of my last 50 agreements where I have a section for my clients saying yes or no to me releasing the report to their agent. 41 of 50 said no. If over 80% of those folks say no then why would they want the agent there? Furthermore, I try to keep in mind I work for the client and make no commision so I have no motive for anything “They buy it or they don’t”. That is not always the case with the agent. Think about it! If the agent is acting as a duel agent in the deal, or his company is listing the property, or just the sheer fact that the faster they sell it and the more they can sell it for the faster they get paid and the more money they make.
Just a thought,
Randy
As Bill O would say “What say you”
I think that most clients have a “love/hate” relationship with their agents…at least those I have observed.
From what I can tell, they don’t necessarily want or need them at the inspection, but they do expect to see them involved in the process and doing more than hammering a sign in the yard in order to collect their $20,000.00 sales commission.
I do let the folks know they may want to forward a copy to their agent after they have reviewed it or let me know and I will. Most do, they just wanted to review it first and get an idea of how to approach it I suppose.
Randy
I have been over at the site and put my 2 cents in. The gentleman I just replied to over there said buyers are comforted by the agent being there. I did not understand so I hope he replies to me. Interesting!
Randy
Wendy was that you? Where have you been?
The client always is along with me as well, but they would consider it rude to exclude the realtor and value their opinion and time. Why hire them otherwise? They might as well go FSBO otherwise.:roll:
Hi there. 
Been spending lots of quality time with my kids. No tv, no phone, no internet. Just us, the mountains, the rivers, the ocean, etc. It was a good summer.
Oh! I caught two HUGE…I mean ENORMOUS salmon on my own!!! One of them I lost and the other I had to fight for about fifteen minutes. Then my 15 year old son waded chest high into the river to grab it just as it bit my hook in two and got away! LOL! It was about 20 pounds and around two feet long. A humpie here in the Dosewallip River.
I agree with David…my client’s realtor has value and input but it does not, normally, include home inspections. . During the home inspection, my clients want me to themselves. Realtors are welcome to tag along but the client wants to hear my opinion not theirs.