Recently moved to Ohio and I understand Ohio uses different tools to provide access to homes for the inspection. In my old state the agent used Supra, but as an inspector we didn’t have direct access, the agent was required to be onsite. I have heard that OH uses Showingtime, or Brokerbay instead, but not sure how to access this without calling them directly. What are we using for access and how to we get it?
In MI it varies by Realtor associations. Your local association(s) there should be able to clarify access for you.
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Hi Daniel,
I cover both Cincinnati & Dayton, and both markets use SentriLock for electronic access, what sucks is I have my Sentrilock through Cincinnati, but it won’t work in Dayton, I would have to join the Dayton Board of Realtors to get access through them.
As for ShowingTime I also have access to it through the Cincinnati Board, I’m not sure if Dayton also offers it as all board seem to go by their own rules.
I would recommend that since it looks like you cover multiple areas, that you go to the city that you think you’ll be doing the most business in, like Columbus, and contact the Columbus Board of Realtors and start there. Home - Columbus Realtors
Feel free to ask any questions.
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Thanks Kevin I’ll look into it. It’s unfortunate these processes are not more streamlined, that’s the nature of real estate I guess.
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I recommend an agent open the door. They are required to stay entire inspection, but most fall out early and ask you to call when you’re done to reinspect to make sure no damages have been done.
Hey Brian, that’s not the case in Cincinnati or Dayton, including all the cities in between. In the Cincinnati market the Board of Realtors actually discourages any Realtors from attending the inspection, they want the buyers to feel as comfortable as possible with the inspector. I did an inspection today in Dayton and never saw a realtor. Different areas obviously have different rules.
There are times when the BA will show up near the end of the inspection for a quick over-view, but 90% of the time, I never see a realtor.
Personally, I don’t want to rely on a Realtor, or anyone else for that matter, to show up to give me access for me to do my job, I’ve had electronic access for over 20 years in the Cincinnati market.
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Buyers’ agents are responsible for home security during inspections. Many in my area have agents present throughout the inspection. While liability insurance covers damage, it doesn’t necessarily address theft accusations. A single lawsuit can prompt policy changes.” 
Not the case around here.
I schedule most all inspections through ShowingTime, the exceptions being FSBO’s, I get access, and I’m responsible for the house during the inspection. This includes making sure the house and everything in it is left the way I found it and the house is secured when I leave.
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It appears to be an efficient process. However, managing buyers during inspections could indeed pose challenges in ensuring the house remains as found. Having ample photos as evidence would be crucial in case of disputes with owners. 
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Agreed, if they bring a party with them as does happen occasionally, but if my clients bring children, I remind them that this is not yet their home, and that I’m responsible for the house during the inspection and that any little ones will have to be kept under control or they’ll have to leave the house. As far as buyers, I’ve never had any issues, sometimes they’ll ask if it’s ok if they look around or take some measurements, which I have no problem with.