If you’re a first time home buyer and you’re about to undergo your first home inspection, you’re probably feeling a bit nervous. This is completely normal! After all, you might be afraid that your inspector will find something you’d rather not know about your new house. Most home inspections, though, go off without a hitch and closing documents can be signed on time.
What happens, though, if the seller wants to be present during your home inspection? This is, in most of the states, allowed; home inspection professionals, however, tend to discourage it. If the person you’re buying from is insistent on being at your upcoming home inspection, it’s important for you to be prepared for how to handle the situation, especially if you’re experiencing extra anxiety because of it.
Ask the same questions you had prepared.
The first thing you need to do is realize that the seller being present doesn’t change the purpose of your home inspection! The ultimate goal is for you to feel comfortable about the home you’re buying, regardless of who else is present for the appointment. If you have concerns about something in the house, such as a patch of a mold or a crack in the foundation, you still need to ask about it to put your mind at ease before you finalize your purchase.
Talk to your real estate agent about being there.
Many real estate agents will go above and beyond for their clients; this may include showing-up to home inspections when the sellers will be present. Having your real estate agent by your side is likely to calm your nerves and give you the confidence to get through the inspection. Furthermore, he or she can ask questions that you’ve either forgotten or never realized you should ask in the first place.
Let the inspector do his or her job.
No matter who is following along, the home inspector needs to be able to do his or her job in peace. If the seller is vocal and interrupts the inspector frequently, make sure you don’t. If the seller is behaving in a polite, quiet fashion, follow his or her lead and only make necessary inquiries. It is completely possible for a buyer and a seller to coexist during a home inspection. You simply need to respect one another and the inspector.
When you are buying a home which is a big financial purchase, it’s important to turn to a home inspector you can trust. Mike, at MGA Home Inspections, is a reliable and trustworthy professional who wants to help you make sure you are making an educated decision before purchasing a home. If you have questions or would like to book with us you can call/text us at or contact us via our website. We can’t wait to help you with your home buying process!