The Realtor's Playbook: How to Best Prepare for Your Client's Next Home Inspection

The process of moving, for a lack of better term, has many moving parts. From selecting and viewing the house, to the closing date, this time may be packed full of potential issues for both realtors and their clients. Many agents offer their expert advice to clients and a key step to smooth out the process is having a home inspection. This service can provide extensive information about the property and can even unveil unforeseen aspects on a home. Read on for critical tips to best prepare your client for their upcoming home inspection. Setting expectations

Some clients may be nagivating uncharted territory. If your clients are unfamiliar with the process of a home inspection, explaining the process can help ease tensions. The purpose of a home inspection is to benefit your clients by examining the home and noting potential issues. Viewing the inspection report on a home can help aid the decision making process and negotiations. This is a good time to suggest recommendations on reputable businesses to ensure a successful inspection.

Ensure the home is prepared

Home inspectors will need all points of entry to be accessible (i.e. attic, crawlspace, sub panels, outlets), and all utilities will need to be on in order to make the most of the home inspection. The term "accessible" in reference to a home inspection may differ from you and your client's expectations. Due to the Standards of Practice for home inspectors, in addition to insurance limitations and requirements, inspectors may not be able to move any of the homeowner's belongings. Items that remain stationary such as rugs, or pictures hanging on walls cannot be moved by inspectors and must be relocated prior to the inspection in order for these areas to be viewed.

Be sure to make the inspection company aware of any concerns ahead of time or on site and inquire about any items your client may want observed more closely. It is also advised to reach out ahead of the inspection to allow the sellers to declutter basements or other storage rooms you’d like inspected, in addition to ensuring the utilities are on and all points of entry and areas of concern are accessible.  Ensuring items have a clear path for accessibility during an inspection will provide the best possible inspection outcome.

Encourage client participation

Home inspections are for your client’s benefit! Encourage the clients to attend a review, or review via phone call if in-person attendance is not an option. This is an excellent time to ask the inspector questions and learn about the home and any major concerns right away. 

Review the report 

A home inspection report can be stressful or appear complicated to review. Many include jargon that may not be understood by your client, but you speak as a second language. Encourage and educate your clients by not only having them be present for the review but take additional time reviewing the report alongside them. 

Questions, questions, questions

Sometimes your client will have lots of questions, and sometimes very few. If your client has more questions than you have answers we encourage you to reach out to the home inspection company! They have the knowledge best suited for items that require repairs and may even have referrals or specialists to ease concerns for everyone. 

Pre-contract consultations

An additional option for clients who aren't quite ready to make an offer on a home is a pre-contract consultation. Offering to schedule a pre-contract consultation will allow your client to view the home before going under contract. The consultation is in person and can note areas of concern that will aid in deciding whether or not your client would like to make an offer. 

By taking proactive steps and guiding your clients through the home inspection process, you’ll not only help ensure a smoother transaction but also build trust and confidence, setting the stage for a successful closing and future referrals.