How Realtors Can Set Expectations for a Smooth Home Inspection

As a realtor, your role in the home inspection process is crucial—not only for the buyer but also for ensuring that the inspection goes smoothly. Setting the right expectations with both your client and the inspector can help prevent confusion, delays, and unnecessary stress. Here’s how you can prepare both parties and ensure that everyone is on the same page throughout the process.

FOR REALTORS

10/23/2024

As a realtor, your role in the home inspection process is crucial—not only for the buyer but also for ensuring that the inspection goes smoothly. Setting the right expectations with both your client and the inspector can help prevent confusion, delays, and unnecessary stress. Here’s how you can prepare both parties and ensure that everyone is on the same page throughout the process.

1. Preparing Your Client for the Inspection

Your client, whether a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, may be nervous or uncertain about the home inspection. They might not know what to expect or what the inspector will be looking for. As their trusted advisor, you can set the tone by explaining what the inspection will cover and how to approach any issues that arise. At Justcalljoe.ca we have resources to help clients understand what to expect from our inspections. We even have a start-to-finish guide.

What to Tell Your Client Before the Inspection:
  • Understand the Purpose: Explain that the home inspection is not a pass/fail situation but rather a detailed report on the home’s current condition. This is an opportunity to learn about potential repairs and maintenance.

  • It's Okay to Find Issues: Reassure your client that most homes, even new ones, will have findings. The key is identifying what’s minor and what could be a deal-breaker for them.

  • Be Present or Not: Let your client know they are welcome to attend the inspection, but they don’t have to be there for the entire process. Walkthroughs are scheduled 3 hours after the start of the Inspection.

    If they do attend, encourage them to follow along with the Inspector, asking questions as they move along.

2. Setting the Pace for the Inspector

A professional home inspector follows a detailed process to thoroughly evaluate the property. It's important for realtors and clients to allow the inspector the time and space they need to do their job properly. As a realtor, you can help set the right pace by giving the inspector freedom to move efficiently through the home and ensuring that your client understands the process.

How to Support the Inspector:
  • Clear the Way: Ensure the home is accessible. Let the seller know to unlock doors, move furniture away from key areas (like the attic or electrical panel), and put away pets. This reduces delays and helps the inspector complete the job efficiently.

  • Limit Distractions: Remind your client to observe and ask questions after the inspection or during scheduled review times, rather than during the inspection itself. This keeps the process moving and allows the inspector to focus on their detailed review.

  • Allocate Sufficient Time: Let your client know how long the inspection typically takes (usually 2–4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property) so they can plan accordingly. Encourage patience—rushing through an inspection can lead to missed issues.

3. Handling the Inspection Results

Once the inspection is completed, the inspector will provide a detailed report outlining their findings. This is when emotions can run high for the buyer, especially if the report reveals unexpected issues. Helping your client process this information calmly and rationally is one of the most important parts. Allow your client time to process the information, try not to rush them into completing the offer when they are not sure.

Steps to Take Post-Inspection:
  • Explain the Findings: Help your client understand that the report is a tool for negotiating repairs or price adjustments. Not every issue is a reason to walk away from the deal.

  • Highlight Priorities: Assist your client in distinguishing between major issues (such as structural damage or plumbing problems) and minor maintenance items that can be easily addressed.

  • Discuss Next Steps: Once the inspection is done, guide your client through the negotiation process. Depending on the findings, they might request repairs, a credit toward closing costs, or even decide to accept the home as-is if the issues are minor.

4. Foster Open Communication Throughout

Communication is key to a successful home inspection. As a realtor, you play a vital role in keeping the lines of communication open between your client and the inspector. Setting realistic expectations upfront and facilitating smooth communication helps everyone stay informed and reduces misunderstandings.

At Just Call Joe Inspections we prefer that you send the client straight to us, that way you are not left trying to articulate the report.

Tips for Open Communication:
  • Stay Neutral: As the realtor, it’s your job to facilitate the process, not influence the inspector’s findings. Remain neutral and let the inspector do their job, but be available to clarify any real estate-related questions for the client.

  • Prepare for Questions: Encourage your client to review the inspection report carefully and make a list of any questions they might have for the inspector. Offer to follow up with the inspector if needed, or better yet, encourage them to do so, especially if the buyer wants clarification on complex issues.

  • After the Inspection: Make sure your client understands that they can contact the inspector with questions even after the report has been delivered. We are happy to provide additional explanations or advice on how to address specific findings. In fact, we are available to the client even years after the Inspection should they have any house-related questions!

5. Building Long-Term Relationships with Inspectors

Finally, one of the best ways to ensure smooth inspections in the future is to build a strong working relationship with reliable home inspectors. When you have an inspector you trust, you can confidently refer your clients, knowing they’ll receive a thorough, honest report. You’ll also develop a mutual understanding of how to work together to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible.

At Just Call Joe Inspections, we prioritize communication and transparency, working closely with realtors to ensure inspections go smoothly. We value building long-term relationships with real estate professionals to create a seamless experience for buyers and sellers alike.

As a realtor, setting the right expectations for the home inspection is key to a successful transaction. By preparing your client for the process, supporting the inspector, and maintaining open communication, you can help ensure that the inspection goes smoothly for everyone involved. This approach not only results in a less stressful experience but also builds trust with your client and contributes to a successful closing.

If you're a realtor looking to collaborate with a trusted inspection company, Just Call Joe Inspections is here to provide thorough, professional inspections with clear communication every step of the way.