TOPIC: Realtor Interference

Guys, I want your opinions on this.
I have a client who i'm scheduling a home inspection for this weekend.  Saturday works well for both of us and both husband/wife want to attend the end of the inspection which is great.  I have a call into the listing Realty company to schedule the inspection and am waiting for the confirmation.

That being the case, their Realtor (who is actually someone I know) has emailed me that "The Rule is... the buyer's Realtor HAS to be at the inspection.  I don't have any time this week and Saturday doesn't work for me."  She has informed me that I need to schedule an inspection that works with her schedule as well.

Anyway, i'm awaiting confirmation on the time and will schedule the inspection when I please and when it works for me/my client.  I know that buying agents in our area typically attend inspections but I also know it's not required.

Just want people's takes on this.  Does anyone know of any such rules? (I doubt it.)  I want to hear all thoughts on this.  I get so mad when Realtors try to interfere with independence and integrity.

I for one will never do an inspection without the clients agent present. I have the client pick a couple days and times with the agent and then fit it into my schedule. I don't know if it a rule to have the agent there I would just never do it.

My take on the Realtor being present is:

It would be best if the sellers agent was present at the time of inspection as they are also representing your client.

I go with the flow and whomever is present, some agents come at the beginning, some at the end, some not at all. Some give me the code and arrive at the end, sometimes both agents are present.

Sometimes the buyer is out of town and can not make it.

It would be best on your part to find a time that is good for you the agent and the client.

This is a good time to make a solid referral with the agent.

I obtained the code from the agent for tomorrows inspection and I can get a lot done before they arrive. I also needed the code to retrieve the radon test. Some agents like it if you come early. (I have the time tomorrow)

Best of luck with your inspection.

Robert - when my client's Realtor cannot make the inspection they usually have another Realtor they trust to be there in their stead.  The client is the process, in my opinion, and not the Realtor.  You might suggest the selling agent get a buddy to sub for this inspection.  Make it clear that they will be in the loop afterwards!

I suggested she get a proxy to fill in for her - another Realtor she trusts.  She was having none of it.
I ended up re-scheduling for a different day so that she could attend.  The client was irritated and wants
to know who she really represents - my question exactly.
Anyway, it's rescheduled and everyone will be there.
Man I like inspections of empty houses so much better.
I'm surprised you guys like realtors being there.  I don't... and I even feel sort of dirty taking work from
Realtor recommendations.  I'm thinking of signing the independent home inspectors petition because I think
Realtors being involved in the process quite often represents a huge conflict of interest.  Sorry, but I have a
hard time buying that they REALLY care about the client and their few-hundred bucks when they have
thousands of dollars on the line... I really do.

I think most guys like Realtors being there from a security & legal stand point. If there's a problem with the house you can point it out to them. If there's something that breaks after you're there, the agent is there to backup your story. For example, you turn on the washing machine and it starts shooting water all over the place. You have the Realtor who can say you didn't do anything to break it. I think Jay had that story a few months ago.

Like a few mentioned, having the sellers agent there is good as they represent the other party as well. Plus them being there at least part of the time gives you an opportunity to market yourself.