When selling your home, the process can be both exciting and overwhelming. One critical step in the transaction is the home inspection. A professional home inspector, hired by the buyer, evaluates the property’s condition to identify any potential issues. But what happens if another potential buyer wants to see the home during an ongoing inspection? Can—or should—the selling realtor show the home during a home inspection?
The short answer: It’s generally not a good idea. Here’s why.
The Role of a Home Inspection
A home inspection is an in-depth evaluation of the property’s structure, systems, and overall condition. The process is arranged and coordinated by the buyer’s real estate agent and the home inspector. It is meant to provide the buyer with an unbiased assessment of the home, allowing them to make informed decisions.
During the inspection, the buyer, their agent, and the inspector typically walk through the home, identifying potential concerns. The seller and their agent are not usually present unless special arrangements are made.
Why a Selling Realtor Should Avoid Showings During an Inspection
1. The Buyer’s Representation Matters
The home inspection is an essential part of the buyer’s due diligence. Their real estate agent is there to represent their best interests, ensuring the inspection process is thorough and professional. A selling realtor showing the home to another potential buyer during this time could interfere with the inspection and create unnecessary distractions.
2. Professionalism and Ethical Standards
Home inspectors follow a strict code of ethics, ensuring they provide an unbiased and objective evaluation of the home. Having another potential buyer touring the property during the inspection can create conflicts of interest and compromise the integrity of the process.
An inspector’s job is to focus on their evaluation, not to answer questions or be influenced by additional parties who aren’t directly involved in the inspection.
3. Confidentiality Concerns
Home inspections involve private discussions between the buyer, their agent, and the inspector. Findings, concerns, and potential issues are meant for the buyer who paid for the inspection. If another buyer is allowed to tour the home during the inspection, they may overhear details that were never intended for them, potentially leading to misuse of information or unfair advantages in negotiations.
Additionally, the buyer who arranged the inspection may feel uncomfortable if they sense their private discussions are being overheard.
4. Legal and Liability Risks
Allowing a showing during an inspection can create legal complications. If the selling realtor shares details from the inspection—either intentionally or inadvertently—it could lead to disputes or misrepresentations about the property.
For example, if a second buyer hears about an issue and later decides to submit an offer, they might misinterpret the findings or claim that the seller concealed information. This can create unnecessary legal headaches for both the seller and the selling agent.
5. It Disrupts the Inspection Process
Home inspections are typically scheduled for a set amount of time, often lasting two to three hours. An inspector needs to be focused, moving systematically through the home. Having additional people in the house during the inspection can create distractions and slow down the process.
The buyer who paid for the inspection deserves the full attention of the inspector without disruptions from other showings.
What if the Selling Realtor Must Be Present?
There may be situations where the seller or their agent must be at the home during an inspection, such as:
- For security reasons, if the home is vacant.
- To provide access if special areas require keys or codes.
- For pre-listing inspections, where the seller is getting an evaluation before putting the home on the market.
However, even in these cases, it’s important for the selling realtor to remain professional and avoid interfering with the inspection.
Best Practices for Selling Realtors
If you’re a selling realtor or a homeowner preparing for a home inspection, consider these best practices:
Schedule showings at a different time—Don’t double-book an inspection and a showing.
Respect the buyer’s privacy—Avoid being present unless necessary.
Don’t interrupt the inspector—Let them do their job without interference.
Allow open communication after the inspection—If another buyer is interested, schedule a separate showing and wait for inspection findings to be formally disclosed through the correct channels.
Final Thoughts
While it’s technically possible for a selling realtor to show the home during an inspection, it’s not advisable. Doing so can lead to conflicts of interest, confidentiality concerns, and legal risks. The best approach is to respect the buyer’s inspection process and schedule any additional showings separately.
By keeping the home inspection process professional, unbiased, and free from distractions, all parties can move forward with confidence and transparency in the transaction.
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