Do buyers go to the home inspection?

Yes — buyers absolutely can and should attend the home inspection. It’s one of the most valuable parts of the entire process. But there are reasons why some agents and sellers push back, and it has nothing to do with hiding information. It’s about liability, logistics, and keeping the inspection focused. 1. Buyers are allowed to attend — it’s your inspection You’re paying for it. You’re the one buying the home. You have every right to be there. Most inspectors actually prefer buyers to attend because it helps you understand the house, the systems, and the maintenance you’ll need after closing. 2. So why the pushback? Three reasons. A. Liability and insurance rules Some sellers and agents worry about: - Buyers wandering the property - Buyers touching things - Buyers injuring themselves - Buyers interpreting comments incorrectly The inspector is insured. You are not. Some sellers want to limit who’s on the property during the inspection window. B. Inspections take 2–3 hours Agents sometimes prefer buyers to show up only for the last 30 minutes so the inspector can work uninterrupted. A crowded inspection slows everything down. C. Sellers don’t want it to feel like a second showing Some sellers get nervous when buyers: - Measure rooms - Bring family - Take photos - Make comments - Treat the inspection like a design consultation They want the inspection to stay focused on the condition of the home, not on planning furniture layout. 3. The best compromise: attend, but don’t hover Most inspectors recommend: - Arrive for the last hour - Let them do the technical work first - Walk through with them at the end - Ask questions - Take measurements - Get clarity on any issues This keeps the inspection efficient and still gives you full access. 4. Why you should go Being present helps you: - Understand the home’s systems - See issues firsthand - Ask questions in real time - Learn what’s normal vs. concerning - Get a feel for the house beyond the showing It’s one of the smartest things a buyer can do. 5. What you shouldn’t do To avoid conflict with the seller or agent: - Don’t bring a crowd - Don’t start negotiating on the spot - Don’t treat it like a second showing - Don’t follow the inspector step‑by‑step - Don’t touch or test things yourself Let the inspector lead. Bottom line You are absolutely allowed to attend your home inspection. The pushback usually comes from logistics and liability, not secrecy. The best approach is to attend the final portion of the inspection so you get the full benefit without disrupting the process

Typically buyers are present, especially if it is their first home. Not required, but typical.

Yes, buyers usually go. It’s actually a good idea. You’re not being told no because you can’t go. It’s more about how and when. Most inspectors prefer you come at the end of the inspection, not the whole time. That way they can focus, then walk you through everything clearly. Sellers and agents also don’t love buyers roaming the house during the process. It can slow things down or create tension. Best move is simple. Go for the last 30 to 60 minutes, ask questions, take notes, quick measurements. You absolutely should see it. Just do it in a way that keeps the process smooth.

Typically the inspector will do the inspection alone for several hours and then do a walkthrough with the buyer and their agent to show you what they found that might be of concern.

Great question—and this is one step many buyers underestimate. The short answer is yes, if you can attend, you absolutely should. It’s one of the most valuable parts of the entire home buying process. While it’s not required, I always recommend buyers attend at least part of the inspection—and here’s why. 1. You see the home beyond the surface Showings are about how a home looks. Inspections are about how it works. This is where you learn about the roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and overall condition of the home. 2. You can ask questions in real time Instead of reading a report later and trying to interpret it, you can have the inspector walk you through things on the spot—what’s minor, what’s maintenance, and what might be a bigger concern. 3. You make better decisions after The inspection often leads to negotiations—repairs, credits, or moving forward as-is. Buyers who attend tend to feel much more confident making those decisions because they’ve seen everything firsthand. 4. It’s like a crash course in homeownership You’ll also learn how to maintain the home, which most buyers don’t think about—but it’s incredibly valuable once you move in. In many transactions, buyers will attend toward the end when the inspector does a full walkthrough summary, which is often the most helpful part. If you can’t attend, your agent can absolutely guide you through everything—but if you have the opportunity, it’s worth being there. As a REALTOR® working with buyers, I’ve found that clients who attend their inspection almost always feel more confident moving forward because they truly understand what they’re buying—not just how it looks.

Yes—you’re allowed to go, and I actually recommend it. It’s a great chance to learn the house, ask questions, and get a feel for things beyond just reading the report. That said, some agents prefer buyers not attend the full inspection because it can slow things down or lead to unnecessary alarm over minor items. The sweet spot is usually showing up toward the end—get your time with the inspector, ask your questions, take measurements, and stay out of the way during the heavy lifting. You’re buying the house… you should absolutely understand it.

Hi Dustin! Might be worth asking your agent directly what’s behind the pushback. Speaking from California, it’s 100% standard for buyers to attend the home inspection. The seller typically vacates and the property is made available during that window. It’s actually encouraged so you can see things firsthand, ask the inspector questions, take measurements, and get more comfortable with the home. If you’re getting resistance, there may be a specific reason (timing, tenant in place, seller sensitivity, etc.), but it’s not the norm. I’d simply ask your agent to clarify and advocate for you. This is your due diligence period, and you should absolutely have access.

I completely understand why you’d want to be there…honestly, most buyers feel the exact same way. And you’re not wrong, you can attend the inspection. In a lot of cases, it’s actually encouraged because it gives you a better understanding of the home and what the inspector is seeing. The pushback you’re getting usually isn’t about you specifically, it’s more about how the inspection is handled. Inspectors have a job to do and they’re on a tight timeline, so having too many people there asking questions the whole time can slow things down or distract them. Sellers can also feel a little uneasy with extra people in the house longer than necessary, especially during a more detailed process like an inspection.What typically works best is you attending toward the end of the inspection. That way the inspector can do their full walkthrough uninterrupted, and then you get time to walk through with them, ask questions, and get a clear breakdown of anything important. You can still take measurements and get a feel for the home without disrupting the process. If your agent is pushing back completely, I’d be asking a few more questions. You should absolutely have the opportunity to understand what you’re buying. It just needs to be handled in a way that keeps everything smooth for all parties.This is one of those moments where having the right representation makes a difference, because it’s about balancing access, communication, and making sure you still get what you need out of the process. If you want, I can walk you through exactly what to expect during an inspection so you know what’s worth paying attention to and what’s just noise.

Buyers absolutely have the right to attend the home inspection since it’s their purchase. That said, I typically recommend arriving toward the end of the inspection, usually the last 30 minutes. This allows the inspector to work uninterrupted and complete a thorough evaluation without distractions. When you arrive near the end, you can take measurements, ask questions, and most inspectors will walk you through their key findings and any major concerns. It’s a more efficient and productive use of your time while also respecting the inspector’s process. From my perspective as an agent, I attend inspections with my clients when they choose to be there. We also set clear expectations upfront with the seller and listing agent regarding who will be present, so everything runs smoothly. Best of luck with your purchase!

Dustin, it could be what is customary in your area or not. In the SF Bay Area, my buyers are encouraged to attend all inspections to get firsthand information on what the inspector is seeing and to ask questions. All the best.

Yes—buyers almost always attend the home inspection, and it’s actually a smart move for them to be there. It's YOUR inspection!!! What I recommend.. Learn the home firsthand – The inspector walks them through systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing). Ask questions in real time – Way more helpful than just reading a report later. Understand what’s a big deal vs. minor – Not everything in a report is a red flag. Future maintenance tips – Inspectors often share how to care for the home. Think of it as getting a yearly physical with your doctor. Then, if the inspector recommends, move forward with a specialist like a roof, etc. Best practice (what I recommend to clients): Show up for the last 30–60 minutes Let the inspector do their job first. Then do a walkthrough + Q&A at the end. ASK QUESTIONS. You have the right to. Buyers has the right to do as many inspections as they want with the due diligence period. This is also a key moment where deals either stay together or fall apart—so setting expectations ahead of time is huge! Good luck. Nancy