Should the Seller Be Present at a Home Inspection? Your 2025 Guide
When you’re selling your home, a common question often comes up: Should the seller be present during the home inspection? While some homeowners prefer to be there to answer questions, others worry it might complicate the process or create awkward situations. At 907 Heating and Plumbing , we’ve witnessed countless home inspections and understand the nuances of what works best.
This comprehensive guide will help you decide by breaking down:
- Why sellers might consider attending the inspection
- Potential drawbacks and risks of being present
- Expert recommendations for ensuring a smooth inspection process
- How to thoroughly prepare your home, especially focusing on a crucial plumbing checklist
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether staying for the inspection is the right choice for you, and how to ensure your home, particularly its plumbing system, passes with flying colors.
Advantages of the Seller Being Present During a Home Inspection
Having the seller on-site can offer several benefits:
Immediate Clarifications & Answers
Home inspectors frequently have questions about the property’s history, recent repairs, or upgrades. If you’re present, you can:
- Explain past fixes: For example, “We replaced the water heater in 2022,” or “The HVAC system was serviced last month.”
- Point out non-obvious features: Such as the location of a main water shut-off valve, a hidden electrical panel, or specific smart home features. This can save the inspector time and ensure they don’t miss important details.
- Provide historical context: Share information about the home’s maintenance routine or any known past issues that have been resolved.
Opportunity to Address Minor Issues On the Spot
If the home inspector uncovers a small problem, like a dripping faucet, a running toilet, or a loose handrail, you might be able to:
- Fix it immediately: For minor plumbing issues, you could potentially address them during the inspection, demonstrating responsiveness. 907 Heating and Plumbing can be on call for immediate assistance with more complex issues if needed.
- Prevent overestimation of repair costs: By being present, you can clarify the scope of minor issues, potentially preventing buyers from exaggerating the problem’s severity during negotiations.
Transparency Fosters Buyer Confidence
Buyers often appreciate a seller’s openness. Your presence, when handled appropriately, can reduce suspicion about hidden defects and build trust, leading to a smoother negotiation process. It shows you have nothing to hide.
Disadvantages of the Seller Attending the Home Inspection
Despite the potential benefits, there are notable downsides to consider:
Risk of Unnecessary Tension and Discomfort
- Buyer Discomfort: Buyers and their agents may feel less comfortable openly discussing concerns or potential issues if the seller is present. This can hinder their ability to thoroughly evaluate the property and ask sensitive questions.
- Seller Defensiveness: It’s natural to feel defensive if an inspector points out flaws in your home. This can lead to awkward interactions or even arguments, which can negatively impact the sale.
Miscommunication or Unintended Oversharing
- Information Overload: Sellers might unintentionally overshare information that isn’t directly relevant or could lead to more scrutiny from the inspector or buyer.
- Inspector Interruption: Home inspectors prefer an uninterrupted process to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Constant commentary or presence can distract them from their detailed work.
Potential for Delays
If the seller accompanies the inspector room-by-room, asking questions or offering explanations for every discovery, the inspection process can take significantly longer than necessary. This can frustrate buyers and their agents who often have tight schedules.
Expert Recommendation: Should You Stay or Go?
At 907 Heating and Plumbing, based on our extensive experience with real estate transactions and property inspections, we generally recommend a balanced approach:
✅ Be Available, But Not Hovering
It’s smart to stay nearby—perhaps in the backyard, a separate room, or even a nearby coffee shop—so you can be easily reached by phone if the inspector or buyer’s agent has specific questions that only you can answer. Provide your contact number to the inspector and the buyer’s agent.
❌ Don’t Shadow the Inspector
Allow the inspector to work independently and thoroughly. Your constant presence can be perceived as an attempt to influence their findings, potentially leading to bias concerns.
🔧 Conduct a Pre-Inspection Plumbing Check
Proactively fixing minor issues like dripping faucets, slow drains, or a leaky toilet before the official inspection can prevent surprises and demonstrate your home’s excellent condition. This is a crucial step in home preparation.
How to Prepare Your Home’s Plumbing for Inspection
A smooth home sale often hinges on a successful plumbing inspection. A failed plumbing check can cause significant delays, lead to costly repair requests, or even derail the sale. Follow this essential plumbing checklist to ensure your system is in top shape:
✔ Fix Visible Leaks
Thoroughly inspect under all sinks, around toilets, near the water heater, and any exposed pipes in the basement or crawl space. Even a small drip can indicate a larger underlying pipe issue or water damage.
✔ Test Water Pressure & Drainage
Turn on multiple faucets simultaneously (e.g., a shower and a sink) to check for adequate water pressure. Low pressure can indicate clogged pipes or issues with your main water supply line.
Ensure all sinks, tubs, and showers drain quickly and completely. Slow drains are a clear sign of clogs or drainage problems that need addressing.
✔ Inspect the Water Heater
Verify its age; most water heaters have a lifespan of 8-12 years. An aging unit might be flagged for replacement.
Check for any signs of rust, leaks, or unusual noises (like rumbling or popping), which could indicate sediment buildup or a failing element.
Ensure the pressure relief valve is operational and the area around the water heater is clear.
✔ Locate & Label Shut-Off Valves
Clearly mark the main water shut-off valve for the entire house, as well as individual shut-off valves for toilets, sinks, and outdoor spigots. Inspectors and future homeowners will appreciate this clarity, indicating good home maintenance.
✔ Consider a Pre-Sale Plumbing Inspection
907 Heating and Plumbing offers pre-listing inspections specifically designed to identify and address potential plumbing issues before the buyer’s inspector even sets foot in your home. This proactive step can save you time, money, and stress during negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Seller Home Inspection Concerns
1. Can the seller refuse a home inspection?
No, typically buyers include an inspection contingency in their purchase agreement, making the inspection a standard part of the home-buying process. While sellers cannot refuse the inspection itself, they can negotiate or decline to make certain repairs requested by the buyer based on the inspection report.
2. What if the inspector finds plumbing problems?
Minor issues: For small problems like a leaky faucet or a running toilet, it’s often best to fix them promptly before closing. This shows good faith and can prevent minor issues from becoming negotiation points.
Major issues: For significant problems like a sewer line backup, a burst pipe, or a failing water heater, you’ll need to negotiate with the buyer. Options include offering a credit at closing, arranging for the repair, or adjusting the sales price.
3. Should the seller hire their own inspector?
Hiring a pre-inspection or seller’s inspection before listing your home is a highly recommended strategy. It allows you to:
- Identify and fix potential issues proactively.
- Understand the true condition of your home.
- Avoid surprises during the buyer’s inspection.
- Provide a transparent report to potential buyers, which can instill confidence.
Final Verdict: The Seller’s Best Move During a Home Inspection
While sellers can choose to attend the home inspection, the most effective approach is to remain accessible but not intrusive. Your primary focus should be on thoroughly preparing your home, particularly its critical systems like plumbing, well in advance of the inspection. This proactive preparation will help you avoid last-minute surprises, streamline the sale, and achieve a successful outcome.
Need Expert Plumbing Help for Your Home Sale?
907 Heating and Plumbing is your trusted partner. We provide a full range of services essential for a seamless home sale, including:
📞 Call us today at 877-570-8952 to ensure your home passes inspection with no plumbing issues, giving you peace of mind throughout your sale!