inspectorvito Posted January 11, 2016 Report Share Posted January 11, 2016 As we know time is precious in our business. Especially when you have multiple inspections booked. I have had this occur a few times. The agent would call informing me that they would be late. They say you can start the inspection and want to give you the lock box # to enter the home. I then ask is the house vacant or is is occupied ? If it occupied, I tell them not to give me the lock box # and I will wait till they get there. If the home is vacant with no personal belongings, I don't have a problem going in. I also confirm that they will be there during our scheduled time. What are your thought's ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted January 11, 2016 Report Share Posted January 11, 2016 I wait for the agent, if time allows, otherwise I work it out with the client. I can't recall ever unlocking and entering a house while alone. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Hockstein Posted January 11, 2016 Report Share Posted January 11, 2016 I will start to work on the outside until they arrive. I will review what I have done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
resqman Posted January 11, 2016 Report Share Posted January 11, 2016 In my area, many home inspectors become associate members of the MLS and get a Supra code. There is a box on the door, we enter a PIN and the CBS (call before showing) code and can open the door. We request the CBS code at the time the inspection is booked. Use this method for at least 98%+ of my inspections. Most agents show up about 2 hours after the scheduled inspection start time to chat with the buyer and get a recap of the inspection. Unless it is the first time an agent has met me. Then they will often arrive at the beginning to check me out. Occasionally have inspections where I am the only attendee. No buyer, no agents. Happens with both vacant and occupied. 10 years never been accused of any wrong doing. Look forward to vacant homes with no attendees. In and out in record time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolan Kienitz Posted January 12, 2016 Report Share Posted January 12, 2016 Both Listing Agent and Buyer's Agent showed up this AM for today's 4-story townhome inspection. Everyone hung out for entire inspection along with husband/wife buyers and Mom and Dad. Actually we all had a good time. This is highly unusual for me as I seldom ever see an agent as access is via Suprakey and we no longer are required to get a CBS code. A large percentage of the time the agent didn't have the right CBS code anyway ... so the associations did away with the requirement a few years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADAIR Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 i wait for no one have supra will travel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lamb Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 I often am given the lock box code for a late REA, or some that have no plans on showing up. I have never had a problem with letting myself in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kogel Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 What? If I get access to the house, I just go in and do my job. Occupied or not, makes no diff, except always always ring the bell and wait for an occupant to come to the door. I have always acted professionally and avoid touching or moving personal stuff. For example, I never remove clothes from the closet, just cover it all with a sheet and squeeze past. Of course if the water heater or E panel is blocked, I move their crap aside, but do it professionally [] and maybe even put it all back. But I have spent many hours in people's homes with no escort. Wouldn't think of waiting, or the days would get so many hours longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lamb Posted January 14, 2016 Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 I have always acted professionally and avoid touching or moving personal stuff. I also try to avoid smelling personal stuff or have prolonged eye contact if I can help it.[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted January 14, 2016 Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 I won't do a job without a representative present. I've had a few instances of completely insane things happening without my even having touched anything. One of them would have put me out of business and probably into bankruptcy. If someone else wants to do it, fine with me, but it scares me enough to not do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lamb Posted January 14, 2016 Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 I won't do a job without a representative present. I've had a few instances of completely insane things happening without my even having touched anything. One of them would have put me out of business and probably into bankruptcy. If someone else wants to do it, fine with me, but it scares me enough to not do it. A bad experience can certainly forge an opinion about something for sure. If somebody gives me the access/means to the property I am all good. I have business liability insurance that will pay for any property damage I cause, or if I hurt somebody. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted January 14, 2016 Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 I'll do some gigs without reps present. I do some work for a realtor trying to unload distressed commercial properties, and occasionally I'll do a foreclosure or similar blowout for involved stakeholders. It's the fancy joints where I won't go in without a rep. Rich people are weird about us anyway...I don't want to tempt fate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dirks Jr Posted January 14, 2016 Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 I'l do site, roof and exterior while I wait. Normally I don't write or deliver report on site but I'f i'm left waiting, I'll start on that for the exterior parts. I've never had a problem staying busy if someone is late. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inspectorjoe Posted January 14, 2016 Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 Around here, agents rarely attend and sellers are usually told to not be there during the inspection. It's usually just me and the buyers (and whoever else they invite). Sometimes it's just me. In 15 years, other than a few odd issues (a buyer claiming to have been injured during a fall and a buyer's daughter going through the owner's jewelry box), I really haven't had a problem. I couldn't imagine doing it any other way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kogel Posted January 14, 2016 Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 Biggest issue I have had is letting the cat out and then finding a note, Please Do Not let the cat out! [] But I have had the skittish sellers that insist the realtor be present. OK, 3 weeks of training and the realtor is more trustworthy than the seasoned inspector, yeah sure. [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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