As a homebuyer, the different roles and professionals involved in the real estate process can feel confusing. You may find yourself asking whether you need support from certain professionals, like real estate agents or home inspectors. 

We get it! In a booming housing market, it’s tempting to forgo the traditional process. Yet, these vital services protect your interests and offer a smoother process with decreased risks. 

In fact, both real estate agents and home inspectors work for you. 

The Role of Real Estate Agents for Homebuyers

Real estate agents walk homebuyers through the process of locating and closing on a home. The real estate agent represents the interests of the client. Their job is to manage the home buying process from start to finish. 

Your real estate agent locates properties that match your budget, location, and preferences. Then, they manage the details for making an offer. When an offer is accepted, they then walk you through the real estate transaction, including the detailed steps involved. 

The Role of Home Inspectors for Homebuyers

A home inspector works for the client. When a homebuyer hires the home inspector, the inspection report goes to the buyer. The home inspector evaluates the current condition of the home and provides a detailed report to communicate the findings.

The client then uses the report as a basis for requests for repairs from the seller. Even if the buyer agrees to not ask for repairs as part of the sales contract, the buyer can still use the report to understand what issues they face with the home. 

How Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors Work Together 

Technically, real estate agents and home inspectors work independently. However, real estate agents often have a list of recommended home inspectors they’ve worked with previously. Also, a real estate agent and home inspector interact during the buying process.

The real estate agent and homebuyer typically attend the home inspection. During this time, the buyer may ask questions of the home inspector to get a deeper understanding of the issues in the home. 

The real estate agent or home inspector may also recommend ancillary inspections based on the specific issues found. For example, for a home with a pool, you may want to schedule a pool inspection.

Also, if signs of mold or roof damage are present, the home inspector may recommend further inspection. The real estate agent can give their client insight into whether the additional inspections benefit the process. 

They could recommend you walk away from the purchase based on the full home inspection results instead of scheduling additional inspections. Or, they may recommend you schedule the ancillary inspections to gain more information about the home.  

The real estate agent also helps you understand the inspection report and determine what issues matter most. Some problems are more important to address than others. A broken door lock might not warrant a repair request, while a mold problem would require mediation from the seller.

Invest in Professional Support When Buying a Home

At Kenco Home Inspections, we help homebuyers make informed decisions. We are happy to work with real estate agents to support the buying process. Even in competitive markets, we recommend scheduling a home inspection. Your home is likely your biggest investment. Let us help you know the current condition of the home before you close.

Contact us today to schedule a full home inspection.