Who Should Be Present During a Home Inspection?

Attending your home inspection is a must, especially if you are the buyer. As for the sellers, they aren’t supposed to be present but they are not prohibited and this article will tell you why. Being present in the home inspection will give you an insight into the current “health” of the property and whatever issues are found, big or small, that need to be fixed.

Who Should Be There?

The buyer should always be at the inspection because this will be your chance to be aware of the inspector's findings, ask questions, and get a clear picture of what shape the house is in. The inspector is there for you, so this is your time to learn and take notes.

It also helps to understand how things work inside the house. Not exactly how the house works but you get to know where the breaker box is, how the HVAC runs, and which parts might need fixing soon. This can help when you talk about repairs with the seller later.

What About the Seller?

Most of the time, sellers should not attend the buyer’s inspection. Here’s why: it can make buyers uncomfortable. Sellers might try to explain or defend things, even if they mean well. That can distract from the inspection and possibly affect the inspector’s report.

Buyers usually feel more free to ask questions when the seller isn’t there. That means a better, more honest look at the home.

But the seller isn’t banned from coming. If the buyer agrees, and the seller stays quiet and respectful, it might be okay. For example, in a pre-listing inspection — where the seller hires an inspector before putting the home on the market — it’s totally fine for the seller to attend.

Also, if the seller and buyer know each other (like in small towns or For Sale By Owner deals), the seller might be there just to answer simple questions. Even then, it’s best they let the inspector work.

Should the Seller Be Present During the Home Inspection?

Home inspections can bring up lots of questions. One of the most common is: "Should the seller be there?" The simple answer is — it depends. This depends on how comfortable the buyer is, what kind of inspection it is, and whether the seller is open to stepping back during the process.

If it’s the buyer’s inspection (the one done before closing), the seller usually stays away. That way, the inspector can be honest and the buyer can explore freely. Sellers might try to explain things — even politely — but this could affect the report or make buyers feel awkward.

On the other hand, if it’s a pre-listing inspection (ordered by the seller), the seller should attend. That inspection is for them to find out what to fix before listing the home.

In short, sellers aren’t banned, but they’re encouraged to give buyers space. Everyone wants a smooth, fair process — and the inspection is a key step to making that happen.

What to Expect at the Inspection

Here’s how to get ready:

• Dress comfy. You might need to crouch or crawl a bit.
• Plan for 2–3 hours. Don’t rush — take your time learning.
• Bring a notepad, seller’s reports, and any disclosures. That way, you can compare and double-check things.
• Ask questions! Just give the inspector space to do their job too.

Who Else Can Come?

Buyers often bring their real estate agent. Agents help explain what the inspector finds and what to do next. Sometimes, if there’s a big concern (like a roof or foundation issue), a contractor might show up too — but that usually happens later.

Can the Seller See the Inspection Report?

Not unless the buyer shares it. Most buyers will just send a list of what they want fixed. If the deal falls through, the seller can ask for a copy, but it’s up to the buyer.

Final Thoughts

Going to your home inspection helps you feel more confident and informed. You’ll get answers on the spot and understand the home much better.

While sellers don’t usually attend buyer inspections, it’s not a hard rule. Talk with your real estate agent — they’ll help decide what’s best for your situation.