Lunch Boxes and Lock Boxes

by Wallace J. Conway

While speaking recently at a luncheon for a local Realtor group, the subject turned to lock boxes. More specifically, the topic of whether or not home inspectors should have lock box keys.

Seems everyone has an opinion on whether or not home inspectors should be able to be given lock box access, but the real question is - why would we want them?

When I pose that question to Realtors, I typically get the same answer. "Wally, if home inspectors had lock box access, that would be great because Realtors would not need to attend the home inspection."

And that is precisely why home inspectors should not want lock box access!

Why do I feel so strongly about having the Realtor provide access to the home being inspected? There are truly dozens of reasons! However, I'll focus on what I believe to be the three Primary Reasons.

First, and it IS selfish I will admit, is the issue of inspector safety. Much has been said and written about Realtor safety, but every potential threat to you as a Realtor is also a risk to me as a home inspector. The risk of physical injury to an inspector is even greater than to the Realtor in several areas. Most notable are the risk of falls, electrocution, and heat related injuries. It is a comfort to the inspector as well as their families that you are ready, willing, and able to dial 911 should the need arise!

Second, is the opportunity to have a clear understanding of any issues that may arise during the home inspection. The is no better way to bring clarity to the buyer's mind than to be able to show and tell, in addition to documenting, any concerns about the house. This saves you and the buyer time and confusion, and significantly enhances your ability to assist with integrating the inspection detail into the execution of the purchase and sales agreement. For instance, when a buyer has questions about how repairs will be made and who will pay for those, the home inspector cannot answer those questions - only YOU as the Realtor can!

I'll illustrate with a story about a recent situation. Our inspector Fred Norman was conducting an inspection when it was discovered that the roof of the home had very little economic life left. The buyer became increasingly worried as she thought about the impact this would have on her in the next few years. Luckily, her real estate agent was present for the inspection, although the agent was conducting some phone business when the roof situation became known. About 15 minutes went by before the agent was able to turn his attention back to the buyer, and the buyer suddenly exclaimed, "I can't buy this house!"
Of course, the agent was shocked, but was able to talk through the buyer's concerns. When she explained that she couldn't pay for a new roof, the agent calmly explained that she had $5000 in her purchase and sale agreement for repairs. The buyer smiled, and all was well. The day had been saved! But had the agent not been present for the inspection to explain the process, the buyer may have walked from the transaction.

Finally, the Third and most important reason for attending the home inspection; your customer wants you there with them! No matter what you think, or even what your customer may tell you, they always tell me that they want you, heck, they need you with them at the home inspection. It makes them feel important, as well as comforted during a very stressful time.

If you really want to keep the wheels on every transaction, and want to create that elusive "all referral" business, you really need to attend every home inspection. And don't forget your lock box key!

Copyright © Florida HomePro, Inc. and Wallace J. Conway. All rights in all media reserved.

About the Author: Wally Conway is President of Florida HomePro Inspections, and has recently written a book entitled "Secrets of the Happy Home Inspector", available at GoHomePro.com or Amazon.com. Wally's expertise and experience has been sought after by HGTV's "House Detective", the Florida Times Union, the National Association of REALTORS®, and many real estate associations. As a speaker, writer, instructor, and host of "The Home and Garden" radio show every Saturday at 8 AM on WOKV 690, Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information with just the right amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application. Visit WallyConway.com for more information!

Reproduction of this article: Permission is granted to use this article in any media provided that the article is reproduced in its entirety as shown above, with the authors resource box/bio included including links to http://www.gohomepro.com and http://www.wallyconway.com as the original publisher.