Who should be at a home inspection?

Is it who should be at a home inspection or who shouldn’t be at a home inspection?

Hey, it’s Damien Baden, your local real estate agent in Northeast, Ohio. And today, I wanted to talk to home sellers.

Home Sellers Are Not The Ones Who Should Be At A Home Inspections

If you’re a home seller in Northeast Ohio, this one’s for you. When selling your home, the home inspection is one of the most critical steps in the process—and one that you want to go smoothly. It’s natural to feel curious about what’s being said during the inspection, but as the seller, it’s best not to attend. The people who should be present are the buyer, the buyer’s agent, and the home inspector.

A Home Inspection Needs To Be A Positive Buyer Experience

Let me share a quick story that highlights why your presence at a home inspection can actually work against you. I was recently on my way to a home inspection when the listing agent mentioned that their seller planned to stay on the porch during the inspection. The agent explained that the sellers were “a wealth of knowledge about the home” and would be happy to answer any questions we had.

Here’s the truth: as a seller, at this stage of the transaction, the buyer doesn’t have questions for you. What they want is to confirm that the home matches their expectations and that there aren’t any major surprises. The goal is to give them a positive, stress-free experience—but the fastest way to make them uncomfortable is to have the seller present.

Buyers aren’t buying you; they’re buying your home.

Why Sellers Should Avoid Being at the Home Inspection

When sellers attend the inspection, it can make buyers feel awkward or uneasy. They may feel like they’re intruding on your space, which can shift the tone from an exciting step in their purchase to a tense situation. On the flip side, sellers might also feel anxious or defensive seeing their property scrutinized.

Even well-intentioned conversation can lead to misunderstandings. This is why buyer’s agents and listing agents exist—to handle communication and prevent unnecessary tension between buyers and sellers. After all, this isn’t about making friends; it’s a business transaction.

In my experience throughout Northeast Ohio’s housing market, I’ve seen several deals sour simply because a seller’s comment rubbed the buyer the wrong way.

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A Small Mistake That Could Cost the Sale

Here’s the part many sellers don’t realize: buyers can walk away after an inspection, often regardless of what the report says. If a buyer feels uneasy or uncomfortable, they can use the inspection contingency to cancel the contract. That’s why it’s so important to ensure they have a positive impression during this process.

A typical home inspection lasts about two and a half to three hours—a short window of time that can make or break the deal. By giving buyers space, you’re creating an environment where they can focus on the property and not the presence of the homeowner.

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Give Buyers Space to Feel at Home

As a seller, you want the buyer to imagine themselves living there. If they bring family members—like parents or kids—you want them to feel free to explore, laugh, and talk openly about how they’d make the house their own. That experience helps solidify their emotional connection to your home.

If you’re hovering nearby, buyers may feel like they need to watch what they say or walk on eggshells. That discomfort can easily derail their excitement.

So, when you’re preparing to sell your home in Cleveland or anywhere in Northeast Ohio, remember this simple rule:
👉 Do not attend the home inspection.

Let your Cleveland Real Estate Top Agent guide the process and keep communication smooth. You’ll protect your deal, your peace of mind, and your buyer’s confidence in your home.

We would love to help you when you are ready to sell! If you’d like to learn more, send us a message or give us a call or text today! (440) 628-1321!