When a home goes under contract, one of the most important steps in the transaction is the home inspection. It gives buyers an opportunity to better understand the condition of the property and identify issues that may need attention before closing. One question that often comes up during this stage is whether the listing agent — the seller’s agent — should attend the inspection.

In my opinion, yes — the listing agent should generally attend the inspection. However, there is an important distinction: attending does not mean participating. A good listing agent should mostly hang back, observe, listen, answer factual questions when appropriate, and avoid interfering with the process.

I never ask the other side if it is “okay” for me to attend. It is part of representing my seller and protecting their interests throughout the transaction. That said, the inspection is for the buyer. The listing agent should not hover over the inspector, debate findings, or make the buyer uncomfortable asking questions.

Like most things in real estate, there are benefits and drawbacks to consider.

Benefits of Having the Listing Agent Attend

Hearing the Inspector’s Commentary Firsthand Matters

One of the biggest reasons I attend inspections is because context matters.

A written inspection report often reads differently than the actual conversation during the inspection. Inspectors are trained to document concerns conservatively and thoroughly. Sometimes the written language sounds more severe than the verbal explanation that accompanied it.

For example, I once attended an inspection where the inspector verbally stated the roof likely had at least five years of remaining life. However, the written report later stated the roof “should be replaced.” The buyer used that language to request approximately $15,000 in concessions.

Because I had heard the full verbal discussion directly from the inspector, we were able to push back and negotiate the request down significantly. Had no one from the seller’s side attended, the written report alone could have driven the entire conversation.

Being present allows the listing agent to advocate from firsthand knowledge rather than reacting later to selectively interpreted language.

The Listing Agent Can Provide Helpful Context

The listing agent often knows important background information about the property:

Age of systems and improvements
Prior repairs or maintenance
Renovation history
Accessibility issues
Seasonal items that may not be testable

Providing factual information in real time can prevent misunderstandings or unnecessary assumptions.

That does not mean arguing with the inspector. It means helping clarify facts when appropriate.

Immediate Communication With the Seller

Attending allows the listing agent to prepare the seller for what is likely coming next.

Sometimes inspections are clean. Sometimes they uncover legitimate concerns. Sometimes buyers focus heavily on relatively minor items. Hearing the discussion firsthand allows the agent to better advise the seller before repair requests arrive.

It also helps avoid overreaction later when the written report is delivered.

Protecting the Scope of the Inspection

Most inspectors are professional and reasonable. Occasionally, however, inspections can drift into areas beyond a normal home inspection or create confusion about what is actually a defect versus normal aging or maintenance.

A listing agent who is present can help keep the process organized and professional without interfering.

Helping the Process Run Smoothly

There are also practical reasons to attend:

Ensuring access to locked areas
Coordinating with occupants
Protecting the property
Helping answer logistical questions

A smooth inspection benefits everyone involved in the transaction.

Potential Downsides of the Listing Agent Attending

Buyers May Feel Less Comfortable

Some buyers are more comfortable asking candid questions when the listing agent is not present. That is understandable.

A good listing agent recognizes this and gives the buyer and inspector space. In most cases, I stay in the background and avoid inserting myself into the conversation unless needed.

An Overly Involved Agent Can Hurt the Process

There is a difference between attending and controlling.

If a listing agent constantly interrupts, debates findings, minimizes concerns, or follows the inspector room-to-room, it can create tension very quickly. That behavior usually makes negotiations harder, not easier.

The inspection is the buyer’s due diligence period. Buyers should feel comfortable conducting it thoroughly.

New Disclosure Obligations Can Be Created

This is an important point many sellers do not fully understand.

If issues are uncovered during the inspection and the transaction falls apart, those issues may become future disclosure items if the seller chooses not to address them. In simple terms: once you know about a material issue, you generally cannot “unknow” it later.

That is not necessarily a reason to avoid attending inspections. Transparency is important. But sellers should understand that inspections can create new knowledge and future disclosure responsibilities.

The Listing Agent Is Not Required to Attend

There is no legal requirement that the listing agent attend the inspection. Many transactions proceed perfectly fine without the listing agent being present.

Some agents choose to attend only the final summary portion. Others attend the entire inspection. Different markets and agents have different norms.

Best Practices

Attend — But Don’t Hover

In my opinion, the listing agent should generally attend the inspection, but should not become an active participant in it.

This is not the time to resell the house or challenge every observation. The role is to observe, listen carefully, and stay informed.

Let the Buyer Have Their Inspection

The buyer hired the inspector. The inspection is for their benefit.

The listing agent should avoid creating an environment where the buyer feels uncomfortable asking questions or discussing concerns openly with their inspector.

Focus on Facts, Not Opinions

If clarification is needed, provide factual information:

Dates of improvements
Repair history
Maintenance records
Access information

Avoid arguing over subjective opinions or trying to minimize findings.

Listen Carefully

Often the most valuable part of attending is simply hearing how the inspector explains issues verbally in real time. That context can become very important later during repair negotiations.

The Bottom Line

In my opinion, the listing agent should generally attend the home inspection — but with restraint and professionalism.

A listing agent’s presence can help prevent misunderstandings, improve communication, and better prepare the seller for what comes next. At the same time, the inspection should remain focused on the buyer’s due diligence process, not on the listing agent defending the property.

The best listing agents know when to speak, when to clarify facts, and when to simply stay quiet and listen.

Doug McNeilly is a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Realty in Wayland, Massachusetts. He specializes in Wayland, Sudbury, Natick, Framingham and the Greater Boston Metro West Area. He can be reached at doug.mcneilly@cbrealty.com or www.dougmcneilly.com

Should the Listing Agent Attend the Home Inspection?