Inspection Day Checklist for Real Estate Agents

Before the Inspection

• Ensure Utilities Are On
  Electricity, gas, and water must be on for a complete inspection, especially for vacant homes. Without these utilities on, the inspector cannot confirm proper function.
  

• Confirm Agreement and Payment
  To release the report, an inspector requires a client agreement and payment. The smoothest approach is for clients to make the payment before the inspection so no delays are incurred. First Responding Home Inspections provides an easy online payment portal.
  

• Arrange Property Access and Environment
  Make sure gate codes, lockboxes, or keys are working and available. Ensure the property is safe and accessible for the inspector. Some inspectors require all animals be off-site or in crates. (At First Responding Home Inspections, we love saying hello to friendly pets and they are welcome on-site.) Vehicles or other obstacles should be moved to allow clear access to the exterior, garage, attic, crawl spaces, and mechanical systems.
  

• Prep Your Clients
  Set expectations: inspections typically take 2–3 hours, more for large homes or if additional services, like sewer scope, are included. Encourage clients to attend the last 30 minutes for the summary walkthrough or set aside time for a call after they receive the report.
  

• Set Proper Expectations
  Remind your clients that no home is perfect, nor should they expect it to be. Small items, like missing door stops, will be noted but should not be deal breakers. Larger items can be used for negotiation.
  

• Inform Inspector of Special Concerns
  If there’s something on your clients’ minds, let the inspector know in advance. For example, at an older home, buyers may be curious about window quality or insulation. This also includes upgrades or repairs the previous owner did or had contracted.
  

• Confirm the Appointment
  First Responding Home Inspections sends a confirmation email and a day-of reminder email. However, if your inspector does not, you should double-check with them that day. 

During the Inspection

• Take Notes
  Inspectors provide a full report and specifically with First Responding Home Inspections it will include images and often video. However jotting down key findings during your debrief helps during negotiations.
  

• Share the Contract and Addenda
  Have the option period dates and any repair-related documents on hand to keep timelines clear.
  

• Facilitate Communication
  Allow clients to ask questions, but keep the conversation focused and productive. After they review the report, they can reach back out if necessary.
  

• Stay Accessible, But Don’t Micromanage
  Inspectors work best without being hovered over. Be nearby and accessible by phone.

After the Inspection

• Set Client Expectations for the Report
  First Responding Home Inspections will deliver the report the same day via email. It will include photos, sometimes video and notes about the severity of issues.
  

• Strategize for Negotiations
  Identify which issues are safety-related, major, or minor so you can build a focused repair request.
  

• Keep the Timeline in Mind
  In Texas, option periods can be short. Prompt review and repair request submission are critical.
  

• Provide a Resource List
  Having the contact info for a few trusted service providers makes it easy to get speedy quotes for common repairs and keeps timelines moving. Locally, this is likely to include HVAC, pest control and roofing repairs.

Pro Tip

Remind clients inspections are meant to identify issues so they can make informed decisions — not to “pass” or “fail” a home. Helping them keep perspective can prevent negotiations from derailing over minor items.

About First Responding Home Inspections

First Responding Home Inspections offers thorough, same-day reports, weekend availability, and clear communication to keep your transactions moving smoothly. Owned by a retired firefighter, our inspections provide a unique lens on safety and structural integrity. To schedule an inspection, visit frhinspect.com or call/text owner, Ross Black, at 512.924.1847.