Should a seller ask for a copy of the buyer’s inspection report?

Why I generally don’t dabble into real estate advice… I’ve learned something after a few thousand inspections

What have I learned? Curiosity killed the cat! I honestly feel that I’ve personally seen more bad than good in asking for a copy of the buyer’s inspection report, especially in a “Standard Sale” in California anyways. If a buyer is to ask for repairs via a repair request, I’d suggest to just wait for it, or if you are going to close, wait until closing as it can become part of the historical document of the home.

Why do I feel that way?

I’ve seen more than one seller demand a copy of the report, after the buyer has cancelled. While I’m not “knocking” my profession, I will say that like people, there are a wide variety of inspectors, their knowledge and methods of reporting. And if you are a seller, and in receipt of a professional opinion, you would likely end up needing to disclose the “other report”. In my opinion, request a copy as part of closing, just like your RE professional does.

Well ” I want to know what’s wrong with my house, so I can fix it “!!

If that’s the case, my suggestion would be to call a qualified/reputable inspector and have a Seller’s Inspection or Pre Listing Inspection performed, you can then make repairs, have a re-inspection performed. This now becomes a selling point or attribute!!

Why is it an attribute??? You can now have the inspector that performed the inspection… print out several copies to give to buyer’s… with the notion that the items in the report reflect the value of the home. Done!!