The way you prepare buyers for the inspection — before it happens and after the report lands — has a bigger impact on deal outcomes than most agents realize. Here’s how top Long Island agents handle it.
Set Expectations Before the Inspection
Every inspection will find something. That’s not a problem — it’s the point. A thorough inspection report with 80 line items doesn’t mean the house is falling apart. It means the inspector did their job. Buyers who understand this before the inspection read the report differently than buyers who expected a pass/fail grade.
Attend or Don’t Attend — Have a Policy
Some agents attend every inspection; others don’t. Know your position and explain it to your buyer before they ask. If you do attend, don’t shadow the inspector or interject — let the inspector work and build the buyer’s confidence in the process.
Help Buyers Prioritize After the Report
The report is 40 pages. Buyers get overwhelmed. Your job is to help them sort safety issues from costly repairs from maintenance items — and build a realistic ask that keeps the deal together. Most deals die not because of the inspection findings but because of how they’re handled afterward.
Earn CE Credits at Main St Success
Main St Success offers 22.5-hour CE courses and broker licensing programs across Long Island. Online and live options available at mainstsuccess.com.
Refer your buyers to The Inspection Boys. Nassau: (516) 725-5881 | Suffolk: (631) 301-2309 | homeinspectionsli.com.
