Get a contractor to go through and fix everything ahead of them.

I let them know it's their chance to get to know that home through the eyes of a professional and objective third party and I ask what concerns they have about the house(if any).  In California our purchase agreement states properties are sold in "as is" condition so I explain what that means.  

Seller vacate the premises.  Buyer show up and be prepared to listen, write notes if needed and if, at the end of the inspection you still have questions, ASK THEM.

Michael Thornton Let the inspector do their job and ask questions when the inspector goes over his/her findings when the inspection is finished.

pay attention and listen....ask questions that come to mind as you walk through the home....

Ask them all the questions you want.  

Tell them when it is, recommend they be present.  End of conversation.

Let them buyer know that it is a "Used" home and dont expect the seller to provide a "New" home to them at this price.

I tell buyers to get there toward the end of the inspection and stay out of the way and that inspector will show them anything he thinks he can cover better verbally at the end and that if there is something they specifically want looked at to give me that request in writing prior to ordering the inspection.

I tell sellers to clean, make sure panel box, water heater and attic are all accessible to get the heck out of there.

Absolutley!  I do not want the buyer to add everything on the inspectors list. I inform the buyer to select the top 4 repairs.  Seller's I just tell them do not freak out!

I explain to both a buyer and a seller that the 2 biggest reasons homes fall out of escrow are the loan and home inspection.  The are informed that we don't have a deal until the conditions of the home are agreed upon and that they need to be reasonable.  I consider myself a deal maker and not a deal breaker so I try to stick to the essentials when it comes to the repair request.

Without a doubt...Most have no idea of what to expct.

I tell them to feel free to ask questions.

I tell them to be prepared. Bring a notebook and don't be afraid to ask questions. Follow up with the inspector later on any questions your have regarding the report. 

Don't worry about the minor stuff.  We are looking for health, safety and high expense concerns. 

Appointment is at XXPM