"Should"? no  "Can they"? yes

I agree with Anthony Acosta. Many of our properties are vacant and I don't regularly attend the inspections. Many buyers don't either.

In our market we dont usually attend the buyer's property inspection although I have known a very controlling agent to do that.

If the sellers ask you to be present, you follow their request no matter what anyone says or thinks.

In my market, no.  In Quebec it is mandatory.  Different strokes for different folks.

Should?  No 

Could?   Yes

Would?  Typically I make an appearance -- I may or may not stay the entire time.  

Yes, Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers - it depends.  

What does the listing agent add to the exercise?

Sometimes yes and sometimes no! Let the circumstances dictate.

In special circumstances where the property has issues. Otherwise no.

Caroline Gerardo - it depends. I attended only one home inspection as listing agent because the seller insisted on it. I prefer not to attend them.

I don't under these circumstances.  Inspectors can gain access and the buyers agent as well as buyer usually show up during the last 45 minuets. 

I'd say no.  It's the buyers' time with their new home.

No, unless the buyer wants it. This is the time that the buyer finds out what's up with the property without the listing agent running interference on behalf of the seller.

In our area the listing agent and seller should not be there. I know it differs across the country but even our Broker stresses not to go. The buyer is paying for all inspections and it is their time with their Realtor.

Caroline Gerardo Not unless the seller requests it.

No, unless the seller requests it. Could become a disclosure issue for the seller. It's pretty rare here, although sometimes the LA will show up for that last few minutes

Caroline,

IMHO, never, never, never. If you or the seller, are concerned about the property have the sellers family or friends come guard the house.

Anything you see or hear during an inspection, even if it isn’t written up, becomes information you should almost certainly disclose. It may be the inspectors’ opinion or observation, not a fact. By attending (or receiving inspection reports) you risk doing harm to your seller.

Depends on how much liability they are interested in.

It is not customary for listing agents to be present in Denver while the buyer is doing their inspection.  

Only if they're representing the buyers too!  Other than that, the LA has no business being at the inspection, other than to let the inspector in AND THEN LEAVE.

Business decision.  I don't attend if I represent a buyer or seller.

I have always been advised to not attend any inspection as to not coerce the inspector.  The only time I would attend is if the client asked me to, or if the buyer was unable to attend and I was their agent.

 Most sellers expect some kind of feedback after the inspection is completed. So I usually show up towards the end to get a feel for how things went.

That is a personal decision for the agent.

I always attend so that I know what  they are talking about when I receive the report.

The listing agent represents the seller, seeing any bad results will affect the seller, the listing agent should be there to see first hand what is going on. They should stay close, eyes and ears open but stay out of the way

It is not common in my area.

Yes, if the clients requests that or if property is occupied and has valuables. 

only if the buyer's agent can't be there for some reason.

My MN Realtor association requires that either the buyers agent or listing agent be present for the inspection.  My WI isn't so strict if they have the means to enter the home

yes

I wouldn't do this. In my state if you know it you must disclose it, and being at the inspection could bring up somethings you might be better off not knowing about. 

I do

Caroline Gerardo It depends on the area if it is required.

Great Q and lots of informative A's

Thanks for the asking Caroline Gerardo 

As listing agent I never attended inspection but many times as BA.

I generally attend, but I ask the buyer's agent if they mind.  

Most definitely in case there are sny issues of access or the inspector has questions easily answered with a quick call to the seller

I don't see the need for it. BA should be present as they represent the buyer and the buyer is paying for it. 

Not usually, unless for some reason the sellers want them to be there. Just depends on circumstances.

No, Buyers agent and buyer only, unless the Seller has requested and then it would be in the listing agents best interest to be there and quielty observe.

At some point. A lot of would just be sitting but getting the summary of inspection is important to attend.

It would only be at seller's request or I think there will be a problem!

If my seller requests that I do!

No, this is a time for the Home Inspector, Buyer and Agent to have the privacy to speak freely and discuss conditions without interuption.  It is unfair for anyone else to be present.