Inspector Blog
Addressing the Need for MLS/Showing Time Access for Home Inspectors in Northern Ohio
In Northern Ohio, home inspectors are missing out on crucial equipment that could boost efficiency, save money, and significantly impact the day-to-day running of their businesses. Further south and northwestern Ohio (Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo), however, inspectors are enjoying the positive fruits of access to this simple but important application: access to Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and showing time platforms.
Because of the difficulties inspectors face in getting into homes where they must rely on a realtor’s assistance, we request that MLS showing time access be granted to Northern Ohio inspectors. Home inspectors in the rest of the state have a simple electronic device on their phones, such as the eKEY app, or lock box code access to open the house. This app would greatly benefit inspectors who currently rely on a third party—the realtor—to do their job successfully. (Northern Ohio used to have E-Key access until MLS Rules Changed)
The reality is inspectors are losing money sitting in front of houses for 30 to 40 minutes waiting on homeowners or Realtors; on the flip side, realtors who could be showing homes and servicing clients instead have to go to another property to let the home inspector in.
Our recent survey highlights inspectors’ frustrations and gives an overview of the benefits of granting such access compared with the drawbacks of not having it.
Current Challenges in Scheduling Home Inspections
The survey reveals significant challenges in scheduling home inspections. Many respondents, particularly home inspectors, frequently encounter difficulties through poor communication and time wasted waiting for realtors.
When asked, “How often do you encounter challenges when scheduling home inspections?” more than 60% experienced issues; just 38.3% replied rarely or never.
One inspector noted, “We waste so much time and effort playing the phone tag game trying to get things done . . . This will simplify one task requiring six phone calls to get done.”
When asked, “Were you aware that in other parts of the state licensed home inspectors have access to MLS/Showing time?” a whopping 68.3% were unaware and did not know that many inspectors could not access this service.
Benefits of MLS/Showing Time Access
When asked, “Do you believe that having MLS and showing time access would improve the efficiency of scheduling home inspections/ancillary services?” 68.3% said yes. In response to, “Do you think that granting home inspectors MLS access would lead to better customer service?” a majority 65% said yes. One respondent commented, “Maybe it could help with easier scheduling, communication, and transparency!”
These responses have motivated our petition to grant access to those inspectors who do not have it. We believe providing home inspectors in northern Ohio with MLS/showing time access could offer several key benefits:
Streamlined Scheduling
Direct access to the scheduling platform would reduce reliance on multiple parties and minimize delays and miscommunication. This streamlined process would save time and effort for everyone involved.
Better Coordination
Direct access would allow inspectors to coordinate appointments more effectively, creating a smoother process. As one respondent mentioned, “It would make everything easier. You wouldn’t have to go through 2-3 people to get an answer.”
Consistency Across the State
Currently, only the southern part of Ohio and some Northwest parts of Ohio (Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo) provides MLS/showing time access to inspectors. Extending this access statewide would ensure a consistent approach, leveling the playing field for inspectors and realtors.
Positive Impact on Transactions
Most respondents believe inspector access would positively affect real estate transactions. Improved efficiency and communication are seen as major benefits. One respondent noted, “If set up correctly, it could save everyone time.” Another replied, “It would help with the teamwork required to get the job done. It puts everyone on the same page.”
Negative Impact of Not Having Access
When asked, “How important is it for home inspectors to have direct access to MLS information?” on a scale of 1–5 (with 5 being very important), 41.7% chose 5, and 23.3% chose 4.Not having MLS/showing time access has several drawbacks:
Inefficient Scheduling
Without direct access to the scheduling platform, inspectors face challenges in arranging appointments, leading to inefficiencies and potential delays. This can cause frustration for both inspectors and clients, ultimately affecting the overall transaction process.
Increased Reliance on Realtors
Inspectors without MLS/showing time access must depend heavily on realtors to coordinate schedules. This dependency can lead to miscommunications and scheduling conflicts, further complicating the inspection process.
Inconsistent Practices Across the State
The current disparity between the southern and northern parts of Ohio creates inconsistency in the inspection process. Inspectors in the north may feel disadvantaged compared to their southern counterparts who have access to more efficient scheduling tools.
Potential for Transaction Delays
The inefficiencies and communication issues associated with not having MLS/showing time access can lead to delays in real estate transactions. This can cause frustration for buyers, sellers, and agents, potentially impacting the overall market dynamics.
Liability and Conflict of Interest
If a realtor is present during a home inspection, and issues are found with the home, the realtor may be accused of misrepresenting defects or having a conflict of interest in the transaction.
Addressing Concerns About Granting Access
Despite the clear need for MLS/showing time access, there are some concerns to address:
Cost of Access
Some realtors question whether home inspectors would be willing to pay the fees associated with MLS/showing time access. One respondent asked, “Would they pay the fee to access, like realtors?”
Privacy and Security
Ensuring the privacy and security of information on the MLS/showing time platforms is crucial. Realtors are concerned about how to prevent the misuse of information by inspectors.
Role of Realtors in Inspections
The importance of realtor attendance at inspections varies among respondents. Some see it as crucial, while others believe it’s less critical. This reflects differing perspectives on the level of oversight needed during inspections and the trust placed in inspectors to conduct their work independently.
The survey underscores the urgent need to extendMLS/showing time access and lockbox access to home inspectors in Northern Ohio.
This would eliminate inconvenience, significantly enhance scheduling efficiency and transaction dynamics, and ensure a positive outcome for all stakeholders. We believe a balanced solution that grants easy access while addressing concerns would satisfy all parties involved.
We thank you for taking the time to consider our petition.
Learn More from The Real View Podcast
In conjunction with the Ohio Home Inspector Network and our partners at Ohio REALTORS, we recently released a new episode of The RealView podcast addressing one of the biggest challenges inspectors are facing today—property access. Industry professionals share real-world insights on lockbox issues, showing system barriers, and how inspectors and agents can work together more effectively.
For a deeper dive into these conversations and solutions, check out the full podcast episode here:
