It's nice when an inspector can access a vacant home.  I'm meeting one Friday to let him in.  Makes for a 60 mile round trip for me. 

Hi Adrian -- I meet the inspector, the appraiser and anyone beyond an agent who has electronic access who needs entry to a property.  

I know some inspection companies don't have an electronic key but it usually doesn't matter much because my policy is to attend the inspection.  If the inspector gets there early, they usually start by inspecting what they can on the outside of the property.

Very few inspectors around here do not have the key.  I have had to let in around 2-3 inspectors in my time as an agent. 

Here in Charlotte, to top inspection companies all belong to the mls and have supra key access to properties. When I select inspectors, having supra key access is one of the criteria I use to select them.

Many inspectors in my area have joined the local board of Realtors and have an electronic key.

Yes.

Here it is part of the tools

Well, I know the inspectors in my area have the key.  If they do't they may get passed over .

A one day code can be used, or what i usually do it put a combo lock on for inspectors and contractors to use.

Course.  It is my responsibility to be there anytime we expect someone to be at the property, and lock up when they are done.  

Not every real estate professional is a REALTOR and will not have a electronic key also. These agents would not be called your 'main stream' agents. They are cowboys doing their own thing.

Why should those who DO pay be required to accommodate those who choose not to be members, to not pay, to keep the fees we pay in their pocket?  Nice gig, but at some point the free loader will be required to pay.

You choose the situation, you kept the fees in your pocket, now you need to live with the results.

Some REALTORS NEVER attend an inspection or appraisal or even a showing. Yet you want special treatment. Sorry Adrian, you need to own the situation you choose to create. Pay the fee, like the rest of us, and things balance out better. Otherwise you may be REQUIRED to meet the agents schedule.

PS: When you do get that electronic key, don't even think of doing that inspection without scheduling with the listing agent.

PS2: Licensed agents also could choose not to join the MLS and not pay for the eKey, but making a living would be much different and often more difficult. An agent without a Key would be in the same boat you are in. They can't get in.  Pay the fee, but schedule the inspection with the listing agent.