The Advatages of Leavng Jr., Mom & Pop, Aunt Sue at Home
When home shopping, it generally works much better to leave the kids with grandma or a sitter. Children can be very distracting when looking at houses. More often than not one or both parents are kept busy trying to occupy / watch the kids, when in reality they should be looking the house over. Most well-meaning parents bring their children along for home tours, because they think it will be exciting for the kids to "help" pick out their new home. Let's face it this is a major decision for most folks and they need to give it their full attention. Jr. should be invited for a walk through after Mom and Dad have found the home of their choice.
Another drawback is bringing along family members and friends that won't be living in the new home. Let's face it we all have different styles and tastes. You wouldn't wear the same style of shoes or clothes that your mother would choose. By the same token, you will have different wants, needs and desires in your new home from that of a parent, friend, or co-worker. It is sad to see a couple find their "dream home", only to have a family member run it down. In most cases they have no formal experience as an inspector, but that is the hat they are wearing. Another familar situation is a grown sibling that appears to have a jealous streak and makes snide comments about everything from the neighborhood to the rose bush in the backyard.
These situations are difficult for everyone involved. The best rule is for the financially responsible individual(s) to be involved in the initial process of finding the home and if they are concerned about issues ,to seriously consider hiring an inspector, instead of having Uncle Joe take a peek.