Home inspectors are in an odd position when it comes to the home buying process. Many believe that the home inspector can be the pickiest, most thorough inspector in the area, yet as a result of his thoroughness he can have several people irritated at him. The real estate agent(s) and the home seller.
This position has led some to believe that any inspector that your real estate agent recommends is secretly working for the real estate agent and will overlook or minimize concerns found during a home inspection. It is believed that the inspector will do this so as to get referrals in the future. I claim this to be an insult to inspectors and to agents.
No matter what profession you look at there will always be a small percentage of people who are dishonest. The vast majority of people are honest and do the right thing. I have had the pleasure of doing home inspections for several years and I have helped lots of people have a safe and healthy home. I have met only two agents who asked me to change a report or let me know (repeatedly) that the home needed to be in good condition for the sale to happen. These type of agents never seem to give my name out to clients. I also keep these "shifty" agents off my email list, I do not want to work with them.
The agents that give my business card to their clients realize that I am thorough and I find alot. They also realize that my thoroughness provides the best information for the home buyer and that this is the best way to go for everyone. The biggest question I believe a home buyer should ask themselves is do they trust and like their agent?
Real estate agents know who is a good inspector better than the average person does. Agents also realize that having a thorough inspector involved shows that they care for the client. Using a bad inspector reflects badly on the agent. I see asking an agent for a recommendation as a prudent thing to do. The assumption that you should not trust the agent nor the inspector is an insult.
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About The Author Jim Troth is a full time home inspector in central Ohio and Education Coordinator for InterNachi Ohio. He has managed to grow his home inspection business despite the slowing of the real estate market in his area. Jim also provides marketing help to other home inspectors and has products beneficial to fellow inspectors. Go to http://www.homeinspectionmarketing.com for more information. jim@homeinspectionmarketing.com His home inspection business site is http://www.homeinspectionsinohio.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Troth |
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