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A kind of reblog - with the names removed to protect the innocent

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. 539MN

One of my fellow Rainers wrote the following, I have deleted the name of the inspector for good reason, the original, edited post is from Jason Samiam.  He has a point, but we never name bad inspectors, we simply try to avoid them, if possible.  

I do not recommend any real estate agent using this home inspector

I do not recommend any real estate agent using this home inspector


This inspector my client used is a home inspector that I DO NOT recommend.  My client insisted that he wanted to use this guy instead of the few that I recommended to him.  Here are a few things that this inspector said (not exactly the same words but close enough).

" there's nothing good I can say about this house" - I asked him about the roof, and he said that was good.  I asked him about the foundation, and he said that was good.  I asked him about the outside walls, and he said that was good.  The house is definitely a fixer, but all the bedrooms and one of the two bathrooms are in fair condition (livable).  One of the bathroom did need a lot of work.  There's mold and a couple of holes in the wall and the floor warping a bit (I'm guessing from water damage).  Btw, the original wooden floor was also in good condition, and so was the central air and fireplace.  I just can't believe he said this and he kept saying it throughout the inspection.  Just to be fair and to give you the full picture, the house in general was in good shape.  The once I thought were in bad condition were 1) car port infront of garage 2) pool 3) one of the bathroom 4) maybe unpermitted enclosed patio.  The rest of the house was in fair livable condition.

"the pool needs at least $10,000 worth of repair" - the listing agent and I thought it was maybe around $3,000 worth of repair.  There's a few cracks (maybe a dozen) throughout the pool.  But regardless, he is stepping way outside his boundary to give an estimate on how much that pool was going to cost.

"overall the cost of repair will be around $30K to $40K" - this is just ridiculous.  This inspector doesn't even have a contractor license.  I know because I asked him if he did, and he answered no.

This inspector crossed the line when he went beyond the scope of hi duty, obligation and expertise.

Comparables in Santa Fe Springs for 3bedroom 2bath SFR is around $340K to $375K.  We offered $300K and suggested we can ask to lower the price to $280K.  But because this home inspector has instilled fear on my client's mind, my client ends up cancelling escrow.

Never in my experience did I ever come across a home inspector that conducted business this way.

If you are a real estate agent, I wouldn't recommend using the home inspector indicated below:

Posted by

Moving in Excellence!

Don Sabinske, Broker, GRI

www.donsabinske.com

Sabinske & Associates Inc.

763-350-7960

Specializing in Sherburne, Wright, Anoka and Hennepin Counties...We can help you move!

 

Margo Currie
Exit 1 Stop Realty - Saint Augustine Beach, FL

I read this in the original form, with the name included. I'm not sure it's a good idea to use the inspector's name. Isn't there some liability in doing that?

Feb 05, 2010 12:57 PM
Kelly Schipper
Keller Williams Fort Worth, TX - Fort Worth, TX

Made me cringe when I read the original too! Thanks for making it right Don. You're a true leader!

Signature

Feb 05, 2010 01:10 PM
Don Sabinske
Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. - Zimmerman, MN
Sabinske & Associates Inc.

We can only hope that JS learns that we cannot libel others, whether Rainers or not.  It is simply bad manners and can get you sued. 

Thanks, Margo and Kelly.  I am so glad you understand. 

Feb 05, 2010 01:14 PM
David Monsour
Keller Williams Keystone Realty - Gettysburg, PA
ABR - www.realty-insights.com

I suppose I understand where he is coming from.  Not much is worse than watching a deal fall apart infront of your face..quite literally.  However, we cannot conduct business this way.  We have to respect others, whether we agree or disagree with their practices.  It's an unfortunate situation for the buyers and the agent, but as realtors since we aren't allowed to stear our clients toward other professionals it's a tough situation. 

Don - I agree with keeping the inspectors name out of the post, that is just poor form, and bad PR.

Feb 06, 2010 02:43 AM
Kelly Schipper
Keller Williams Fort Worth, TX - Fort Worth, TX

David I believe if we give our clients a few trusted sources whether it be a licensed inspector, engineer, electrician, Lender, etc  it is part of our fiduciary duty to our clients to do so (aka having their best interest). In Texas we actually have an addm we can add to the Buyer's Rep named "Inspector Information".  There is a disclosure on the form that states "This form does not recommend any particular inspector and does not warrant the quality of any inspector's inspection." However, it's a brilliant way of providing the top few of your trusted vendors, legally.

Signature

Feb 06, 2010 03:06 AM
Don Sabinske
Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. - Zimmerman, MN
Sabinske & Associates Inc.

David - I thank you for your endorsement.  I don't want to call out the agent again.  I just wanted to make a point that we cannot condone the libel of another professional, especially since the buyer designated him. 

Kelly, can you share that form with me.  I would love to adapt something to that effect when working with buyers.  It won't be a requirement for the State, but it might make them think.

Feb 06, 2010 12:02 PM
Kelly Schipper
Keller Williams Fort Worth, TX - Fort Worth, TX

Done! Check your email (Junk or Spam too just in case). I sent it to the email on your website since I couldn't add attachement through AR. I hope you find it useful.

Signature 

Feb 06, 2010 01:19 PM
Don Sabinske
Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. - Zimmerman, MN
Sabinske & Associates Inc.

Kelly, you are a rock star.  Thanks.  I will put it to good use.  Maybe I can return a favor sometime. 

Feb 07, 2010 12:39 AM
Ron Marshall
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

Making sure you have the right personnel on the job is key. 

Oct 24, 2012 08:18 AM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I have a list of home inspectors I give out. I don't make recommendations. I don't want to be blamed if something goes wrong.

Jan 06, 2013 12:07 AM
Suzanne McLaughlin
Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN
Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

I, too, have a list of home inspectors, but I don't recommend anyone because I don't want to be in the "middle" of that!

Jan 16, 2013 08:40 PM
Marshall Enterprises
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Antiques, Lawn Care, and Trashouts

There are so many people out there who can just claim to be an inspector.  It is good to know that you watch out for your clients!

Jan 21, 2013 03:35 AM