Raising the Bar...
Long before State licensing took effect, better home inspectors joined professional organizations such as ASHI and NAHI in order to differentiate themselves as being a "cut above" the average, run-of-the-mill brick kicker. As we all know, the Standards of Practice for any industry, sets the bar at the lowest possible level, so the service provider can cover their assets.
Like any real estate related industry, the home inspection industry has it minimalists. Constantly flying below the radar screen, the minimalist strives not shake the tree too hard for fear of ticking off the referral partner - their source of revenue.
In my 8+ years in this business, I have found that the best real estate professionals do not like surprises. Period. They want someone to lay the cards out on the table in a calm professional manner. Report the facts. Leave out the personal opinions. Do your job. Let the agent do theirs.
It is up to the individual to raise the bar and exceed "the Standards". Only by raising the bar, can we excel and be exemplary in our given professions and be known as true professionals.
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We rely on thorough, honest inspections. The best inspectors tell it like it is, letting one know which items are serious or potentially so, which are minor and simply expected due to the age of the house. I'm sure I'd like your inspections, Michael.
Well said Michael, my clients and I appreciate no surprises and a thorough and complete inspection.
Michael....there are home inspectors who focus on making the agent happy and treading lightly on issues.....that's not what my team and I are looking for....we want to know everything that anyone needs to know about a home....it's the home inspector who keeps the agent out of court.
I think Barbara hit the nail on the head. The best protection for everyone involved in the transaction (buyer, agent and inspector) is a good thorough home inspector.
Michael,
You have to tell it like it is in this business to build the public confidence we have lost. Too much strutting around... but now I have to go out and buy a rubber ball...LOL!!
Michael, well said and I offer up a resounding AMEN! We need inspectors as much as they need us! Why not pick one that does the job in a professional manner!
Mike,
The "bedside manner" in which the inspector report his/her findings is critical.
Rich
Well said Michael......you are on top in your area I am sure and I would choose you there for sure!
A great home inspector is always needed no matter what side of the transaction you are on.
Good morning Michael,
I do rely on the facts from my inspectors. There are so many issues that are not deal breakers..but it is important to get the facts. We try and do the negotiations up front on the house. There are no repair allowances in Texas. The buyer does the inspections and it's renegotiation time. The expectation is only on big items such as things not working!! A resale is not a new house so forget the striker plate re-adjusted etc. New code items probably not! AC not working..fix it or replace it!
Michael we all support professionalism and I always have looked for the ASHI label..
Michael,
I talked with Brian Copeland on Monday and he gave you glowing reviews. Our buyers need the assurance that their building inspector is well qualified.
If EVERYONE did their job correctly some would not have to be reminded of it. Good post.
Michael,
I believe in professionalism of demeanor and reporting. Sometimes though, opinions are largely what we are left with when things are complex.
It would be nice if Agents would raise the bar by requiring more out of their home inspectors.
It is better to know up front then after the fact. Report what you see; let the buyer, seller and realtor work it out.
Michael,
I do want my inspectors to find whatever is wrong with the house, but not scare the buyers with the news. I also do not want the inspector to be casully discussing the findings with the seller and who chould do the repair work. This is even before my buyers have seen the report. There is a local inspector who provides a "list of service providers" along with his/her report. This is not only unethical but illegal here in TN.
Michael, it always pays to be thorough. I don't like surprises. I had a surprise today at a home inspection and the buyer is looking for another home. Thankful that we have a wonderful and very professional home inspector that saved my buyer a lot of money and heart ache.
Michael.....Your message about individual responsibility for maintaining and raising our level of professionalism is spot on. Crawlling under the bar of expection, or staying under the radar is exactlly what leads to poor reputations in our industry.
Nothing I hate more than a brick kicker. I don't want an inspector to puff through an inspection - just give the buyer the facts and let the buyer decide what needs to be done.
Comments(22)