Never a Dull Day in Real Estate - Home Inspectors

Allen - Loose screws are important, but it's also important to note that they're fixable.

Julie - Thanks for the comment.

James - I guess #1 depends on your personality and the type of homes the agent sells.  When a home inspector says that to one of my clients, he's sincere.  It's not just a compliment to me, but to the buyer for choosing me and choosing this home.  I work in a nice suburban neighborhood where the homes ARE great.  Inspecting one of them is usually a piece of cake for an inspector who might otherwise be inspecting abandoned homes for investors, or 50-year old homes in poor condition.

Charles - I never realized there was a specific height either, but that home inspector made both the client and me feel stupid about not noticing.  I guess that was his way of showing how superior he was.  It was just one of several items he treated that way during the inspection, and the sale fell through.

Ken - Wow, that's a mouth-full.  Did the buyer go through with the purchase?

Kathy, the home inspectors I recommend are all very personable and DO take the time to explain the home inspection process to my clients before going over the paperwork with them.  However, I have attended home inspections where the clipboard was jammed in people's faces as my clients got out of their car.

Charles, I don't know how to respond, since I have no idea what you're trying to say. 

Loren, I've never had anyone do that, but it makes sense to me.

Tammie, I hear you.  Now... I'll certainly understand it if the weather is bad and the inspector's safety is at risk, but I feel there should be a follow-up inspection of the roof asap after that.  The home inspectors I recommend always do check the roof and chimney up close, but I've been on home inspections when they used binoculars from across the street.

Lise - Glad you enoyed it.  The home inspectors I use just shake their heads when I tell them about one of these rogue inspectors... I think they realize that these experiences make me appreciate them even more.

Patricia - Fortunately, these five stories were isolated incidents throughout the years... no one inspection was ever "that" bad. 

Reuben - Right, who cares?  Ok, mention it if you must, but don't follow it up with a suggestion to replace all interior doors at great expense.  This fella made us all feel stupid, and someone who is feeling stupid about a house rarely wants to go through with the purchase.  I just wasn't able to over come the buyers' emotional reaction to that home inspection (which included other similar observations).

Diane - I appreciate your comment, but did you know a comment needs 10 words to count for points?  Hopefully you already have your ten done for today.

Christine, I think that's the ideal... those of us who have found that individual (or several of them) are very fortunate.  It's so important for the inspector to be thorough and knowledgeable... and articulate.  By that, I mean put things in perspective, as well as explain them clearly.

Charles, Thanks for checking back in to clarify that.

Jim, I do as I'm told and provide the names and contact info of three different home inspectors.   I also give my clients the names and contact info of previous clients who have used them, as references.  The problem comes with those rare occasions when someone goes with an inspector found in the yellow pages.  Yes, they still do that!

Pat, it's a fine line they walk sometimes - especially if the inspector doesn't really know the agent or clients.  My "regular" home inspectors know that I expect them to be thorough, but to put discrepancies in perspective for the buyers.