I Love Home Inspectors!

 

 

 

With apologies to all home inspectors everywhere, let me tell you some of the most memorable things I've ever heard at a home inspection.

 

  1. HOME INSPECTION"Margaret only sells GREAT homes, so I love it when I see her name on an inspection request"  What real estate agent wouldn't recommend a home inspector who always says this to his/her clients? 

    I think ALL home inspectors should be trained to include this in their script, don't you?  

  2. "Let's go over some paperwork before we get started."  These are the first words spoken by some home inspectors as they hand my clients a clipboard with disclosures, disclaimers and the bill.  

    Let me just say that it's not very reassuring for a nervous first-time home buyer to know EXACTLY where the inspector's priorities will be for the next hour or two - i.e., covering his/her ass in case of a mistake.

    Would it be too inconvenient for home inspectors to say "Hello, nice to meet you ... here's what we'll be doing for the next hour or two..." BEFORE handing my clients your clipboard?

  3. "I will examine every major system and structural element closely."  I guess it's all a matter of interpretation, and he didn't mean to imply that "close" means "close" since he's looking at the roof through binoculars from across the street. 

    Not all home inspectors do this, of course, but it happens too often.

  4. "I'll be pointing out my observations about the property."   Let's remember the purpose of the home inspection, shall we?  Accurate information and peace of mind for my buyers.

    I'll never forget the home inspector who pointed out that interior door knobs throughout the house were an inch lower than regulation.  Rather than ask if this bothered them (probably not), he went on to say the only way to correct this will be to replace every door in the house - and this will be very expensive. 

    He's no longer in the home inspection business.

  5. "I conducted a termite inspection, and they're all very well-fed.  Unfortunately, that means we have some serious structural problems with the house."

    A bit of humor during a home inspection is fine, but please don't make light of a major home inspection issue!  State the problem and recommend the buyers have a contractor provide an estimate for repairs.  Period.

 

One of the most memorable things I've heard at a home inspection actually came from a child accompanying his parents.   As the home inspector pushed the test button on a smoke detector, he asked the boy what that sound means.  The boy replied, without a moment of hestitation, "That means dinner is ready!"

I don't know which was funnier... the inspector's facial expression or the outcry from my clients.  It still makes me laugh, and my favorite home inspector often repeats this story. 

 

There's no such thing as a perfect house, and a home inspection is a necessary step in any home purchase.  It protects the buyers from hidden defects and and helps prepare them for the role of home owner.  Sellers benefit from a home inspection, as well, because it gives the buyers peace of mind.  Most home sellers aren't aware of any dangerous defects, but correcting any identified by the home inspector will help sellers avoid future liabilities. 

There's never a dull day in real estate, especially when a home inspection is scheduled!

Copyright 2006-13. Margaret Woda. All rights reserved.

  DISCLAIMER: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.

________________________________________

Margaret Woda, Crofton Realtor


Margaret WodaMargaret Woda, REALTOR & Associate Broker
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114
Direct:  (410) 451-6245 or click on EMAIL

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48 Comments on Never a Dull Day in Real Estate - Home Inspectors

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

OCT
04
2010
823,810 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

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

Julie - Thanks for the comment.
5:35pm • #32
823,810 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

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?
5:56pm • #33
879,347 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Margaret - even though CYA seems to be the norm these days, and not just for home inspectors ..... there are some out there that do go over the basics before hitting them with the CYA.
7:20pm • #34
916,964 Points 178 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret, I am plenty good enough at making myself look foolish to spend too much time trying to make anyone else look foolish :)
7:31pm • #35
Outside Blog

I usually find it is takes less time to pull out the screw driver and tighten the screw than it does to write it up.
7:43pm • #36
760,728 Points 106 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Margaret, when I first started in real estate, I asked for a home inspector referral.  Several agents sent me the same name so I used him.  Then he whipped out the binoculars to look at the roof.  I never used him again.  Now I use an inspector who actually gets up on the roof.
8:10pm • #37
194,347 Points 8 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

As always - I love your posts! Thanks for the giggles this evening! I needed a good smile and this definitely brought it! 
9:00pm • #38
464,055 Points 1 Featured Post

Ha!  Thanks for the amusing post today. I enjoyed it!!

Patricia/Seacoast NH
9:29pm • #39
227,118 Points 86 Featured Posts

That was a fun read - I especially like the part about the smoke detector.  I'm just baffled at the part about the door knob who commented on the height of the door knobs.  As Charles mentioned, there is no regulation about this, but even if there was... WHO CARES?  Yikes.
9:36pm • #40
337,630 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret ~ Great post, thanks for sharing.
9:47pm • #41
823,810 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

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.
11:01pm • #42
823,810 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

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.
11:06pm • #43
OCT
05
2010
1,352,174 Points 42 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I love the way my inspector handles my buyers.  He makes a list of what he considers the most important items while explaining to the buyer their list might vary.  He also discusses the fact that no homes are perfect, even brand new homes.
12:05am • #44
916,964 Points 178 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret I just mean that a person that makes other people look foolish is saying they never are----I know that I don't know everything and don't try to hide it.
2:18am • #45
823,810 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

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.
9:44am • #46
Attended Rain Camp

Margaret,We try to give home inspectors a wide berth but with some gentle prodding once in a while.I have had both good and bad experiences but oh well life goes on and on to the next sale.JHAZ>
11:56am • #47
468,949 Points 18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret--I guess it would not hurt any of us involved with buying and selling homes to walk in each other's shoes.  The best home inspectors appreciate what we do and what it sometimes takes to close a deal and they handle our clients with kid gloves while making sure they have the information they need.  Enjoyable post Margaret!
8:44pm • #48
823,810 Points 155 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

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.
11:14pm • #49
OCT
06
2010

LOL , funny blog , thanks!

 

RJB

www.Leadtackle.com

Free Real Estate Lead Generator
4:53pm • #50
OCT
08
2010
366,218 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

My favorite home inspector is friendly and laughs at my jokes - :)

He is very reassuring to the buyers, when they are present, and sometimes will say - I don't have a problem with .....  but you decide if it matters to you. 

However, he did once put a photo of a dead potted plant in a report - I resolved that issue myself.  :)
10:15pm • #51

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Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation Services

Margaret Woda

Crofton, MD

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Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Crofton, MD 21114

Address: 2191 Defense Hwy., #120, Crofton, Bowie, and Davidsonville, MD, 21114

Office Phone: (410) 721-1500

Cell Phone: (301) 346-2923

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Real Estate and community information for home buyers and sellers, military transferees, and rookie agents in the greater Crofton area, including Bowie, Davidsonville, Fort Meade, Gambrills, Odenton, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

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