Shack

I get this question along with “Do you think I’m getting a good deal? “What would you pay for this house?”, etc.

In reality, this is the first time I have seen the house! I don’t know what brought them to this property, I don’t know what the price is, and I don’t know what their plans are for the property. These questions become difficult because that client is relying on you to help put the pieces in place for their purchase.

Farmers

The client’s motivation may be to be close to their parents – I don’t know their parents! It may be to be near a school for their children – my kids are grown! They may want to be where there are lots of neighbors – I like the country!

My job is to make sure that they understand what they are buying from a physical aspect – Do things work? Are they safe?, What kinds of materials?, How do you maintain the equipment? How long (within reason) can they expect things to last?

A Home Inspector is usually the last person (sometimes appraisal) involved in the transaction. By the time they get to us, I hope that their motivation questions have been defined and answered. If they are working with a good realtor, this should already have been part of the process.

So, please don’t feel that I am avoiding answering the question. My view is different from where I stand. I only hope that the job I do will make their decision easier!

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3 Comments on “Would You Buy This House?"

JAN
12
2011
1 Featured Post

Hi Hank - Here's one way to look at it. Your clients were groomed to value your opinion as a result of your inspection. You spent several hours demonstrating your proficiency inspecting while building rapport. I guess it's a compliment of sorts.
9:44pm • #1
JAN
14
2011

As an inspector, I have been asked that question many times. It just reaffirms my suspicion that very few folks thoroughly READ the pre-inspection agreement. It says right in the agreement I have that the information in the report is not to be taken as advice as to whether or not to purchase the property. It is not a fair question. My answer is the same you alluded to. I am not involved in negotiations and information outside the scope of the inspection. Although the inspection is important, it is just a portion of the total purchase process.
Dale McNutt
12:55pm • #2

Hank - I can only hope that they have been groomed!

Dale - I agree that few folks actually read what's put in front of them. I assume that some don't read the inspection report either!
3:18pm • #3


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Hank Richter

Providence, RI

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HomePro Inspections of RI

Address: PO Box 440, Hope, RI, 02831

Office Phone: (401) 821-5446

Cell Phone: (401) 474-2007

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