These rules may be covered in real estate training, but they never came up in my home inspection classes. I believe they apply equally to both agents and home inspectors.
"Pretty nice place" I said as I began reviewing the home inspection report with my client. This had become a standard comment, and I had always considered it to be pretty bland.
Later I learned that my statement, was construed by the seller who was standing nearby, as a justification for hard negotiating on any concessions. The seller went further to point to my statement as being the reason why not to make concessions.
Normally I would not discuss the report with the seller present but when I had asked the buyer to join me on the deck outside, she had insisted that it was OK for the seller to be present.
(Rule #101- Don't discuss the inspection report with your client when the other transaction party is present!). I had found several safety issues, a crawl space plumbing problem, as well as an attic furnace which did not have the required access/work platform. All of these issues were important for my buyer to learn but she was unhappy with me because the buyer fixated on my comment about the nice place and made no concessions on anything else requested except required Para 7 items.
Unwritten Rule #102. Never include any value statement, regardless of how neutral you try to make it, when the other party to the transaction is present. You can figure it will come back to haunt you.
I ended up refunding part of my fee. I have a satisfaction guarantee and while I initially felt that the refund was overkill, I have come to think that an incident like this provides good learning the same as when you pay a registration fee to go to a class. Chalk it up to lessons learned.
Recently I had another client who said it was OK to discuss the report with the seller present and I took him aside and quietly told him about what happened with this inspection. He gladly agreed to a private review.
It's a good idea to have me inspect your client's prospective home. You never know what you will find.
Sincerely,
Home Status Inspection Company
December 10, 2006 © Home Status Inspection Company, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Bill you are right as it is difficult to shut up at times.
Lets face it ,most clients are going to ask what you think as everyone wants reaffirmation of their choice.
Interesting subject though.
I am sure there are many inspectors that do give thir opinion ,yet will never admit that on a blog site.
Basicly we have no idea of a clients needs ,as far as location , finances, plans for renovation or anything else which goes into such a personal decision.