Some call me "picky." Others call me a "pain in the a**." One guys said he'd heard I was "The Home Inspector from Hell." Common thread here is that these folks are on the "selling" side of the real estate transaction.

Buyers say thing like, "He saved us from making a big mistake." Or "He saved our marriage," Or "He invented the Internet." (Just teasing on that last one. That was Al Gore, of course.)

Bottom line is, as a home inspector, I am an advocate for my client, the buyer. No offense to the selling agent, the listing agent and the home seller, but I don't care about the sale. I CAN'T care about the sale AND do my best job for my client, the buyer. I'm a hired gun... My 100% allegiance is to my boss, my client.

In 12 years of home inspecting sometimes its tempting to take shortcuts, not be so thorough. To combat this I play a little game. I pretend that my client is my cousin, daughter-in-law, uncle, or great aunt. Heck, I've got to do my best job for family! Keeps me sharp and focused.

Thought you'd like to know.

Tom