Buyer found a home inspector from YELP

First-time buyer wanted a third opinion by an inspector of his own choosing.

Although there were already two home inspections on file --- one ordered by the seller, and the other by the previous buyer who backed out, he wanted a third inspection done.  The previous inspections were done by inspectors well-known and well-respected in the local real estate community and have been the go-to guys for such inspections.

Glad he is that careful. And yes, it is certainly the buyer's prerogative to find his own.

The buyer found someone whom he said "came highly recommended".

Recommended by whom?

Yelp.

YELP?

Yep.

It's good that the businesses have presence on YELP. And many of them have testimonials.  (I also contribute to YELP especially when it comes to reviewing food even though I'm not a food critic).

Somehow, this didn't foster a good feeling about hiring an inspector for the biggest purchase/investment this home buyer is making, based on reviews from people who probably only have had ONE experience with a property inspector. But again, it's the buyer's choice.

Inspector said let him in, and just come back three hours later.

The inspector told the buyer and the buyer's agent that

• It will take approximately 3 hours to inspect the property
• Buyer doesn't have to be there during that time
• Buyer should come later and inspector will take another hour to walk him through the property and the results of the inspection
• A 4-hour inspection for a 1200 sq ft, one-level house seems unusually long

• Other agents have given him the keys to enter the property or let him in. And then they  leave him by himself

• What agent would allow this, not even having met or used this inspector before?
• And where is the buyer throughout this inspection?
• Wasn't it the buyer's intent to walk around with the inspector DURING the inspection?

The inspector seemed hurt and offended when the agent said no, the inspector won't be left alone by himself at the property. He said he's always operated that way, but he won't argue. The agent will be there, and the buyer should be there as well.

Darn tootin' right there won't be any arguments.

Although he seemed to do a decent job, it is appalling that he would even suggest to be left alone at the house.

Trust a stranger but not your own realtor to recommend inspectors?

An even bigger concern is: why buyers (or sellers) won't count on the recommendation of realtors who may have hundreds of experience in selection of inspectors, and instead they rely on the recommendations of strangers who may or may not have even experienced one inspection?

Hello?

SOUND THE ALARM! 

All you need is ONE very good reason why buyers/agents should attend home inspections.

Read Jay Markanich's blog "The inspector broke the dishwasher!"