Just the Facts, Ma'am....

A thought-provoking article just came across the wire on WRAL which I am sure will raise temperatures of buyers, seller, and Realtors.....

Basically, the article is relating to a proposal that would limit what Home Inspectors are allowed to put on their reports. I have a few inspectors that read this blog and I would welcome their perspective!

Currently, from what I have experienced and from what I understand, a home inspector can inlude on his report for a home his "opinion". An example would be: The 10 year old air conditioning system in a home. If the inspector inspects the system and it is "performing to the standards for which it was intended" they will put that on the report. They will also note the age of the system. However, they may also include in that report, in their opinion, that the system may need to be replaced due to age.

I have issue with that. I feel that the report should be based on fact and fact only. If the fact is stated that they system works and the fact is stated that the unit is 10 years old then it is up to the buyer/seller to then determine whether they feel the unit needs to be replaced.

I know that my home, personally, is a great example. I have a 5 year old system. Should an inspector have inspected it 4 months ago it would have been noted that "it was performing to standards for which it was intended" and that "the system is 5 years old". They, more than likely, would not have noted that the system would need to be replaced. Well, guess what? Who would have thought that my system now doesn't work! Had I bought this home 4 months ago would I have been able to go back to that inspector and blame him for not forseeing the future? No! And that is the way it should be. I just feel that reports should be based on facts and not assumptions or opinions. It either is or it isn't. It either works or it doesn't. It is either damaged or it isn't.

Board Delays Decision on Facts-Only Home Inspection Reports

What do you think?