Why I no longer accompany the buyers inspector
This mirrors the subject of several discussions I've had over the last year with colleagues over the last year as to whether or not the "Buyer" should be present at an inspection!
Why I no longer accompany the buyers inspector as a buyers agent.
There was an valuable article in the real estate magazine several years ago. It talked about a case about a buyers agent trying to be helpful and take care of their client at an inspection. Unfortunately, the inspector missed something important. The buyer took the inspector and the buyers agent court. The inspector and the buyer's agent both lost. The cost to the inspector was to the limit of his contract. The cost to the agent was much more in money and in time.
Here is somewhat how the conversation went in the court.
Attorney: “Are you a good agent?”
Agent: “Yes ”
Attorney: “You pride yourself and being a knowledgeable agent?”
Agent: “Yes ”
Attorney: “Were you at the inspection?
Agent: “Yes”
Attorney: “Did you follow the inspector around?
Agent: “Yes”
Attorney: “Did you point out things to the inspector?
Agent: “Yes”
Attorney: “In other words, you were supervising the inspector.
Agent: “No, I was just trying to be helpful.”
Attorney: “You followed the inspector around. You pointed out things to the inspector. You were supervising. End of case.”
Verdict: “Guilty ”
Before I saw this article, I would follow the buyers inspector around on every inspection. I learned a tremendous amount from the inspector. Since I had great respect for my long-term inspector, I would only point things out to him in private. I do not do that anymore. Everything goes on my “Agents Diligent Visual Inspection” form for everybody to see.
I always tell my buyers the story so they do not think that I'm not doing my job during the inspection.
I request that the inspector and/or the client call me over to see anything of significant concern. I'm also there for the final debrief. At that time, I again ask if there was anything of significant concern for the inspector or the buyer.
Dennis Smith, ABR, SRES, e-PRO, Realtor® DRE# 00476662
CDPE - Certified Distressed Property Expert,
The Backscratcher ManRE/MAX By-the-Sea
mailto:dennis@sandiegohomes4u.com
http://sandiegohomes4u.com/home.htm
Phone: 760-436-0087
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