This is not a slam on inspectors.
It is just an observation from a couple of weeks on one property.
An FHA inspector gave a large set of repairs. Deal fell through. Seller fixes all issues.
A private inspector comes along finds a couple of issues, but his financing doesn't work.
The next inspector finds everything OK.
The last inspector came up with major issue that none of the first 3 did.
What it really boils down is that not all inspectors are the same. Get referrals before you hire anyone.
Bill, I always think good inspectors should definitely point out MAJOR things a buyer needs to know, but not scare the buyer to death. They do vary around for sure, as in your example. They scare us agents too.
I had a similar situation with appraisers. 1st appraisal was 500,000 the second was 490,000 both transactions fell apart. Sold the property 3rd time for 513,000 no problem.
I chair a committee for our local association that puts on informative seminars monthly on subjects other than CE credit courses. Yesterday we did a 2 hour seminar on home inspections. The inspector I had give the presentation is one I have recommended many times. He is very informative but does not think it's his duty to panic buyers. I have about 4 inspectors I recommend and have been very happy with concerning the service they give my clients. I have very strict standards for anyone I recommend. Inspectors have to be knowledgeable and informative but definitely not dramatic. I've certainly seen my share of that in my 24 years as a Realtor. Fortunately in Maryland inspectors are required to be licensed so there is some accountability. I also attend all my buyers' home inspections because with 20+ years in construction prior to my real estate career I know what questions to ask and can quickly tell if an inspector knows what they are talking about.
Bill...
You can say that again. Inspectors have different priorities and tend to focus on different things. A buyer needs to interview an inspector thoroughly to make sure that they will inspect the things that are most important to the buyer!
Inspectors typically have areas of "expertise" where they know more than most others, they tend to over emphasize those and in doing so fail to see some of the obvious things. Not often but now and again.
Some are verry good nd some are very pciky. Some will take into consideration the age of the home. But it can be nerve racking
After that experience with inspectors...I feel for your sellers. That story really makes you wonder.
It is interesting what some call a problem and others call the fix still a problem.
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