You all know this, but there is such a difference between home inspectors it is a bit shocking. One will make it an emergency life safety issue that there is a light switch broken while the other will not have any comments about anything. Have the best group around you is the number 1 key to a successful business.
We always like to refer our clients to an inspector that we have known for years and trust with all our business. So far he has never let us down. This is a great post to help narrow down the search, though!
I recently had a client that had a home inspection that turned up some major flaws with the house. The client was aggravated that they had to have and pay for another one on the next house. The point I made was, how much would it have cost you if you had gone through with the sale? Way more than the $300.00. It is an insurancce policy. They realized then that it was worth the money. Many people have cars checked out by a mechanic when they buy one, why wouldn't they on a home?
Sometimes, but not always, you get what you pay for... there are sometimes market outlyers, but mostly such a person would be out of business rather quickly, unless his fees were supported by his service and expertise... and we should bear in mind that not all states require licenses for inspectors... but even in those states, many do have licenses..
Maggie, I love this informative post for buyers or sellers who want to know everything about their house.
Thanks for the post Maggie. Hiring a home inspector isn't a time to shop for bargains. Last year one of my buying clients did just that, and the report provided very little useful information. A family member had made the recommendation. On the other side of the coin, I just saw one that was so detailed it included a photo of a fur ball with the recommendation to remove it. Not sure that's a defect of the house.
Maggie,
Great post. I would add that looking at an example of their inspection report should be one of the first things you want to do. This will be very telling on how thorough/informative an inspection will be.
It has been my experience that some inspectors with many years under there belt have developed some less than stellar habits that do not even meet the minimum standards for our state. So though experience is great, if that experience has been attained by just getting by it may not be worth much.
The local Inspectors charge almost exactly the same rate. The one that I, personally, prefer used to be a home builder, so I giure that he knows more than meets the eye about certain things to look for.
Every agent should have a team of professionals that they could use for their services, however, the ultimate decision is up to the buyer, regardless of who an agent recommends.
Well thought out Maggie. There is a huge difference in reports I've seen over the years. Well organized and thorough and with lots of photos is a must!
You are spot on with this post. Trying to save money on the home inspection is foolish.
Hi Maggie, we agree, and have a very short list of inspectors we recommend.
Have been recommending the same 2 inspectors for over 5 years. Lots of experience and most importantly licensed and insured.
Wisest thing you can do when purchasing a home. There have been many times buyers have gotten out of disasters after the inspection. Shouldn't think of it as a cost that's not recouped. You'd think of it differently if you got stuck with that lemon.
I have been advocating to SELLERS for 25+ years that they should hire an inspector BEFORE the home is listed...make some reapirs and be forewarned about what may come up during a buyer inspection
A good home inspection is a must. An inspector needs to have a conversation with the client about discovered issues. Some are important and some are not. A detail report can scare the heck out of a Buyer.
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