I have been in the real estate long enough to know that successful transactions = money for all parties involved. I do my damnedest to get both sides of the transaction on the same page. I want what everyone wants: do what is right for the clients. Be fair and equitable in the transaction - that is how I want to be treated and that is how I treat others.
What I do not understand is being called on the carpet for what is written in the inspection report. Every property has areas that has opportunities where improvements can be made. Houses were built by men, and as every woman knows, men have areas where there are opportunities to make improvements as well. — Lest I digress…
I received a call from an agent who scrutinized every item I had put in the report. They were implying that I was being heavy handed and that the current owner lived with the current conditions for several years and was no where worse for wear.
“How could you write such a terrible report?”, the agent retorted.
“It is possible that the items were never installed correctly to begin with.”
“My cousin is a builder and I just happen to know…” and the agent began to show their ignorance. It is okay to be ignorant. I am ignorant about a lot of things. I do my best to get educated so I do not remain obtuse. However; there was no appeasing this person. They really seemed to know it all.
I understand that folks, in the position of dealing with challenging clients or the wheels falling off the bus, are driven by fear. Fear, if left uncontrolled will cloud judgement and bring out the worst in people. After taking 15 minutes of verbal abuse, listening to how they would have written the report and doing my best to educate the person as to the reason… enough was enough.
"It seems as if you know a lot about home inspections and what is involved in the process." I stated.
"I do! I have been selling houses for 6 months and know good inspectors from the bad ones. You, sir, are a bad inspector!"
"You, sir, are probably right! Maybe I am in the wrong business. Why don’t you inspect houses for a living and I’ll sell real estate."
F…! How unprofessional. Gotta ♥ this business! Never a dull moment - LOL
The Complete Home Inspections, Team
I think you handled that situation lovely. It takes a real professional to take that abuse. The agent (if she is in the business long enough) will look back and realize that her behavior was wrong. You stay professional and continue to do the best inspections possible. Thanks!
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