This is an important question.Almost every deal involves it.

How about we just cut inspectors out of the equation, and start self-inspecting for our customers?  

Stay in your lane and we'll stay in ours.

You make a great point, Mike. We should never run from questions; our clients deserve truthful, considered answers.

Great post and MIke always poses some deep quetsions doesnt he?

I don't know why anyone would run from this question. If a buyer asked me the same thing I would give them my honest opinion. The last thing I want to do is lie to a buyer and have them end up with a home they hate. That will have a long lasting negative affect on them and their opinion of me. 

Mike - The first thing I would say is that I am not buying this home, so my opinion really doesn't matter. Secondly, what are the reasons why this buyer is considering the purchase of this home. Are they buying it to live in, invest in, as a second home, etc. Too many variables to know and understand whether the home is a "right fit" or not.

I am sure there are lots of homes that I would buy, that my client may not, and vice versa. My opinion shouldn't really matter much to them.

A better question would be, "Is this a good price for this home".

If buyers (or clients) are only allowed to ask easy questions, then it makes everything much easier for all involved.

The answer deserves a response, albeit with some caveats to the response that allows the inspector to state why he/she is giving the response, the criteria they are using.  That allows the buyer to frame & understand the answer to their question.

 Good morning Mike. I was taken aback by David's answer and I have to understand and take it with a grain salt. I have been asked this question so many times by real estate agents and folks purchasing homes that I have developed certain scripted answers.

By the way, thank you for the shout note. Yesterday, while in real estate school the situation was presented that resembled one of your questions. I think what you are dealing with is an individual it cannot make up their mind and so they consult with family, friends and other dis-interested parties they don't have a dog in the hunt. Bear in mind they will not find that perfect house.

Hi Mike.  Only the ignorant agents run from questions like those.  They are closing questions.