Home : Blogs : KEVIN CORSA H.I.S. Home Inspections Stark & Summit County, OH Home Inspector : Kevin Corsa (H.I.S. Home Inspections)'s Blog

The House From HE(Double hockey stix)

I guess one of the greatest fears we all have in this business, (both realtors and home inspectors) is that we will come across that house that has all the hidden defects that we imagined could be there; the insideous crawl space with standing water AND black mold that no one has ever dared enter or open till now, or the foundation that is crumbling and falling in behind the paneling in the basement, or the attic with bats, squirells, leaks and mold.

All of those scary places that no one ever goes in or looks in will now be opened and explored during the first home inspection this house has ever been through, since it was occupied by the same little old lady for the last 30 years or so. We can only cross our fingers and hope for the best. Why in the world did we ever call that home inspector??

Well, all the kings horses and all the kings men probably won't be able to save this deal. But the home inspector may be able to.... if he is coscientious enough to explain everything very thoroughly, and take the time to spell out just exactly how much time and money it will take to fix all these things. People are usually Most afraid of the unknown.. or the "X" factor of how much "X" is it going to cost me? If we can take away the x-factor, then we can relieve most of that scary sinking feeling that sets in when the unknown is revealed. No, it won't change the facts, or the fact that money must be spent, but if at the same time a plan can be formulated for the fix, then there is still hope to keep the deal alive.

This posting, and the words written within it are the intellectual property of H.I.S. Home Inspections LLC. All opinions, advice, information or comments contained here are for the express purpose of social interaction among the membership of Active Rain. No other use of this material is authorized, without express wriiten consent of the author(s). Reproduction without written consent is prohibited.

Posted by KEVIN CORSA H.I.S. Home Inspections Stark & Summit County, OH Home Inspector on 05/10/2008 11:27 AM

Comments (23)

Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: Rainmaking - Internet Marketing Strategies
Post is included in group: Ask the Home Inspector
Post is included in group: Inspection & Real Estate Nightmares
Post is included in group: Home Inspector's Corner

23 Comments on The House From HE(Double hockey stix)

MAY

2008

It is great to see your dedication to your profession, Kevin. I am sure your have saved many contracts. Have a great weekend, Jim

Thanks for the kind words Jim. I try to put all things into proper perspective, so that the emotion of the moment does not overwhelm the client.

Kevin, it all comes down to money----does the amount of repairs "pencil-out." The more the home inspector can help clarify that when the home is "really bad" the less likely the deal is to go South.

I totally agree Charles. Except sometimes, time can also be a factor for those in a big rush to get things done and move in.

MAY

2008

Kevin, I have been on some of those inspections where you are thinking, "Where is a bulldozer when you need one?" Been getting a lot of these lately. All I can say is that this can be fixed.

Why would an inspector want to save a deal on a pos? I don't try and convience my client to buy or not to buy. I work for my client not the deal or the rea. I give then the facts and the unknowns and let then decide.

Hey but if it works for you and the moneis are comeing in, why change?

Mitchell,

Maybe you don't like to go out of your way for a client.... but I do! Whenever I can offer more information, or explanation that will ease the clients mind or help put it in perspective for them, then that is what I do.

Pehaps you should work on your spelling before posting (5 mis-spelled words in a 63 word post). And maybe a better attitiude?

Michael,

I guess you are right; there are some house out there that just maybe the highest and best use of the land involves removing the house. LOL

Sounds more like you are going out of your way for the rea and not your client.

My attitude is I work for my client not the rea. I don't go out of my way to give a commission to a rea.

In my time as a home inspector, every deal that the house killed or I killed, my client found a better house bar none. And if you ask why it was, because I took the time to explain why his prospective purchase was a pos. I educate my clients with no concern about a deal going south or a commission lost.

I know it's hard to be truthful sometimes when you have to market to rea and then you become a salesperson for them.

MAY

2008

Mitchell,

I am in no way saying that I would change one fact I reported on, or that I would color those fact, or not be truthful. And I cettainly do not inspect for real estate agents, or to help them from losing their commission.

What I am saying, is that there are plenty of houses out there with potentially deal breaking defects, some of which the prospective buyers are aware of even before the home inspection. In cases where I discover such defects, I will usually do some extra research, and come up with a cost range estimate, and a list of potential repair methods. I know that most home inspectors do not do this, and that is fine, but since I have been a general contractor and involved in the trades most of my life, I feel I am qualified to do this for my clients...if need be. My choice...not required by anyone.

So if you feel the need to kill a deal Mitchell, then by all all means do it. Like you said, the ultimate decision to buy or not still rests with the client, and it IS their decision. I would not think of influencing that; some clients have even asked me "Would you buy this house?" My stock answer in short is: "That is really a question you have to decide the answer to for yourself. My job is to give you enough information about the property, so that you can make an informed and intelligent decision".

With all due respect Kevin, it really does sound like you are more concerned with "saving the deal" than it does anything else.I think it is just all in your wording. You did mention the "save the deal" phrase, and that does strike a cord in many nerves.

That being said, thats cool that you can offer the "extra" for your clients by giving them a round a bout price on the cost of repairs. It really all does rest on the clients shoulders whether or not they decide to purchase the property. If they truly love the home, they might overlook certain defects and decide that the cost to repair them is within reason. Although very few of my clients have ever really thought like that. What I have consistently run into is, if something was found, they ask the seller to fix it, if the seller doesn't fix it, the buyers just walk away and go find another home. Whatever the case, there are plenty of homes to choose from, and if a buyer decides to walk away from one home, they will certainly find another one. So in my opinion, there is no real reason to "worry" about killing a deal. It just means that the deal will be postponed until the buyer finds another home in better condition.

Maybe, just maybe, if more deals WERE killed (and I am not suggesting on purpose), then sellers would realize that in order to actually sell their home, they have to keep it in decent shape with regular maintenance. If more sellers took care of their homes, this conversation would never have to take place.

Mike,

I'm not sure why you and Mitchell think I am concerned with trying to "save" any deal. This has nothing to do with that. It has to do with the fact that I am concerned that my clients get enough facts to deal with the situation the home presents, and then make their own intelligent decision.
It seems like some of the home inspectors out there are wayyy to quick to jump on anything that smacks of, or can be construed as siding with the realtor, saving the deal, or "selling out" if you will. Let me assure you Mike, I don't care one way or the other if a buyer buys or he doesn't, and I have never lost a minute's sleep 'worrying" about it. In fact, that probably just means that they will be calling ME for another home inspection, which I am definitely not opposed to. I never sell out, always try to report and represent the FACTS as clearly and distinctly as I can, nothing more, nothing less.
Most of the homes we are talking about here have had extreme neglect, and most likely are not owner occupied. I certainly would not call them normal, or average home inspections.
I am an independent home inspector, and just like you, I feel my client is the focus and of the utmost importance to me. I live on referrals, and repeat business. Therefore, Mike, I feel that anything less than my best, honest, unbiased opinion and evaluations is what the client deserves, and will get nothing less, as long as I am able to give it.

Kevin if and I hope it never happens ,you are in front of jurors in a trial in which you are the rea’s referred inspector. The plaintiff’s attorney shows the jurors the following post of yours.

“Well, all the kings horses and all the kings men probably won't be able to save this deal. But the home inspector may be able to.... if he is coscientious enough to explain everything very thoroughly, and take the time to spell out just exactly how much time and money it will take to fix all these things. People are usually Most afraid of the unknown.. or the "X" factor of how much "X" is it going to cost me? If we can take away the x-factor, then we can relieve most of that scary sinking feeling that sets in when the unknown is revealed. No, it won't change the facts, or the fact that money must be spent, but if at the same time a plan can be formulated for the fix, then there is still hope to keep the deal alive.”

Do you think the jurors are saying well this guy goes an extra mile for his client or this guy is trying to save the deal for the rea that recommending him?

Maybe you are a good guy but your writing is saying one thing and your explanations of your writings are saying something else. You should have no concern about saving the deal; it should not even enter your mind. Your concern is inspecting the home to the best of your ability and then writing a report that your client will understand. If your client ask for additional help or explanation then do it. But you are not doing it to save the deal you are doing it because your client wants and needs your help.

I’m done.

Right on Kevin, I can respect that

http://www.bulldoginspect.com/agent.php

How do you perceive this inspector?

Kevin...in osme cases it certainly makes sense to get a home inspection before a buyer comes to the table...that way certain items could already have been addressed. Jeff - Coaching from Maui

I percieve that Inspector as a royal Butt Kisser Mitchell, but that is just my opinion.

Who are you calling a butt kisser?

Mitchell you have just repeated the same things that I have been saying. However, you chose to make a big deal out the fact that I used the words "to keep the deal alive". I did that because sometimes, BECAUSE I AM WILLING to go the extra mile for the client, THAT is sometimes the result. Doesn't mean I'm looking for it to happen.

I think both of you need to go inspect something, and quit being so critical of other inspectors. And maybe go pick up that book by Dale Carnege.

Jeff, I am a big fan of having pre-sale inspections done. It can save a lot of re-negotiating.

Howdy Kevin

Sorry you had to run in to Mr. Captain and friend.

Our job and what our Client's pay us to do, is to explain evertthing to them.

The good, the bad, and every thing in between to the best of our ability's.

I took your post to say, you where looking out for your Client's, my friend.

Have a good one Dale

MAY

2008

Dale,

You are a great guy for sure. Thankyou for your post and support. I know what I was trying to say, and some people like to twist your words into knots. Thanks for stopping by.

Hey Kevin, I wasnt calling you a butt kisser. I followed that link that Mitch put on a few posts up about some Inspection company in Florida. He was asking how we percieved that particular Inspector, and I percieved them to be royal butt kissers. Not you my friend.

And just so that I am not mis-understood. I am currently a member of the IHINA, however when this year runs out I am NOT renewing. Don't get me wrong, I am still very passionate about what I believe in and all the conflicts of interests and everything, but the IHINA has done nothing for me over the past year. I have gotten no calls from being posted on their website, no meetings, very little if any information regarding the organization and what if anything they are doing to help the cause. I cannot justify sending them or any other organization money, when I do not receive anything in return.

I also want everyone to know, that I am not here to bash anyone. I have the utmost respect for other Inspectors in the profession. I come in like anyone else with opinions and respond and post to certain blogs that strike my interest. I think that if everyone reads what I am really saying in my responses, I am not here to defame, bash or otherwise dis-respect anyone. I try very hard not to do that. Like you Kevin, I am very even tempered and calm and do not get carried away with emotional redderick.

So again my friend, you are not the butt kisser, but I sure believe that the link that Mitch put up leads to one. BUT that's just my opinion.

Peace

Well put. I think a great inspector must build that relationship with the client just like we do. I know one who calls the client the day before the inspection and goes over what he is going to do, how the client feels about the property and feels them out for their level of knowledge with regard to home maintenance. He is so well prepared that way and the client is at ease with the relationship and home inspection process.

Tina in Virginia

Mike ,

Thanks for that clarification. I guess I didn't see that link up there, totally missed it. sorry for that.

I am relieved to know you wern't referring to me. Have a great day!

Tina, thanks for your post. It pretty much expresses the points I was trying to make.

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?