I got a call from a real estate agent, whom I did not know, over the weekend asking if we can do an inspection for her clients next week. I said sure, I’m booked for the next few days and the earliest available would be Wednesday afternoon. After going through some chit chat about how several agents in her office have used this company and think that we do a great job etc, we got on to the price of the inspection.

I gave her the price; she thought a few seconds and asked if I give discounts? I chuckled and said, “Yes! What part of the house don’t you want us to inspect, the attic, crawlspace, how about the framing?”

She was astonished and said, “Well, we would want you to inspect the whole house!”

I politely told her that to inspect the whole house was X number of dollars. She was very persistent. “My clients are first time home buyers and they are tight on cash.”

My thought immediately was either this person is trying to “Who Do” me or the clients are buying too much house. If they are that tight on cash, they do not need to be buying that property, maybe they need to purchase something that would fit their budget and therefore the home inspection. I told the agent the same.

Her reply was that “ON PAPER” they can afford the house and the payments. They need some assistance on the price of the home inspection.

ON PAPER? Just what the heck does that mean?

In all sincerity, I told the agent, “As a house warming gift, why don’t you have the client pay X amount of dollars and you make up the rest? Wouldn’t that be a great gift for your clients?

She hung up on me.

I have to ask the real estate community a question. If you are not willing to cut your commission, then why ask a home inspector or any other service provider to cut the price of their service? Really, will 25 – 50 bucks off the price of the home inspection or any other service provided really cause “hardship” on your clients? If so, I think that you need to look within. Are you really providing the service your clients need or are you looking out for #1 – You!

Home inspectors and other service providers across the country take on a huge liability when inspecting a home or doing what they do during a property transaction. Any omission or error can cost them hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Home inspectors and other providers are being sued at an alarming rate. Far too often, real estate agents look at service providers as a commodity rather than being an asset. The good service providers work hard for you and your client. Are we not worth our money too? What we charge is fair and equitable in our market area. Why can’t we just play well together?

Have you joined my birthday alarm? It is fast painless and the best part of all, you will be helping me out.

Thanks, Michael