I always help and my inspector will give verbal ballpark costs and tells them to consult a contractor with expertise

Inspectors are not contractors. They shouldn't know the prices. Its not like you are going to do any repair work. I say make sure the agent is involved in the conversation. A prepared agent will have already explained that the buyer will have to consider all the aspects of the inspection after it is completed. And on a bank owned property, that will mean repair work bids.

My inspector is very hesitant to give any prices.  I have a list of service providers who can help in many areas.

Unless you're an EXPERT and licensed in whatever the questions pertains to if a license is required. it is never a good idea to give advice.  It could very well come back to bite you in the #$$.  If I were you, I would begin the inspection with a comment made to the buyer that as you find things needing repair, you are not in a position to give advice.  This should nip it in the bud.

Mike - I am a Realtor, not a building contractor. You're an Inspector, not a building contractor. Don't be shy to tell this to the client.

Mike, I agree with with Sarah, inspectors are not contractors.  I do try to have a short list of contractors and such to get them started.  I will admit that I don't have a short list of everything that clients come up with.  Thats when I say, I am an expert at marketing and selling real estate, someone else is an expert at rebuiding rock walls, etc.  Tough postition to be put into!

I will give my client a rough estimate on repairs or updates.  With a lot of contracting experience, I feel comfortable doing this.  However, I make it VERY clear that they need to get a couple of estimates from the appropriate contractor for the project.

I also am quite comfortable giving my clients ballpark figures. There is no harm in "guesstimating". No one is going to come back and sue you because you said it should cost 300.00 and it cost them 600.00. I do tell them that it is just a ballpark figure and costs can vary depending on the contractor hired to do the work. Like David I tell them to make sure they get several estimates from qualified contractors.

Jean: Thanks for your comments . . . Sarah: Good to know about bank owned properties . . . Christine D: Many of the seasoned agents seem to have/want to help assist buyers by having a list of service providers . . . Christine H: Good tip, thanks . . . Stewart: I agree I'm not a contractor and not current with costs . . . Tony & Darcy: Seems like agents collect lists of contractors/service providers to assist their clients . . . David & Mike: I agree, several estimates needed from appropriate contractors

I tell them it would be unfair of me to give them a price when I won't be the one doing the work.  We will try to give a ballpark if possible, but are sure to tell them we are not the experts and they should talk to the professionals.