When a home inspector is hired to inspect a property for which I am the buyer's agent OR the seller's agent, I expect and hope for the same things from the inspector...
- Knowledge:
Know what you are talking about. Stick to the facts. Don't speculate about things that may or may not have happened in the past. If you don't know the answer, tell the client you don't know the answer. If you prefer, tell them you will find out and call them with the answer. But for heaven's sake... be careful if you are going to take that stab in the dark. Suggesting that a system is broken because you can't find the switch is irresponsible.
- Common Sense:
- Avoid telling horror stories about past inspections. It unsettles both buyers and sellers. Don't talk about homes that were condemned, pools that have collapsed, or horrible, deadly mold that grew behind the seemingly good walls. In fact, unless you see some sign or indication that there is a remote possibility for mold to be present, how about we don't use the "m" word at all? Oh and save the graphic descriptions of septic systems that have backed up!
- Be thoughtful about the words and phrases you choose. Can you please refrain from suggesting "Monkey's could've done a better job installing this" or saying things like "This is shoddy craftsmanship. They would've been better off using scotch tape to hold this together."
Thoroughness:
At a recent inspection the inspector said, "I'm going to call for a termite job." "Oh, did you find evidence of termites?" I asked.
"No, but I couldn't see everything clearly. I just might have, maybe, possibly, seen something in the far distance that could maybe be a termite tube and with these moist conditions in this area I'm going to err on the side of caution and call for a termite treatment."
Just maybe you should go the extra mile and come up with a shred of evidence to support your claim. See this recent post by Jack Feldmann to see what I mean by an inspector going the extra mile to do a thorough job.
Most often, it isn't WHAT is discovered in a home inspection that kills a deal, as much as, HOW it is presented.
I'm a huge fan of honesty and integrity, in fact I base MY business model on those traits. I would never expect (or want) a professional to compromise, but I do expect professionals to act responsibly.
Disclaimer: This post was written in response to one very irresponsible home inspection. The majority of home inspectors I've had the opportunity (pleasure) to work with have been top notch professionals.
Jo
JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x152 (office)
JoSiminerio@optonline.net
www.JoTheRealtor.com
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Hi Jo,
Once again...great graphics!!! LOL
On the flip side, I worked with an inspector who told me the listing agent on a house he was inspecting hinted that he not be so "thorough" with his inspection. Believe that??!!
It takes all kinds!