Realtors Who Just Don't Get IT!

Sounds like the issues were pretty minor that could easily be fixed...I don't know why either party would have gotten their "panties in a bunch," over it.

Ricky - hmmm, seems to be these are pretty important things to know about. And since, I assume, YOUR client was the buyer, not the seller, that is well within your role and responsibility to your client.

Jeff

Both are clearly very serious issues.  There's a saying the price cures all defects but in the end either seller or buyer has to fix it.

Ricky: Agents are not supposed to work outside of their profession. To me, this means that they are not to get involved in any way with anything the inspector says. Sounds like the agent here did not abide by those guidelines.

Ricky, I don't fully understand the listing agent's problem with this scenario. As the buyer's agent, you did exactly what you were supposed to do, represent your client, and request the repairs for failed or unsafe conditions. It sounds like the listing agent is being personal about this.  What they could have done, was advise their sellers that they are sitting on a potentially hazardous condition and even if they do not sell the house, they need to have it corrected for their own safety sake. Sometimes I think REALTORS feel their listings are absolutely perfect and they have this sense of betrayal if anyone dares to point out any flaws. 

Seems to me you were doing exactly what you were hired to do!!!!  I've heard other agents complain about inpectors for this very reason and I just shake my head and wonder how they (the real estate agent) actually got their license in the first place. It is our job as agents and your job as an inspector to prepare our client ahead of time that items may appear that are not code as of now but were correct when the home was built, therefore it is only in the report for their benefit to be able to update later. 

Ricky - You're right, not everyone "gets it."  And those who don't rarely come out on top.  Since the items you listed were minor, both parties should be happy you discovered them.

These seem like reasonable points to be raised.  However, maybe it was the buyer's agent who really messed up by raising these points with the listing agent.  Clearly, neither sound important enough to be "deal breakers" and these comments were directed to the buyer on what to do when they  purchased their home in order to preserve the well being of the home.

I like to tell my buyer clients that the inspector's report should be viewed as follows: a) things that need immediate follow up or correction by the seller (i.e. evidence of wood-boring insects); b) things that should be considered before buying the home (i.e. circuit breakers, while functional, should be upgraded if the basement is converted to a finished basement) and c) what I call "FYIs".  These are the items such as "make sure the GFIs are all working because it is for your safety, or "you should really vent the dryer to the outside because moisture and lint can create and enviroment for mold in the attic and could possibly be a fire hazard". 

As a seller's agent, I only want to know about things in the "A" bucket.  All the rest is between the buyer and his agent.  If they want to come back with a counter offer, don't, because my client has priced the home knowing that it is not perfect.  If it was, you'd be paying higher.

Ricky, I don't think that there was anything wrong with your report.  You did what you were hired to do and pointed out the key potential problems with the house.  It makes me laugh because had you not used the key words such as "fire hazard" or wrote about these two items in your report and the house caught on fire because of these two items, you very well may be liable!  It wouldn't be the first time that I saw home inspectors getting sued.  Continue to do your job as you know it should be done!

WOW... it never ceases to amaze me what people do... I would think an electrician and plumber could have both those items knocked out in just a few short hours ... and the buyer can know they are buying a safe home!

Ricky,

Sooner or later every home inspector must endure the wrath of a real estate agent who simply does not want to know the truth about the property they represent. It is an unfortunate part of the home inspection profession.

In the example that you cite it is obvious that the listing agent is much more interested in collecting her commission check than she is in protecting the interests of the buyer. What a shame. I doubt she would want to pump moisture and lint into HER attic or risk electrocution at non-GFCI-protected outlets at HER house but somehow it is perfectly fine when her deal is on the line.

I commend you for telling the listing agent not to send you any more business. [But be aware she may call you in the future to inspect a house that she or a family member is buying. In that instance you can rest assured that she will want to know about ALL the concerns regarding the house.]

Bruce brings up a good point.

They don't want you inspecting the houses they sell, but they call you for those that THEY OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS are purchasing.

Just says wonders doesn't it!

I know there's idiot inspectors out there too.  I've seen their work.

I looked at another inspector's report recently, (litigation consulting).  A 40 year old house with "no significant issues found" all over the report.  No wonder there is litigation!