Fluff or Nuts, Where Do You Stand ?

By
Home Inspector with Maryland Home Inspection Services, Inc.

We all are working for the same common goal, and that is to make a good living.  The question is about your professional integrity.  I have performed so many Home Inspections over the years that I have seen it all. Brand new homes, 100 year old homes and everything in between.  To be quite honest I have never once Inspected a home or commercial property that has not had at least a few (minor) issues.  

I have met many, many real estate agents and have worked with some that their agenda was to close the deal no matter what. They would prefer a "Fluff" inspection where the inspector sugar coated their findings.  On the flip side I also have worked with (and still do) many agents that actually do care.  Obviously they want to close the deal as soon as possible also but the difference is these agents want their clients to get the best bang for their buck.  These agents want the real "Nuts".  

As a Professional, Licensed Maryland Home Inspector we evaluate the properties condition as we see it.  We consider the property as our client and our client is asking us to tell it "How Am I" ?  Whether good or bad, minor or major the condition of all properties "Is What It Is" and as a Professional Inspector we are being paid for that unbiased evaluation of the condition of the property at the time of the inspection.  

My question to you is are you just looking for a sugar coated "Fluff" inspection ?  OR do you prefer the real deal and want the "Nuts" from your Home Inspectors?  

I realize there will be some people that do not want to reply here in public, for those I want you to ask yourself,  

"Fluff or Nuts, Where Do You Stand" ?

Comments (8)

Kim Dove
Watson Realty Corp - Jacksonville, FL
Realtor - Jacksonville FL

I want full disclosure from all of the professionals that I work with. This is the only way to get a restful sleep at night.

Feb 27, 2011 02:27 AM
Bill & Cyndi Daves
Hiawassee, Young Harris, Blairsville, Hayesville, Murphy and Beyond! - Hiawassee, GA
TeamDAVES - Your REALTORS In the GA/NC Mountains!

Hey Jim - we are NUTS all the way.  We prepare our buyers and sellers for what they are going to see - even going so far as to walk around the house and point out some of the things we KNOW you're going to find.  Like hot water heaters missing t/p valve pipes, banisters that are too far apart on an older home, etc. 

But my favorite was the home inspector who cited the CARPET in the home as "being near the end of it's useful life".  The carpet???  Really???   That one was classic!!!  The buyers bought it anyway, even with the bad carpet.  They were planning on putting down hardwoods anyway!

Feb 27, 2011 02:30 AM
Jim Keilson
Maryland Home Inspection Services, Inc. - Gaithersburg, MD
Specializing in Mold and Radon Gas Testing.

Kim, Bill and Cyndi, It makes me feel great to know there are some really great, professional agents out there that do infact have some integrity.  You would be surprised at some of the comments I have heard from some "Fluff" type agents that their only concern is getting the property sold at any cost.  In the long run even when there are deficiencies in a home that does not mean it won't sell in fact sometimes it makes the deals go faster.  The buyer asks the seller for a little price reduction for the upcomming repairs, they all agree and BAMMM you're atsettlement.  No hassels, no fuss, a win win for everyone. 

Feb 27, 2011 02:56 AM
Steve Matsumoto
Winderemere Homes & Estates: waterfront condos, second homes - Oceanside, CA
First Time Home Buyers - Oceanside, CA

Have to have the nuts, but the presentation of such is important as well. A colleague of mine brought up the other day that there's an underrated customer interface element to home inspections that many inspectors don't capitalize on. It's one thing to be proficient in inspections; another to have good "bedside manner."

Feb 27, 2011 03:04 AM
Jim Keilson
Maryland Home Inspection Services, Inc. - Gaithersburg, MD
Specializing in Mold and Radon Gas Testing.

Steve, I couldn't agree with you more. I have to pat myself on the back as one of my best qualities is my personality and my ability to interact with the clients.  I love to have clients present during my inspections so they can ask questions and I can educate them, not just on defects, but also on basic maintenance and safety issues.

Feb 27, 2011 03:16 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

 

 

 

I go for the nuts Jim.  But that can be taken a couple of ways!

Feb 28, 2011 03:24 AM
Donald Hester
NCW Home Inspections, LLC - Wenatchee, WA
NCW Home Inspections, LLC

Jim,

 I like how you put it, it is all just nuts!

Mar 09, 2011 06:06 AM
Jim Keilson
Maryland Home Inspection Services, Inc. - Gaithersburg, MD
Specializing in Mold and Radon Gas Testing.

Yuppers Donald, here at Maryland Home Inspection Services we are all about the Nuts and nothing but the nuts.  I strongly believe as a Licensed Maryland Home Inspector that a house "Is What It Is" nothing more and nothing less.  It is my duty to report it that way with no ands buts or ifs.

Mar 11, 2011 06:25 AM