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Thanks, But No Thanks…

By TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.

Home Inspector with Complete Home Inspections, Inc. TN Lic#050

September 23, 2008 10:00 PM

Many of you who follow my blogs, know that last Saturday I wrote a post about an attorney who was selling his house and he threatened to sue me because of issues that I put in my report that his inspector did not find a year ago. (Click Here to Read Post) Well blow me down, late Monday evening I get a call from the seller. To cop a phrase from the NFL, “Upon further review” of the structural, electrical and plumbing issues I addressed, it seems as if the original inspector missed these issues or failed to put them in his report.

Rut-Ro! I say that because now the seller wants to use my report as leverage against the original inspector and he wants me to testify that this guy was negligent in his duties as an inspector. Furthermore, he said that he wanted to hire me to inspect the house that he was buying.

Now, I am flattered that he apologized for ‘jumping the gun’ and presuming me guilty before I was found to be innocent, what a concept for an attorney. But, I told him that this business is a trust business, I have to trust my client and vise versa. I told him that because of his previous actions, I do not feel that I could do my job without feeling that I would be under duress and would not be able to perform my job professionally or objectively. I did offer other inspectors names that would be able to serve him well. He was taken aback by my refusal but he said he understood and he apologized again for his unprofessionalism. As for testifying against the other inspector, I told him I would if I was subpoenaed.

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

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Michael

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Sean Allen

International Financing Solutions - Fort Myers, FL

International Financing Solutions

HHhmmm, I wonder if you will be subpoenaed in the near future?

Sean Allen

Sep 24, 2008 12:43 AM

Nancy Larson

I am a licensed referral agent in NJ - Hutchinson Island, FL

Another great post, bravo, bravo. Boy, am I learning and what a great teacher.

Question, last night in class they told us that an inspector only goes out early on in the process, but it would be a good idea to hire him to go thru the final walk thru the day of the closing to make usre all repairs were done.

Now is this a good practice I should start right off with my clients?

Sep 24, 2008 12:45 AM

James Quarello

JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT

Connecticut Home Inspector

Michael,

I think you handle the entire situation start to finish perfectly. I would have refused to work for this guy too. You gotta think your going to be the next person he sues. Again nice job!

Sep 24, 2008 01:09 AM

Brenda Harmon

Century 21 Beal, Inc College Station, Texas - College Station, TX

I think you did what was called for. Some attornies think they are bullet proof.

At times I wish I were an attorney because some people tick me off. :)

Sep 24, 2008 01:14 AM

Charlottesville Solutions

Charlottesville Solutions - Charlottesville, VA

Well all I can say is "Bubba" would be proud!!!

your friend in Charlottesville!

Sep 24, 2008 01:30 AM

Kelly Willey

Coco Plum Real Estate, Kelly Willey, FLORIDA KEYS - Marathon, FL

Florida Keys Luxury Sales, Marathon, Key Colony

Just one more reason to dialike lawyers....insert sleazy lawyer joke here....Kelly Willey

Sep 24, 2008 01:42 AM

Michael Setunsky

Woodbridge, VA

Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Michael, you handled the situation very well and I'm glad it all worked out for you. Thanks for the update.

Sep 24, 2008 01:56 AM

Roy A. Peterson

Domicile Analysis of Texas - El Paso, TX

P.R.E.I.

Well Micheal, I'm glad everything turn out OK. You're right in refusing to do an inspection for him. One just never knows. ~ Newbie

Sep 24, 2008 02:25 AM

June Piper-Brandon

Coldwell Banker Realty - Columbia, MD

Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership

Congratulations on being the consummate professional I have come to know you as. I have turned down listings for the same reasons. Sometimes, it's just not about the money!!

Sep 24, 2008 02:52 AM

Paddy (Patricia) Pizappi

Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty - Pine Bush, NY

Real Estate Associate Broker Hudson Valley NY

Good for you Michael. I would not have felt comfortable with him for a client either. Congrats on not being bullied.

Sep 24, 2008 03:34 AM

Robert Vegas Bob Swetz

Las Vegas, NV

Good for you Michael, sticking to your guns and playing by the book. I would have done the same thing. We need more people like you in this world and thanks for the post.

Sep 24, 2008 04:28 AM

Lindsey Hasford

Edina Realty - Elk River, MN

Bringing you home...

I cannot blame you one bit for "thanking, but no thanks." That would be a lot of pressure in a situation that could be tense anyways. Yikes. Happy Monday right?

Sep 24, 2008 07:43 AM

Bo Hussung

Bell Title /Triserv LLC - Nashvle, TN

Michael, the high road is always the better way as long as you not in the way of an oncoming truck.

Good call

Sep 24, 2008 08:59 AM

Dave Hamill

EXIT Realty Legacy - Prescott, AZ

Prescott, Arizona Real Estate

Michael, please consider this a virtual and congratulatory slap on the back. Way to go! I just love a firm stand on principle. If you ever get out to Prescott, Arizona, look me up and I'll buy you a meal.

Sep 24, 2008 12:20 PM

Scott Owens

Halifax, NS

Michael - you never cease to amaze me - well done. I think you handled the situation perfectly; by refusing to do his new home inspection, you have shown your good character, and willingness to sacrifice your income in favour of professionalism Should your character be brought into question, your level of professionalism will go far in your defense.

Sep 24, 2008 12:53 PM

Keith Cook

RE/MAX Whatcom County, Inc. - Bellingham, WA

What a tool. All he had to was read your report.. if he thought there was problem he should have just crawled under the house himself.

Sep 24, 2008 05:15 PM

Steven L. Smith

King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. - Bellingham, WA

Bellingham WA Home Inspector

Michael,

How do we inspectors get in these weird situations. I had one where, if I went out on the balcony, the seller said she would lock me out and I would not get back in. It was a rather poor balcony inspection with tons of disclaimers. She was like that all over, no water to be run in sinks. She was obsessive compulsive as it turns out.

Sep 25, 2008 01:07 PM

Jim Frimmer

HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA

Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

I like what one of the Supreme Court Justices said the other day (loosely quoted), "When a society is run by lawyers, there's something wrong with society."

Sep 25, 2008 08:38 PM

Jesse Clifton

Jesse Clifton & Associates - Fairbanks, AK

Good for you... who needs that kind of grief? With any luck this will have taught him a valuable lesson... don't jump through your a$$ before you have all the facts.

Sep 26, 2008 04:38 PM

Arizona Real Estate Associate Broker

MR Realty - Mesa, AZ

Can you say -- Sue Happy? How about - Own your own!! Wow-- the gall of some people! I am shocked that it flipped flopped the way it did and someone is looking to blame the other so quickly...

Impressed you handled it the way you did and so professional. Kudos to you Michael!

Sep 28, 2008 09:55 PM