New Jersey Home Inspector Kills the Deal-Buyers Literally Run Out During Inspection

Last week, I received a text message on my cellphone from my office that a local realtor has a "question that only I can answer".

Well feeling like Radio Shack that day, "you got questions, I have answers", I curiously returned her call.

Here's What Happened

It turns out that during a buyer's inspection of this seller's listing, the home inspector killed the deal.

The agent told me that the inspector said to the buyers while in the basement, and I am paraphrasing, "Don't buy this house because it has major structural foundation, and water problems."  "There's mold on the walls".  (Hair-line step cracks and discolored efflorescence were later inspected as non-issues.)

He also instructed the buyers literally to "get out the house now and don't speak to the agent."

The agent wanted to know why, as she thought what the inspector found was an immediate, life threatening health hazard.  She was finally told.  Nonetheless, the buyer's left the home right in the middle of their inspection because of the unprofessional comments and scare tactics by this deal killer.

Here's What I Was Asked to Do

So, after the structural engineer and mold specialist gave the home a clean bill of health, I was asked by the agent to call the buyers who wanted me to inspect the first and second floor, and attic only.  I inspected the home with my usual fine-toothed comb, as requested by the buyers.  No major problems, just a couple of electrical and fireplace issues.

The agent said that she called me because she has referred me before and has first hand knowledge of my reputation as NOT A DEAL KILLER.  In fact, I report my findings in a NEUTRAL, NON-THREATENING, NON-SCARY, PROFESSIONAL MANNER.

Here's What You can Do

Find an experienced, seasoned, licensed, bonded and insured home inspector who will report his findings WITHOUT SCARE TACTICS AND IN A NON-THREATENING PROFESSIONAL MANNER THROUGH A FIRST HAND REFERRAL.

 In Summary

Unfortunately, this type of deal-killer home inspector still exists in New Jersey.  His inappropriate and unprofessional comments are beyond the scope of a home inspection.  He is a disgrace to our profession, and should be disciplined by the State of New Jersey.