Experience and reality...not scare tactics...no estimates of costs for replacement or repairs...suggestion to call licensed tradespeople when necessary,,,not for every teeny tiny thing. Suggestions for preventative maintenance.

There are no perfect houses. I don't mind an inspector pointing out what needs to be pointed out, but I hate it when they put the fear of God in a first-time home buyer and do nothing but scare them. I look for someone with a good 'bedside manner.'

I look for reputation and how that inspector has handled past transactions for me. I want a bit of finesse.

I'll give anyone a first shot if they prove to me they are worth taking the risk

Seldom does it work out and I conitnue to use only a few.

I prefer experience and background and if they nit pick and reoprt the house is falling down and they can fix it, that's it for them!

There's one in Honolulu that I plan to suggest to clients. He is the first home inspector licensed by the FAA there to use a drone to inspect roofs for example.

Yes to all and I do not want someone that lacks the ability to present the report without scaring the buyers right out of their contract. 

Knlowledgeable

I want a home inspector that enjoys his work. Not someone who is just going thru the motions for a meal ticket. Attention to detail but not overboard that scares the buyers.

I use the inspector that I do because of his personality, he does a good job, and he doesn't cause unneccessary fear with an 80 page report.

Someone who does a thorough job, puts out an easily understood report, and a guy with a good, professional houseside manner.  I don't like the other ones.

I look for experience and an inspector who is active in the commuity of real estate agents. I do not want a new inspector.

All of the above Fred Griffin 

Mine is a lic contractor.

The inspector needs to be certified in my opnion, know the different facets of the home and operations.    Years of experience and definitely relay the real issues without the fear factor.   Just state the facts.   

Mine is a former contractor and give a good report with photos.

I want one that is sensible and not an alarmist.  Someone who won't call out something for not being to code, when that code didn't exist when the house was built.  I have a list of inspectors I like and a list we won't allow back.

I like an inspector with a background in construction, as opposed to someone who took a class.

someone who talks too much about non inspection issues

unless I'm the Buyer...I don't!

I want an inspector who will use an educational approach.

Fabulous picture, Fred! I look for a license, lots of liability insurance, experience, and a report that is issued on-line within 24 hours of the inspection. And I expect that the inspector be readily available via phone if I need to call with questions or for clarification. I also don't want inspectors who run businesses on the side that would "repair" found items for my clients. We'll get our own estimates, thank you very much.

I only use those who have been referred to me by experienced agents who I trust.

The others have answered the question.

i prefer to use tradesment instead of home inspectors.  they know more and can actually quote on a problem instead of find it 30% of the time.