When a home inspector is hired to inspect a property for which I am the buyer's agent OR the seller's agent, I expect and hope for the same things from the inspector...
- Knowledge:
Know what you are talking about. Stick to the facts. Don't speculate about things that may or may not have happened in the past. If you don't know the answer, tell the client you don't know the answer. If you prefer, tell them you will find out and call them with the answer. But for heaven's sake... be careful if you are going to take that stab in the dark. Suggesting that a system is broken because you can't find the switch is irresponsible. - Common Sense:
- Avoid telling horror stories about past inspections. It unsettles both buyers and sellers. Don't talk about homes that were condemned, pools that have collapsed, or horrible, deadly mold that grew behind the seemingly good walls. In fact, unless you see some sign or indication that there is a remote possibility for mold to be present, how about we don't use the "m" word at all? Oh and save the graphic descriptions of septic systems that have backed up!
- Be thoughtful about the words and phrases you choose. Can you please refrain from suggesting "Monkey's could've done a better job installing this" or saying things like "This is shoddy craftsmanship. They would've been better off using scotch tape to hold this together."
- Avoid telling horror stories about past inspections. It unsettles both buyers and sellers. Don't talk about homes that were condemned, pools that have collapsed, or horrible, deadly mold that grew behind the seemingly good walls. In fact, unless you see some sign or indication that there is a remote possibility for mold to be present, how about we don't use the "m" word at all? Oh and save the graphic descriptions of septic systems that have backed up!
- Thoroughness:
At a recent inspection the inspector said, "I'm going to call for a termite job." "Oh, did you find evidence of termites?" I asked."No, but I couldn't see everything clearly. I just might have, maybe, possibly, seen something in the far distance that could maybe be a termite tube and with these moist conditions in this area I'm going to err on the side of caution and call for a termite treatment."
Just maybe you should go the extra mile and come up with a shred of evidence to support your claim. See this recent post by Jack Feldmann to see what I mean by an inspector going the extra mile to do a thorough job.
Most often, it isn't WHAT is discovered in a home inspection that kills a deal, as much as, HOW it is presented.
I'm a huge fan of honesty and integrity, in fact I base MY business model on those traits. I would never expect (or want) a professional to compromise, but I do expect professionals to act responsibly.
Disclaimer: This post was written in response to one very irresponsible home inspection. The majority of home inspectors I've had the opportunity (pleasure) to work with have been top notch professionals.
Jo
JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x152 (office)
JoSiminerio@optonline.net
www.JoTheRealtor.com
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JoAnna Siminerio
Weichert Realtors - Marlboro / Manalapan
732-598-6823 cell 732-536-4400 x116 (office)
JoAnna@JoTheRealtor.com
www.JoTheRealtor.com
Let's Connect!
Hi Jo,
Once again...great graphics!!! LOL
On the flip side, I worked with an inspector who told me the listing agent on a house he was inspecting hinted that he not be so "thorough" with his inspection. Believe that??!!
It takes all kinds!
JoAnna, you nailed it with this one! It'll be fun when the Active Rain inspectors start to chime in! Wish we had some of these guys here in DC!
We all have our favorites but, we also all have come across some that could use lots of help and training.
I thought your post was spot on! The graphics were superb. Yes, we do expect professionalism from our inspectors.
Thanks for the comments!
In our line of work, we are connected to so many professionals through the start to finish of a transaction:
lawyer
mortgage rep
appraiser
inspector
Agent for the "other side"
With these many folks involved, all too often one unprofessional person gets in there and fouls up the works for the rest of us.
Conversely, I am amazed (and pleased) at how often each and every person on the transaction team is the model of efficiency.
Great Idea on the title of this blog! You've come along way since I read your first blog! I'm still working on mine! :(
Wow Joanna...It sounds like you had an inspection that was a doozy and really struck a nerve. Some inspectors are great and thorough. However, I can think of a few who are "deal killers" because they are always unnecessarily dramatic with explanations.
This is GREAT JoAnna !!!!
You described this very well - and I love the graphics too !!!
I love this one JoAnna. I have the same pet peeves about home inspectors. Some of them and their CYA tactics are just unbelievable. A true professional will go the extra mile to uncover the issues if there are any.
Joanna, this is a very good explanation of what to expect in a home inspection! They shouldn't kill the deal if they are done properly!
JoAnna, I love the graphic about the elbow!! That's a classic. You hit the nail on the head with this one.
Thanks!
By the way... I really wasn't exaggerating what went on at this house inspection.
By the time it was over, my eyes were bulging out of my head.
Joanna, this is the main factor that gets many Real Estate Agent upset, many inspectors feel that is part of there jobs is to included there past experiences of other inspections. From one inspector to another they are called war stories. They are many good inspectors, but when comes to explaining their findings, that were their lack of professionalism fails. Excellent post.
~ Life is Good
We sometimes get spoiled working with the same great "cast" over and over. So when a new guy comes along, it can really magnify the "down sides". Just makes us appreciate our usual partnerships all the more!