Here in Washington State there are some written and unwritten guidelines and rules involved in Realtor's assisting Home Buyer's in selecting a Home Inspector.
Here is my take on this very important matter. When my buyers need an inspector, and I ALWAYS inform and advise them to get a home inspection- I make it clear to them that it is their choice who they use. For example, they can ask their friends and family who they recommend, look in the phone book or on the Internet, take as many of the brochures as they want to from my office, or I can give them a list of the inspectors (ASHI) in the area. However, my experience is that they still want to know who I personally recommend. I am glad to have a good inspector that I feel has my clients best interest in mind. I want them to have a very non-biased, objective, thorough, and informative inspection.
I can honestly say that I am not the kind of Realtor who wants the inspector to " keep the deal together" for me by being less than 100% forthcoming. In fact, that is a reprehensible practice.
With that said, even the best home inspector is not omniscient. Things will come up once the buyer lives in the home, in most cases, that were not "caught" by the inspector. How do I know this? I have bought and sold and lived in several homes! Not to mention 6 years of experience as a Realtor.
Some things I think are important for buyers to remember:
- Ask your inspector for references.
- Bring a trusted friend or relative with you to the inspection (as long as they don't badger the poor guy!Let him to his job).
- Ask questions during your inspection.
- Research on your own who might be best, and weigh that information carefully.
- Realize that all homes have flaws.
- Plan for home improvements and repairs, they are inevitable.
BethAnn Long ~ Spokane Realtor- Coldwell Banker Tomlinson South Inc.
509-362-4607
...there's no place like your home!
Inspectors are a funny breed always cool guys to hang out with I've learned alot with some of my guys....
Great advice! Out of curiosity, why only ASHI?
Good subject. If the inspector doesn't crawl under the house (raised foundation), don't pay them, if they dont' crawl the attic (if it has one), don't pay them. If these areas are too restricted in size, then the inspector should have a camera system that they can use to insect those areas. The ASHI website is a good way to find a local appraiser, who will likely charge less than someone who has to drive from another area. I would also recommend that the seller not be at the property during the inspection, and the buyer should be there during the inspection. Let the inspector know up front that you want an honest, and aggressive inspection. Anything less is not worth paying for.
Gregg, your comment has me curious. What "camera system" are you referring to and where to you find "appraisers" on the ASHI site?
Great tips. These are very important when selecting the right person for the job!!!
Each month our association comes out with an ASHI list. I just think it is a good resource.
Hi BethAnne!
This is great advice for our buyers. Thanks for the thorough suggestions!
I have met a lot of agents who do want to "keep the deal together" and agree that that kind of integrity is disgraceful to our profession...