What's Wrong With A Real Estate Agent Recommending A Particular Home Inspector To A Prospective Home Buyer? Who are these recommended inspectors? How did they "qualify" to get on the "approved" list of the agent? Is the agent recommending a thorough non-bias inspector or is the agent recommending someone who will help protect the potential commission? Unfortunately, some real estate agents view a thorough and non-bias home inspection as a threat to their sales commission. This is not true with all agents, more and more are appreciating the value of a quality home inspection, especially the veteran agents and would have no problem with you wanting to obtain an independent inspector of your choice. If you ask, an agent should advise you to feel free to use any qualified inspector of your choice.
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Shouldn't a prospective home buyer have the right to use an inspector of their own choosing? If a real estate agent tells you that you cannot use an inspector of your choosing, or insists that you use one of their "recommended" or "approved" inspectors, you should also wonder why they don't want you using an independent inspector of your choosing. A real estate broker or sales agent who tries to get you to use a "certain" inspector is trying to control the home inspector selection process. This is why it is important to choose your own inspector, even if it takes a little time and research. Remember it is your money and you are the one buying the house, so you should be the one in charge.
What Is A "Deal Killer"? The derogatory phrase "deal killer" is often used by real estate agents to describe independent home inspectors who give buyers objective information in an inspection report, which may lead the buyer to renegotiate or to look at other properties. Many real estate agents view independent home inspectors as a challenge to their ability to generate income. They view these "deal killers" as foes and will try many ways to control the inspector selection process to make sure that the prospective buyers do not retain independent home inspectors.
Comments like: "That inspector is a deal killer", or "that inspector is too expensive." or "we use this inspector all of the time" are unethical and a caution for the buyer. A twist on the fee tactic is to advise the prospective buyer that they should expect a home inspector to charge around $150 or $200. By advising home buyers to expect these low (unrealistic) fees, agents are trying to steer home buyers to certain inspectors, with a price range set by the real estate agent. In reality if you are going to spend thousands of dollars for a home and monthly payments FAR exceeding $200.00. Would you feel that you are getting a thorough inspection and a clear report of all the major deficiencies for $200.00? or sometimes less.
Also be cautious with the term "good home inspector with whom they have worked with for several years".
Do you want an inspector who "helps" the real estate agent earn a commission or do you want an inspector who is going to fully disclose the condition of the house? You are the one that should make that decision, without you there would be no deal. When the time comes in the process of buying a home make sure you are using an inspector of your choice. After all you are the one that will make this house your home.
