Why are good Home Inspectors Hated (and Loved)?

In my research for this month’s article, I came across a post by David Hamilton, a Home Inspector in Florida (Coast to City Inspections).  

His thoughts on the interactions between Realtors, Home Inspectors, Sellers, and Buyers are quite common in the industry and thought-provoking.  

Here it is: 

Over the years, I have experienced varied reactions to my inspection reports. I pride myself in doing a professional job, and here is what I have learned: 

1. Dishonest Real Estate Agents who are only after a commission and do not care what the client buys, as long as the Buyer signs on the line, sometimes hate a good inspector. They do not want to find out about unexpected hazards and deficiencies. They want an inspection that finds no problems. (Luckily, I have only met a few Agents with this attitude.)
2. Dishonest Sellers, who are trying to hide important defects or make little of them, hate a good inspector. Their trickery and deceit can often be undone by a good inspection.
   
   

   Credit: Inspect Hawaii

3. Dishonest Buyers sometimes hate a good inspector, because they want all of the findings blown out of proportion and exaggerated, so they can ask for exorbitant credits, and so cheat the seller out of a rightful purchase price. A good inspector refuses to exaggerate or magnify but will insist on sticking to the simple facts.
4. Honest Real Estate Agents, who have their client’s best interests at heart, love a good inspector. They know that a thorough inspection report can minimize the risks for their client and may even prevent them from buying something they would sorely regret later. They recognize the value of “know before you go”.   They also know that a good inspector will not scare the clients away needlessly. (This is the majority of agents I have met.)
   

   Credit: Inspect Hawaii

5. Honest Sellers recognize a good inspection when they see it and love the good inspector despite defects being found. In fact, I have had many sellers call me after the inspection and ask me to inspect the house they were buying. Their point: “If you did that good a job for the buyer, I want you to work for me!”
6. And lastly, honest Buyers love a good inspector, because they now have a much better understanding of the property, feel much more confident, have learned as much as is realistically possible and surprises are minimized. 

Final Thought 

In Hawaii, I have experienced all interactions noted by David, and given our close community, I can affirm that the positive interactions far outweigh the negative interactions.  

For any questions on this topic, please call Oscar Libed of  Inspect Hawaii at 808-728-5707 or send an email to  oscar@inspecthawaii.com 

www.inspecthawaii.com