If you’ve been a broker for 5 years or more you’ve probably come across the “OVER-THE-TOP” home inspector. Either your Buyer received a referral from someone around the water-cooler at work, or it is your listing that is being subjected to an unusual approach to home inspections.
We understand that home inspectors look for competitive advantages to obtain more business the same as we brokers. I admit I’ve heard of some odd approaches to garnering more business as a broker, but nothing like what I’ve seen from some home inspectors.
The most prevalent abberation is the new new guy that believes more is ……..more. I was floored the first time an inspector asked me, “hope you brought something good to read. My inspections AVERAGE 8 HOURS” !!!!! This was a 1978 3,200 square foot one story with a basement on slab. Somehow he managed to spend just over 8 hours. When I asked him why it took so long he candidly stated that, “people will pay me more if they think they’re getting their money’s worth”. And yes, he charged $650 for an inspection that should have been done in 4 hours for a little over $400.
Most inspectors I know and respect will try to book 2 inspections per day, and charge in roughly the same range of high $300’s to mid $400’s depending on the size of the house. Apparently this fellow was content to make $650 on a sure thing, and only had to address one location per day. But did the buyer gain anything? Not at all, except an extra 4 pages of disclaimers included with the report.
Another one that was pretty funny happened in Redmond Ridge. I was out previewing listings for a new listing that I was bringing on the market. One listing that was “Sold Subject To Inspection” was of particular interest because it was close to my client’s house and was the same size. Perfect.
Upon arriving at this house I found the front door wide open and the house was empty. I called out and heard a muffled reply. Eventually a man emerged from the crawl space. He was already barking at me to get out of the house and that I had no right to be there, etc. when I recognized him as my former neighbor. He was very upset that I was in the house, never mind the fact that it was vacant, I had called the agent and left a voice mail, and there was a MLS keybox on the front door. But I know this guy was a bit off….as my neighbor.
Here’s a fellow that didn’t own as much as a measuring tape when I knew him pitching himself as a home inspector without peer. Once I got him calmed down he explained that just about every house in Redmond Ridge had big crawl space water intrusion problems…..and mold issues…..framing issues, plumbing, electrical, etc. Judging by his opinion it is remakable that people still live in that neighborhood at all. In closing he asked for my business and handed me a stack of business cards, then he called me incessantly for about 2 months. I think he is doing something else now.
I stumbled across this interesting article conerning the scope and duties of home inspectors today. I think it is well thought out, and helps bring perspective to the process for sellers, buyers, brokers, and even some inspectors that are still trying to find their way. I suggest that you consider sharing this with anyone that is buying or selling.
http://www.housedetective.com/2012/04/05/new-home-inspector-feels-his-oats/
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