Question for Real Estate Agent's

What influences your decision to hire / recommend home inspectors?

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 07/08/2016 09:51 AM EDT

If I pretended I didn't know about the business and I was a new home buyer:

I would have to go with an inspector with the most experience. I'd have to discriminate against the young bucks, sorry. I don't doubt their capabilities, but it would ease my mind. You wouldn't want to have surgery by some kid fresh out of med school, right?

Then I'd check their education background, which most have on their web pages in the About Me section. Do they come from an engineering or contractor background? I want to make sure they have knowledge of the construction of homes.

Pricing wouldn't be an issue if they have something to offer me in the long run. I get what I pay for, right? Not too many buyers know about RecallChek, but if they can offer me some warranty coverage, that would be awesome! I may have some plumbing issues when I move in. Maybe a tree root caused my water line to bust. What if I see new mold on the ceiling? We have our first big rain and now the roof is leaking, now what?

I may not even know about these services, but they may be on the inspector's website. Of course I'm going to check it out.

I know you were aiming this towards agents, I was just giving my two cents.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 07/08/2016 11:56 AM EDT

Thanks Brandon, but I want to hear specifically from Agents.

I'm not an agent, but the comments I have heard back from the agents on why they refer me:
1) You put together an amazing package with all of the extras (RecallChek and warranties)
2) You are the most thorough inspector we've seen.
3) Your reports are well written and (usually) easily understood by all.
4) You make it convenient by offering additional services (Radon, Mold).
5) You have tools/gadgets that no one has, these help the clients.

Chad, thank you. Lots of respect for you.

I guess RE Agent's don't chime in on this forum.

I appreciate the feedback from both you and Brandon.

Out of the 2 yrs I've been on this forum, I think I have seen 5-10 REA posts on here. They ask a question and never come back. if you want a REA to answer this, go buy some lunch/dinner and talk to them about this. Do yourself a favor and don't have the entire meal discussion about you. Be sure to talk to them about their business. They respond better when you are interested in them too.

Chad D wrote:Out of the 2 yrs I've been on this forum, I think I have seen 5-10 REA posts on here. They ask a question and never come back. if you want a REA to answer this, go buy some lunch/dinner and talk to them about this. Do yourself a favor and don't have the entire meal discussion about you. Be sure to talk to them about their business. They respond better when you are interested in them too.

Keep in mind, this business meal is also a tax write off. Save your receipt (alcohol is not a write off and you'll have to absorb that cost).

Advice taken

I'm 30 year Realtor, 5 year inspecting in Florida, ( sold business in January ).
But I would agree with Brandon's post, he's dead on. Some 1 on 1 as Chad suggest is always beneficial.
I'm on both sides of the fence and I know you cannot trump experience.

Thanks Greg.

I am a 13 year Realtor. It isn't always about cost, because you usually get what you paid for. I have seen a lot of inspectors in my time....some which scared me to death. I honestly thought I was going to get pulled into a lawsuit once because one did such a terrible job. I was fairly new and he came to our office a lot and gave us information. The buyer called me to give me a heads up. They didn't want to involve me, but since I recommended him they said they might have to. I called the inspector and he said....so what. Well, that response made me never use him again.

Inspections for buyers are a big deal. A real big deal. They are trusting that inspector with their future.

Here is what I look for...

1. I don't want someone who isn't out to scare anyone but tell the truth. That is what they pay you for.
2. Detailed reports with pictures really help. At the front, give a summary page which points out the major issues.
3. Allow the buyer to follow you during the inspection and ask questions. Never look down on the buyer.
4. I like it when the inspector tells the buyer that if they have any questions to feel free to call.
5. Warranties.
6. Quality
7. Quick reports
8. Quality people to work with you: radon, pest, etc.

I am a real estate agent in Central Florida. For more than 15 years, I have recommended Jon Bolton with the Inspectagator. I refer him because:

1) He is extremely knowledgeable
2) He uses a thermal imaging camera
3) He writes a comprehensive report that's easy to understand
4) He explains findings in layman's terms
5) His is very thorough when inspecting
6) His intent isn't to "kill the deal" by making mountains out of molehills
7) Their inspections include post inspection guarantees

He has a team of inspectors, and one who has a contractors license, which is great for new construction
9) He's a FLORIDA GATOR (can't help but love fellow Gators)
10) He's always seeking ways to offer value added benefits to agents and clients

No, I'm not his wife, or his sister, or related to him in any way. I have high expectations of others and he and his team of inspectors never disappoint. The only "negative" I hear when clients hire him is that they need to plan for a 4+ hour time period when he's on the job.

Hope this helps!

LaShawn Norden wrote:I am a real estate agent in Central Florida. For more than 15 years, I have recommended Jon Bolton with the Inspectagator. I refer him because:

1) He is extremely knowledgeable
2) He uses a thermal imaging camera
3) He writes a comprehensive report that's easy to understand
4) He explains findings in layman's terms
5) His is very thorough when inspecting
6) His intent isn't to "kill the deal" by making mountains out of molehills
7) Their inspections include post inspection guarantees
He has a team of inspectors, and one who has a contractors license, which is great for new construction
9) He's a FLORIDA GATOR (can't help but love fellow Gators)
10) He's always seeking ways to offer value added benefits to agents and clients

No, I'm not his wife, or his sister, or related to him in any way. I have high expectations of others and he and his team of inspectors never disappoint. The only "negative" I hear when clients hire him is that they need to plan for a 4+ hour time period when he's on the job.

Hope this helps!

Yes he does!

I can't think of anything Jon doesn't do that is on this list:

http://www.HomeInspectionSurvey.com