The inspection - what to expect
With expectations, come changes the “good old” one hour inspection is gone forever.
We hear it all the time…
“You guys are too good, too detailed. Your report has a lot of information the buyers do not need to know. It takes you 3 hours to inspect the house. The inspector we used before, needed only one hour to do it.”
Well, let me tell you, we are in the 21st Century and the home inspection industry have changed dramatically over the last few years. We would like you to understand some of the driving forces behind our inspection model, what kind of services we provide and why we provide it. Expectations of buyers have changed. We see more parties involved in the process and they bring their ideas and expectations into it.
Our company sees the work we perform for your buyer as a partnership with the agent to ensure a positive client experience, full awareness of the home’s issues and a smooth closing process. Our continued goal, which is to provide the highest quality inspections, protects not only the buyer, but also the real estate professional.
Buyer’s expectations
Buyers are becoming more educated and sophisticated about their real estate purchases. The Internet, media, and consumer protection groups all play an important role. More than half of our 50 states are requiring licensing for home inspectors. A lot of buyers are aware of the situation. They now demand detailed, top quality home inspections as part of the real estate process.
Some reasons why the buyers do not understand the inspection process:
- They don’t read the inspection report
- They do not listen to their agent
- They are too excited about their purchase
- They are overloaded with the information
- The inspector does not communicate properly
- Descriptions are poor in the inspection report
- There is little participation between the agent and the buyer
Consumer Protection Laws are getting more extreme. They demand very clear reporting and warnings for consumers. They ask us to inform the customers about preventive maintenance issues. The inspection issues must be emphasized enough, for both the inexperienced and experienced homebuyer.
Consumer Protection
Insurance Companies and E&O Insurance
Insurance companies are forcing us to disclose a variety of issues. For example, a non-child safe railing, missing lag bolts on the deck ledger, roof longevity, etc. The demands of insurance underwriters are steadily increasing.
Not all home inspectors are insured - it is expensive, and most firms cannot afford it. Our E&O insurance provider requires us to follow the detailed standards of the American Society of Home Inspectors. We need to present the written inspection agreement to the buyer before an inspection.
Legal Systems
People are more than ready to sue. They have a tendency not to take responsibility for their own mistakes, or ignorance. The easiest way is to blame the home inspector and the agent. Some client and attorney’s claims are absolutely ludicrous. A detailed inspection helps to eliminate many potential problems. But still, we do not have a crystal ball; we are not able to predict the future.
What can agents do to make the inspection process smoother?
A buyer’s agent should prepare the buyer for the inspection, to insure that they understand the scope and limitations of the inspection process. (See our website for “Understanding the Inspection Process). They should try to control unrealistic expectations, explain cosmetic issues versus important issues, upgrades versus requirements, and safety suggestions versus code requirements. The listing agent can recommend a pre-listing inspection. They can force the seller into basic repairs and maintenance. All-important, potentially explosive issues are on the table. They can ask for an accurate disclosure.
Some home inspectors still inspect only the “important stuff”, providing short inspections with a lot of OKs. They are on their way to the courtroom, and are taking the referring agent with them for the ride.
Yes, we provide detailed, top-notch quality home inspections and we are proud of it. Our approach is producing extremely satisfied customers, minimum complaints, no lawsuits and great feedback about the inspector and agent to the buyer’s friends, family and associates.
Information provided by Tiger Home Inspection Service
Toll Free: 1-866-844-3726
Serving Central and Western Colorado since 2000
