I had received an email from a client asking for a recommendation for a home inspector. They asked if I knew any great inspectors. Gina and I were on the way out to lunch so we talked about home inspectors while we dined.
Over the years we have both seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. The weather had turned cold and neither of us wanted to go out to the car so we sat there, mulling over the question of what makes a great home inspector.
After some discussion, we divided home inspectors into three broad categories; Bad Inspectors, Deal Killers, and Great Inspectors.
Bad Inspector
These types of inspectors are not competent or fail to do a thorough inspection. They often cut corners or fail to have the proper training, tools, or experience to do the job. Bad Inspectors are dangerous. You don't want to recommend nor see your clients hire these types. Their failures often results in increased liability to the agent and the brokerage.
Deal Killer
These inspectors are competent. They know how to perform a thorough inspection and have the tools and training to do so. Sadly, Deal Killers are often know-it-alls and go out of their way to find problems that really do not exist. They create fear and doubt.
For example, Texas has a "works / does not work" standard. We had listed a property a few years back and the inspection report showed that the hot water heater should be replaced. When confronted, the inspector admitted it was working fine and showed no sign of any problems. His comment was that water heaters have a life expectancy of 7 years and the one in this house was 7 years old, therefore it should be replaced. We were able to salvage the transaction but it should not have happened at all.
Great Inspector
They are not only highly competent but they have superior people skills. They have the tools, training, and experience to do a complete inspection of the property. They do not cut corners and if it's bad, they find it. Where Great Inspectors shine is in their ability to walk the client through the inspection report and explain it to them. They do not create fear, they create understanding.
Do you know a really great inspector? I know a few...
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Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton. While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure. Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.
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The Branch Team - Texas Real Estate Broker 547597 | Team Members are Texas Licensed Real Estate Professionals
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