Select Your Agent and Your Inspector Carefully  
 By Frank Ross
 
Awhile ago, a network news magazine did a piece on Home Inspectors.  They created a scenario where one of their people posed as a real estate agent and another as a homebuyer.  The agent met a “real” home inspector at the house before the inspection.  He told the inspector he really needed the inspection to go well, but was worried about the roof.  His commission was at stake. The roof was obviously in terrible shape.  The inspector, apparently wanting to get more business from the agent, downplayed the roof condition to his own client, the homebuyer.  
 
While such programs usually set up two or three people to illustrate a problem, this program chose to condemn an entire industry on the basis of one very bad apple.  At the conclusion, their advice was simple: “don’t hire an inspector your agent recommends”.  
 
Choosing an Agent
 
The program’s answer is simplistic.  One of the first things you should do as a homebuyer is find a real estate agent you can trust.  Think of all the information they’ll give you: comparable sale prices, school district test scores, monthly payment estimates, tax rates, neighborhood amenities, etc.  And think of all the services they recommend to you: title companies, mortgage lender, and yes, home inspectors.
 
The Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council of the National Association of Realtors gives the following definition of a buyer’s agent: “A real estate buyer’s agent represents the consumer who is purchasing the property in the real estate transaction.  This agent owes full fiduciary responsibilities, duties, and loyalty to the real estate buyer.”  
 
REBAC awards the ABR® designation to agents who meet specific criteria.  Those criteria include:
• Complete the two-day REBAC course in buyer representation
• Pass a written examination
• Have closed five transactions in the field of buyer representation
• Received recommendations from two buyer clients.
REBAC’s website offers a search feature to help you find agents in your area who have been awarded the ABR® designation.  There are hundreds in Utah.  If you have internet access, go to www.rebac.net for more information.
 
Deal with Professionals
 
Dealing with professionals filters out people who may not have the experience or resources to meet your needs.  Always try to find an agent who is a full-time real estate professional.  Professionals are more likely to understand and carefully abide by industry ethics than part-timers.  Designations such as “CRS” and “GRI” indicate the agent has participated in additional voluntary training in the profession.  If a friend or family member recommends someone who is “getting into” real estate on a part time basis, make sure that agent is part of a team of professionals and has a mentor.
 
Choosing Your Home Inspector
 
When you’ve found the house you want to call home, choose a Professional Home Inspector to make sure you know as much as you can about the home before you buy it.  When you choose the inspector, be sure to ask the following questions:
• What formal training do you have in Home Inspection?
• Are you covered by Errors and Omissions insurance? How much?
• Are you a full-time inspector?
• May I attend the inspection?

• What kind of formal training do you have?

• How many hours of continuomg education do you receive each year?

• Do you belong to the BBB and what is your status?
• Will you give me a written report on site?
• Are you affiliated with ASHI®, NAHI® or NACHI®?
• Can you give me names and numbers of previous clients?
 
ASHI is the American Society of Home Inspectors®.  Their Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics are the benchmark by which inspectors are measured.  As an ASHI® member, I believe that these standards are so important I make sure every one of our clients gets a copy at the beginning of the inspection.  
 
Finally, ask the inspector what they do to market their services.  Are they dependent on a few real estate agents for referrals, or do they have a broad-based referral network?  Do they advertise to the general public?  How much of their business comes from your agent?  All of these are legitimate, questions you have the right to ask.
 
Frank Ross is a Certified Utah Home Inspector for Pillar to Post Professional Home Inspection and a full member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors.  Readers may contact Mr. Ross at (435) 867-6400 or frank.ross@pillartopost.com.  You can learn more about Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection at www.pillarposthomeinspection.com