home inspector selection ?

[Rakin]

"I have been told"....

You say this multiple times. Sounds like you have no personal knowledge or experience in this field but hearsay from others. No creditibility.

[jbiggs]

Originally Posted by Debsi

I wish I had used an independently located inspector. Something potentially very expensive to fix down the road was not caught. We are friendly with our realtors and live in the same neighborhood, and I'd feel better about trusting them with a future transaction if it had been our own inspector that didn't catch the problem, not an inspector that comes to their Christmas parties.

Any business that is actively spending their money to solicit business from agents rather than consumers has a lot to lose if they do not please the agents. I snuck into a couple of local agent association meetings and watched all of the inspectors, handyman types/contractors, foundation repair people, etc., etc., all falling over themselves trying to impress agents. It's a real funny site to watch all of those people trying to play waiter and busboy for all the agents for an opportunity to meet them and hand them a business card. I've been solicited by large agent offices here in the area to come to their weekly agent meetings and provide a 5 minute "Hello, these are the products and services I sell" type of presentation. There are two requirements to do that. First I have to pay them some ignorant and large monthly fee for the privilege of belonging on their "Preferred Vendor" list. Then I have to pay to cater in their breakfast, lunch, mid afternoon snacks, etc. I never went to one and never paid their fees. I would expect if I did then I would be required to also show up in a waiters jacket with a towel slung over my arm.

Let me ask you. When was the last time you read, heard, or viewed an advertisement for an inspector that was not in an agents office materials? The money for these guys is soliciting business from agents and when they do that they have a lot to lose if they don't make the agents happy!

I'm not saying they did wrong.. but I have that smidgeon of doubt.

Answers in blue italic above.

[LQQKOUT]

JBIGGS- I am not a realtor however if a realtor even had a form for referred inspectors and such to sign- maybe there is a reason for it. With the lawsuits and laws today it no wonder why there is so many hoops to jump through to get something done. My grandfather was a realtor back in the day (Lord rest his soul) he was the ol'handsake and sign the dotted line type of guy. And he did very well for his time. I am not saying that there is great or shady agents, inspectors or etc. However when you purchase a home you need to have faith in your agent to give you the right information- if you have no faith in that person then you need to question the situation. Everyone is in it for the money- that is the way the world works.

[jbiggs]

Originally Posted by Rakin

Jbiggs, your advice is just down right bad and shows you lack knowledge. Car to share with us where you gained such intimate knowledge ?

Do I lack knowledge or do I have considerable intimate knowledge? Your statement is contradictory.

If you read my posts you will see where. I am here, I am there, I am everywhere. I see a lot, I hear a lot, I directly and indirectly experience a lot. I deal with all principles in a real estate transaction at one point or another. I listen to people, I help people, and occasionally I have to chase people. Who am I?

[jbiggs]

Originally Posted by LQQKOUT

JBIGGS- I am not a realtor however if a realtor even had a form for referred inspectors and such to sign- maybe there is a reason for it. With the lawsuits and laws today it no wonder why there is so many hoops to jump through to get something done. My grandfather was a realtor back in the day (Lord rest his soul) he was the ol'handsake and sign the dotted line type of guy. And he did very well for his time. I am not saying that there is great or shady agents, inspectors or etc. However when you purchase a home you need to have faith in your agent to give you the right information- if you have no faith in that person then you need to question the situation. Everyone is in it for the money- that is the way the world works.

I am well old enough to have dealt with your Grandfathers generation. During those times a handshake and verbal promise was all it took to get the job done. Those not capable of doing it were out of the business in a flash! Contracts and paperwork today are there only to tie people down and defer liability. Your statement in bold and red above is why there are contracts. Businesses want their money whether they perform or not and contracts help guarantee they get it!

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by jbiggs

If you read my posts you will see where. I am here, I am there, I am everywhere. I see a lot, I hear a lot, I directly and indirectly experience a lot. I deal with all principles in a real estate transaction at one point or another. I listen to people, I help people, and occasionally I have to chase people. Who am I?

Kind of like a Jack of all trades and master of none ?

[Johnhw2]

Originally Posted by Rakin

Foundation Engineers cost about $400 and not needed on new construction. A general inspector is what they need 1st. A general inspector is not an engineer (rarely).

I disagree, you get one shot at identifying issues even in a new build, good up front inspection can prevent regrets down the road. Foundation inspections may or may not be needed but you only know after you get it done. I used an engineer as my general inspector and had him perform a foundation inspection. (shot elevations to see if the foundation was flat in 12 year old home I bought.)

If one is concerned about getting a less biased professionally governed inspection, I stand by my recommendation