Preferred Inspectors: Selecting & Hiring an Independent Home Inspector

During the last segment of this Preferred Inspectors topic, we discussed the facts, reasoning, and implications of buyers choosing and hiring their agent’s “preferred inspector.” In case you missed the first segment, check it out here. 

Choosing an Independent Inspector

Moving forward, now that you’re cautious about choosing a “preferred inspector” and decide to hire your own independent inspector, where do you start?

• First of all, many buyers feel reluctant to decline their agent’s preferred inspector or additional recommendations. Some may feel as if selecting the preferred or recommended inspector(s) is convenient and one less step in the lengthy process of choosing, buying, and closing on a home.  In addition, many buyers feel as though choosing their own inspector is disrespectful to the agent or are uncomfortable in voicing their desire to choose an independent inspector for obligatory reasoning. 

• Understand that you as the buyer are already helping your agent earn their income with your desire to purchase a home with the commission percentage they’re in line to receive. Let’s quickly assume you’re purchasing a $200,000 home (and one of the biggest investments of your life). At a standard 3% commission, your agent is making $6,000 off this single transaction (give or take with association dues, fees, paperwork, etc.). They need you more than you need them.

• After informing your agent that you’ll be choosing an independent inspector, be sure to obtain the recommendation(s) from your agent/realtor to cross-reference with the research you’re about to conduct. 

• Start your internet or phone book search by identifying 10 home inspection companies in your local area.

• Contact each company and inquire about their background, experience, licensing, bonding, insurance, warranties, report turnaround time, and scheduling flexibility. (Understand the requirements of your specific state as well to cross-reference responses with).

• In addition, ask standard questions such as what is included/inspected during the process, whether or not they allow you to attend, any pre-inspection documentation or special clauses, and approximately how long the inspection will take. Any reputable inspection company will be more than happy to answer these questions and clarify any questions your may have. 

• Cross off any company that does not have licensing, insurance, or bondage as well as any that do not explain what is included through the inspection process, do not allow you to attend, cannot provide any estimated time of how long the inspection will take (3-5 hours for a standard residential home around 1,200 square feet), and do not utilize any pre-inspection agreement(s). 

• Most companies have no problem turning around a report (with photos) within 24 hours of the inspection, which is important to know as most buy-and-sell agreements contain clauses regarding when the inspection must be conducted and completed by. Companies such as Home Fax Inspections include a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, and 24 hour guaranteed turnaround time, or your money back. 

• Next, view each example report from the companies remaining from your research. It’s important for you to get a feel for how each inspection company reports their findings and observations. If you can’t understand the example report or it does not include photos or explanations, move on to another. 

• This isn’t a process you should look at as one inspection and report, the end. Any reputable inspector is going to provide valuable information for you to use throughout the duration of your home purchase. This should be treated as a long-term reference document and education on your home for your benefit, not just another step to move the transaction along.

• If you need to pull more companies due to the information you find, do not be afraid to do so. 

Main Goal

Although there are other examples and information that should be taken into consideration during this process, the main point that you should understand and strive to obtain is: 

Which professional inspector is most capable of providing you with the most accurate, understandable information that will help you obtain the best purchase price possible now, while helping you become as fully informed as possible regarding the long and short-term condition, maintenance, defects, systems and components, and expected lifespans of the home you’re purchasing? 

Now that you understand the implications of selecting a “preferred inspector,” and are aware of how to initiate the process of choosing your own independent inspector, stay tuned for the next segment where we will look at hiring an inspector from the information you obtained. See how else Home Fax Inspections works for YOU, the buyer, at www.HomeFaxInspect.com

See you next time!