I was recently at a meeting with a large group of Realtors where the invited guest was an attorney. He spoke specifically about real estate agents and brokers responsibilities in conducting a reasonably competent and diligent visual inspection of a property. He spoke about the agent's professional duties in representing their clients and mentioned the importance of a physical inspection by a qualified home inspector.He covered the anxiety issues that agents have when inspectors come on the property and fears of agents' buyers walking away from potential sales. He said not to worry, once the report comes in, just hand the report hand over to the client and do not go over it with them; just send them a letter stating that if they have any questions contact the inspector or a contractor.
He then said, "Don't worry because zero people will actually call the inspector (holding up a zero)." In other words, don't mention any item on the inspection report, hand it over, tell them to contact a professional with concerns (don't worry, they never do), close that escrow and make some money! Ummm... if you were a buyer, is this the Realtor you want represeting you on your next purchase? I am just asking???




The attorney sounds pretty old school, like turn of the last century. What a dodo.
Jerry, I happen to disagree that zero calls will be made. I think that in today's market conditions more buyers are looking at the information in the reports and may want to discuss them with the inspector as well as their agent. Otherwise, why even have an inspector inspect the property? They are wasting their time and money if they are not going to read it.
If my real estate agent refuses to discuss the report with me, I would not want to deal with that agent again. It is our job as buyer's agents to look out for our buyer's best interest.
I can't believe this it is our job as the Realtor to have the best interest of our customer's in mind; I am sure it does happen but if I were the buyer I would not use the Realtor again or inspector.
Glen...LOL, dodo... ditto
Iris- I thought the same, working with agents on repair issues off of inspection reports, I know it is not zero...the thing that got me, "dont worry, they won't call."
Pat- you're a champion! I would hope that the best interest of the client comes #1. Good to hear.