Submitted by: David Haigh
Home inspectors and realtors are not always on the same page when it comes to proper disclosures that must be made on a house. Its a home inspectors duty to let his client know all that she should know about the home shes buying or selling, and some realtors dont fully understand that. Realtors should know its not home inspectors who kill deals. Rather, its buyers and sellers who fail to negotiate the terms of the sale.
Sometimes the home inspector has to educate realtors as well as clients. There are ethical and legal requirements involved when inspecting a property, and clients need to know about problems. Deliberately overlooking a defect can cause more difficulties down the road, including lawsuits in todays litigious society. Youd think both realtors and inspectors would want to avoid lawsuits whenever possible.
Here are some examples of how differences between realtors and home inspectors can be handled constructively.
One Sellers House was constructed in the 1950’s and GFCI outlets were not a code requirement then. The realtor wanted to know why it was stated in the inspectors report that they should be installed.
The answer is that the clients’ safety is a number one priority. A home inspection is not necessarily a code-compliance inspection. (That depends on state and local regulations.) However, its a good idea for an inspector to recommend the latest new construction code safety requirements. That includes GFCI’s on every property. An informed client can make his own decisions about these safety features.
Why include mention of dried moisture stains on the garage ceiling in an inspection report? The client needs to know about moisture stains and what they might imply. There could have been a roofing or plumbing leak in the past, and stains should be looked into further by a licensed specialist. A buyer will want to know what previous repairs have been made.
Drywall stains may also require destructive testing. That means removing the drywall to determine the cause of the leak. Moisture from somewhere could be causing damage, or mold could be present.
What if an inspectors report reveals asbestos ducts are present and should be replaced with newer ducts? Wont this kill a deal for sure? Again, its a home inspectors job to see to the safety of the client. Asbestos is such a hot button issue, its presence should be further evaluated by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor.
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) says that if asbestos is not damaged or duct material is not friable then it (may) be safe. A licensed asbestos contractor would be able to make this determination. It is an informed clients choice to decide what should be done, but he wont know if the inspector doesnt report the problem.
Realtors must be aware that one of a home inspectors top priorities is to protect the client and everyone involved in the transaction. Failure to make proper disclosures can lead to lawsuits that will cost more than the realtors commission on a deal. Clients must choose to do business with ethical realtors who prefer full disclosure from a home inspection.
Weve no doubt each heard realtors emphasize Location, location, location. When it comes to home inspection and making transactions as trouble free as possible, the formula is Disclose, disclose, disclose!
About the Author: You’ve carefully selected the home you’re buying. Make sure you’re as careful when selecting your home inspector. Don’t get stuck paying for repairs missed by a quick home inspection. Author David Haigh is a professional
home inspector in NJ
. Click now to view a free sample report of a
New Jersey home inspection
.
Source:
isnare.com
Permanent Link:
isnare.com/?aid=426382&ca=Real+Estate}