So I figured we would get started with the taboo right off the bat. The big rift between agents and inspectors is how to provide a comprehensive detailed report without scaring off the buyer.
Its been my experience that at least once or twice a year, I run accross the house that makes everybody cringe. You know the one that has great curb appeal, a fresh coat of paint, new landscaping, upgraded appliances and built in the mid 90's. As an agent your pretty confident the first time home buyer is going to love it. Along comes the certified home inspector that agrees with the initial assesment of the curb appeal but needs to take a look. Over-all good shape, but the house like 50% of all houses in this time frame in this area is plumbed with polybutelene and there is a good size active water leak in the roof.
First time home buyer so they are most likely FHA - thats not going to work so well when they see the report.
In reality you are talking about 10-15k worth of damage in a depressed - as is - filled market. The prices are already at rock bottom and the owner (the bank due to forclosure) certainly wont be making any improvements and can not lower the price anymore.
As an inspector, I can not overlook or omitt known issues or problems with the house. I can however, stress the importance of research and knowing why things are an issue or not. The roof leak is easy - fix it - in most cases it will be less than $1000. The plumbing however is the delicate issue that I want to discuss.
So who kills the deal? Personally I don't think no one can kill the deal if the buyer wants to buy and the seller wants to sell. THey will make it work if it fits regardless of the cost.
You know I think everyone in this market is trying to see things through and get things to work out. But sometimes it seems it gets messed up and then we try to fix it.
Steve, sometimes a deal needs to be killed. Our inspector is a 'deal killer' and it's fine with me. I would rather have an overly picky inspection where the buyer knows everthing than have them call me six months later with a problem they just found. Usually a seller will do repairs because they will have to disclose it to the next buyer, banks included. At least in my experience that's what we've found. ~ Sharon
The problem in this situation comes about when the agent tries to convince the inspector to downplay the damage so that the deal can get approved so that the buyer can buy the property. That doesn't help anyone involved, least of all the buyers.
Kathy
I think you just need to do the job you are there to do, Steve. A fair report with no compromises is the best approach.
I appreciate a thorough and honest inspection ... be it good, bad or ugly. The facts are the facts.
Everyone gets A's!!! :)
I guess what I am really trying to get at.....If we all agree on the ethics.....Is how to keep the positive vibes when that situation occurs? I have hopes that my loss of business is strictly to the market forces, but as a prudent business person I need to examine all possibilities.
If I can somehow deliver the "bad" news in a more palatable way......I would love to do so. That being said, the last two deals that died because of the condition of the house (not me :) ) were repeat customers and a new established relationship with an agent.
Congratulations on joining Active Rain. This is a great professional networking and referral site. Our Team is working here in the Spartanburg / Greenville areas of South Carolina. We would be thrilled for any referrals you might send our way - or any referrals that we could send to you. Hope you enjoy this site as much as I do.
Hello and welcome to Active Rain! I encourage you to learn from others, share your knowledge and experiences with all of us, enjoy yourself, and try to log in and join us in the Active Rain community as frequently as possible. I look forward to your future blogs and comments! Take care, --Kirk.
Hello, welcome to Active Rain! This seems like a wonderful environment to network as well as learn from others. I hope you enjoy yourself and participate often in the Active Rain environment!
Thanks for the welcoming comments, everyone.
I think the best way to deal with PB 2110 (polybutelene) is education. That takes more than a little ineraction with the client. Does that make the agent unconfortable?
Hey Steve-Russel sent me over to welcome you to active rain, you have 2 great posts already, keep up the great work.
Joseph,
Thanks for the positive feedback! Russel seems to be a very busy man. This looks like a great opportunity. I hope it turns into the win/win I think it will.
Steve
WE Home Inspections, Inc.
I believe you said it in a response a few up from here. In all reality everyone in this industry needs to understand that a home inspector does NOT kill the deal....the home does. We are paid to present the facts on the current condition of the home. I see more and more lipstick on a pig everyday, there isn't much you can do about it. See it, report it, send it. Ultimately it is up to the buyer on how they wish to proceed. As long as you have done your job and reported what needed to be reported you can sleep well at night.
As someone famous once said, "You can pay me now, or you can pay me later."