Should I use a home inspector recommended by a listing agent?

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: Not sure really means depends. If you have a home inspector you trust by all means lets use them. However, if you do not, I have a list of home inspectors that are awesome and treat the customer first. They have no loyalty to me or my firm. I would rather have my clients walk away from a transaction then get into a home that is less then they expect.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: Home inspectors that are totally independent and have a great report on Angie's list or any other referral network is where I would start. A listing agent wants the home to sell and the buyer wants to buy however before I would spend my money I would want at least 1 or 2 home inspectors to go through to notice any current or possible future problems.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: We work with quality inspectors who understand that they are there to provide honest feedback about the house they are purchasing. Trusted home inspectors with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: All home inspectors should be licensed by the State of Arkansas. Due diligence should be used and the inspector should be interviewed before contracting with him. Be careful of the realtor recommended inspector as many are agents for the realtor and not the client.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: If unconvinced of the capability of the inspector, a person should call around for comparison.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: That is up to the consumer. I feel sometimes it is in your best interest to find an inspector the real estate agent is not familiar with so the agent does not try to "get a sale". The inspection can find things that make the purchaser change their decision on a purchase and agents do not want that to happen. But in some cases the consumer may want to go with an inspector the agent already trusts.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: The listing agent will provide a list of inspectors for you to choose from. It is against the rules of the Texas Real Estate Commission for a real estate agent to recommend any one company.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Some home inspectors are equipped better than others and they do a better job.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: You should take into account their opinion and also do research on your own as well.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: The buyers agent can recommend home inspectors to their clients. The agent should give you the contact information for more than one inspector.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: Most Realtors are honest and offer excellent advice. However, It is possible in their zeal to sell the home, a listing agent may know of an inspector who will not perform an impartial, thorough inspection and could gloss over or even cover up potential issues.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Yes if you want to be approved for the financing. If you want someone to be honest maybe find your own.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: We have our own unbiased certified home inspectors to serve our personal clients best interests.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Listing Agents often work with a certain inspector or group of inspectors they have worked with in the past and have a good working relationship with. When choosing an inspector, it's acceptable to take their recommendation because inspectors should be working under a strict Code of Ethics, as do the InterNACHI trained inspectors working for Shedhorn Inspection Services, and therefore should always be acting in the best interest of their client, not the realtor.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: To me, doing the report for the buyer, seller or investor will get the same unbiased report.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: All realtors have a list of inspectors they can give but it is up to the client to choose - the Realtor will not pick the inspector.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: If the listing agent was to recommend a specific home inspector, I would be cautious. Everyone's situation is different. It is common for YOUR realtor/broker to supply a list of home inspectors that they may prefer. However, it is ultimately your decision and you should do a little homework. Not all inspectors are the same. You should call and talk with them and ask questions. Look at reviews online and get a feel for who you are comfortable with.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: The listing agent looking out for home sellers and trying to get the home sold for top dollar. The your agent the buyers agent can provide a recommendation because they are supposed to have your best interest. I recommend finding the home inspector on your own.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: As long as you use the listing agent for the Buyer (usually you) there should not be an issue.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Your Realtor knows a lot of inspectors and how thorough they are when inspecting your new home. A Realtor should give you a list of trusted and experienced licensed home inspectors with phone numbers and allow you to contact each of them to see which one you feel most comfortable, about 3 should do it.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: This would be a conflict of interest in a transaction, unless the seller is conducting the inspection prior to listing the property to make necessary repairs before the home goes on the market.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: You need a a good home inspector, one that's easy to deal with and who will explain the property features to you. One that your buyer realtor has dealt with in the past is sure to have the skills required. Steer clear of one recommended by the listing agent as that one may be biased in favor of the seller.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: It is ultimately up to you who you choose to perform your home inspection. Your Realtor generally will have your best interests in mind when they pass along referrals. Always look for a Certified Master Inspector - they are the best of the best when it comes to home inspections.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: Could be the agents brother.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: I am an independent inspector and have real estate professionals that refer me to their clients. I do not receive any monetary incentives from them. I can not speak for other inspectors though.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: In my opinion, there could be a potential conflict of interest. I would feel much more comfortable utilizing a licensed inspector that I could recommend, or.....one that you know.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Referrals from Realtors are not a conflict of interest, however, its always a good idea to do some research

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: I believe you should not use listing agents recommendations there might be a conflict of interest.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: Some people are comfortable with their realtor's recommended home inspector. Some people would rather do some research and choose and inspector based on references and public profile.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: The agent must give choices of the list of the licensed home inspectors to the buyer and buyer who ultimately pay can decide whom to choose for the home inspector.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: The listing agent represents the home owners,not the buyers.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: I believe referrals are a great asset to your business because it allows you to get information on a service provider from previous clients. It can save you time and money and put you in touch with the right person for your business.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: A Home Inspector is a neutral party and has no representation for seller or buyer

Answer: Yes
Explanation: For the most part, Agents deal with the day to day fundamentals of home selling and buying. Why it is probably best to research the inspector yourself. Most agents are hired by our clients and therefore should be trusted or not.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Home inspectors are required to give an impartial review of all the major systems and the overall condition of the house. It is against the standards of practice to sway the sale of the home one way or the other.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: This depends greatly on the character of the agent.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: In my experience, licensed professionals like real estate agents and home inspectors should not risk their integrity for a paycheck. There is too much at risk. I am expected to perform a home inspection for my client, not the agent.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: Some realtors offer a list of several inspectors for their client to use, if a realtor pushed one of the other, the realtor may be offering a biased opinion

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: Its completely up to the client. If you trust the inspector your agent "swears by" and you trust the agent then go for it.But then again some people would rather trade convenience for experience and go their own route.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: It is best to shop for inspector or if there is a recommendation. Word of mouth is a good indicator

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: Some times it can be a conflict of interest.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: I feel you ensure an unbiased inspection using your own inspector.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: It depends. If a buyer is using an agent that is not familiar with the area, the listing agent may be able to refer a reputable home inspector in the area. It is always a good idea to do your research and check the company out online.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: Your agent should recommend 2 or 3 inspectors. Your inspector should have your best interest in mind. A inspector should not feel obligated to the agent.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Absolutely, they want the best for there clients

Answer: Yes
Explanation: A good inspector is not swayed by the number of inspections he or she may get from a particular listing agent. A good inspector will generate a honest and non-biased report based solely on their findings at the time of the inspection.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: No, ethically speaking that would be a conflict of intrest. The selling agent is going to try and make the sale of the property go through. That inspector may not have the buyers best intrest at heart.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: That is a personal choice some conflict of interest issues may arise my recommendation is buyer beware

Answer: Yes
Explanation: As a Certified Home Inspector, I am bound by a professional code of conduct and not influenced by any outside interests.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: A home inspector should be independent.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: We do not affiliate ourselves with any realty company.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: Illinois rule

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: A home buyer should be certain that they are getting an objective inspection always.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: Most agents provide a list of preferred inspectors, but they are not allowed to recommend specific companies because of conflict of interest.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: As an informed buyer, you should do your homework on several inspection companies. typically, a home inspector recommended by the listing agent might have a conflict of interest. That inspector might overlook some "deal breaking" items so that agent does not loose the listing and that he continues to get referrals.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: If you trust your agent call the referral and ask some questions.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: I prefer using referred contacts in the same network of professionals.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: Buyer or seller choice. Not agent.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Realtors are entrusted to abide by fair and honest practices throughout the buying and selling process. Consider this, if a Realtor recommends an inspector, they have a working history. More importantly, the Realtor is willing to trust that Inspector with their professional reputation.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: In many cases the home inspector recommended by a REALTOR most likely might be looking for the best interest of the sale. The client shall do his due diligent and get quotes form other inspector in order to make a rational decision.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: I would always look for the highest rated by customers not agents

Answer: Yes
Explanation: You sure can take a recommendation. The decision to take a recommendation of a listing agent or your buyer's agent is a personal decision and has to be based on trust. Is the agent looking out for your interests or are they trying to close the sale? We work with a lot of agents and most often they want a good inspection as nothing looks worse than having undiscovered issues coming back after the close on the property.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: It is a personal decision and depends on the relationship and confidence you have in your agent.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: You should take into consideration the advice your Realtor gives you, if they are listing Realtor or not. You should also conduct your own research because you are the hiring party paying the fee.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: The listing agent works for the seller. You want to choose an inspector that will work for you and on your behalf, not the sellers. Your buyer's agent can recommend some they know work well for their buyers.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: The listing agents fiduciary responsibility is to the seller not the buyer, so he is looking out for his clients best interest not the buyers,, so always use the home inspector recommended by the your agent (buyer's agent) only

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Really this comes down to what you as the buyer or seller is comfortable with. You are always welcome to look for and hire your own Home Inspector. Usually the agent and the home inspector are familiar with each other and understand that the Inspector is working for the customer not the agent.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: I've never met an agent who didn't want his or her buyers to have full disclosure, but that's not to say every agent puts the buyer's interests first. However, I can assure you it would be extreme for an agent to pressure a home inspector to provide a faulty report. It's simply not standard practice. No reputable real estate agent will withhold information from a buyer or induce a third-party vendor to withhold information.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: You should research and find an inspector that will work for you and have your best interest in mind

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: It's always a good policy to use a third party inspector that the buyer chooses.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: Most agents will recommend a home inspector. If you think your agent is really looking out for your very best interest then they likely have an inspector that will do the same. Our company spends more time than others on an inspection and we tend to find more issues than others. Many agents don't want us to spend more time and find more issues. I think the good ones do!

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: Listings agents work for and have the best interest for the seller. Buyers will want to get a separate Home Inspection.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: You should always find an independent home inspector who was not in cahoots with a real estate agent if a real estate agent provide you with a list of people to choose from and let the option to be yours that's a different story but if they only give you one option I would be very wary.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Yes,But you should thoroughly investigate his/her qualifications on your own.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: obvious