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

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: Listing agents work for sellers of homes and do not protect the buyer's interests. Their influence on a buyer's decisions should be minimal or nonexistent. Buyer's agents do work for the buyer but there is still an inherent conflict of interest involved, as agents typically refer inspectors that they have had the most success with in closing deals. However, many agents are ethical and do seek out the most thorough inspector regardless of the impact on their closings. A real estate agent's recommendation for a home inspector can be a valuable resource provided that the agent is first and foremost concerned with the buyer's interests. However, this is impossible for the average buyer to discern until well after the sale. Many home inspectors get the majority of their business through real estate agent referrals but the industry would be better served by having the buyer do their own research.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: If a listing agent has worked with an inspector before, I think that there's not a problem with continuing to work with the inspector.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: Every buyer has the right to choose their own home inspector. My duty as a realtor is to make sure they have one who is reputable, trustworthy and experienced in their field of work. We as Realtors can refer home inspection companies but in the end it's the buyer's choice on who they use.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: It depends on the situation, a private home inspector works only for you, not for the promise of more work from a listing agent.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: It is up to the homeowner, but always look at the fees of the SQFT of your property

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: It's generally advisable to hire an independent home inspector rather than one recommended by the listing agent. While many listing agents have trustworthy connections, using an independent inspector ensures there is no conflict of interest, giving you an unbiased and thorough assessment of the property. This helps protect your investment by providing a clear, objective evaluation of the home's condition. Always prioritize finding a certified, experienced inspector with positive reviews to ensure the best results.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: You are never obligated to use any business or service recommended by a real estate agent. However, because real estate agents work with real estate related businesses and services, they know who is reputable and capable.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: I can't speak for other inspectors but I inspect EVERY home as if it was my own. A good relationship with a realtor will not have any impact on how I write the inspection report.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: I woudl advise Buyers to Use a Home Inspector of their own

Answer: Yes
Explanation: A Listing Agent should refer you to 3, however, if you want to hire someone outside of that circle that is prudent to protect yourself.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: Homebuyers should choose their own home inspector after doing their own due diligence when buying a home. It's the buyer, not their Realtor nor the seller's Realtor, who need to live with the consequences of potentially choosing an unqualified home inspector. Many listing agents only refer inspectors that are soft on homes and won't find issues that could result in the sale not going through or the listing agent's commission being lowered due to a lower sales price.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: As we are unable to recommend one home inspector, we can provide you a list of home inspectors to choose from.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: If the agent has a working history and trust the inspector and has the best interest of the buyer then that inspector would be a great choice. I would ask for several different inspectors to choose from and select one that is most aligned with your values and concerns

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: If you use a home inspector that is recommended by a listing agent; just keep in mind that the listing agent is trying to sell the home for his/her client. In some cases you may find that a listing agent might have a home inspector that is less than honest in their report to help the listing agent sell the house. In general, most agents are very reputable; but there are a few out there that ruin it for the industry. Do your homework on your home inspector and choose who you feel comfortable with.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: If you trust your agent to sell you a home, I feel you should trust their recommendation for a inspector.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Home inspectors should be non-biased, providing professional assessments on the condition and safety of a home.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: You can always use the home inspector referred by your agent. I don't see a reason why you shouldn't use the home inspector they have referred you to. You should feel comfortable enough with your agent and guide you to someone, whoever that may be, that the trust is not a concern and your agent has your best interest.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: Sometimes it can be a conflict of interest and sometimes the agent is honest and recommends a top inspector like myself

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: You should make your own decision of who you choose to inspect your property. The listing agent is not working in your best interest if you are the buyer working with the selling agent.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: This can be a tricky question. You need to do your due diligence as well and see if you are getting a cheap inspector who has only been in business a few years. Experience in home inspections (10 years or more) greatly improves your chances of finding issues that other will for sure miss.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Many home inspectors are overly critical on things that are not that critical. Finding one who knows what is and is not important will smooth a sale or purchase.

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. Each and every transaction has its own story.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: Home Inspectors work for you, the Client, not Realtor's. Do your own due diligence, and hire an Inspector that will work for your interests.

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: 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: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: It depends. Possibly the listing agent will suggest a home inspector that they know will overlook problems with the property. A reputable inspector will point out flaws and may have prior knowledge regarding the property.

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: Not sure
Explanation: Depending on relationship with agent.

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: Always do your own research prior to hiring a Home Inspector

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: Not sure
Explanation: Your listing agent will most likely have names of home inspectors and there is nothing wrong with using them. I would say that you should still take some time and research inspectors on 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: This is not a problem as long as you trust your agent, and there is no undisclosed financial relationship between agent and inspector.

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: It is generally a good idea to select your own home inspector. While most realtors are ethical, the mutual business opportunities that exist between a real estate agent and a home inspector whome they have a relationship with can cause a conflict of interest. Is it best to do your own research -- use sites like Yelp, Angieslist or ask your network of friends when selecting a home inspector.

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: Not sure
Explanation: It really is up to you. If you don't know a home inspector and want to use one that is suggested that is fine. If by chance you know someone you like to use or just want to find one yourself then that is what you should do. When listing or buying a home you should use whichever professional you feel most comfortable with.

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: 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.