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

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: 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: 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: 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: Depending on relationship with agent.

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: Yes
Explanation: Always do your own research prior to hiring a Home 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: 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: 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: This is not a problem as long as you trust your agent, and there is no undisclosed financial relationship between agent and 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: 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: 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: 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: Could be the agents brother.

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: Your agent should give you 2-3 home inspection companies to call . You should call all of them and see whom you like the best.

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

Answer: Yes
Explanation: As long as the agent is referring a professional home inspector and there is no conflict of interest or collusion. Many agents typically refer 3 home inspectors to the client, and let the client choose which inspector they want to use.

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: 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: Buyer should use their own Inspectors, possibly recommendations from the selling/buyer broker

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

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

Answer: Yes
Explanation: In most cases the agent has worked with multiple inspectors and will have more insight to the competency of an inspector. Most home owners have had a very few chances to work with a home inspector so it is much harder to know how good they are.

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

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: The use of a Inspector recommended by a listing agent could lead to a bias on the inspectors part towards the listing agent in order to retain the recommendations coming from 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: 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: Best recommended practice is to find your own inspector, they are neutral. often an inspector recommended by agent knows what will slow the buying process and avoid some of the details so that it will not slow the buying process, we all like to live the fast food life style, but this is not the area you want to apply speed, it will often take me up to 6-8 hours for a home inspection, if i see new paint it could be longer. it is my job to find the hidden problems in a home.... nothing but the facts dano! In the state of Colorado it is not necessary to have a certified inspection what i mean by that is most of the home inspectors are not certified. I would only look at certified home inspectors. As a ASHI certified inspector we have completed 120 hour of training and we are certified we speak house! we are required to completed continued training every year.

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

Answer: Yes
Explanation: The listing agent should know of some good ones that they have used for a while. Just ask if they offer an inspection warranty with the inspection.

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

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: It depends on the particular situation. It can perfectly fine in some cases. Maybe not, in others. A buyer should really be represented by an agent, who will act as their advocate

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

Answer: Yes
Explanation: check credentials

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: We do not affiliate ourselves with any realty company.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Listing agents can be helpful in supplying you with names of home inspectors in your area and should supply you with multiple names to select from. Do your homework and check out the inspectors in your area. Their website should list where they have been trained, certifications they have, and the services they offer.

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

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: Yes
Explanation: It does not matter who recommends an inspector as long as the inspector does what is required by law .

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

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Agents have a good history with the inspectors they refer

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

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: While the inspector who the listing agent recommends may in fact be a great inspector in my personal opinion there are too many variables in a listing agent recommending a home inspector and you should seek outside representation. The listing agent may be recommending a soft inspector that could come back with a favorable report for the seller. By delivering a soft report you may not be fully made aware of the defects within the home or the defects could possibly be downplayed as not an issue. Remember you want an inspector that is soley working for you.

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

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

Answer: No, it is a conflict of interest
Explanation: Reffered inspectors often have a long history with a realtor. Often times there is a negative reason for this. Soft reports and listing favorable reports. I always suggest family suggested or word of mouth inspectors. This will guarantee you get an unbiased opinion of the homes systems.

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 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: Not sure
Explanation: It would depend on your comfort level with your realtor. Some realtors have used inspectors for years and can trust them to be honest

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: 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: Yes
Explanation: Your Realtor has likely had experience with many different inspectors. They will recommend ones who they know will do a good job.

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: 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: Yes
Explanation: You may choose to go with our recommendations or not it's up to the client. We are required to give at least 3 contractors to our clients.

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.