He kills the buyers and leaves the houses standing empty

What's your point?

The point looks fairly obvious!

I dont't get it either? Hope he got his fee before he killed the buyer though!

Well, maybe I'm just slow. Please fill me in. . .

Must be.

Sounds like one of those inspectors that appears to kill a majority of deals. Is the deal killing justified? We will never know. I know an inspector that is very detailed and always appears to completely pick a house apart. This inspector also lacks many basic social skills and needs to take a class on how to explain the important details to first time home buyers. He will give a 3 paragraph explaination on a minor problem that can be explained in a single sentence and these are on maintainence issues. Somewhere in the last 2 sentences you will see the words that this may need attention sometime within the next 5 years. The buyers eyes have glazed over long before they get to that last important sentence.

He did this to one young couple I represented and they were ready to just back out of the deal because the inspectors report had not been explained to them in a manner to make them understand the situation. The girls father is a general contractor and I suggested that she have him look at the report and go check out any concerns he might have from the report. The report was 26 pages and could have easily been reduced to 3 or 4. The girls father had a good laugh at the report and told her she was worrying about nothing and that there were no major concerns. The couple had picked the inspector whose name was not on my list because someone they knew had told them the inpector had saved them from buying a house with alot of problems....now they understood why his name was not on my list of potential inspectors.

Paul, be careful providing a list of service persons! You could open yourself up for liability!!!

I NEVER compile or provide a list of service companies/people. If I did, then I could be brought into a suit as being the one who "endorsed" the service person! I just tell them to take their pick from the phone book. I explain why I do this as well.

Maybe some food for thought for you and others here.

Gulf,
I have been doing this since 1989 and am well aware of liability issues and have discussed this at length with my attorney but thanks for the concern.

I have a list of service providers that I have worked with over the years. My attorney has said that as long as I include 3-5 names for each category there is no problem as their is "No Endorsement". The client is free to choose from the list or use another service provider as the disclaimer at the bottom of the page states near the signature line. There is a spot near each provider for the client(s) initial.

My critera for inclusinn is quite simple. The service provider needs to be professional and has a good reputation. Someone or a company that I have done business with in the past.

I'm sorry you had a bad experience with the inspector, but such is life. There are "bad apples" in every profession - Agents/Brokers included.

Something to consider - taking the advice of a general contractor over a professional inspector is a poor decision. Obviously there are exceptions, but most GC's will cut corners at every chance they get. That's why we have inspectors.

FWIW, when you refer me to your clients, my insurance will indemnify you against any claims made, stemming from my inspection. Be sure the inspectors you refer carry Professional Liability Insurance (E&O). Most carriers include referral indemnity. . .

That could easily be construed as an endorsement! Not to get into a debate, but you are in fact endorsing them if you limit the list. Either give them all or none! Let their fingers do the walking.

At the very least, include a statement on your list that indicates that it is for information purposes only and that you do not endorse or guarantee their services in any way. Better yet, have everyone sign that they understand this.

It's always better to CYA than to expose yourself to potential litigation.

Gulf,
Now where was it that you graduated from Law School?

My attorney assured me there is no issue and since he did graduate from Law School and passed the bar I will have to trust his interpretation of what constitutes an endorsement as that is his field of expertise. His job is to reduce my potential liability.

Jeff,
You are a funny man. I would definately have to say the opinion of an experienced general contractor will definately have more weight that the average inspector. Especially in that case as the GC was the girls Father! You statement that every GC will cut corners at every opportunity is crap. Good general contractors will not compromise safety or structure.

In addition to Broker/Investor I am also a builder/general contractor/landscape contractor so I am very critical on inspector reports and inspectors.

Paul:

You really should get off your high and mighty horse! If you don't like my advice, then so be it, but don't resort to being a condescending p%^&*. It's a shame that you seem to get your jollies out of berating and believing that you are so superior to everyone else here.

I have no desire to continue a debate with you but felt as though you deserved to be called out for your pompous attitude!

Paul,

If GC's were as competent as you believe, there would be no need for inspectors. It sounds as if you are "bitter" toward inspectors rather than "critical" of them.

I've been in the trades for over 25 years, in various forms including GC. I know how the game is played.

Jeff

First hey. Second I agree with you.

Here is an example of what Jeff and I would find.
http://activerain.com/blogsview/198897/Footer-Inspection-New-Construction