Sending your clients to the ASHI site (or any other association site for that matter) is a disservice IMHO. You may as well send them to Craigslist or the Yellow Pages.

As experienced agents, you should have a list, and only be referring the most experienced, thorough and accurate inspector(s) in your area, regardless of their affiliation.

Of course the "fear" is that the agent will be drawn into a lawsuit for negligent referral in the event that the inspector is sued by the client for an error and/or omission. But the fact is, qualified inspectors carry insurance that (in most cases) provides agent indemnification. In other words, we take responsibility for our own mistakes.

I find it strange that some agents will gladly refer specific lenders, escrow companies, contractors, appraisers, etc., etc., but when it comes to perhaps the most crucial aspect of the transaction, they will leave their inexperienced client(s) to choose their own home inspector.

Agents who refer me know they don't need to "hold hands" with the client through the inspection - that's my job. No matter how "bad" the house may be, the client won't be afraid, they will be informed.