The broker/home inspector relationship is often discussed. Some home inspectors say that a strong relationship with brokers and agents is the best way to grow their inspection business. Others say their reliance on agent-referrals is a key problem when it comes to keeping the home inspection profession honest, ethical, and professional.
The fact is, a large percentage of home inspectors rely on agent referrals to bring in work and keep them in business. While this is not necessarily a negative thing, many argue that there will inevitable be some conflict of interest inherent. An ambitious and unethical real estate agent selects/recommends a home inspector who isn’t thorough and won’t find problems. Thankfully, few of these unethical individuals remain in the industry for long.
The Buyer’s broker/agent must be that trusted agent, as they are often recommending mortgage brokers/lenders, appraisers, insurance, etc. A seasoned real estate agent has years of experience and expertise in the local market and an agent who is honest and has integrity will save a buyer a lot of time, money and frustration by referring a competent and thorough home inspector. The same trust is also extended to the home inspector. They have the construction and building expertise that the buyer likely does not have.
As the market expands into the new arena of “Concierge Service”, this relationship is only going to deepen. Most buyers seem less interested in doing their own improvements and maintenance. To support this, brokers and inspectors will be asked to provide more information and secondary referrals to other vendors (i.e. plumbers, electricians, heating and cooling, roofer, painters, and handymen).
The Client's Best Interest
We must always look beyond “this deal” and serve our clients to the best of our abilities. In other words, for the many honest and ethical real estate agents, brokers, and home inspectors—building strong relationships and referral arrangements is a way to help all involved. It provides the home inspector with business, the real estate agent/broker with a knowledgeable, reliable, and thorough home inspector to refer to home buyers and helps home buyers by providing them access to a dependable home inspector. We both want our clients to have the facts to make what is probably the biggest purchase of their lives. We both benefit from the buyer’s ultimate satisfaction and the referral to the next seller/buyer…
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