Should You Be Using Your Realtor’s Home Inspector?
Should you be using your Realtor’s home inspector? If you believe what people say on social media, the answer would be no. However, those people don’t know you or your real estate agent. If your real estate agent is a Realtor®, he or she is bound by the National Association of Realtors® Code of Ethics. I know there are a few bad apples in every profession, but I also know that there really are many Realtors who are ethical and always work in the best interest of their clients. If you’re questioning your Realtor’s motives, I think there’s a bigger dilemma than whether or not you should be using that Realtor’s home inspector.
Common Misconceptions
As I said before, I know there are bad apples in every profession. There are unethical real estate agents, as well as unethical home inspectors. However, the vast majority of individuals in both professions value their careers too much to risk everything by behaving unethically. That being said, your Realtor® should always provide the names of more than one home inspector. Even when you’re using your Realtor’s home inspector, you should have a few options. Just remember, your agent cannot require you to use a certain provider for any service!
It’s important to verify a home inspector’s qualifications, whether using your Realtor’s home inspector or finding your own. The state of South Carolina requires that home inspectors renew their licenses every other year, while some states don’t require licenses at all. Additionally, you should look for a home inspector who is a member of ASHI or InterNACHI (or both)! It’s also wise to check online reviews or ask for references.
