Tip No. 1: Don't trust an inspector simply because he or she has a state license or certification. All states that issue licenses require training, "but the training may be so minimal that it is ineffective," Turner says.
Tip No. 2: Look for an inspector who is associated with a professional inspection organization. This can help weed out the truly fly-by-night inspectors, but it won't catch all the bad actors.
Tip No. 3: Don't just take your agent's recommendation at face value. Real-estate agents often recommend inspectors to home buyers. But that arrangement doesn't necessarily serve the home buyer well, since both agent and inspector have a financial incentive for things to go well: for the agent, a commission, and for the inspector, the possibility of repeat business from the agent.
Tip No. 4: Grill him. Once you've got an inspector in your sights, start sniffing around his résumé and asking questions. "We have a phrase: 'Inspect the inspector,
Here's what to do:
The inspector should make time to talk to you and answer your questions.
Ask if the inspector puts his findings into a narrative-style report; that's what you want – not just a long checklist.
With a little inspecting of your own, you'll likely end up with a home that contains no unhappy surprises. And that's a happy ending for everyone.
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If you would like the chance to work with me or one of my fellow real estate investor coaches and our advanced training programs, give us a call anytime to see if Dean's Real Estate Success Academy and our customized curriculum is a fit for you. Call us at 1-877-219-1474 ext. 125
Tip No. 1: Don't trust an inspector simply because he or she has a state license or certification. All states that issue licenses require training, "but the training may be so minimal that it is ineffective," Turner says.
Tip No. 2: Look for an inspector who is associated with a professional inspection organization. This can help weed out the truly fly-by-night inspectors, but it won't catch all the bad actors.
Tip No. 3: Don't just take your agent's recommendation at face value. Real-estate agents often recommend inspectors to home buyers. But that arrangement doesn't necessarily serve the home buyer well, since both agent and inspector have a financial incentive for things to go well: for the agent, a commission, and for the inspector, the possibility of repeat business from the agent.
Tip No. 4: Grill him. Once you've got an inspector in your sights, start sniffing around his résumé and asking questions. "We have a phrase: 'Inspect the inspector,
Here's what to do:
The inspector should make time to talk to you and answer your questions.
Ask if the inspector puts his findings into a narrative-style report; that's what you want – not just a long checklist.
With a little inspecting of your own, you'll likely end up with a home that contains no unhappy surprises. And that's a happy ending for everyone.
If you would like the chance to work with me or one of my fellow real estate investor coaches and our advanced training programs, give us a call anytime to see if Dean's Real Estate Success Academy and our customized curriculum is a fit for you. Call us at 1-877-219-1474 ext. 125