TOPIC: I have an ethical question.

Jay,

We are not talking about seller disclosure in this instance.  The initial question was, can the inspector tell a completely different real estate office, outside of the purchase and sales agreement, about all the things wrong with a particular house. 

I agree if the seller has information, it must be disclosed.  No different here than there.  But when a buyer has an inspection and backs out for any particular reason, the complete home inspection report and it's findings do not necessarily get to the seller.  Of course that is different in other states like CA where the full report becomes available to the seller. 

Not all sellers have knowledge of a home for sale.  Banks don't live in the home and have no idea.  Most homes sold by an estate have no idea.  Investors selling properties they don't live in have limited information.

2009 was a rare year.  When I started in the business in 2005, I did not inspect any vacant home.  In 2006 it was 2%.  2009 was just the opposite.  Only 6% of the homes I inspected were OCCUPIED.  The balance were vacant and it is highly likely the disclosure forms were marked as "no knowledge". 

But back to the original issue, you don't blab to someone about your findings.

You're right, my friend, I don't!  But the sellers get a copy of the report, although not from me.  From the "system..."

You're right, my friend, I don't!  But the sellers get a copy of the report, although not from me.  From the "system..."

Ditto Jay, true here in Cali they get copy the sellers it goes with the Property.

I know that California has that law, but I wonder how many other states have an actual law that require the seller in a transaction to get a copy of the home inspection report.

Not in WA.  How about everyone else?

It's required in VA if you submit an addendum to the contract for repairs.  And everyone gets the radon and termite reports also.

Stephan, I am not sure which others have that law if any..