TOPIC: Being a Deal Killer

Jay the toast comment was ment to be tonge in cheek ;D

I always describe the condition and what it means to the client in a way that is easy to understand for them.

My intent was to convey the idea that its "how" things are said, no so much "what" is said that counts.

Most homes I inspect are  1950 to date, almost all on full basements and construction practices have always been strictly monitored.

Our banks give money to the builders after phase inspections. Its been like this since my Dad built our family home in 1957

Cheers

Doug - I know!  I found it funny because of our local guy...

Jay

I know you caught it but others might not

Cheers

Drew,

It's going to happen to you at some point no matter what, accept that now and be prepared for it. Figure out good responses like 'If I don't point out all the facts then I could be legally held liable in court. If you hired someone who didn't point all the facts knowing they'd go easy, you could be liable too.'

There's also different forms of Deal Killers. For example, I've seen inspectors put almost every comment into the Red (serious) area of Home Inspector Pro. This puts it on the Summary page which is meant for deficient items and for most guys are the things that should looked at before escrow closes. There's really no reason for things like a missing light plate switch to be in the red section. Adding tons of things into this area creates a longer summary which makes it look like there are more serious issues than there really are. I think there's a happy medium in there you have to find. Also doing things like changing your Summary page to have the items in Green rather than Red can have an impact as a few agents have seen Red as being an alarmist. It really depends on how you write your report as well.

Stick to the fact. Point out all the problems you see. Try not to blow things out of proportion and you'll be fine. If you still have an occasional agent calling you a deal killer, then you've done your job well. You won't be getting any referrals from the agent, but you won't be getting sued either.

I know inspectors who do detailed reports and still do 2-3 inspections a day 6 days a week and most are real estate agent referred. It's just all in how you present yourself, and what you're doing. You are protecting the client AND the agent!

Exactly!

Watch out Jay!! Doug is a CMI....I don't usually post but because I love big Dom and what he's done for my corporation I try to put my two sense in from time to time. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN SLAPPING ME IN THE FACE LATELY!!!

I recently inspected a home built in the mid 50's located in Corona CA. This inspection was requested by a RE who has never used me prior. The RE approaches me prior to the inspection and away from the single mom with the two baby in the stroller and says "I'm going to use you full time now. I'm starting a new office and I'll tell all my agents about you" I smile because I know whats coming next. He then concludes his line of BS by saying " We just don't want anything showing up on this inspection that will kill the deal". It wasn't the first and it wont be the last time I hear this same line, formed in different usually said a little more suttle.

I begin the inspection and find; a partially built room where the garage should be. Insufficient combustion at the FAU closet, moisture stains at the underside of the roof, lack of sufficient egress, a un-permitted den addition, overhead power lines in contact with the roof, asbestos based perculite insulation, and a Zinsco/Sylvania electrical panel (which as you know are known for melting the back of breakers). 

I feel confident about the inspection. I get a call from the RE saying I killed the deal and why would I say that the insulation probably contains asbestos if I don't know. Why would I say the roof may leak if I'm not sure. Why would I comment about the likelihood of the electrical panel melting the back of the breakers. I was pissed....Needless to say.

I did my next inspection after that and down played everything. After I felt like a coward. YOU HAVE TO MAKE YOUR OWN MIND UP. Are you going to be a yes man or are you going to provide a valuable service to a client who's life could be depending on it. As far as getting sued. We are all going to get sued sooner or later. Just ask Kieth. The question is are you a real estate agent, a lawyer or someone with those types of ethics or are you someone that is proud of the service that they offer.
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Hey JJ - you should have slammed him with your, what's that, a 9 pack on your gut?!  I hear you man.  Stick to your guns.  You want to eat that stuff later?  You did not kill the deal, Brother My, the house did. 

You simply have to ask the question, "Would you want your daughter (mother, grandmother, sister, yadda) to buy this house, knowing what you know now?"

Give the puppy-dog eyes when you say it.

I am fixing dinner - will link later.

Link to me as follows please:

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia
www.jaymarinspect.com