TOPIC: There I was...

There is a Realtor that has used my services a number of times; a good bit of business and I had inspected a house for a client (six bedrooms, NICE) a few months ago. The realtor began to tell me that the deal fell through because of financing but the listing agent was selling it again.....and the offer was in.  Then she asked, "That inspection you did..."
I said, "No"
I was right with what she was going to ask--can the new buyers use my report?  I told her I'd be happy to inspect again but the previous client paid for that report and the inspection was for that particular day not TOday.  Then she asked if the listing realtor sent me the new information could I generate another report that way?  Ahhhh, let me think..NO!

I think maybe I lost another realtor.  Dang! But that just wouldn't be fair, or ethical (I don't think) even though I need the work.

Greg

That's simple... its illegal to do that here.  States in the law that the report belongs to the person that paid for it and we are not allowed to give it to anyone but them unless they give me permission.

I just tell everyone sorry that against the law and they are good with that.

You did the right thing Greg.

What, would the realtor look like a hero to their clients by getting an inspection for free. (I'm sure they would cut their commission % too.) Ridiculous...the fact that they approached you to even consider should put their ethics and respect into question. Absolutely you did the right thing...in the end, only you and your reputation would be affected if you gave them the report...and it got out to others.

I put a disclaimer right in the report, it is the property of my client and only effective for the date of the inspection...no ifs, ands or buts....

I put a disclaimer as the first page after the cover page.

"This report is the property of Safe Haven Inspections, however, the client who ordered and paid for the inspection has exclusive rights to the report.  Information will not be shared with another party without specific permission of the client unless it is a serious and immediate safety concern.

The report is copyrighted by Safe Haven Inspections and is prepared solely and exclusively for our Client's own information.  Client agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the inspection report and agrees not to disclose any part of it to any other person.  Without our written permission, the "summary" (and ONLY that portion of this report) may be presented to the property owner or their agent for the purpose of sale negotiations in relation to the client who purchased the inspection.  If the client names, fails to purchase the property, no other person may use or retain a copy of this report for any reason.

Ownership of this report is retained by Safe haven Inspections. Agents are specifically advised that transfer or sale to any other potential buyer or another agent is prohibited -- to do so would be a violation of U.S. copyright laws and all legal means will be used to protect Safe Haven Inspections and their property.

I've never had anyone complain.  Had one agent comment that she had seen the sale of inspection reports happen in her office.  She thought it was a great idea.  7 inspections in 7 weeks after that from her....

I agree with Bob, and especially with Stephen.  I have a similar clause on my agreement, and an additional one which states that my report is good for that client only, on that day only.  All information should be deemed unreliable at any later date.  The report is not transferable nor for sale by any party.  Etc.   It is important to have that stuff in there.

Additionally, on my summary and in the report itself, the address of the house inspected does not appear.  That only appears on the cover, which is NOT part of the report.  That way the information cannot be deemed reliable to anybody else.  The agreement also says that this report is only good for the client(s) whose name appears on the cover sheet and in the body of the report.  Anybody else is unauthorized for its use.

For agents to sell reports from one client to another is supremely unethical! 

I think your agent, Greg, should go on your company doo-doo list.  If he/she is willing to do that, they are willing to do other things.  No touch-o!