There is an inherent conflict of interest when a real estate agent refers a home inspector–and the Buyer’s and Seller’s the agents only gets paid when the home sells anywhere from 3% – 6% of the homes value. For a $250,000 house we’re talking about anywhere from $7,500-$15,000, and let that just sink in a minute.
Agents know that if your inspector finds significant defects, you may decide to re-negotiate your offer or request repairs (when possible) but the Seller may be unable or unwilling to accept your “amended” offer. In cases of severe, major defects without the possibility of immediate repair, some Buyers will walk away from a sale–and this is your right–but many agents regard the home inspector as the “bad guy” or the “deal killer” because he did exactly what you paid him to do–to find defects.
Some agents regard your right to walk away as something to be avoided at all costs, short of getting them sued! Meaning that they will recommend one to three inspectors whom they know will “go easy” on the inspection (or omit defects entirely) because that agent only refers to them–so they won’t “bite the hand that feeds them” so to speak.
So, regardless of how well you think you know your agent, when it comes down to them getting paid, you have to ask yourself one questions: will they refer you to someone who will protect you and give you an unbiased report on the condition of the property, or will they refer you to an inspector who will protect their commission check? That’s why you need, an independent, unbiased and professional home inspection company as explained on NeConnected blog.