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Realtor Referrals?
This is a subject that I believe is critical and needs your attention!
AppleWood does NOT solicit work from Realtors or Agencies!
If a Real Estate Agent tells you that an inspection usually takes 2.5 hours and is quoting rates inspectors charge for inspections, odds are those inspectors may be working with and therefore recommended by the Agent! Agents often ask inspectors to lower their rates if they want to receive calls for work. That's assuming their rates are not low already! This is clearly a conflict of interest! How then, could the inspector ever feel free to represent only YOU? They can't! Why then would you ever hire an inspector who solicits work from Agents or Agents that recommend inspectors that do 2.5 hour inspections and charge, so called, reasonable rates!
I can tell you I've also been asked by Realtors to lower my rates. I refuse to be involved in such matters! Ask your Agent to reduce their commission and see what kind of response you get!
See What 'Good Morning America' Had To Say!
As many good and ethical Real Estate Agents that there are out there a few ruin it for the good ones. My experience has shown that when Real Estate Agents try rushing the inspector, start disputing the inspector's findings while on site, secretly wisper while questioning the inspector's work on the site or off, I have to question their ethics! If a problem exists, what's there to dispute? A good Agent will achnowledge such, not dispute it!
Fed Up! Comments by controling Real Estate Agents occur far too often! Just to make a point, I recently (February 2007) had a Massachusetts Buyer broker have the nerve to tell me how long it should take me to inspect a 2600+ square foot home because she felt I was taking too long! This took place after the New Hampshire listing agent commented to the Buyer's Agent! The attending New Hampshire listing agent also made a number of subtle comments to me in the very early stages of the inspection process. The NH listing agent left the site shortly afterwards! These comments went into the report! Why? Because, in my opinion, this represents interference! Why would inspectors who receive their work from real estate agents/agencies put such comments in their report? They wouldn't! Rushing presents the possibility that the inspector will miss something but Realtor Referred inspectors do it all the time to keep Realtors happy and so they will continue to get work! I don't! I take more time to do a thorough, detailed inspection! I answer my client's questions while at the site. That takes time and should be expected! This also results in a more detailed report unique to AppleWood Home Inspection! Not like your standard inspection report that leaves a lot out which can result in missed items.
It is important to understand that I work for my client, the Buyer not the real estate agent, who by the way knows this! I believe agents do this because they are in the habit of making comments to inspectors that they refer or that they provide work! I believe that they think that gives them the right to comment. This type of performance should never take place! You would think that Realtors would be more professional and act as your fiduciary! Are they?
Above are a few of the reasons why I do NOT solicit work from Realtors or Agencies in Massachusetts or New Hampshire! Note that it is generally illegal for Mass Realtors to recommend home inspectors other than providing a complete list of all Mass home inspectors for you to choose from.
In my opinion, you will have a better chance of having peace of mind if you hire AppleWood Home Inspection, llc or other comparable independent home inspection company who does not solicit work from Realtors or Agencies!
 For your convenience, these cards are accepted when you call! Call Mass: 978-479-3533 NH: 603-234-0371 to schedule your inspection! Mention this Website!
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