Choosing a Home Inspector

All home inspection companies are not created equal. After almost 20 years in real estate I’ve seen it all.  I’d like to point out a few things that I think may help for you to distinguish if a home inspection company is reputable.  The first thing you should ask when talking to inspectors is are they a licensed and certified ASHI inspector?  Check out their online and social media prescience to look at how professional the company is.  Do they have a professional website?  Do they arrive in uniform with marked vehicles making them easily identifiable? Do they deliver an electronic report with photos?  I’ve seen it all, some inspectors hauling in a printer to print the report on site.  Some that email it to you immediately and others that tell you to expect the report in 24-48 hours.  I’d prefer my clients to receive the report by email immediately following the inspection.  I strongly suggest you verify that they have both errors and omissions and general liability insurance, which covers the agent and the inspector.  Consider how convenient it is to work with them.  Do they make the experience easier with online scheduling?  Do they text or email reminders about the inspection?  Do they schedule any additional inspections that would be requested by the client, like pest and radon inspections?  Septic and or well?  Each of these criteria will help enhance the client’s overall home-buying experience.