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Rainmaker
7,836,498
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

That is not a good question to ask a home inspector. The answer should simply be "I am not in the market."

Dec 02, 2015 08:20 PM
Rainmaker
2,363,566
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I think that is a hard question

Dec 02, 2015 09:26 PM
Rainer
42,670
Fred Hafdelin
Weichert Realtors - Mountain Lakes, NJ

I don't ask this question. All I want from my home inspector is a complete inspection report. Its up to the Buyers to review the report and make the buy/not buy decision.

Dec 02, 2015 08:03 PM
Rainer
150,416
Michael Thacker - Re/Max Real Estate Center - Louisville
Re/Max Real Estate Center - The Thacker Group - Louisville, KY
Your best friend who just happens to be a Realtor

I would never ask it because EVERY property has a price that someone would buy it!

Dec 02, 2015 07:20 PM
Rainer
213,263
Dennis Swartz
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!

I never though of asking a home inspector that. How do you answer? I don't even answer that as their agent-not my choice.

Dec 02, 2015 06:38 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

It shouldn't be asked and the inspector certainly should not answer it. I think Roy Kelley gives the perfect "no answer" response.

Dec 03, 2015 12:07 PM
Rainmaker
1,662,036
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

To be honest I've never heard anyone ask a home inspector that question. 

Dec 02, 2015 09:55 PM
Rainmaker
1,544,068
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I never ask that question. It only matters if my buyer would. 

I only want his professional opinion. He's been my inspector for 10 years+ and a friend for the last 9, I trust him, but I don't want his personal opinion. 

I wouldn't buy a lot of the homes my clients purchase...so what? It's their money, their decision. I only speak up if I see a true health, safety or financial concern.

Dec 02, 2015 09:39 PM
Rainmaker
4,883,260
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I never ask that question.  You should just say "read my report".

Dec 02, 2015 09:33 PM
Rainmaker
5,217,415
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

I have been asked the question before. The answer has been, every property serves the needs and desires of a particular individual, couple or family. The choice is a personal one and my job is to present those properties that most closely fit your needs and desires. The choice is then yours to make!

Dec 02, 2015 08:19 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I'm sure they are asked all the time... I can't remember one of my clients asking this question... but then majority of them don't ever meet the inspector or go to the inspection. They have asked me this question after seeing an inspection report and there have been a handful of times I said "no" and let's cancel the contract.

Dec 02, 2015 07:50 PM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

"Not unless the seller repaired......"

Dec 02, 2015 06:55 PM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Michael. This isn't a question I would answer and would be as diplomatic as I could.

Dec 03, 2015 06:17 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Michael Thornton - my inspector would respond very politely - 'I am not here to buy or sell home. I am here just to inspect the home...."

 

Dec 03, 2015 01:09 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Very, very carefully!

Dec 03, 2015 11:22 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I hope they would not answer it and say they are just the inspector and already have a house.

Dec 03, 2015 11:17 AM
Rainer
9,238
Domicile Consulting
Domicile Consulting LLC - Chicago, IL
Protecting Property Purchasers

Interesting replies. As a veteran inspector I have been asked that exact question scores of times. Now that I'm a bit older I am more often asked, "would you let your son/daughter buy this house?"  It won't be long before they start asking if I'd let my grandchild buy it! 

My stock answer is, 'any house can be a good buy at the right price unless it's sitting on top of a Superfund site'.  I'll usually go on to explain that I'm really not taking the purchase process into consideration during my inspection. What I'm doing is providing a road map for the home buyer. The map will describe how to get from point A, the current condition of the home, to point B, the home in near-perfect condition. 

They are free to use that information to renegotiate the contract, to get repairs performed by the seller, to hand over to a contractor as a to-do list, or to just hang onto for future reference. 

Sometimes I wish I named my company "Joe Friday Inspections" b/c we are intent on providing "Just the Facts Ma'am"! 

Dec 03, 2015 09:14 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I haven't heard this one yet, Michael.  Though, if I were the inspector, I would politely decline to answer and advise that I'm not in the market for a home.

Dec 03, 2015 04:32 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I've never asked a home inspector that question, but I imagine he or she would be very evasive.

Dec 03, 2015 02:58 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

why would anyone ask a home inspector that question....

Dec 03, 2015 02:51 AM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I would give them an joking answer of "no, I understand it is already under contract by someone else".

 

Dec 03, 2015 02:50 AM
Rainmaker
900,278
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

I don't ask that question of my home inspectors.

Dec 03, 2015 02:42 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Michael,

I would say, " We all have our buying criteria that we abide by."  At this point, I am not looking to buy a home, I love mine and I am not moving.  You do what is best for you, I am not your accountant or financial adviser. A

Dec 03, 2015 02:26 AM
Rainmaker
516,537
Brenda J. Andrew
ULTIMA REAL ESTATE - Willis, TX
Professional Realtor in Conroe/Willis, TX

I've only heard it asked once, but the inspector answered it well.  Possibly an answer like Roy Kelley gave.  I don't think you can go wrong with that.

Dec 03, 2015 02:23 AM
Rainmaker
1,209,215
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

That's a 100% unfair question for a client or for a Realtor to ask a home inspector.  

Dec 03, 2015 02:04 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,620
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I also cringe at this question. Most offer a polite reply.  

Dec 03, 2015 12:52 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

That is not his job..... 

An agnet sold a barn as 1 car garage for 1.89M on a 4,500 sf lot.

No home.

 

Dec 03, 2015 12:37 AM
Ambassador
2,161,148
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

I never thought of asking this question and don't think it's relevant.

Dec 03, 2015 12:32 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I hope he will not answer the question.

Dec 03, 2015 12:27 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I willl interrupt and keep the buyer on track

Dec 03, 2015 12:18 AM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

its not my job to advise the logic of a dwelling purchase. i myself own a home , and i enjoy home ownership. if your question is this home in adequate condition to warrant or justify ME living there, yes. (or no) i have made notes as to different items that might be considered an issue today or next year. nothing lasts forever.  (especially love lol) . your decision as to what items are severe ( a torn screen on a window) or (a cracked foundation) are up to you and your agent. let me say this, if i look at a brand new home, likely somethingthat  i can find "some" fault or disagreement with as to the construction method or materials used. :)

Dec 03, 2015 12:17 AM
Ambassador
2,178,703
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

The inspector should never answer a question such as that, except to say all their findings are in the report.  

Dec 03, 2015 12:09 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,689
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

My inspector says, that is not his call, it is up to the buyers. 

Dec 03, 2015 12:06 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,303
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I would consider it...is the my answer

Dec 02, 2015 11:06 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

It's not for me to say. And you can be sued for your answer or at least a complaint filed.

Dec 02, 2015 11:03 PM
Rainmaker
617,935
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

Michael,
As always, several good answers here. You might add, “I’ve only considered the things in my report, I haven’t considered all the other variables that go into choosing a house.”

Dec 02, 2015 10:43 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

What David Barr said...

Dec 02, 2015 10:41 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Michael Thornton Answer: I'm only here to give you my professional opinion so you can make an informed decision to purchase the home.

Dec 02, 2015 10:28 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I do hear it every now and then and most often i hear that any home you purchase will need something, if not today in the future. Proper maintenace will head off most problems

Dec 02, 2015 09:46 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

"This is a money-pit! I would not buy it."

And 'The List' grows.

Dec 02, 2015 08:44 PM