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

I think that is a hard question

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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

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...."

Very, very carefully!

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

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"! 

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

I hope he will not answer the question.

I willl interrupt and keep the buyer on track

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. :)

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

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

I would consider it...is the my answer

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

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.”

What David Barr said...

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

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

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

And 'The List' grows.