Helena Area Home Inspectors... Ethical?

You have invoked the most sensitive and controversial subject pertaining to the home inspection business. A central concern among professional home inspectors everywhere involves our relationship with real estate professionals. Home inspectors are consultants hired by home buyers. In essence, we are paid consumer advocates and should always perform our work for the benefit of our clients' financial interests. But the majority of our business comes from real estate agent referrals, and this poses a serious conflict of interest. Agents don't get paid for their time and effort if the deal does not close, and the findings of the home inspector can sometimes determine whether that closing actually takes place.

Real estate agents, likewise, should properly consider themselves to be professional consumer advocates. That is why they are called "agents" rather than "salespeople." Unfortunately, many agents operate in a manner consistent with proverbial "used-car salesmen." They want the deal closed, regardless of the consequences to their clients, and therefore steer their clients away from thorough home inspectors as much as possible. Fortunately, not all real estate agents operate in this unethical manner. Let me say that again: Not all real estate agents operate in this unethical manner! I hope the good agents and anyone else reading this column get that point.