It is important when buying a home to have a Realtor working for you. When you find a home for sale and you do not yet have your own Realtor, you have the option of using the listing agent (the agent representing the seller), but having a separate Realtor who is working only for you is an important consideration. It is important to have a team of professionals to guide you through the process. This includes a Realtor and members of the IM Home Inspections team. While both professionals can offer valuable insights, it’s important to understand their roles and limitations.
Realtor Vs Home Inspector Duties
Per California Business and Professional Code, 7195(a)(1) “Home inspection” is a noninvasive, physical examination, performed for a fee of the mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems or the structural and essential components of a residential dwelling designed to identify material defects in those systems, structures, and components. Home Inspectors are certified by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. We will provide you with a detailed report outlining the findings. However, as much as we love to help, we are not able to offer guidance on issues that are legally the responsibility of a real estate agent.
Real estate agents are licensed professionals, regulated by the California Department of Real Estate. They provide information and advice on a variety of topics related to the home-buying process, such as pricing, negotiations, and legal issues. They are also able to answer questions related to the buying process, such as how to make an offer or how to navigate the closing process. Realtors further belong to the National Association of REALTORS® or one of their local sub-organizations.
If a person does not have their own Realtor, it is important for them to understand that our home inspectors are not legally qualified to answer questions that should be directed at a professional Realtor. While our home inspectors will provide valuable information about the property, we cannot offer guidance on issues outside of our scope. A home inspector can not fill in the role of a Real Estate Agent or else said inspector can be liable for practicing Real Estate without a license.
When a Home Inspector Must Defer to a Realtor
While our home inspections do provide valuable information about the condition of a property, there are certain questions that are outside of the scope of a home inspection that should be deferred to your Realtor. Some examples of these types of questions include:
- Questions about the overall value of the property: While our happy home inspectors will provide information about the condition of the property, they are not legally qualified to provide pricing or valuation information. This includes how much of a discount should a buyer ask based on the findings, or how to approach negotiations. We have outlined the process here. After a home inspection, a buyer should consult with their own Realtor on what is the next best move.
- Questions about if this is the right property to buy. Every person has different motivations and expectations about a home purchase. In working with a qualified real estate agent, the agent can get to know you and understand what it is you are looking for. They can guide you on the pros and cons of making a decision. Our home inspector is only with you for a few hours. While our home inspectors are highly trained to identify issues and potential problems, the decision on if this is a good house or not is in the eye of the buyer. We have seen people go ahead and purchase homes with significant problems, and we have seen people walk away from perfectly good homes for personal reasons.
- Questions about the local real estate market: Home inspectors are not experts on the local real estate market or current trends. While we make every attempt to stay up to date, we do not hold a Real Estate license, and legally can not advise a buyer on anything outside of the scope of the home inspection itself. If a buyer has questions about the local market, they should consult with their real estate agent.
- Questions about the terms of the purchase agreement: Home inspectors are not involved in negotiating the terms of the purchase agreement. If a buyer has questions about the terms of the agreement, they should direct them to their real estate agent or attorney.
- Questions about the buying process: Home inspectors are not involved in the buying process beyond the inspection itself. If a buyer has questions about the buying process or timeline, they should consult with their real estate agent.
- Questions about the seller’s disclosures, and other reports. The disclosures provided by the seller are for the buyer to read and be informed by. In addition to the home inspection, a buyer might order any number of other reports. It would not be prudent for our home inspectors to comment on any reports not generated by IM Home Inspections. This is why it is important to have a qualified and licensed Realtor guide you through the process.
Our home inspectors will provide valuable information about the condition of the property, but it’s important for buyers to understand their limitations and to seek out other sources of information and guidance as needed.
A Buyer Must Take Final Responsibility for their Decisions
When purchasing a home, the decision of whether or not to proceed with the purchase ultimately lies with the buyer. The inspector cannot make the decision to purchase the home on behalf of the buyer. It is the buyer’s responsibility to consider the information provided by our reports, as well as their own eyes, any other reports, disclosures, and documentation the buyer has.
The buyer should also consider their own personal preferences and priorities before making a final decision.