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Home Inspectors and Their Role In Making Or Breaking A Conditioal Sale Of A Home

Just recently I had a conditional offer on my home , subject to financing and a home inspection. The deal was broken by the buyer based on the conclusions of the home inspector. To be factual the inspector was in my home for approx, 20 mins., he didn’t check anything of note whatsoever. When I was informed that the deal was being cancelled based solely on this home inspectors report… I, like anyone else would, asked what the problem was, I was told that there was a leak in the washroom. So I inquired where and what fixture exactly was leaking because if this was indeed the case I would have to fix it, If not for the buyer at least for myself…I knew full well there was no leak at all and was even willing at my own expense to call in a city inspector to back my statement up. This explanation of the leak was quickly retracted…I again asked the reasons why the deal was broken..It was told to me that their may have been only a couple of minor things, but more to the truth the buyer had just simply changed their minds.A conditioal sale is a legal binding document. The question and concerns that I have Are that if this is true do I have the right to see the documentation ,of the home inspector report. After all is was his generated report, which must to be a considered a legal and binding document that carries enough weight to cancel a legal offer on a property. So the question remains do I have the right to see this report to find out the apparent defeciencies on my property? Can I see the credentials and qualifications of the home inspector..if indeed any are required?Falsifying even a home inspection report would make it null and void wouldn’t it? Or is their no real legilation concerning a home inspection? Is it merely a buyers escape clause? For a report to carry so much weight one is led to believe that their may be some laws governing this situation…Any information regarding this would be helpful Thank you

Asked by: 458 days ago - 1 Answers - 1010 views

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    Hi Sharon, As a former home inspector I feel somewhat qualified to answer. The industry is making headway into actual certification requirements, but in some states there are none. “Drive by inspections” are all to common, and the report from any inspector has the ability to distort the buyers perceptions. My inspections took from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size, and other factors, Pools, decks, and other. As a former builder, I knew what to look for regarding actual structural issues, (most important). Even the credential sponsors have reports that contain too many cosmetic issues and not enough structural check points. Home inspection reports are considered (Consultations), and have no legal bearing on the buyers decision. They in no way can over ride any legal contract to purchase an “as is” structure , or any other legal real estate document. I can’t give you legal advise, but if I were the seller, I would pursue the issue using a real estate attorney…

    Answer by Wade Messina 449 days ago


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