Realtor uncertain about inspector referrals

DEAR BARRY: As a professional Realtor, disclosure of property defects is an essential part of my business. I don't ever want to be liable for problems that surface after the close of escrow. To protect myself and my clients,

I always choose the most thorough home inspector available. Attorneys, however, warn agents not to recommend any particular inspector, but rather to give a list of inspectors to buyers and to let them choose. The problem with this approach is that my clients may choose an inspector with insufficient qualifications. If a defect is missed by the inspector, I could have liability problems later. How can I deal with this predicament? — Bruce

DEAR BRUCE: Liability, as you know, is a primary concern among real estate professionals. Even when an agent sets high priority on full disclosure, along comes another dilemma to complicate the picture. Your problem now is how to ensure that your clients choose a top-gun home inspector, while you exert no direct influence upon their decision? That can be a challenge.

A possible solution would be to offer your clients a complete profile of each of the best available inspectors. To initiate this process, you could request a resume and sample report from each home inspector. A packet of these materials could be given to each of your clients, enabling them to make an educated choice, based upon a comparison of professional qualifications. You could explain that they should read and review the information before calling the inspector of their choice.

Homebuyers have every reason to choose the most qualified and experienced home inspector. By equipping your buyers with factual information, materials that reflect the inspectors' actual qualifications, you can provide liability protection for yourself, without directly influencing the buyers' choice.