I recently inspected a home built in the mid 50's located in Corona CA. This inspection was requested by a Real Estate Agent  who has never used me prior to this inspection and therefore he is not aware of the detailed approach we take to every inspection. The REA approaches me prior to the home inspection and away from the client who appears to be a single mom and has a small two year old infant in a stroller with her. The Real Estate Agent Frank Newsome says, "I'm going to use you full time now and I'm starting a new office and I'll tell all my agents about you" I smile because I know whats coming next. He then concludes his standard line  " We just don't want anything showing up on this inspection that will kill the deal". It wasn't the first and it wont be the last time I hear this same line, formed usually in a more subtle method.

I'm assuming that the agent was under the impression that I was going to close my eyes during the inspection and tell my true client, the prospective buyer, that every thing is ok?  Unfortunatlly that is what some inspectors do. These inspectors are usually the more successful one's. Successful meaning the one's who get repeat call backs from agents expecting a thumbs up on every deal. The truth is that this is the bad part  of this industry, inspectors who will bend thier code of ethics to make their agents happy.  Anyways.......

I begin the inspection and find; a partially built unpermitted room where the garage should be, insufficient combustion at the FAU closet, moisture stains at the underside of the roof, lack of sufficient egress, a un-permitted den addition, overhead power lines in contact with the roof, asbestos based peculate insulation, and a Zinsco/Sylvania electrical panel (which if you don't know are known for melting the back of breakers). 

I feel confident about the inspection that I conducted. I get a call from the REAL Estate agent implying that I killed the deal and why would I say that the insulation probably contains asbestos if I don't know. I reply that the insulation is know to contain asbestos but I cant be certain unless it is chemically tested in a lab. Next Question: Why would I say the roof may leak if I'm not sure. Answer: The roof appears to have leaked in the past due to visible stains but with out water testing I cant be certain, but it is likely. Next Question: Why would I comment about the likelihood of the electrical panel melting the back of the breakers. Answer: I cant understand why you would not want to have the client aware that the electrical panel is highly likely to melt and cause a fire hazard to the home.

I was upset....Needless to say.

 I did my next inspection after that and I was aware of everything I said to the tenth degree. I even may have down played some issues. After the inspection I felt like a coward.

YOU AS A INSPECTOR HAVE TO MAKE YOUR OWN MIND UP. Are you going to be a yes man or are you going to provide a valuable service to a client who's life could be depending on it. As far as getting sued. We are all going to get sued sooner or later.  The question is. Are you a real estate agent who cares about the deal?, or are you someone that is proud of the service that they offer.
THE MORAL TO THE STORY IS; PICK YOUR OWN INSPECTOR AND MAKE SURE HE BELONGS TO SEVERAL REPITAL INSPECTION AGENCIES AND IS IN GOOD STANDING. OH!! AND AVOID A REAL ESTATE AGENT IN CORONA BY THE NAME OF Frank Newsome.