Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You tell the buyer about it.
Even if it is just a loose toilet, you decide to speak up. This is the
real-life decision made by home inspector Jeff May. Professional home inspectors
have to follow a code of ethics -- and these ethics mean that an inspector
has to reveal what they find during the inspection.
The only reason one might consider not telling the client about the toilet
would be a concern for what the broker might think about the criticism. But
this cannot be the final consideration.
"I have never thought twice since that time about disclosing to the buyer
anything that might affect the buyer's purchase of the home," says May. This
is not always easy.
"If a home inspector emphasizes the deficiencies of a property, the buyer
may back out of the deal," he says. "This upsets the broker and everyone involved.
When the time comes for the next referral, the broker is likely to recommend
another home inspector -- one who is friendlier."
May has decided always to tell the truth about the house, and he is still
a busy and highly recommended home inspector. That's because homebuyers are
happy with his inspections and his recommendations for improvements. In turn,
this reflects well on the real estate broker that recommended the inspector.