Research & Writing Assignment:
“No Visible Evidence may be Evidence Against You” excellent advice for minimizing exposure to lawsuits. Without invasive methods,not all defects can be observed through a cursory visual inspection, as well as intermittent problems or problems dependent on other factors such as temperature or precipitation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
If I am a licensed professional home inspector and a real estate agent and a prospective seller or buyer would like for me to become both their sales agent and do their home inspection for the same real estate transaction. I would have to inform the seller or buyer that I cannot do both of these positions at the same time because it would violate the professional code of ethics. I can tell the prospective seller or buyer that to maintain a professional code of ethics, I can only perform one position as either a professional home inspector or a sales agent but not both at the same time for the same sale transaction of real estate.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mastering Roof Inspections:Wind Damage- Wind is caused from high pressure air moving to low pressure areas between two points on earth and the greater the difference is will determine how fast the air will move. So if a storm had passed thru recently when performing an inspection the first thing to do is to get an overall view of the elevation of the property. At first glance there could be visible signs of wind damage such as siding pulled away or shingles blown off and laying in the yard. Looking at blown off shingles in the yard can save a lot of footwork on a roof because the evidence of damage on the shingle can describe why it failed. Look for how it was fastened and what it was fastened whether it was nails or staples, and as to how many fasteners it had to hold it down, as well as to ensuring there is sufficient sealing points to adhere properly. Visible signs can be seen if there is failure of any components.
Hello everyone,
My name is Donald but prefer to be called DJ. I wanted to introduce myself.
I am a recently Licensed Texas Professional Home Inspector and an ICC Certified Coastal and Floodplain Construction Inspector with over 25 years experience of building and remodeling homes and several years of Windstorm Inspections for the State of Texas. I am trying to obtain my CMI here on InterNACHI and I have completed my essay’s today and will be doing my final exams. Hope to be successful with this career and from what I’ve seen on this site with all the info available I believe I can.
Research & Writing Assignment:
While performing a home inspection the client asks the inspector to add wording to the inspection report the states the house color is bad and needs to be changed. I would advise the client that doing that is unethical and I can not do something like that.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When an inspector uses the word expert in describing themselves or their work, it opens you up to certain legal expectations. It is better to use the term experienced or knowledgeable when describing yourself or the work that you perform.
Research & Writing Assignment:
PreListing inspection. Consider the pros and cons. A prelisting inspection helps you avoid the typical interactions that follow the buyers inspection. You are unlikely to learn anything new about your home from the inspection, and neither is the buyer because you have already had an inspection done.
Both you and the buyer have been aware of any issues and all repairs from the beginning of your interaction. Negotiations still may occur, but they will probably be minimal.
Research & Writing Assignment:
PreListing inspection. Consider the pros and cons. A prelisting inspection helps you avoid the typical interactions that follow the buyers inspection. You are unlikely to learn anything new about your home from the inspection, and neither is the buyer because you have already had an inspection done.
Both you and the buyer have been aware of any issues and all repairs from the beginning of your interaction. Negotiations still may occur, but they will probably be minimal.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A buyer’s Agent came up on the roof and said to me “you need to write this roof as being acceptable”. The roof was very weak and bounced when walked on, as well as warped. I explained to the buyer’s agent (he came up the ladder behind me without my knowledge) that that would be a violation of InterNACHI’s standards and was a safety issue that could be extremely dangerous to the client. I also explained that him being on the roof was against company policy as well. His reply was “F**K your rules, this is what I need you to write.” I simply explained that I was getting off of the roof now, and told hm unless he wanted to jump off the roof, he needed to get off of it now. I then explained to my client that I was in a situation that deemed unsafe, would not be able to complete the inspection at this time. I would explain later on in a private meeting or via a telephone conversation if necessary.
Research & Writing Assignment:
How Agents Can Limit Their Liability with Regard to Home Inspections
There are several things that an Agent can limit their Liability.
One is to register for free at InterNachi’s "Free, negligent referral protection plan for Real Estate Agents. Another is for agents to insist that their clients hire a professional home inspector; not only to inspect the home, but for the presence of wood destroying insects, mold or Radon.
Agents can also get the home inspected “before” the sale so that they can confirm there are no major systems in need of immediate repair. In addition, agents can also take the time to manage their clients expectations of reasonable discoveries, as well as carry their own Professional Liability Insurance.
Buyer’s Agents can also review the Inspectors Pre-Inspection Agreement to verify a “Notice Clause” requiring the buyer to notify the inspector within 14 days of the discovery of a defect that they believe the inspector is responsible for. Agents can also avoid certain “conflict’s of interest”, recommend high-valued inspectors rather than the cheapest, and recommend inspectors that adhere to a strict code of ethics and SOP.
Research & Writing Assignment:
As an InterNACHI member, we must always act in the interests of the client unless doing so violates a law, statute or the Code of Ethics. Also, we should be fair, honest, and act in good faith in dealing with the public. We cannot “go easy” for the seller because we work for the client.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Some clients may live out of state and it is not possible to obtain a signature for an agreement. The client can authorize the agent to sign the agreement on behalf of the client, but the inspector should always ask if the agent is authorized to do so.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I have ran into real estate agents that demand the inspection report be provided to them for review before the client sees it. I view this as an ethic violation or conflict of interest, and refuse to do this with my inspections.
Research & Writing Assignment:
How a home inspector can stop defamation - Make a record of economical loss that can directly be associated with the defamatory comment or review. Also, put a clause in the inspection contract that Staes the client shall pay all legal fees associated with a lawsuit.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I’m sorry but I cannot in good conscious turn a blind eye to problems with the roof. If that is a problem for you we can no longer do business. I have a reputation to mantain. Have a nice day.
Research & Writing Assignment:
To avoid getting sued I will not claim to be an expert in everything having to do with a home. In addition there are things I cannot see behind interior or exterior walls. I will only inspect and make observations if it is within the scope of the inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
An ethical situation (life lesson) that was tought to me, came from my father. The lesson is: Telling the truth is a lot easier to remember then having to remember the lies you told.
So if anyone (buyers, sellers, judges, real-estate agents etc) asks you questions and you always tell the truth, youll have nothing to worry about. Everyone will see your honest and fair. You will be respected for that.
Research & Writing Assignment:
If a home inspector is ever asked to edit their inspection process, or alter their judgement during an inspection for the benefit of a seller or real estate agent, the inspector should refer back to the InterNACHI Code of Ethics. There, the inspector will see that they are to be honest and truthful with all information related to the inspection in order to handle the situation in an ethically acceptable fashion. To purposefully modify the results of an inspection for the benefit of a related party would be unethical and against the InterNACHI Code of Ethics.
Research & Writing Assignment:
There are many steps that an inspector can take to avoid lawsuits, as well as best prepare themselves for the unfortunate case of a lawsuit. To avoid a lawsuit, an inspector should refrain from referring to themselves as an “expert.” An inspector should also utilize a contractual agreement for services between them and the consumer, and a contract between them and any hired help they may use. An inspector is also free to exercise their right to turn away a client. To best prepare for the case of a lawsuit, an inspector can utilize the informational courses on InterNACHI’s website, and work towards becoming a Master Inspector.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The sellers agent approaches me at the time of inspection and asks me to overlook the presence of some knob and tube in the attic space. InterNACHI code of ethics prohibits an inspector to be untruthful or misleading when conducting the inspection and preparing the report. My loyalty is to the person who hired me to conduct the inspection.