For my hypothetical conflict I am coming from the point of finding issues with the electrical in the house. The wiring is outdated and more outlets are needed. I state all of these problems in my report. The client then asks if they can just pay me to fix them seeing as I used to be an electrician. I inform them I can not due to it being a breach in my ethics code.
I did my research article on how to sell to the real estate professional. One point I learned was when doing the home inspections you actually need to sell to the agent and not the client. The clients know very little about an inspection. You want to start by calling all your current realtor contacts. Give them a small presentation on how you do your inspections. Have a kit ready and make sure it is a face to face meet. After you give your presentation ask to meet at least one other realtor in the office. If they are busy leave them a copy of your inspection kit. With doing this you have a reason to contact them later. Last, leave a copy in the main office with extra business cards and brochures. Always remember that how you present yourself to your realtor is going to determine how many referrals you receive.
A code of ethics violation that may arise when doing home inspections could be if you agree as the inspector to give a percentage of a home inspection to a particular real estate agent. Prior to conducting the home inspection, you and this particular agent, agree that every client they send your way that you give the agent a 10% cut from the total cost. This would be a violation of the code of ethics.
The gallery that I chose to look at was the marketing images. My main reason in choosing this is because I am in the process of a major marketing campaign involving my home inspection business and I am looking for high quality pictures to include in my marketing materials. This is a great place to find high quality photos.
Ok here’s my test conflict, i’ve already had this arise a few times.
Upon completion of a scheduled inspection, and a review of identified deficiencies to the buyers agent, and client; the client then leaves and the buyers agent asks the inspector to perform needed repairs for an off the record payment. The inspector declines the offer and explains to the realtor that it is against the inspector’s code of ethics, recommendations are provided in the report for the appropriate contractors and specialists to perform repairs. Even if the inspector is fully capable of performing the repairs at a later date, or on the side, it is still against the standards of being an interNACHI member.
Bump Keys and the importance about knowing about them
A bump key is a filed down key blank (manufacture type required). This key is used to pick (gain access) to the door lock. In many cases it does not leave any visible evidence of a break in. Some insurance policies are written that proof of a break in has occurred. The home inspector needs to inform home owners about security issues and let them understand the difference between a typical exterior door lock, bump resistant locks and bump proof locks and to be sure to understand how their insurance policy is written.
I chose the garage inspection for my essay as i enjoyed the problem solving, and attention to detail leading to a cause for the known problem. After reading through the scenario, small issues like the color and shape of the truss fasteners turning out to be primarily used in decking applications interests me to research the appearances of proper fasteners for future inspections. A big issue that was obvious is the attachment to drywall for a load supporting structure, and a joist hanger overlapping the truss gusset plate was another very visible defect. Even without prior notification of a similar roof failure, these small clues should send up red flags and should let an inspector take the time to research the outcome and find the big issue these less noticeable defects can collectively create.
A code of ethics violation could be one where you are preforming a home inspection for a client and while doing your inspection the seller or home owner, know there are some major problem. They then ask you if you would leave them out of the report for money.
“Doing Damage During Inspection” Its Your Job.
During an inspection, and while using your SOP on homes components, things could break, but it is your job to find malfunctions or safety hazards and faulty equipment. If these items broke as they would in any day to day use it is not your fault.
Essay # 2 - Co2
Co2 or Carbon Dioxide is a potentially lethal gas that is odorless and tasteless which makes it very deadly in confined or poorly ventilated spaces. Due to these characteristics, it is very important to have a yearly inspection done by an Internachi inspector to verify all levels are within a safe range in ppm. It is also equally important to have a Co2 detector on each level of the home within hearing distance of rooms designated for sleeping.
During my review of article “Commercial Inspections”, Nick pointed out a few points of interest when addressing risk management. A commercial property inspector should stay clear of the following areas as much as possible when generating a report.
They are well-known to increase inspector liability.
- problem causation;
- problem solution;
- codes;
- life expectancies; and
- repair/replacement estimates
An example of violating a code of ethics principle would be to guarantee a monetary kickback to a realtor or realtors as an incentive for any business they could bring you. Not only is this a sleazy business practice but it is totally unfair to the client buying the home as well as to competing home inspectors who are probably better qualified to perform the inspection in question. Even though there are some home inspectors practicing unethical business and getting away with it, it is always better to be ethical for peace of mind in the long run.
How to Buy Commercial Property Without Using Your Own Money
Financing commercial property can be a very profitable endeavor. Financing a commercial property can be done without using your own money or very little. One way to do it is to find a partner that has the money and you do all the foot work or due diligence. The second way is to have the current owner sub-ordinate the amount you want to finance into a second mortgage. You may have to put down a small down payment. The third way would be to buy a small piece of a larger property and then borrow against that small piece to finance the rest of it. Above all else make sure all the numbers work for you and all details about the property are disclosed to you.
I have completed my home inspection and the results are not favourable , I am approached by the real estate agent.
The findings are provided to the real estate agent who outlines that the results need to be favourable to keep the deal alive.
He offers me a compensation for providing favourable results , I deny and leave and report the actual findings and his acts as well.
In reviewing the mold air sampling article it was interesting that thunderstorms adversely affect the readings obtained.
I had a question in relation to the surface collection as it did not outline the ideal location to obtain it. I assumed it is any surface just wanted an example to refer to.
This course is really interesting first section almost completed.
Regards,
Justin Coles
An example of violating a code of ethics principle would be to offer money to a realtor as an incentive for any business they could bring you. This would be unethical and a violation of the code of ethics. Without integrity in this line of business could not only hurt the industry but could also be a safety hazard to potential home buyers.
While doing new business development, inspectors are often asked by owners and real estate agents to provide a sample of their reports. A violation of the code of ethics exists if a report is provided to a potential customer or real estate agent without the explicit consent by owner of the property inspected.
I read the ceiling fan inspection article. It pointed out how many homeowners and some handymen dont understand the danger of not installing fans on the proper boxes. Ceiling fans are very good for helping with the heating and cooling of a home. Cost less than running the heater or air conditioner.
15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own. Of the tools recommended, I think Duck tape is vital to many home fixes. It would benefit all homeowners to include all 15 tools in their home tool chests as well as other tools.
An example of a conflict of interest and/or violation to the Code of Ethics would be a scenario where the Home Inspector is related personally and/or professionally to either the buyer or seller of the home/property being inspected. A Home Inspector should always be a reliable, trustworthy third party.
After reading Nick Gromicko’s article “How to Get Real Estate Agents to Hand Out Your Cards” I learned that marketing can and should be fun and creative. And if done right, will sell your product/service for you.