Originally Posted By: jfarsetta
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Let’s understand what we are speaking about, here.
There is a difference between advertising and a kckback. Sometimes the lines get blurred, but there is a clear distinction. Advertising in a realtor's book is legitimate. There is nothing wrong with it. I dont like the offices that wont let you introduce yourself to their agents, or drop off cards, unless you advertise with them. So, I dont waste my time. I eventually wind up on their inspections, anyway.
Most realtors have three four inspectors that they recommend. This is a fact of life in this profession. I have worked damned hard to build a good reputation as a thorough and fair inspector. Yes, I said fair, because facts indicate that some HI's arent fair. Many in this area trash every other house whether warranted or not, just to get the follow-on inspection from the same client. That practice is just as unethical as some of the others spoken of here.
There is another inspector, who rarely posts on this board (but once did) who holds himself up as the most ethical inspector in the land. Yet he openly lies about his former position on our own Ethics Committee, and touts a certain association as the most ethical in the land (not ASHI, by the way), yet he conveniently neglects to inform anyone that it is tiny, has no impact, and is owned and operated by himself. Sounds unethical to me.
So, it's obvious that ethics is something that cannot be legislated by any association, and is something that is equally difficult to enforce as a matter of law.
But, to suggest that every paid relationship an inspector may have with a real estate agency is unthical, is bunk. It's only unethical if you allow it to be.
No one has seen fit to halt P2P's "contest" every year, which is set up to encourage, and remind, realtors to be sure and use a P2P inspector. They were the fastest growing HI franchise in the land.
As to Concierge, I jumped through hoops to be a part of it one year. There were no fees for HIs. I signed agreements, named them as co-insureds, went to CB offices, and did everything I was supposed to. I received zero referrals in 12 months.
So much for "kickbacks". The only kkickback I received was the kick in the
a$% I gave myself for wasting my time. Realtors referr who they trust to perform a fair and impartial inspection. My obligation is to my client, and I inform them of every defect. The trust portion on the part of the agents who like me is the fact that when I say its a defect, it really is one.
So what next? Is anyone going to suggest that if I buy a box of doughnuts or a tray of bagels each month for a realtor office who happens to referr me, that this is somehow unethical and should be illegal?
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Joe Farsetta
Illigitimi Non Carborundum
"Dont let the bastards grind you down..."
I think I have a new motto 
