Originally Posted By: dfrend This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Kevin, I am just as guilty sometimes (I try not to, but sometimes I have). But it can be a biggie legally. Anything you did before the contract was in effect could be thrown out by a court. Just keep that in mind. The it’s no biggie attitude can get you in legal trouble. I am guilty too though.
Originally Posted By: staylor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Whenever posssible, I get my pia signed days before the inspection. That gives client time to read, understand, ask questions, or back out prior to the inspection. Getting the agreement signed in advance can also help in court if ever needed. The client cannot claim the contract was signed under duress or any other theory regarding the signing of the contract.
Originally Posted By: psisler This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
What a touchy subject. I do not do anything until I have a signed contract. I love to do home inspections. I hate litigation. If there is a problem with the contract, I ask that those involved Give me a call when all is figured out. I feel its better to be safe than sorry. Just my opinion.
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
There are times my agreement has been signed after the inspection. The client wasn’t able to be there and that was unknown prior to the inspection. We get many buyers from Germany and the UK around here. They come to town for two or three days, buy a house or two, and fly back.
My attempt is to have it signed prior, but there are different circumstances that can come up.
Originally Posted By: dbush This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Blaine, I am with you. We are in a different “environment” here. Around here, the phone call is as good as a handshake and the agreement, has at times, come later that day.
Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I also deal with a lot of out of town clients who I never meet face to face. It is always a problem to get them a copy of the agreement prior to the inspection with enough time to read and sign it. I just had a new section added to my website where I give the client a username and password and they can login read the documents online and electronically sign them. They can also pay by credit card. Hopefully this will be a big help in getting the agreement signed and the inspection paid for in advance.
Originally Posted By: Guest This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I always email, mail or if completely necessary, deliver my agreement 24 hours in advance. If emailed I request that the agreement be read and a return email sent to me w/ the agreement attached and a note from the client saying they read it. If delivered or mailed, I include an attached sheet to be signed separately stating that the agreement was in their possession, read and understood 24 hours prior to the inspection.
