This question is on pre-listing inspections where the realtor usually books the inspection and is the majority of my business.
I’ve worked with a couple realtors on a Team and now a new team member requested an inspection. I’ve had no issues getting phone numbers for MY client so far but this new team member refuses to share the client’s phone number. I know why I insist on getting MY client’s phone number but I don’t want to lose out on inspections because of this.
Is this a hill you’d die on? How do you typically handle this and do you refuse to perform inspections without a clients phone number. Am I being too persnickety?
My software, Spectora, provides a client portal for the client and this is where they sign the agreement and deliver payment as well as view the report when finished. I email and also text them a link to this portal initially.
I rarely talk to my pre-listing clients prior to the inspection. In my area, the realtors want the homeowner to get a pre-listing inspection for the Seller Disclosure and usually convince them to do so. The client almost always know why they’re hiring me for the inspection.
I always talk to my buyer clients that find me on their own.
In MD property tax records (ownership) are available online. This source shows the current owner, their actual address (if different) and the year build. Place to start.
For me, no. Although having a phone number is nice, it is not a must have. In the case where the agent basically arranges everything and handles some of the communication back and forth, I really only need an email to facilitate signing the agreement, making payment, and delivering the report.
I have had several older clients where I did have their phone and email, but it was basically worthless as they did not respond to either one. In those case, I have had to bring hard copies of the agreement to the inspection and also deliver a hard copy of the report. Thankfully, they are few and far between.
IMO, it’s a way for the Agent to skirt the Disclosure Law… you know that clause at the bottom od the Disclosure Statement Form where it states…“I have NO knowledge of any issues with the home”. Signature_______________!!
If the Seller doesn’t actually see the Report, they can “Honestly” make the claim they didn’t have knowledge!
Expect more of this scummy agent practices going forward with all the NAR Lawsuit BS and repercussions to the Buyers Agents. Hopefully Spectora has safeguards in their system to only allow the Client to view the Report… (at least the FIRST time it is viewed), and the IP addresses of everyone is captured for legal reasons!
I have had some “high end” clients in the past that just wanted the realtor to handle everything. As long as I had an email to send out the agreements I had no issue.
We have these things called email and electronic signatures these days.
Which have been legally valid since Clinton was in office.
Our insurance even takes them!
No hill to die on.
Get the clients names, and email address, for the PIA, unless the realtor is booking the inspection.
If/when a/the realtor book an inspection make sure it is dually noted in your PIA.
Ask for payment after the inspection phase is complete.
If they ask for a summary, give a short summary.
Be polite. Be professional.
That’s the way it works in certain situations.
I have made many good realtors friends that way that lead to many referrals.
I prefer to get paid up front, especially if I have not established a dialog with the client to make sure they are bringing cash. I’m not taking the risk that the realtor will get me paid. I’m too busy to play games with payments.