They say you’re only as good as the company you keep and nowhere is this more true than real estate. No matter what side of the transaction an agent is on, the ones who hold trusted relationships with reputable home inspectors, banks, mortgage loan officers and appraisers are better positioned for easy transactions and ongoing referrals.
From a client’s perspective, the vendors an agent refers to them are their agent’s trusted team members and partners. Strong partnerships with professionals in related trades not only build a real estate agent’s reputation but can lead to strong referral business.
Let’s start with home inspectors
It’s good practice for an agent to build strong relationships with at least three home inspectors located nearby. Brokerages might consider building partner relationships with a dozen or more reputable and experienced inspectors.
Even in a seller’s market, when buyers may be tempted to rush through the inspection process for fear of losing the house to competing offers, inspections should not be rushed.
In fact, there’s a good chance that the typical home buyer or seller does not know that home inspectors in California are not required to be state-licensed or professionally certified in order to perform home inspections. So if your buyer or seller requests a “licensed and certified home inspector,” it will be time for a conversation about what each term means here.
Can you easily explain the difference between a “certified” and “licensed” home inspector in California? Can you describe the differences between certification types and their relative importance?
California is one of 20 states not requiring inspectors to obtain a state-issued home inspector’s license. This means that, In California, inspectors only need to pass an exam in order to inspect homes as a professional and follow the guidelines of a 1996 state law that encourages following the standards and practices established by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the nonprofit California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA).
Questions and observations can help you choose experienced, detail-oriented home inspectors for your clients. When building relationships, collect two or more references from each from brokers or agents you trust. Review recent inspection reports, asking for clarification on confusing or “not inspected” items.
Make note of professional associations each inspector has joined. While memberships and related certifications are not required for inspectors in California, those who are Certified CREIA Inspectors (CCI or higher) in good standing are active in the trade and also follow the standards and practices of ASHI.
Other reputable organizations that provide training and certification include the International Association of Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). Members in good standing with these organizations participate in mentorship programs and several dozen hours of continuing education per year.
Will an inspector who holds current certifications charge higher fees for home inspections than one who has simply passed the exam? Quite possibly. But you and your clients will gain confidence that their training, experience and education meet or exceed industry standards.
