Inspection Evolution (Part 1)
Published by John Bogner November 27th, 2007 in Uncategorized. by John Bogner Tags: No Tags.It’s been interesting experiencing the many changes in the real estate business in the 29 years I have been practicing this profession. Part of the evolution I find fascinating is the whole home inspection process.
When I first got my license in ’77, most buyers got only a pest control inspection. We called them “termite” inspections then. Sellers seldom had inspections done prior to putting the house one the market. Buyers traditionally paid for the inspection and expected the seller to take care of the work recommended. That was considered the sellers “responsibility” and most lenders required a “clearance” anyway. Unless something else was obviously wrong and easily visible, buyers took their chances and hoped they weren’t buying “hidden problems”.
The real estate purchase process has changed and so has the inspection process. Buyers began to demand more information about what they were buying. Simply finding out if there was dry rot or termites wasn’t enough. Finding these answers has created a new industry…and a whole new set of problems.
John Bogner
As an inspector in Texas, I am seeing many changes in my industry occur quickly, since there is more concern about a home’s condition. More lenders across the nation seem to be suggesting that inspections become a standard part of the buying process, which would be great for me, but I am not sure the real estate industry is ready for such a move. Particularly since the quality of home inspections can vary so greatly from state to state. I am curious to read on, to see what you feel the whole new set of problems are. Thank you for taking on the topic; I will keep reading.