One of the most crucial steps in the homebuying process is the home inspection, and the quality of the inspector you hire can significantly impact your understanding of a property’s condition. A good buyer’s agent recognizes this and ensures their client receives a thorough, unbiased evaluation, while a bad buyer’s agent may prioritize convenience, speed, or the likelihood of closing the deal over the client’s best interests.
What a Good Buyer’s Agent Does
A good buyer’s agent understands that a home inspection is not just a formality—it’s an essential part of due diligence that can reveal costly or even dangerous issues. Here’s how they handle inspector referrals:
✅ Recommends Qualified, Unbiased Home Inspectors
A good agent provides referrals to highly qualified, experienced, and independent home inspectors who prioritize accuracy and detail. They do not pressure clients to choose an inspector based on convenience but rather on expertise and reputation.
✅ Encourages a Thorough Inspection Process
A good agent wants their client to be fully informed. They encourage buyers to attend the inspection, ask questions, and understand the findings. They see the inspection as a tool for making an educated decision rather than just a step to “get through.”
✅ Respects the Inspector’s Role and Integrity
They allow the home inspector to perform their job without interference or influence. A good agent does not attempt to downplay findings or pressure the inspector to be lenient in their assessment.
✅ Uses the Report for Negotiation and Protection
If the inspection uncovers significant issues, a good agent helps their client understand their options—whether it’s negotiating repairs, securing credits, or even walking away if necessary. Their goal is to protect the buyer’s investment, not just to close a deal.
What a Bad Buyer’s Agent Does
Unfortunately, not all buyer’s agents act in the client’s best interest. Some may prioritize closing the deal quickly rather than ensuring their client is fully informed. Here are common red flags of a bad buyer’s agent:
❌ Pushes a “Preferred” Inspector Who Is Lenient
A bad agent may have an inspector they frequently work with—someone who tends to minimize issues, overlook concerns, or provide vague reports that won’t “kill the deal.” This is a major red flag, as it prioritizes the agent’s commission over the buyer’s protection.
❌ Discourages a Detailed Inspection
Some agents try to rush the process or dissuade buyers from being too involved, suggesting that a quick, basic inspection is sufficient. This can lead to costly surprises after closing.
❌ Downplays Serious Issues
When an inspector identifies significant problems, a bad agent might attempt to dismiss them as “minor” or “common” to keep the deal moving forward rather than ensuring the buyer fully understands the potential risks.
❌ Pressures the Buyer to Move Forward Despite Inspection Findings
Rather than using the inspection report as a tool for negotiation or reconsideration, a bad agent may downplay its importance and pressure the buyer to proceed, even if major defects are uncovered.
Why This Difference Matters
The agent you choose plays a significant role in whether you end up with a home that meets your expectations or one that becomes a financial burden. A good buyer’s agent values honesty, transparency, and their client’s long-term well-being, while a bad buyer’s agent is only focused on closing the deal.
When selecting a buyer’s agent, ask how they handle home inspector referrals. If they provide multiple qualified inspectors and encourage a thorough evaluation, you’re in good hands. But if they push a single inspector with a reputation for “soft” reports or try to rush the process, proceed with caution.
A quality home inspection can save you thousands of dollars and protect you from unforeseen issues. Make sure you have a buyer’s agent who respects its importance and prioritizes your best interests—not just their commission.
At 4 Eyes Home Inspections LLC, we take pride in working with realtors who uphold their fiduciary duty to their clients. How do we know? Because when we encounter realtors who cut corners or resist a thorough inspection, they tend to fizzle out of our network naturally. We work with the best because the best understand that a well-inspected home leads to happier clients, smoother transactions, and long-term success.
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