Buyers should choose their own home inspector. I have buyers ask me for recommendations and I give them a list of qualified inspectors or recommend an inspection company but I won’t do it all for them. There is a certain amount of due diligence every buyer has to do for themselves.
It seems to be a common practice for real estate agents to just take care of choosing an inspector and setting up the inspection. I have no doubt that the agents are picking good inspectors and that those inspectors are more loyal to the buyers who are paying them than to the agent but I also know that if there is some problem with the property down the line the buyer is going to wonder about that inspector and about the agent too.
The whole point of the inspection is to have a qualified third party look things over. The buyers agent may get involved in the process but should not be choosing the inspector. Some buyers do not even know that they can and should choose their own inspector as they are never given the option.
It is always a good idea to make inspection contingent offers. A buyers inspection protects buyers and sellers and even the agents.
If you need to have a home inspection and do not know who to hire ask around and ask your agent for a recommendation. I like to give buyers a list of inspectors to choose from if they don’t know who to hire. Home inspectors are not licensed in Minnesota.
Home sweet home
