It Happens, but it’s Frustrating.
Today I showed up for my 1pm inspection promptly at ten to one. I like to get there a bit early just in case there is anything funky with the property. Usually everything goes smooth, but I’ve come across a tree down on the garage, a domestic disagreement in the driveway etc. Interesting as those days were, today I’ll talk about what didn’t happen – anything!
The appointment was scheduled and confirmed by the buyers agent a little over a week ago. This is a bit of a red flag – I’m generally cautious when the agent is handling all the arrangements. Sometimes it is a sign of the agent going the extra mile to take care of their clients, other times it means the agent doesn’t want the client making their own decisions. The poor client may end up hiring the “wrong” inspector! Heaven forbid the poor unsuspecting client have some input as to whose information is going to influence the biggest purchase of their life.
I asked the agent for the clients contact information so that I might be in touch with them to get a copy of the pre-inspection agreement in their hands ahead of time. No dice. Agent said not to worry about that. Red flag number 2.
I waited in my car until exactly 1pm, so as not to seem to eager. At the stroke of one I knocked on the door to introduce myself to the homeowner and to let them know I’d be creeping around their house. It isn’t rare for someone to be a couple minutes late, especially with all the construction in Windsor, so I figured I’d just get started. Upon meeting the homeowner, the told me they had no idea there was to be an inspection today – the was the last red flag I needed.
I waited until 1:30, then hopped back in my car and went home. I wasn’t so upset about the revenue I didn’t generate. The fact that I turned down another inspection because this one was “firm” didn’t bother me. What really got me sweaty was this wasn’t the first time this particular agent has done this to me. In the 6 years I’ve been really serious about this business, this particular agent has done this to me 4 or 5 times. The real kick in the teeth: back before becoming a serious inspector, this was the agent my wife and I used for the purchase of our home!! To date I have made zero referral dollars from this agent and been stood up a handful of times; Superagent on the other handcertainly made a commission when I bought my house.
I would love to tell you that I have decided to get all tough and make a policy of not allowing agents to schedule, but that would exclude the good agents and I get to deal with quite a few of them – they are a pleasure to work with. Besides, I’m more fatass that badass; getting tough isn’t my style. I can think of one agent, however, that now needs to secure appointments with a deposit!
Anyway, thanks for allowing me that little rant. Naturally should you be the type of client that thinks for themselves, please feel free to contact me directly:
brad (at) manorhome.ca, 519.916.5298 or visit www.manorhome.ca
Talk soon!
-Brad, YOUR Windsor Ontario Home Inspector.
Brad,
I think we have all had this type of experience. It is very frustrating. I was struck by the fact that you turned away an inspection for that time because this one was “firm” AND that this agent has done this to you 3 or 4 times in the past!
I have a short list above my desk with agents I just will not work for. If a client calls and they happen to be using that agent I book it. Let the chips fall where they may, they will never be one of “my” agents. I don’t think you have to be a “badass”, just tell them you are booked or about to go out of town when they call for a client.
I did not notice how long you have been in business but these agents will move on to the newer agents who don’t know better yet or are desperate for the work. Hold your moral ground and the good agents (who sell a lot of homes) will find you and stick with you.
Good luck!