Home Inspector - conflict of Interest?

[rnd1x]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? IL

My property is currently under contract and is in the inspection/atty review phase.

My realtor was present at the buyer's recent home inspection and overheard the buyer address the Inspector more than once as a family member. He could also tell from their interactions that they knew each other well.

My realtor was able to write down most of their issues as he overheard them speak.
The list is very excessive and full of cosmetic issues. Additionally they 'discovered' a few completely incorrect code issues. I work as an architect and thus know the codes very well.

I have not received the report yet, but was wondering if a Home Inspector working for a family member can be considered unbiased?

Are there no conflict of interest issues here? Especially if the buyer were to be seeking a credit at closing and has no intention of making any of the repairs.

Thanks in advance.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[seniorjudge]

Hire your own independent inspector.

[rnd1x]

Thank you for your suggestion on my contract, but I'm killing it anyway for another reason.

However can you possibly answer the initial question?

I'm interested in your opinion of the Inspector's relationship with his client - for my own personal education.

[las365]

A home inspector is not required to be unbiased. An inspector hired by a buyer has no duty to the seller. There is no conflict of interest.

[seniorjudge]

Originally Posted by las365

A home inspector is not required to be unbiased. An inspector hired by a buyer has no duty to the seller. There is no conflict of interest.

I agree.
...

[rnd1x]

So, as the inspector is contracted by the buyer, legally they have no responsibility to be unbiased towards my property or me.

However, if their ethics allow, they can then legally 'shill' for the buyer.

True?

[tranquility]

However, if their ethics allow, they can then legally 'shill' for the buyer.

The inspector works for who hires him. If the employer wants him to stand on his head and sing show tunes while he draws random problems out of a hat, that's just fine. How are you hurt? Why do you care? If the person who hired the guy is dissatisfied, he can deal with it.

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by rnd1x

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? IL

My property is currently under contract and is in the inspection/atty review phase.

My realtor was present at the buyer's recent home inspection and overheard the buyer address the Inspector more than once as a family member. He could also tell from their interactions that they knew each other well.

My realtor was able to write down most of their issues as he overheard them speak.
The list is very excessive and full of cosmetic issues. Additionally they 'discovered' a few completely incorrect code issues. I work as an architect and thus know the codes very well.

I have not received the report yet, but was wondering if a Home Inspector working for a family member can be considered unbiased?

Are there no conflict of interest issues here? Especially if the buyer were to be seeking a credit at closing and has no intention of making any of the repairs.

Thanks in advance.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

**A: there is no conflict of interest. You are free to hire your oww inspector if you want a second opinion.