Hey guys.
I need some help. I’ve been in contact with Nick G. about the development of his “What Every Agent Needs to Know” course, into one of our web based courses. Obviously this will be geared towards RE Agents, with the purpose of educating them better (and also helping them get to know what iNACHI is about too.)
Here’s what I need. Below you will find Nick’s current outline. That’s where I am starting. If you have anything that you think is useful about any of these topics, please e-mail them to me. Use the topic as your subject line so I can organize them better. (If I use your suggestion, you will be credited in a byline.)
Also, as a former agent myself, I’m thinking that shortening this to be completed in 3 hours (3 CE’s) would be great for them. Not too long, and works well with many state requirements. So if you see sections that you think could be omitted (and which ones MUST stay) please let me know your opinion.
Thanks very much.
Mark MarkNahrgang@KingdomInspections.comCourse Outline:
Introduction to inspections.
How to write an inspection addendum to the real estate sales contract.
How to find a competent inspector:
Your fiduciary duty to refer the best inspectors.
Licensing…a minimum standard.
Local regulations regarding inspections.
Ancillary inspection regulation in your area.
Certification…who’s?
Standards of Practice of the inspection industry.
Code of Ethics of the inspection industry.
Known no-entrance requirement inspection diploma mill trade associations.
Why a professional engineer can’t really do a home inspection, typically.
How to avoid home inspectors who also offers repair services.
Reviewing sample inspection reports with your client.
Continuing education for inspectors.
References.
InterNACHI.
Professional designations for inspectors.
IAC2
Certified Master Inspectors, CMI.
How an agent can limit liability:
What to do when your client waives the inspection.
What to do when your client can’t be present for the inspection.
To refer particular home inspectors or not to…that is the question?
Negligent referral claims.
Hold harmless agreements.
E&O and GL insurance.
Post inspection client surveys.
Preferred vendor lists, avoid inspectors that participate.
Home warranties.
Breaching the inspection rider of the sales agreement.
Disclosing past findings to new potential buyers, right or wrong?
What you should do when you know of or notice a defect.
What to do when a seller’s property is damaged during an inspection.
What to do when an injury occurs during an inspection.
Avoiding conflicts of interest.
Keep your yap shut, sometimes.
When the laboratory report comes in after the addendum deadline.
Surprise, you’ve been sued.
Reputation damage control.
Who left the cat out during the inspection?
Sharing a confidential report.
Three rules of inspections: disclose, disclose, disclose.
MoveInCertified.com
What ancillary inspections to consider:
General home inspections
Wood destroying organisms
Persons with disabilities accessibility
Radon gas
Water quality
Asbestos
Lead
Private wells
Mold and mildew
Septic systems
Out-buildings
Pools
MoveInCertified/Green Certified
How to prepare for a home inspection:
Instructions to give to the seller.
Instructions to give to the buyer.
Instructions to give the inspector.
Procuring access.
What an agent’s role is during the home inspection:
When to intervene.
When to keep quiet.
When the inspector finds a defect that doesn’t exist.
When the inspector misses a defect that does exist.
Special issues for vacant homes.
Special issues for out-of-town buyers.
When your buyer can’t be present for the inspection.
When you are a buyer’s agent.
When you are a listing agent.
When you are a dual agent.
When the seller insists of being present.
When the buyer brings an additional non-professional advisor.
How to protect your client’s safety during an inspection:
While the electrical panel has been removed for the inspection.
Client’s children.
Clients who want to climb the roof or in the attic.
Your duty to the seller when your client’s inspector discovers an immediate safety concern.
Dogs.
What to do when an inspection can’t be performed:
Weather or seasonal restrictions.
Closed or covered pools.
Obstructed areas.
Safety restrictions.
Seller’s restrictions to certain areas of the home.
Seller or listing agent denies access.
The inspector doesn’t show and you’re out of time.
The utilities have been turned off.
What to do after the inspection report is generated:
Analyzing the report.
Pictures.
Summary pages.
Laboratory reports.
Getting permission to share.
Responding to the seller about defects discovered.
Responding to the buyer about credits or repairs requested.
Defects, estimates, repairs.
Negotiating for your side.
How to handle re-inspections:
After a repair is made.
What to do when a defect is discovered after the inspection.
What to do when inspection reports conflict.
What to do when a defect is discovered during the final walk-through.
How to use pre-listing inspections:
As listing tools.
As marketing tools.
To minimize liability.
To increase closing percentage.
MoveInCertified.com
What additional information is out there:
Appraisal.
Insurance loss history reports.
Building permits.
Seller’s disclosure.
Agent disclosure.
Local zoning.
Local codes.
Survey.
Occupancy permits.
Public information.
InterNACHI’s Citizen Information Center.
Holding it all together.