Home Inspector Ethics: Why Not Pay to Be on Brokers’ Lists?

Use this thread to discuss the entry Home Inspector Ethics: Why Not Pay to Be on Brokers’ Lists? at the InterNACHI Blog

Paying to be considered for a referral from an individual or entity that has a vested interest in the transaction for which you will be providing an inspection is a clear a conflict of interest as I can imagine. It is, in effect, a kickback in advance.

In the article it is suggested that the inspector pay to for “advertising services” to sidestep applicable laws. I doubt that such a thinly-veiled ruse would hold up to legal scrutiny.

RESPA laws come with some pretty hefty penalties. I would not play games with them.

I have not encountered any companies that have asked me to pay to be on their list. The minute one does, my next call will be to TREC.