We could list many reasons why you should use a REALTOR® and a reputable home inspector when buying a home.  Here is a case study of a situation that happened to a buyer who asked for our help, after already writing an offer on a home directly with the listing agent.

We received a phone call from a buyer who was looking for a home inspector to help her with inspecting a home in West Vancouver, BC that she had just written an offer on. The first thing we asked, is if they had/or is using an agent. Their response was, “No, we went through the listing agent because we really wanted this process to be done faster.” We can promise you there is no difference in timing in going directly through the listing agent. If anything, it could take longer.

Their offer was written with common conditions. The listing agent had recommended an inspector to the buyers, but in this case, the buyer was not comfortable using their recommendation. Interesting to be confident enough in their negotiating skills on their behalf but not on their inspector recommendation?.

Finding the right home inspector is not as easy as doing a quick google search and picking one out of a hat. They are not all equal. In our 25+ years of experience, we have gone through many. Some we found too serious over small issues that can turn buyers off the home, and some too comedic about the whole situation seeming they are not taking it seriously.

This a big moment and should be taken very seriously for the person buying the home. The right balance is hard to find, but we have found a few inspectors we feel are excellent in their field, and we put them in touch with one of them. It is important to note, that this was a brand-new home that had been sitting vacant for almost 2 years.

Once the inspector was finished, his report included the following “DO NOT BUY THIS HOUSE.”

The home was a nightmare of a new build with a leaky roof, sagging drywall, mold and other issues. Definitely not something you would expect from a 7-million-dollar home that is only 2 years old. Many people are under the impression that being a new home, it’s in good shape and if something goes wrong it’s covered by a warranty. It’s not always that simple and that is better saved for another article.

Buying a new home from a builder with a reputable name with a good track record should always be on your list. In a real estate transaction, there are usually 2 agents involved and for very good reasons. The listing agent has a fiduciary duty to look out solely for the seller’s best interests and their job is to get them favorable terms, and the most amount of money possible for their home.

A buyer’s agent is to do heavy due diligence on that home and has the task to negotiate for the buyer, favorable terms and the lowest a price possible.

How can one agent do both of those jobs?

It’s like going to court having the same lawyer represent both defendant and plaintiff.

How does that work? On top of that, as a buyer looking for homes in the Greater Vancouver area, buyers do not pay the agent as they get paid by the seller on 99% of the deals.

You get expertise and experience from that agent for free! So why not get someone who is looking out solely for you which can not only save you loads of money but also save you from what could be some very big house problems down the line.