The derogatory phrase "deal killer" is often used in the real estate industry to describe independent home inspectors who give buyers objective information in an inspection report that may lead the buyer to back out of a what the agent thought was a sure sale.
Many real estate agents view independent home inspectors as a challenge to their ability to generate income. They view these "deal killers" as foes and will use a number of tactics to make that their buyers do not retain independent home inspectors. For instance, in the first stage of discussion about having the home inspected, the real estate agent may recommend to the buyer a "good" home inspector with whom they have worked for several years.
Some agents may have a list of three inspectors who have been carefully screened not to be deal killers. The list, however, will be long enough to protect the agent from any referral liability should the buyer want to blame the agent for any inspection mistakes. This gives the agent the perfect combination of:
a) no liability for the referral;
b) the buyer ultimately "chooses" an inspector the agent prefers
c) the buyer's choice is confined to dependent home inspectors who will not hurt a sale.
The above excerpt is from an article in Ohio Inspections 2000 regarding proposed Ohio State laws governing Inspectors
I was recently honored with the title, 'Deal Killer'. "Honored?", you say. Why would that be considered an honor? The answer is simple.
I did my job well and my clients backed out of a sale when they learned they could be on the hook for $10,000 to $20,000 worth of repairs soon after they closed on the house. I'm sure it wasn't easy for them. They had been waiting seven months for a short-sale approval from a mortgage holder. After they announced they were not going to buy the house, the listing agent was a little upset according to the tone of the voicemail she left on my phone.
I learned a few days later at another inspection that I had been labeled a "Deal Killer" by the listing agent. Isn't it great to be recognized for your good work? The saying among home inspectors is,
"The deal wasn't killed. It committed suicide."
My clients were satisfied and called for an inspection on another house in a month. That's what really counts.
Would you like to know what killed the deal? Give me a call or e-mail me. I'll be glad to explain it.
The following excerpt is quoted from What Should I Look For In Selecting A Home Inspector? by Real Estate Agent, Richard Kohles, Schneidmiller Realty, Coeur d Alene, Idaho
5) Let the Choice Be Yours: When choosing a home inspector, let the final selection be your own. Don't rely on others to make the choice for you. New and inexperienced inspectors are often able to obtain professional recommendations, regardless of their actual levels of thoroughness, competence, or lack thereof. What you want is the most meticulous, detailed home inspector available--the one who will save you from costly surprises after the close of escrow. The best inspectors are often labeled as "Deal Killers." This tongue-in-cheek appellation generally connotes those inspectors who provide the best level of consumer protection.
