Realtor Kick-Backs are Dirty Business

Did your Realtor, Insurance Agent, Mortgage Loan Representative, etc. refer you to a specific Home Inspector?

That’s not necessarily a bad thing!

Many people give their clients multiples to choose from in an effort to “cover their butt.”

I would contest that doing so conveys the message that they really aren’t truly confident in anyone on that list. Anyone can look in a phone book, or do a quick Google search. If you are asking for a recommendation, you’re doing so because you value that person’s experience & expertise. If someone gives you a few to choose from, simply ask him / her, “Which inspector would you would call first if you or your mother were buying a home?”

But, are they getting paid to do so?

Does that actually happen?      ABSOLUTELY!

Is it legal?                                     SURE IS!

As long as they disclose any compensations for referrals (usually on the HUD Settlement Statement – which you won’t see until closing) it is perfectly legal.

However, it’s rare to see $200 > Referral Fee > Paid By: __________ > Paid To:  _________

Most don’t want to disclose kick-backs because:

1. They don’t want to make you upset (even after the closing) & lose referrals from you.
2. They don’t want those kick-backs deducted from their commissions.

A lot of folks have gotten pretty slick about how they hide their “greased palms.”

1. Charging Home Inspectors (and others) for “ads” in an “Information Packet for New Clients.”
2. Charging Home Inspectors (and others) for “listings” on their website under “Approved Vendors.”
3. Accepting “gifts” on a regular basis not attached to any specific job.
4. Even agreeing to “down-play” or minimize concerns/ issues with a home to make the sale.

It is important to note that not everyone who refers a specific Home Inspector or has “Information Packets” or “Approved Vendors” is receiving kick-backs, but if they’re not referring Sherlock Home Inspections, it’s worth asking the question.

Unlike many other Home Inspectors throughout Florida, Sherlock Home Inspections NEVER HAS & NEVER WILL pay “kick-backs,” “referral fees,” or any other type of compensation to Realtors, Insurance Agents, Mortgage Loan Representatives, or anyone else who may refer business to us. Our relationship with those folks is strictly professional. When someone recommends Sherlock Home Inspections, they truly have their clients’ best interests at heart.