Preferences

The majority, for sure. Their lack of familiarity with houses and the things that can go wrong with them, their inability to write, and their particular inspecting & reporting style, make them naturally appealing to the interests of agents. They're oblivious to what's going on and don't believe there's any conflict at all. I believe them. A much smaller number are highly proficient in what we do, well aware of the conflict that agents face when faced with a request for an HI referral. Of these, some value the balance in their bank account more than the service they provide. Others give a damn but the local real estate climate is such that they're rewarded despite their stellar performance. An unfortunate few live in a climate where agents enjoy tight control of the local HI population. If these few thrive, its because of side jobs where such conflicts doesn't reside. I sold one HI last month, 19 so far this year. It's pretty much been that way 18 years. Currently I'm doing much more service work in electrical/mechanical than inspections. Just gave a quote to paint the interior walls of a house belonging to a guy whose gasoline dispensing station I've done lots of electrical work on. I've no regrets about the choice I've made. I work for, and represents the interests, of the one who pays for the inspection. Can't see myself doing otherwise. So there.

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