Home Inspections: Trust Your Inspector or Your Realtor?

If your home inspector recommends a closer look at the foundation, take that seriously, even if your realtor says there’s nothing to worry about.

What To Do When Inspectors and Realtors Clash About Foundation Issues

Home inspectors and structural engineers are trained to assess foundations. Their education and experience are centered around identifying issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye. Most importantly, they don’t have a financial stake in whether or not the sale goes through. Their job is to provide an objective, professional opinion, and they’re being paid for their expertise, not for closing a deal.

On the other hand, your realtor is there to help facilitate the purchase, and while many are trustworthy and well-meaning, their primary goal is to help you buy or sell a home. If a foundation issue delays or complicates the sale, it can affect their timeline and commission.

Our Bottom Line

When it comes to foundation concerns, always trust the recommendation of the inspector. And if there’s any doubt, bring in a structural engineer for a second opinion. It’s a small investment compared to the potential cost of missed foundation problems.