If you are an Agent and you believe that your Buyer needs to retain a home inspector, then:
- Make sure the inspector is a member of the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors
- Make sure that the home inspector carries insurance
- Make sure that they have an “up to date” insurance binder
- Make sure that the agreement is between the Buyer and the Home Inspector, so that the Buyer will have the direct right to sue (even if you pay for the Report)
- If you are paying directly for the Report, then make sure that you clearly state that the funds are being paid by you as agent for the Buyer (this will avoid the risk of no contract).
Since home inspectors are not regulated at this time in Ontario, don’t take the chance that someone is not a member of the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors.
Brian Madigan LL.B., Broker