As a home inspector with decades of experience and a reputation for thoroughness, I’ve been honored to serve thousands of clients who trusted me to protect their families, finances, and futures. But in recent years, a troubling pattern has emerged, one that threatens not just my business, but buyer protection as a whole.
I’m being blocked from inspecting properties. Not because I’m unqualified. Not because I’ve done anything wrong. But because I’m “too thorough.”
🚫 When Agents Interfere with Inspector Choice
In multiple transactions, buyers have chosen me to inspect their future homes, only to be told by the listing agent that access is being denied. These buyers, acting in good faith, find themselves caught in the middle, confused and disappointed.
The reason? I don’t rush. I don’t gloss over defects. I report what I see. And sometimes, what I see makes certain agents nervous.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t an occasional misunderstanding or scheduling conflict. It’s become a recurring issue across multiple brokerages, with a common thread, my inspections are too detailed for their liking.
⚖️ This Isn’t Just Unethical, It May Be Illegal
Blocking a buyer’s inspector of choice is more than unprofessional, it could be a violation of federal antitrust laws.
Under Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act, it’s illegal for competitors to engage in concerted action to restrain trade or exclude others from the market. This is commonly known as a group boycott.
If listing agents across different brokerages collaborate to block a specific inspector, or even silently agree to discourage the use of that inspector, that’s a textbook example of anticompetitive behavior.
And let’s not forget the most important victim in this, the buyer.
When buyers are denied the inspector of their choice, they’re being steered away from full transparency, often toward a less-detailed, agent-preferred inspection. That’s not representation, that’s manipulation.
🔍 Why This Matters
Real estate is one of the largest purchases a person will ever make. A professional, unbiased inspection is the buyer’s primary defense against hidden defects, costly repairs, and future regret.
When agents interfere with this process for the sake of “making the deal easier,” they’re not just protecting the transaction, they’re protecting themselves. And that protection comes at the buyer’s expense.
If your inspector is being blocked, ask yourself:
What are they afraid the inspector might find?
Whose interests are really being protected, yours or theirs?
🛡️ What Buyers Can Do
Stand your ground. You have the right to choose your own inspector.
Ask for the reason in writing. If access is denied, insist on documentation.
File a complaint with the local Realtor association or MLS.
Talk to your own agent. If they won’t back you up, it may be time to find one who will.
🧭 What I Stand For
I don’t work for agents. I don’t work for sellers. I work for you, the buyer. My loyalty is to your safety, your wallet, and your peace of mind.
That’s what home inspections are supposed to be about. And that’s what I’ll continue to fight for, even if it means ruffling feathers in the process.
If you’ve experienced anything like this during your home search, I’d love to hear from you. The more we shine a light on these practices, the less room they have to hide.
One Response
Well said. It is disappointing to see situations like this, and it should absolutely be addressed. Realtors should always act in the best interest of their clients. There is no exception to that standard. You provide a high level of service and professionalism, and for someone to deliberately prevent a buyer from receiving the most thorough inspection available is both unethical and irresponsible. Buyers deserve full transparency and access to qualified professionals without interference.
I truly wish there was a way to bring this to light in the public’s eyes!