This is an idiot of an agent. There's just nothing more one can say.

agents need to take responsibility for their own actions immediately....passing that blame to others doesn't work well....

Michael Thornton , knowing you through your years of blogging here, I'm pretty sure you addressed the issues in a professional manner and that you in no way failed as an inspector!   And that is why agents are not permitted to "participate" in inspections here.  The Buyers attend the inspection with the inspector and have every problem pointed out to them and also have the written report to refer to. 

Agents should not offer opinions on inspections, positive or negative!  That's why a professional inspector is hired.  No steering allowed!

The buyer hired the inspector.

The inspector FAILED to properly present the issues.

The INSPECTOR FAILED. 

For example using your words, 'problems' does not suggest catastrophic failure that a $40,000 bill suggests.

Not sure what 'poo-poohed' means.

At what point do inspectors take responsibility for their actions?

I have my long list also.

Oh Mike I had a snarky answer then the scenario showed up....BUT-since in these times noone wants to take responsibility for themselves and will blame others for their own problems I take the approach that "if I see it I talk bring it up". BTW agents always get mad at inspectors-you are a road block to the commission check remember?

Michael Thornton Presumably the $40K out of pocket client is mad at them, so they want to "share the pain".  Here's how I would deal with it.  An email to them, copy to my designated broker and their designated broker.

"Agent, for some reason you are exhibiting hostility towards me.  It appears to be because you were aware of problems with the property as identified on the report which you, and your Buyer, had prior to close of escrow.  While I can't comment on how/why your client did not address these items at that time, I will tell you two things. 1. Emotion has no place in business, and frankly, I could care less that you are "mad at me".  2. Obviously, something went off the rails here.  For both 1 and 2 you need to seek advice and counsel from your designated broker.  As far as I'm concerned, the matter is closed" or something of similar ilk - essentially saying "Go Pound Sand"! 

Michael Thornton The responsibility lies with both the buyer and the agent. The buyer is also responsible for doing their due diligence and should have paid attention to the inspection report. The agent shunned their fiduciary duty of loyalty to their client by not acting in the best interest of their client.

You work with some real winners (Agents) Michael.  

Answer to your first question is that everyone (in any business) should take responsibility for their actions from the get-go!

Regarding the scenario, if the inspection report clearly outlined the problems that eventually cost the buyer $40K, and if the buyer and buyer's agent ignored the report, then it was the buyer and buyer agent's fault.

I take it you pointed out the issues --- I think it is always best to do the right thing.  If you did and the other agent did not, then take their upsetment as a compliment.

You did your job Michael.  If they agent says anything I would call his/her broker.   If they persisted I would call the RE Commission.  Just sayin

That is what disclosure forms are for.

No idea why the agent would be mad at you.

It varies by person.  I was raised to take personal responsibility for my actions, both good AND bad.  That has earned me much respect in the corporate workplace and in life in general.

My view: have your documentation of what you told everyone.  Emails, texts, reports, etc.  If the agent is mad at you for doing your job, so be it.  You can't change that and they are most likely just redirecting their anger at themselves and maybe their fears of being sued.  If they drag you in to any legal battles, your documentation will hopefully save you.  Note: I'm not a lawyer and despite living in So Cal, I don't even play one on TV.  My advice is based upon what I've been told by management over the years.  Get documentation to CYA!

Michael Thornton it's a shame some agents 'run away' when there are problems.

We go over the home inspection report - and decide together if it is worth going forward with the home on not!

I work by referrals and do not want the stream of referrals going anywhere else!

We are all responsible for all our actions all the time !!

That would be called an AVID in CA. Agent Visual Inspection Disclosure and I do disclose all I see, so I urge my clients to inspect & repair, prior to listing or at least be aware of what I and the buyer's inspector will see & report.

That agent breached his/her fiduciary duty to the buyer if you & seller fully disclosed known issues. Agents like to blame others for NOT READING THE PAPERWORK. TILA-CFPD will slow every one down come 10/03/15. 

Some agent never will...

Should be from the get go and hopefully they read your report!

That agent needs to start flipping burgers for a living. When a defect or any issue with a subject property is discovered by the agent, it is their fiduciary responsibility to notify the principal. Period!