Thorough, unbiased and stays fixed on their business, not mine.

I give my buyers three options, and they always want to know the one I use the most often. 

We pass out a "Vendors List" to our clients of proven inspectors . There's always more than one choice in each catagory .

Yes I do greatly influence who the buyer chooses for an inspection. Failure to protect a buyer from walking into a nightmare is real estate malpractice, in my ever humble opinion.

What do I look for:

1. Loose lips sink ships. Shut up and do your work in a fast and effective manner.

2. It is about THAT house and only that house. Your OPINION must remain a secret.

3. Drama queens not invited.

4. If I'm in a bind, you need to come out on Sat or Sun.

5. 24 hour turn around for report.

6. NO REPAIR ESTIMATES ON THE REPORT.

7. Understand your dialog is different when the house is constructed in 1914 as opposed to 2014.

8. Use red ink and you are fired!

9. If a unseated plug behind the range appears on the report and I find out I could seat the plug with the toe of my shoe...you are fired!

That should give you a good start.

Always!

Yes, we give them a list of the inspectors.

We let them choose.

Coralyn - I provide them with at least 3 options if they have no idea who to go with, but I also provide them with info on where they can find their own home inspector and let them know that the choice is entirely up to them.

I give out a list if they ask. 

I tell them my top two inspectors that I've had a lot of great experiences with.  I also tell them my bottom 10 that I've had bad experiences with.  Then I remind them and have them sign a document that says it's 100% their choice who they choose.  

If they ask, I give them several names from which they can choose. An inspector needs to know what he's doing and be thorough without overstepping his parameters as an inspector.

Yes, I suggest three that I'm familiar with.  I prefer ones that are thorough and with a gentle disposition when giving their reports.

Absolutely. I have an inspector that I have recommended for several years that does a thorough inspection, produces a client-friendly report with photos, and is available to discuss any concerns. Those three qualities are what I value the most.

Yes, I provide a listing of inspectors that do good work, based on my prior usage of them.

I offer a short list of referrals and let them choose. Expertise, reliability and non-inflammatory presentation of any issues are things I look for in inspectors.

Yes. The suggestion would be based on positive results in the past.

I ask them if they already have one. if not, I will give them the names of 2 or 3 to call, but tell them they can choose whoever they want.

I give my clients two inspectors to choose from.  Mine are based on throughness and customer service oriented (meaning they are good with not frightening my buyers, not pandering to me)

Yes I do but I give them multiples just like with lenders.

If agent is claiming to represent a buyer than their job is to make sure that buyer is on the best track possible.  Handing the buyer a long list of inspectors is not what a good buyers agent does,  The buyer does not need the yellow pages, they need an expert recommendation...( of course if agent never goes to inspections, than that is a problem)

We have tried dozens of inspectors and always go back to referring two, the best 2.  these are the qualities we look for:

1.  Experienced with extensive knowledge of the components of a house.

2.  No shortcuts...I want everything inspected, not just a sampling.

3.  Someone who is not afraid to call it like it is...and will not let the listing agent intimidate them.

4.  Clear and concise  report with large colored pictures and a summary page.

5.  Someone who communicates effectively with the seller, buyer and listing agent.

6.  Someone who will work early, late or on weekends if needed.

7. An inspector that adhers to higher standards like ASHI, or the like.

Eve

 Ps:  and yes, I do want them to be biased,.,they are hired, paid and work for the buyer.  The sellers opinion, feelings or desires are not relevant.

I tell the prospective buyer, here is a list of inspectors in the order that I personally would select for my home--speak to each one or not, and let me know your decision.
The BEST ones offer pest and mold, online reports and payment. My top one prints paper copy for buyer if present, then emails us all digital with good color pics later that/next day.

I provide names of inspector I have used if buyers do not have one so they can make a choice.

I want an inspector who is thorough, not biased, focussed on doing what the client needs, and who provides a detailed report with documentation through photos.

I have a really great Home Inspector I recommend because I have been using him for 18 years. He used to be a contractor, his reports have photos of every major component with a how to keep it running well section. He references photos and paragraphs that are very easy for anyone to see and understand. He gives a walk through with my buyers to show where important things are found like the water shut off. He explains what he found, wants the buyer to ask questions and he asks if I have questions. I get the report within 48 hours and he is available via phone if anyone in the party has questions. I am confident in his abilities.

Yes I do and I have several that are competent and a pleasure to work with.

I provide a list of names.  

Honest, knowledgeable, thorough.   

I provide choice then stand clear.

we have a few names that we provide and give all of them....

Have a couple to recommend that are totally focused and unbiased!

I provide a list of 3 choices.

We give them a list of inspectors who do a thorough job and provide a comprehensive report.