Residential Inspection for Real Estate
Agents QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Who licenses real estate inspectors? - ANSWER>>TREC
The role of sales agent in disclosing property condition: - ANSWER>>agent must
refrain from giving an opinion of the condition of the property or the validity of
any findings in the report. Sales agents responsibility to explain the inspection
process.
TREC standards of practice - what properties are covered - ANSWER>>resales or
substantially completed houses. Inspection of houses under construction is a
growing segment.
If residential inspector sees wood damage or decay, what should he do: -
ANSWER>>may not comment on whether termite infestations exist. Required to
comment on visible damage regardless of the underlying cause and note it as a
deficiency in their report. (may NOT state wood-destroying insects specifically
caused the damage)
GFCI's on the inspection report - ANSWER>>Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters -
protects against shock.
Required for bathrooms, washrooms, all outdoor outlets, garages, kitchen outlets,
near bars, swimming pools, pool equipment, and whirlpool baths.
AC compressors and condensers - use and location - ANSWER>>located outside
(usually side yard). Requires massive amounts of air to remove heat from the
house; cools/heats the home
, Appliances covered/not covered in the TREC inspection report - ANSWER>>all
built-in appliances are inspected. Not included are fridges, washers/dryers and
separate table-top items.
Evidence of shower leaks - what and where you find it - ANSWER>>water build up
and mildew soon cover the walls of the shower stall/pan; excess mildew on
shower wall, water on brick exterior wall that surrounds the bathroom is another
clue.
Lead effects in children: - ANSWER>>1. damage to brain/nervous system
2. severe headaches
3. behavior/learning problems such as hyperactivity
4. slowed growth
What a licensed plumber or electrician can do for a buyer in relation to the
inspection process: - ANSWER>>they are allowed to give opinions about his/her
area of expertise but not inspect other areas of the property unless they are
licensed inspector.
Pest control, targets and times - ANSWER>>quarterly pest control targets
cockroaches, silverfish and ants
Reverse Polarity - ANSWER>>when the ground wire and neutral wire are installed
on wrong side; outlets will still work and they can be tested and easily switched.
Banned refrigerants and the replacement - ANSWER>>Refrigerant R22 (Freon)
banned by fed. gov.; New freon line R410A-Puron is allowed.
TREC max payment to aggrieved consumers (per transaction) from the Recovery
Fund - ANSWER>>TREC pays max of $12,500 per transaction out of fund for actual
damage.
Agents QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Who licenses real estate inspectors? - ANSWER>>TREC
The role of sales agent in disclosing property condition: - ANSWER>>agent must
refrain from giving an opinion of the condition of the property or the validity of
any findings in the report. Sales agents responsibility to explain the inspection
process.
TREC standards of practice - what properties are covered - ANSWER>>resales or
substantially completed houses. Inspection of houses under construction is a
growing segment.
If residential inspector sees wood damage or decay, what should he do: -
ANSWER>>may not comment on whether termite infestations exist. Required to
comment on visible damage regardless of the underlying cause and note it as a
deficiency in their report. (may NOT state wood-destroying insects specifically
caused the damage)
GFCI's on the inspection report - ANSWER>>Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters -
protects against shock.
Required for bathrooms, washrooms, all outdoor outlets, garages, kitchen outlets,
near bars, swimming pools, pool equipment, and whirlpool baths.
AC compressors and condensers - use and location - ANSWER>>located outside
(usually side yard). Requires massive amounts of air to remove heat from the
house; cools/heats the home
, Appliances covered/not covered in the TREC inspection report - ANSWER>>all
built-in appliances are inspected. Not included are fridges, washers/dryers and
separate table-top items.
Evidence of shower leaks - what and where you find it - ANSWER>>water build up
and mildew soon cover the walls of the shower stall/pan; excess mildew on
shower wall, water on brick exterior wall that surrounds the bathroom is another
clue.
Lead effects in children: - ANSWER>>1. damage to brain/nervous system
2. severe headaches
3. behavior/learning problems such as hyperactivity
4. slowed growth
What a licensed plumber or electrician can do for a buyer in relation to the
inspection process: - ANSWER>>they are allowed to give opinions about his/her
area of expertise but not inspect other areas of the property unless they are
licensed inspector.
Pest control, targets and times - ANSWER>>quarterly pest control targets
cockroaches, silverfish and ants
Reverse Polarity - ANSWER>>when the ground wire and neutral wire are installed
on wrong side; outlets will still work and they can be tested and easily switched.
Banned refrigerants and the replacement - ANSWER>>Refrigerant R22 (Freon)
banned by fed. gov.; New freon line R410A-Puron is allowed.
TREC max payment to aggrieved consumers (per transaction) from the Recovery
Fund - ANSWER>>TREC pays max of $12,500 per transaction out of fund for actual
damage.
