I like clearly written reports delivered within 24 hours to my in-box in a pdf format with good pictures.

I like an inspector who is available to answer questions from his/her report.

I don't like inspectors who nit-pick "cosmetic" items and make them appear to be significant issues with the home.

I don't like inspectors who refer to current code on older homes who are not subject to that code, without a disclaimer saying home may not be subject to the code due to its age.

I don't like inspectors estimating costs of repairs in their reports.

Michael, hope this helps.

I dislike home inspectors who try to kill the deals. A better approach is to educate the home buyers on the reality of home ownership and help them understand the difference between normal maintenance items and those that should cause concern.

I love someone who will get me the report that night or the very next morning. I also like the inspectors who will walk the roof. Those that will fit me in when I have an emergency. Those that will answer a question well after a deal has closed. 

Many of them are good.

I have a great 'vendor' team. The inpector that does not scare the buyer is what I like.

Have not seen you around in a while Michael, we should talk some day soon.

Missing you, my friend. Come back soon to AR if you have accomplished what you wanted to.

Here are a few examples of things home inspectors have done  I have encountered  that  blew my mind as why anyone who recommend :

On inspection buyer did not attend/nor agent filled out report over coffee with the seller left in 20 minutes . ( I had listing side.)

Inspector never  went on roof ,wrote glowing report , buyer (my neighbor) had giant hole with racoons living in home.

One of my personal favorites was the inspector who showed up in a white button up shirt and khakis,  who told the held the ladder for the buyer , gave her the flashlight and said " Do you see anything up there?" ( Right after that they were asked to leave). 

Told me in front of my client don't worry I am not a deal killer, I am not paying for the service and you need to be honest about home issues explain them without being an alarmist but also realizing the inspection is not for me it is for the person paying you to do the job.

I like home inspectors that are thorough and find all that's wrong with a home, but deliver the news gently and within context of the big picture.  I like to see reports the same way and a good summary section where all the problems can be located together.

I don't always want the report because of liability but wouldn't mind having a general statement made on the overall condition of the house sent to me. 

Michael,

I like everything everyone has said thus far.  What I would suggest is staying in touch with the agents who recommend you, and get their impression and thoughts on how the inspection affected them or impacted them.  I liked Patricia Kennedy thoughts on making the list easy for all to understand.  

I like the same-day turn on reports scanned to my email, and the inspector knowing the ins and outs of buildings and doing their job. I want my inspector to have experience, and good recommendations from other realtors would certainly polish your apple.

The more challenging aspects of your profession are the ones who do not included photographs on their reports, and those who are alarmists.

Michael, there are two things that are crucial to me.  First is a good house-side manner.  Being able to explain the good and not so good in a way that the buyers understand - without freaking them out unless they should be freaked out - is a must.  Second, the inspection report has to be easily understood by me, by the dumbest listing agent and by buyers and sellers. 

Of course, being able to find stuff is also a biggie. 

I like home inspectors that are thorough and take their time.  I do not like alarmists.  In my opinion there are many ways an inspector can share the bad news without creating panic.  

What has been recomended by Nina is fundamental to secure repeat buseiness from real estate professionals. However, I feel you are falling into the real esate agent and mortgage broker trap of beleiving 'giving away' more services or even promising better service, add value. 

At this time your business and business growth depend on not violationg the rules articulated by Nina or hoping an existing inspector does and your turn at bat materializes. All because you think what makes an agent 'happy' is relevant to your businesss. 

May I suggest you spend some part of January 2015 to analyze what a real estate professional REALLY needs.  Using SurveyMonkey is a good place to start.

You will find loyalty and opportunity, even if you violate Nina's rules, can be solidified when you understand the mutually aligned interests of the real estate professional. Although superior service is EXPECTED, the promise of it is but a noisey gong. Mortgage broker, inspector, appraiser, attorney, do you want my referrable businesss.... offer me a solution for a real problem all real estate professionals have. (that problem IS NOT finding a good inspector/broker/appraiser/attorney)."

One of the things you should do afterwards is a survey to get your NPS (net promoter score).  you can prob. google that term.   ask "On a scale of 1-10, how likely are you to recommend us to a friend or client?"  Q2 is "why?" and leave it open ended.  you will get a lot of rich info.  My franchise has been doing this for 3 yts and found it has helped us a lot.