You hit the reason with your own statement. Most agents believe you will be taking their business. You might expect to see many agents look elsewhere for inspection services once they realize you are licensed.

It's probably the thought of some kind of conflict of interest but I don't really see an issue. They just better not do inspections on their own listings.....just sayin!

I have no issue with an inspector having a license. Just as I have no issue with an agent having an inspector's license. I'd only have an issue if the inspector I used had a license and then used it to compete directly with me through my referrals of clients for inspections.

If you get your license then congratulations on your desire to learn more, but your process is very different. Maybe it would be more important for REALTORS® to take inspection courses like I did with appraisal courses. 

I don't see it as competition rather a conflict of interest. 

Some will argue a conflict of interest and some will applaud your seeking of knowledge. The morals and ethics involved are up to the individual as it always is!

As long as no conflick of interest occurs, no problem. Keep in mind that a lot of people are jealous of success by others in their field.

Could be the potential for conflict or a slanted report. Im not saying thats the case, but I can see the potential.

Maybe they misunderstand the reason OR think that you would ben doing inspections for the same houses you are listing...which of course would not happen...people have wild imaginations.

i'm with Marco Giancola 

"It's probably the thought of some kind of conflict of interest but I don't really see an issue."

Good, morning, Michael.  
Frankly, I think it would be an awesome combination but you do need to be prepared for the response of your agent peers and weigh the potential consequences. Perception is reality to most people.  

I don't see a problem with it BUT how many hats are you going to wear in a transaction? I think that if you are in the inspector, you shouldn't be the agent.

Why would you think a license would benefit you?

I think it would be good to have an inspector with a RE license. The more one knows, the better. 

I think the more knowledge anyone has the better they can understand and do their jobs. Many agents also hold lending licenses and use them. I have known agents become home inspectors and I use one in my area that is licensed in both areas and it doesn't threaten me at all. I know he knows we want to keep the deal together and will do a fair and honest job. It is all in the way it is presented. But I do know some agents that don't like it at all and would never use this agent/home inspector.

I don't see where it helps as sales, contracts, fiduciary, and inspections are totally different concepts. Your job is to be unbiased and not take sides, we are paid to take sides and represent.

well, if you can be licensed and not use it to compete, I would have no issues with it.... but if you were licensed and used that as a "close" to secure listings, you'd never get another dollar from anyone in my office....

I had my Massachusetts Builders License through the entire time that I focused on listing new subdivisions.... I could have built houses...I knew the code forward and backward.... I had that license for one purpose, and that was for knowledge of the product and to handle builder meetings professionally and knowledgeably... my builders loved it...I would have everything laid out for the builder when he did finally meet with the client.... he had a hand drafted plan; a list of upgrades and extras and many were shown on the plan; he had another separate sheet that no one but the builder saw with an estimate of costs for the extras ( could do estimating including providing a figure for waste)....but I never built and was never a competitor...

so how would that real estate license help you with your home inspection business??? just asking....

Having a license and being an active real estate agent could bring different reactions. Many agents would not want to support their competition.

I would prefer that home inspectors focus their attention on their day job.

If you were doing both and one was better than the other it would mean you were not doing one of the jobs correctly.

I was taught to learn one thing and do it correctly.

I think it's fine - providing the inspector when wearing their inspector hat  does not discuss topics with the Buyer that are more appropriately for discussion with their Buyer Agent or their Lender.

I have no problem with it.  I think you would be at risk if you inspected a  house where you represented either the buyer or seller.

Michael Thornton I don't have a problem with home inspectors getting a real estate license as long as it doesn't present a conflict of interest.

I usually avoid your questions, but this one could not be ignored.

You have been on AR long enough to have read blog after blog after blog and question after question after question the make it CRYSTAL CLEAR that getting a license has NOTHING to be with being a successful or knowledgeable real estate professional.

Either you don't value the words of other real estate professional or you have ulterior motives......revealed by 'maybe competition is a good thing' which goes beyond getting a license.

Put up your money, do your time, and start paying a broker. Perhaps you can learn more and better the real estate industry. I'm sure nothing needs to be made better in the inspector disciplines.

Reportedly there are approximately 2 million agents in the USA. I'm sure there is room for one more.

Good morning Michael.  You're more than welcome to get your license in my state and come join us.  I can see that you would not want to inspect any of the properties you have as there could be a conflict.  

Yes, maybe some would think there is a conflict of interest, but that can be solved by avoiding clients/houses that you are working on.  But, I fear that more are just threatened and don't operate under an abundance mentality.

Don't know. Probably seen as a  potential for conflict of interest by some, but that can be eliminated just by not doing the inspections for your own buyers.

Michael Thornton not sure why one would say 'NO' to that - unless someone feels it's ethical violation!

You hit the nail on the head.  Most just think you are going to steal business.  Unless you explain, no one will know.

I don't get that either

I don't have a problem with this. 

I have no problems if you have your license, Michael.  Though, I would have an issue of your were to somehow end up showing my clients homes at a later time.

Michael, this is very good question.

Bravo to you Michael Thornton!!  I think it is important for a home inspector to understand real estate agency law and practice just as it is important for a real estate agent to understand home inspection law and practice. 

No reason to not be licensed and deep into Real Estate, just dont join in the pool of competators if you expect them to send you referrals.

Michael,

Many may not refer you if they believe that you are going to be taking away their business.  I am of the opinion that the more is merrier, and it will help weed out the competition.  If I were in your business, and I was selling homes too, I would use another inspector for the inspection...otherwise, it could easily be construed as a conflict of interest.  A

Colorado has tried to pass this for several years now and cannot get it to pass.  Wish they would, and the wanta bees would be out of business.  

It does not bother me as long as you are not representing the customer in both capacities. 

I can only see it become a conflict of interest if you change your business model.

All I want from my vendors is their 100%, and if that is what my clients and I get, then so be it. I won't fret about the other stuff.

I don't see it as an issue if you prefer to have a Real Estate license. Frankly, I don't really see the need for it either, but it's fine if that's what YOU want.

I don't feel that way, I wish there was licensing for inspectors here within their industry. As far as I'm told, there's only certifications & designations in CA for inspectors. But to your point, my lender is licensed, my TC is licensed; it's a plus not a threat to me. One of my two inspectors' husband is a Realtor; that doesn't stop me from using his services, even though I know he's not likely to refer me; he's great for my clients and my escrows.

Change sometimes is harder for those around us, than for us going through it. You'd have thought I quit Scientology when I left CB in August; lots of haters. Don't let others' insecurities slow your roll; get your license Michael Thornton  and "carry on my wayward son, they'll be peace when you are done..."