Recent phone conversations have shed light onto a new and disturbing phenomena in Israeli real-estate dealings. Realtors with their own list of “authorized INSPECTORS” from which you request an inspector for your real-estate review before beginning the closing process.

Many of these people are nothing but appraisers, trained to evaluate the residence for value not quality or defects in construction. 

They are not qualified engineers who are trained with years of experience in construction to see behind the new paint and find defective foundations, windows, doors and other items which may end up costing the purchaser many times the price of the inspection.

In the US this is not unheard of but it has also been found to be unacceptable from an ethical standpoint. Many realtors have been found to use their brother-in-law or similar with inspections taking virtually no time at all which only shows that the agent has neither the knowledge or use unwise business practices.

To date in Israel there are but 2 known inspection agencies that are not just "in it for the money", but see this as a community service and an aid in the confusing maze of home acquisitions.

Insist on your own inspector who has the knowledge, expertise, capability, history and integrity to review each home as though it were his own. If your real-estate agent balks at the notion of you bringing in a 3rd party inspector? walk away, if he is honorable he will consider your request as a sign you are truly interested in the home and will consent to your request. Remember the ties you break may save you a fortune in undue repair bills.

Good hunting,
David Stiebel
Quality Assurance Inspector
http://www.qa-israel.com

David Stiebel is a qualified Civil Engineer with over 25 years experience in building and evaluating homes in Israel and the US. See his web site at: www.qa-israel.com for more information.