I owned it!

[Vern Heiler]

Is it a conflict of interest to inspect a property you once owned?

[Rick Cantrell]

If you do not have a financial interest in it now, (and you don't overlook any of the repairs or modifications you made that were not to code), other than that it's OK.

[CHARLIE VAN FLEET]

does a wild bear crap in the woods

[Nick Ostrowski]

does a wild bear crap in the woods


Where do tame bears crap?

[Vern Heiler]

I'll take that as one yes and one no. YOu guys are not helping here!

[CHARLIE VAN FLEET]

vern

stay away--do you really need that headache or problem to follow

cvf

[Vern Heiler]

Where do tame bears crap?
Where ever it wants!
Come on Nick, give me your vote!

[Jim Luttrall]

Avoid it.

[Garry Sorrells]

Conflict of interest ..... NO
So log as you have no interest in the property.

Liability risk may be a little higher. But NC has its SOP that can cover you for most part.

[Raymond Wand]

I have done a previous inspection on a property I once owned. The purchaser knew I was previous owner and had no problem with retaining me.

It was a unique property, a 1849 grist mill, with pond, et cetera. He wanted to use me because of my knowledge of the water rights, historical aspect, and other aspects of the property.

[Jack Feldmann]

I don't think its a conflict, but I would make sure that your client knew that you used to own the property.

[John Kogel]

Ditto with Jack and Ray, disclose everything you know. Also make it clear that changes have occurred since.

Bears prefer to crap in the middle of a road if at all possible.

[Garry Blankenship]

Seems like too much risk for the reward. The problem I see is not if you have a conflict of interest, but could a law smith create that appearence ?

[John Dirks Jr]

Vern,

You've been around long enough to know that if you're asking the question.....

....why risk it?

Drop back and punt.

[Dennis Krouse]

Is it a conflict of interest to inspect a property you once owned?
Finally a one word answer. YES

[Garry Sorrells]

Finally a one word answer. YES
Just have to ask.

Based on what?

[Don Burbach]

No, there is no conflict of interest, but why should that be the only issue to discuss?

If it walks like a duck, quakes like a duck, smells like a duck...... maybe it is a duck. Asking the wrong question may get the right answer, but that doesn't mean that someone second-guessing the situation won't characterize your decision to inspect unfairly and in a manner that is used against you.

Right away, you could be considered biased because of a decision you may have made 10 years ago that may have an adverse effect next year. Example: I wouldn't want to agree that the sink I installed in 2002 was incorrectly installed and could fall off the wall next year.

[Ted Menelly]

Just for the fact that someone could percieve that you did not want to point out, possibly, your own flaws or workmanship could possibly cause problems in the future. I doubt it but there is that air about it or else you would not have asked.

I say damn it all to hell. Tell them you owned the home in the past but it will have no push in any direction other than to look after their best interests as in finding all concerns possible. They may appreciate the fact that you owned it and know the home where as someone else has to do the digging and possibly not find that vent stack you buried in the wall :D

I find open deliberate honesty to all that you inspect for and verbal communication to the point of befriending all your clients dampens all that may look at this in that skeptisism.

Go for it. Inspect away.

Then again you are hesitant so that may show poorly.

[Joseph Peake]

I vote for disclose, then inspect to the best of your ability.