Thread: Underwriters asking for signature

For the second time this Summer, the closing attorney , Realtor and clients are in a panic because the loan underwriters are requesting that the home inspector sign off that the repair work has been done. I rarely ever go back to reinspect, but on occasion I will after clearly explaining the limitations and inability to fully ascertain how repairs were made.

Is anybody else running into this request from underwriters ? How do you handle it?

It smells like what got us onto the housing debacle to begin with, banks wanting to find some else to take the risk.

Similar Threads:

• Online Report Delivery and Contract Signature

Robert,

I have to ask; does your E&O provider cover you for reinspecting and signing off on repairs?

Personally I would avoid it. Too many variables in confirming if work, repairs, quality of materials, workmanship, was done properly, and covered over items ...

The way I see it anyway.

Originally Posted by Robert Foster

... loan underwriters are requesting that the home inspector sign off that the repair work has been done.
.
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How do you handle it?

It smells like what got us onto the housing debacle to begin with, banks wanting to find some else to take the risk.

Charge to check that all work was done by licensed contractors, and that permits, inspections were pulled for all work, and that permits were finaled out.

No permits, not licensed contractors - I recommend not getting involved.

If there were permits and the work was done by licensed contractors, provide the permits and signed off and finialed out permit - for a reasonable fee, of course.

But YOU do not 'sign off' an any work, otherwise YOU become the responsible party ... not what you got paid for.

I have never heard of this tactic before.
Charge and well to gather any information. Permits, licenses, peer contracts, etc...

Raymond and Jerry have recommended sound advice.
I as well say, sign off on nothing!

Advice from my attorney to me...
Two signatures only....one on your contract and the second on the back of the deposited check.

Confirmation and approval of work performed is the sole responsibility of the contractor performing the work or repair.

Robert, what type of work was done and was it as a direct result of your inspection report??

For many going back to inspect work that was done should be a scary request. Most HIs are not qualified to act as an expert that is qualified in the actual construction trades. So to report on the repairs as being done correctly they extend their liability past their capabilities.

Originally Posted by Ian Page

Advice from my attorney to me...
Two signatures only....one on your contract and the second on the back of the deposited check.

Confirmation and approval of work performed is the sole responsibility of the contractor performing the work or repair.

You don't sign your report?

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

You don't sign your report?

My report and contract are all in one, so yes. The contract has my signature, the report bears my name.

Originally Posted by Ian Page

My report and contract are all in one, so yes. The contract has my signature, the report bears my name.

Electronic system?

Robert Y.

As you know the Horizon system does not have allowance for you to sign your name. The report is generated by the inspector doing the inspection it's a given that the inspector did the inspection and report. And the contract is approved by client clicking on the link in the booking email.

Originally Posted by Raymond Wand

Robert Y.

As you know the Horizon system does not have allowance for you to sign your name. The report is generated by the inspector doing the inspection it's a given that the inspector did the inspection and report. And the contract is approved by client clicking on the link in the booking email.

Good point.
That being said. HORIZON makes everything legal.
As for signed contracts.

Originally Posted by Ian Page

My report and contract are all in one, so yes. The contract has my signature, the report bears my name.

Mine were also all in one, but the contract is done before the report, each needs its own signature - otherwise the report is not signed ... only the contract would be signed.