Should You Use Your Realtor's Home Inspector?
Your offer just got accepted, your inspection window is already ticking, and your agent texts you an inspector's name. Do you book it and move on, or start calling around?
You can absolutely use the inspector your agent recommends. There are a lot of good, honest inspectors working around St. Louis, and plenty of buyers find a great one through their agent. Just do a little homework first, because the inspector you hire works for you and becomes part of your support team for your home-buying process.
Yes, you can use the home inspector your realtor recommends, as long as you vet them the same way you'd vet any inspector. Missouri doesn't license home inspectors, so check for certification you can verify through a national association like InterNACHI or ASHI, ask about insurance, and read a full sample report before you book. InterNACHI's Code of Ethics also bars its inspectors from paying agents for referrals. Whoever recommends them, the inspector works for you, the buyer.
Is it a conflict of interest to use your realtor's inspector?
Your agent has a stake in the sale closing, and because of that, some buyers worry a realtor-recommended inspector might go easy on the house to keep things moving. That's the home inspector conflict of interest people ask about.
A recommendation on its own isn't a red flag, though. A lot of agents recommend inspectors because they've seen their reports and trust their work. Missed problems don't do anyone any favors after closing, so asking why they refer the inspector is a fair question.
Professional ethics help here, too. InterNACHI's Code of Ethics says its members can't pay agents, brokers, or real estate companies for referrals or for a spot on a preferred-inspector list, and ASHI's code has a similar rule.
What credentials should a home inspector have in Missouri?
Your own research counts the most here. As of 2026, Missouri doesn't license home inspectors. Bills to create a state license have been filed over the years, including HB 1832 in 2026, but none have become law.
Check these instead:
Certification you can verify. National associations like InterNACHI and ASHI hold their members to a published Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. InterNACHI lists its certified inspectors online, so you can look up a name in a minute.
Insurance. Ask whether they carry errors and omissions (E&O) and general liability coverage.
A clear inspection agreement. You should be able to read it before inspection day and know what's covered and what isn't.
Reviews from real clients. Look for ones that mention the report and the follow-up support.
Why should you read a sample report before you hire anyone?
The report is what you'll use to negotiate and plan repairs. You'll share it with your agent, get contractor quotes from it, and build your repair request from it, all inside a 10 to 15 day window.
Ask every inspector you're considering for a full sample report, and actually click through it. Look for:
Photos of every finding, so you and a contractor can see the issue
Plain-English explanations of what was found, why it matters, and what to do next
Clear severity ratings that separate safety concerns from routine maintenance
A firm delivery time, so you're not waiting on the report while your window closes
Pull up two or three sample reports side by side. The differences show up fast. If an inspector can't show you one, we'd keep looking.
When should you start looking for a home inspector?
Before you're under contract, if you can. Inspection windows are short, and you still need time after the report for quotes and negotiations. Good inspectors' calendars fill up, too.
If you've already done your research, your agent's recommendation turns into a quick check. Look the inspector up, open a sample report, and book. You can also ask your agent for two or three names and compare them. It's a simple way to choose a home inspector without burning days of your window.
So, should you use your realtor's home inspector?
If they check out, go for it. You've turned a referral into your own decision, and that's the goal.
We work with a lot of local agents, and we're an affiliate member of the St. Charles County Association of Realtors. We'd still rather you check us out the same way. Sean's InterNACHI profile is public, and our sample reports are online for anyone to open.
See exactly what you'd get
We've published three full sample reports: a modern home in O'Fallon, a 100-year-old home in St. Louis County, and a pre-drywall inspection in St. Charles County. Open one and compare it to any other inspector's sample.
When you're ready, see Sean's qualifications and why buyers hire us or schedule your inspection. Evening and weekend availability, and your report is delivered within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use my realtor's home inspector? You can. Many agents recommend inspectors they trust, and there are a lot of good inspectors working in Missouri. Before you book, verify their certification, ask about insurance, and read a full sample report, the same as you would for any inspector.
Is it a conflict of interest for my realtor to recommend a home inspector? It can feel like one, since your agent has a stake in the sale closing. A recommendation alone isn't a problem. InterNACHI's and ASHI's codes of ethics bar inspectors from paying agents for referrals, and the inspector's job is to report what they find to you, the client.
Can a home inspector pay a realtor for referrals? InterNACHI's Code of Ethics prohibits its members from paying agents, brokers, or real estate companies for referrals or for placement on preferred-inspector lists. ASHI's code has a similar provision. It's fair to ask an inspector about it directly.
Does Missouri license home inspectors? No. As of 2026, Missouri doesn't have a state license for home inspectors. Bills have been introduced, including HB 1832 in 2026, but none has become law. Look for certification through a national association like InterNACHI or ASHI that you can verify online.
Can I hire a different inspector than the one my agent recommends? Yes. You're the one hiring the inspector, so the choice is yours. Let your agent know early so access and scheduling don't eat into your inspection window.
What should I look for in a sample home inspection report? Photos of each finding, plain-English explanations of what was found and why it matters, clear severity ratings, a stated delivery time, and a format that's easy to share with your agent and contractors.
Ready to see the report before you book?
Tech Inspect Home Services LLC · 3580 Highway T, Marthasville, MO 63357 · 636-201-6366 · sean@techinspecthome.com
