In MA the law regulates real estate salespersons and brokers to obtain a signed exclusive buyer agent agreement prior to recommending a home inspector. Sounds like you found a seller's agent that is aware of the regulations in MA.
I subscribe to the theory that past results are not a reliable indicator for future performance. I tend to put little value on stale website testimonials and old awards/achievements. I recommend you call the home inspectors and ask questions concerning the potential home inspection. There are many technically accurate home inspectors to choose from, and each has a unique personality to present their observations to you regarding the condition of the home.
For example, a recent prospect contacted us asking questions about the heating system of the new house. Their current house is a boiler with forced hot water and the new house is forced hot air furnace. After talking to several home inspectors about the operation of a furnace and common problems, they ended up selecting United Inspection based upon the interactive discussion with a home inspector.
Ask about your concerns. What type of report do you prefer? Hand written on-site, Electronic with inspection information only, Electronic with inspection and home reference information, Electronic with photographs, etc. Please feel free to contact us at 508.788.1447 if you have other questions on MA home inspections. - Wed Sep 21, 2011