Robert - Home inspectors don't kill a deal...The house does!
If a home is riddled with defects that are not noticed by someone who is looking to buy a new home, then it is the inspector's job to point out whatever he finds during the inspection. A good inspector will have the client's best interest in mind and not be swayed by the influence of a real estate agent or broker. Anything less would be unethical. I know most real estate agents don't like good quality inspectors because inspection reports often make them have to renegotiate and file additional paperwork. In my opinion, any real estate agent or broker who refers an underqualified or bias inspector does not have the client's best interest in mind and should not have a license. There are plenty of real estate agents who only care about the sales commision and could care less about their clients.
As for your comment about the liability being limited to the cost of the inspection, you are very wrong with that statement. I know of several home inspectors in PA that have been sued for thousands of dollars becuase they missed something or wrote something up incorrectly. This is the reason why we are required to carry insurance here in PA and Philly. While PA is not a licensed state for home inspections, there are laws that are in place and enfourced by the PA Attorney General's Office. - Mon Nov 23 2009, 09:31