e060419 Can an inspector share a Web site link with agents?

Identifier: e060419

Date: 09/13/2006

Question

Is it ethical to share a website link with real estate agents, other related real estate firms, appraisers, etc.?

Response

While business relationships with real estate agents and brokers have the potential to lead to conflicts of interest, linking websites does not necessarily imply endorsement or represent an inspection referral.  Unless the agreement to link websites involves an implicit or explicit agreement to refer inspection clients to the home inspector for compensation, or unless the information included in the websites is somehow fraudulent or misleading, there is no violation of the Code of Ethics.