e070830 Working with a pest control company

Identifier: e070830

Date: 08/30/2007

Question

Would it violate the CoE if a pest company bundled my inspection services with their pest inspections?  The client would pay me directly for my services, no money would change hands between my company and the pest company, and I would not be required to recommend the pest company. 

Response

Combining services with other companies that offer a similar class of real estate services would not appear to present a significant conflict of interest situation or a violation of the Code of Ethics.  Care should be taken to ensure that client information is not shared with a partner company without express client approval, and that any home inspection findings related to pest observations are unbiased.