Using a hold-harmless clause as a marketing tool.

InterNACHI members are often asked by real estate agents if they carry Error & Omissions insurance (E&O) and if that E&O insurance indemnifies real estate agents.  If you do not have such insurance you should use a hold-harmless clause in your pre-inspection agreement (between you and your client).  You should explain to all real estate agents that unlike indemnification insurance which only pays for the legal defense of a real estate agent who gets sued over one of your inspections, your hold-harmless clause is even better in that your client pre-agrees not to file suit against the agent at all. 

A real estate agent is just a sales person.  Having your client agree not to hold a real estate agent responsible for anything related to your home inspection is proper.  Many real estate agents are worried about negligent referral claims.  Ease their worries by letting them know you use a hold-harmless clause which protects them. 

This is a great tool for breaking-into new real estate offices.  It is somewhat difficult to explain to some real estate agents but many members have found success when they present it to the broker/owner directly.  Believe it, a broker/owner will be all ears as you explain how using your services protects his/her agents.

The following is a sample hold-harmless clause for you attorney's review:

HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT: CLIENT agrees to hold any and all real estate agents involved in the purchase of the property to be inspected harmless and keep them exonerated from all loss, damage, liability or expense occasioned or claimed by reasons of acts or neglects of the INSPECTOR or his employees or visitors or of independent contractors engaged or paid by INSPECTOR for the purpose of inspecting the subject home.

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