3 Agents Are Talking—Here’s Why They’re Skipping You (and How to Fix It)

Agents talk. Every single day. They swap stories at open houses, text each other between showings, and compare notes over coffee. And here’s the truth: when three agents start saying the same thing about you, it spreads fast.

If those conversations are positive, you’ll have a steady stream of referrals. But if they’re negative? You’ll find yourself skipped over for another inspector whom agents trust more.

The good news: you can change what agents are saying about you. And it doesn’t take expensive tools or complicated systems. In this article, I’ll show you the top reasons inspectors get skipped—and share a 9-step checklist to make sure you’re the inspector agents recommend, not avoid.

Why Agent Referrals Make or Break Inspectors

Referrals are the lifeblood of the inspection business. A single happy buyer might only use you once—but a good agent could send you 20 clients a year. Agents are the true gatekeepers of consistent business.

But here’s the catch: agents aren’t just thinking about you in isolation. They’re constantly comparing inspectors and deciding who makes them look good to their clients. If you make their life easier, they’ll champion you. If you don’t, they’ll quietly move on—and tell their colleagues why.

That’s why understanding the conversations agents are having is critical to your success.

3 Common Reasons Agents Talk Negatively About Inspectors

1. Poor Communication

Agents are busy. If they can’t reach you, don’t know what’s happening with an inspection, or have to chase you for reports, they’ll move to someone else who communicates better.

2. Deal-Killer Language

Agents want honesty—but they also need balance. If your reports or conversations make buyers panic, agents see you as a “deal-killer.” They’ll avoid inspectors who exaggerate or dramatize issues.

3. Lack of Professionalism

First impressions matter. Showing up late, dressing sloppily, or pulling up in a messy truck signals unreliability. If agents can’t confidently put their reputation on the line for you, they won’t risk it.

What To Do Instead

You don’t need a complicated system to turn this around. Focus on the fundamentals that build trust fast: be reliable, keep agents in the loop, deliver clear and timely reports, present issues with context (not drama), look the part, respect the buyer–agent relationship, solve problems (don’t just find them), follow up after the inspection, and ask for feedback. Do these consistently, and the conversation about you will change—quickly.

Case Study: From Skipped to Preferred

One inspector I worked with was losing business fast. Agents weren’t returning his calls, and his referrals dried up. After reviewing his process, we realized two problems: his reports were overly alarming, and his communication was almost nonexistent.

He made three changes:

• Sent text updates before and after inspections.

• Reframed his reports to be factual, not dramatic.

• Followed up with thank-you notes for every agent.

Within 90 days, referrals doubled. Agents started describing him as “easy to work with,” “professional,” and “a deal-saver.” The difference wasn’t his technical skill—it was how agents talked about him.

FAQs for Inspectors

Q1: What if I’m already being skipped? Is it too late?

Not at all. This checklist is designed to reset your reputation and rebuild agent trust quickly.

Q2: Do I need special software to improve?

No. Most of these steps are about professionalism, not technology. Simple habits go a long way.

Q3: Will this work if I’m brand-new?

Yes. In fact, starting with these habits from day one will set you apart from your competition.

Q4: How do I know if agents are talking about me?

If referrals have slowed—or stopped—it’s a sign. Agents may not tell you directly, but the silence speaks volumes.

Agents are always talking. The only question is—are they recommending you, or warning clients about you?

You don’t have to guess. Use the 9-Step Agent-Trust Checklist to change the conversation, rebuild agent trust, and become the inspector agents want to work with.

👉 Get your free 9-Step Agent-Trust Checklist and start earning more referrals today → Download Here

Or, if you’re ready to accelerate your results with proven systems and coaching—
👉 Book a call with Beth at Home Inspector Help → SpeakWithBeth.com