Reputation and experience.

All of the above+ easy to schedule, quick turn around time on reports, and as others have mentioned ability to communicate findings in a simple to understand and non-alarming way

I think they have to be able to explain their findings in such a manner as to not upset the seller and put the buyer in panic. Nothing worse than a minor plumbing leak turning into the flood of the century. 

They need to be tech savvy enough to email us at least a summary report with color photos. They also need to be able to take credit card payments over the phone.

Attention to detail, ability to explain to client what is important and what is not.

keep the drama out of the job.... explain the facts without causing concern....

Experience, professionalism, attitude.

Of all the qualities, the least important is what they charge.

Good inspectors are never the cheapest...just like realtors.

Eve

Experience and personality.  My client hired an inspector on his own, which is fine, but this inspector had a bad attitude.  

For me is trust, knowledge and good referrals

Besides their experience, thoroughness, easy to read reports with photos, people skills with the buyers, one that can fit you in when you have a rush inspection.

Oh I'm sorry I thought you asked what qualities are important when looking for a broker .... 

Licensed, insured, reputation, past experience with, warranty for their work... are reports generated within 24 hours and on-line for easy viewing delivery. I don't especially look at fees... they all seem to be pretty similar.

I prefer smaller inspection firms. Recently stopped using a firm where the current owner did all the inspections. He has been successful turning it into a huge company in the Carolinas.... but now there's less control over the inspectors and I had two inspections in a row that were atrocious for reasons I won't get into here. I stopped recommending them.

Fred, all of those are great criteria. I would also add, how they present the defects to the buyers is important to me as well.

I don't do well with alarmists!

Everything you mentioned is what I look for and advise my buyers to look for. We have many good inspectors in my area. They have been around for a very long time. My office has a list that we hand out to the buyers. There are six names on the list, and these are all people we have worked with and that are insured. 

You don't have to be licensed to be a home inspector in CO, but the state is looking at changing that. I hope they do.

Competence, of course and the demeanor to discuss findings and remedies very matter of factly.

Fred,

There are some great answers here.  I have nothing to add.  A

Responsive. Available within 2 business days.

Knows their stuff and has invested in the tools needed for through diagnosis.

Leaves the drama at the curb.

Provides digital reports with embedded images and NO RED LETTERS....ever.and give me a heads up BEFORE delivering bad news.

Their Experience in construction.

Reputation and experience is crucial for this type of service...it should never be about their fee. IMO

Do they use a camera ???

An honest home inspector that uncovers the issues but not sink the deal with technical useless mumbo jumbo and nonsense.

Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTACONDOS.COM  nailed this one!

Experience, attention to detail, absence of an ego to interject into the transaction, ability to effectively communicate, turn around of report time, accessibility, & a fair fee. 

For me, the most important my past experience with them, but clients look at price, reviews, etc. 

I usually refer three home inspectors that I worked with in the past that I've done a good job. My client is the one who makes the choice...

Fortunately I've only had 3 and #2 was former Million+ blogger Russel Ray for 12 years and then a Buffini & Company trained inspector replaced him when Russel retired.

Competence & Character. Price is what it is.

I've never added anyone to my list without seeing a copy (it can be redacted of names and addresses) and see if the report is clear and comes with photos.  A great report is what gets people on my list.  Finding out they missed something major gets them permenantly on the other list.  yes, I also have a "and I recommend you don't hire this person" list 

Knew one home inspector who no longer practices say every time we entered an older home "why wouldn't everyone start with new construction" and not deal with existing homes. In small rural areas, not everyone steps out to hire an architect and draw up the blueprints. and build from scratch. So get an inspector on existing housing stock that is not pro new construction and extra critical of current housing inventory.

Small enough to fit in tight living quarters. You know many inspectors do not even crawl in the attic or crawl space anymore.  What do they do?  Little.

I use a couple of different inspectors, depending on the type of property. The one I like best is a civil engineer. He charges a little more, but he displays the greatest amount of knowledge.  But most importantly, he doesn't scare the crap out of the buyer.

When he does the "read out", he explains to the buyer what he found, why it is important and how it needs to be addressed. 

We have one that does new construction. He first sends the report to the builder for corrections and then after they are made reinspects and sends that report to the investor. It solves a lot of problems.

I have had many inspectors over the years, and some absolutely missed lots of things I would have thought they would inspect.    Some clients want cheaper, but explain that is what they get.    One of my inspectors has an electrical background, which is very helpful with some properties.

Fred Griffin - reputation matters the most. Relationship with the inspector, too.

What else? Can't think of anything special.

I am glad I don't make the decision but only give out names of those that are reputable and licensed.

Experience first, reputation second - fee in case of a tie!

All of the above Fred Griffin although I am less concerned about the price. We get what we pay for. Their knowledge that extends beyond the inspection is helpful too. 

Fred Griffin Home inspection knowledge and the ability to pass information results to the buyer.

The quality of their reports and if they call out picky ass things or not!  Some are deal killers, some are deal savers.  I use the later and reject the former.

First that they are a Certified, Registered Home Inspector... Secondly by experience and reputation..

Reputation and fees would be my top choices.

Experience, knowledge and if i have never used them, talking to an agent who did use them, i wont use a one on a trial and error basis

All .