Which of the following practice areas can inspectors refer clients to?

Inspectors are often called upon to assess property conditions and can play a supportive role in guiding clients toward relevant services that address specific property issues. Referring clients to non-settlement services like pest control is appropriate, as inspectors frequently encounter pest-related concerns during their inspections. Helping clients find pest control services can enhance the overall buying or selling experience by ensuring that potential issues are addressed, thereby safeguarding the property and the client's interests.

In contrast, referring clients to settlement services, financial advisory services, or real estate transaction attorneys may raise concerns regarding the inspector's potential conflict of interest or imply endorsements of certain service providers. While these services are certainly valuable in the real estate transaction process, they are more typically within the purview of real estate agents, lenders, or attorneys rather than inspectors, whose primary role is to evaluate the physical condition of properties and provide unbiased reports. Therefore, referring clients to pest control aligns with an inspector's function while maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding any implied financial relationships.