The premier source for home inspector news and information. Whether you're a homebuyer or a licensed home inspector, you'll find valuable insight on the world of home inspection training and competency on this blog.
As the New Year begins, prognosticators are doing their best to get a handle on where the real estate market will end up in 2008. Yet the fact remains that millions of homes will be bought and sold regardless of where the market ends up. When you become a home inspector, you'll be part of a profession that simply doesn't stop during a market slowdown.
For certified home inspectors who own their own inspection businesses, knowledge of sound business practices are useful no matter what the market is doing. And graduates of accredited home inspection schools should expect their courses to include information on starting an inspection business.
In the November/December 2007 issue of The NAHI Forum, Rick Bunzel of Pacific Crest Inspection in Anacortes, Wash., outlined 10 ways that a home inspector can succeed when the real estate market is sluggish.
Mr. Bunzel's tips are an excellent resource for both veteran business owners, as well as recent graduates of home inspector training. The following is a summary of his business advice:
1.) The Market Doesn't Stop - Beware of negative media stories. Despite slowdowns, buyers are still making offers on homes.
2.) Business Plan - Devise a business plan with a marketing component. Consult this plan as you move forward
3.) Time Management - Block out your time. Deal with certain aspects of the business at certain times each day.
4.) The Pitch - Develop a 90-second pitch that will sell realtors on your home inspection jobs.
5.) Rise Above the Pack - Market slowdowns make good home inspectors look even better. Home inspectors with poor training and even poorer skills won't last long.
6.) Know the Numbers - Hire a good accountant and stay out of the red!
7.) Optimism - Successful salespeople and businessmen stay clear of negative people.
8.) Get Mentored - Find a successful home inspector or realtor and pick their brain. Share your business plan with them; get professional feedback.
9.) Work/Life Balance - Schedule time for your family and friends. Slowdowns are an opportunity to have more time with loved ones.
10.) The Comback - The market will pick up; be ready!
Becoming a home inspector means that you'll have to be both a skilled certified home inspector and a competent business owner, but not to worry, an accredited home inspection course will prepare you to succeed.
Labels: Certified home inspectors, home inspection jobs, home inspector training, real estate home inspection
In an effort to educate home buyers, sellers and real estate professionals about real estate home inspections, the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) recently released information on three key areas that often lead to misunderstandings between home inspectors and clients.
The biggest issue, according to CREIA, is that people don't understand the precise role of a certified home inspector. One of the biggest misconceptions is that a licensed home inspector is a specialist who will repair home deficiencies.
It's important to remember that becoming a home inspector means an individual provides a professional judgment on the condition of the house. CREIA states that the "services of a home inspector are those of an inspection generalist, who is not acting as an expert" in a field where further certification may be necessary.
The second misunderstanding "is confusing a generalist home inspection with that of a code complication inspection performed by public sector building and safety inspectors." In the state of California, it's the buyer's responsibility to contact the appropriate government agency and find out what the code is for specific issues. Any good home inspection school will emphasize this point with students.
Finally there is the issue of home inspectors estimating the costs to fix any deficiencies. Home buyers may have the idea that home inspectors can diagnose a problem, make an estimate and then go right ahead and fix it themselves. CREIA makes it clear this isn't the licensed home inspector's role: "Even if qualified, an inspector offering to perform repair work on any reported defect is in contravention of state law." In other words, home inspectors in California can diagnose the problem, but they can't go ahead and repair it - that's someone else's job.
Home buyers, sellers and real estate professionals are advised to check with local agencies to see what laws apply to home inspectors in their respective states. Anyone who is starting on a home inspection career should make sure they understand these fundamentals and then communicate them to their clients and partners in the real estate industry.
Labels: home inspection jobs, home inspector school, home inspectors
Home Inspection. It's about plumbing and wiring and foundations and walls, right? Or is it?
Actually, home inspection is really about people. People buying their home or selling their home want to know that their home is in good shape and, when it's not, they want to know why and what they can do about it. What better way to help your client, and help your business than to take them along on the home inspection you're performing?
Remember, business is all about networking and developing good word of mouth. Taking your client on the inspection shows you're interested in them, as well as their home. Also, informing them of what you see will help make the inspection report that much more comprehensible.
Arrange your inspection when the client can be there, be it in the morning or afternoon. Work with them to show them you care.
Suggest they invite some friends over, especially if they are buying a new home. New homeowners love to show off their new property and get other opinions and this is also a good time for you to show others what a thorough job you do and expand your base.
Clients should be encouraged to wear some work clothes they don't mind getting dirty in to the inspection. Be sure to show them everything and allow them to use all of their senses. Show them under the countertops. Take them into the crawl space, if there is one. Make them a part of the inspection by making them familiar with all the important parts of their home.
Anything written down should be noted, even things that you might not write down should be relayed. For instance, homes constructed prior to 1976 might have lead-based paint, which would be important to replace. Even if the paint is in good shape, it's important that the new owner has this information.
Be sure to provide a legible copy of the report and go over every detail, especially high ticket items. Your client will know you're taking care of more than just the house; you're taking care of them.
Labels: buying a new home, home inspection, home inspection jobs, New homeowners
