Maryland Home Inspector Licensing

There are some interesting developments with the Maryland licensing law. Check it out here.

Hollis

HomeTech Discounts

As a HITA graduate, you are entitled to a one-time discount on the HomeTech publications:

• Building Analysis Reports (BAR)


• Tips for Busy People (Home Maintenance Manual)


• How to Make Money in the Home Inspection Business
            By Walt Stoeppelwerth


• HomeTech Cost Estimating Manuals:


• Remodeling & Renovation


• Kitchen & Bath


• New Home Builder


• Handyman

Simply download the HomeTech Order Form, fill it out, print it and fax to (301) 654-0073.

Marketing

Marketing can be the most difficult part of getting started. I don’t know anyone who likes making cold calls. I’ve watched a number of people set out to build an inspection business. There are no guarantees of success, but those who overcome the resistance, have a chance. Those who don’t, don’t.

Inspection marketing breaks out into four basic categories:

1. Pressing flesh - Start telling everyone you know that you’re a home inspector. Don’t tell them that you’re new. Don’t tell them that you’re trying to get started. Tell them that you are one. Those who know you may know how long you’ve been at it, but many will not. The more you say it, the more routine it gets. Practice your lines. Find one consistent message and deliver it consistently.
2. Media - Yellow pages, brokerage fliers, local newspapers, high school sports programs, brochures in the hands of people in a position to promote you. These are all ways of getting the message out. Remember that it takes multiple messages to make a sale. Be careful though about throwing money away.
3. Speaking - Getting in front of real estate agents, especially new ones, is one of the best ways of making lasting impressions. No matter the topic, your message should be, I understand your position and I want to be your inspector.
4. Internet - The internet has become a significant enough factor that I choose to give it its on separate space in this discussion. Categories one, two and three above all weave together to get the multiple message out to the real estate community. The internet is a world unto itself. Here, the virtual network you create on the net is what draws attention to your message. And it’s a combination of mathematical formulae and human perception that drive the traffic. Stay tuned. There is more to come on this topic.

However you choose to promote your site, be prepared to persevere. I’ve been in touch with a recent grad who contacted agents daily for over a year. He reported to me routinely that they were telling him that he was wasting his time. “Home inspections in the DC metropolitan area are dead,” they said. He told me on the phone six months ago that the only reason he was sticking to it was that his wife had taken the position that, “We’ve got too much invested to quit now.” He tightened his belt and started working on his website. I noticed recently that he’s now coming up on page one of an MSN search for his chosen keyword combination. I got an E-mail from him last month in which he told me that the phone was ringing and that it was starting to get fun. Last week he called in a panic needing report forms immediately.

Bars on Windows

I got a call the other day from a recent grad who had come across an issue in the field - bars on bedroom windows. This is a tough one because we're asked to report on something that is potentially a serious life-safety issue; and it's not black & white. On the one hand we have the original intent of the window - egress (emergency exit). And on the other, we have the security concerns of people who live in high crime neighborhoods.

I think that as a home inspector, it is incumbent on me to point the bars out to my client and to explain the matter. "There are two competing issues. It's not up to me to make decisions for you. I just want to make sure you are aware. You're going to have to decide whether you're more concerned about the bad guy getting in, our about you or your family member getting out in an emergency."

If it is a real high crime neighborhood, they're likely to opt for protection against the sure thing and take their chances with the fire.

Recommended Reading

Introducing the HITA Bookstore. We're now open for business. Those of you who were asking about reading recommendations; check it out.

Congratulations

You have successfully taken the first step toward your new home inspection career. Please take a moment to fill out an evaluation sheet. We do take these seriously. Download it. Fill it out. Print it out. Fax it back to 703-754-8396.