Originally Posted By: mboyett This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I am of the opinion that there is a very limited market for this service and that only a few clients will opt for it. I would expect, in my case only, that I might get 1-2 clients per month that would want this service therefore putting the cost/report fairly high and therefore drastically reducing any profit margin on it. I’m going to pass, on signing up with BuildFax, unless they were to offer something like a trial package of 10 reports for a fixed price and a longer time frame, maybe 60-90 days to use it.
Originally Posted By: gbell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Mike,
I think you are correct in that this product will have little resell value for us as home inspectors.
When it comes to my area I plan on giving a report on every inspection. It will be just one more way of making my services a little better than the next guy. It will take less than two inspections to pay for a year. I have no doubt that it will bring me at least that. Very likely it could bring much more. That is where the payoff is for us. More inspections mean more money.
Originally Posted By: mboyett This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Greg,
That makes perfect sense, something extra to differentiate yourself from the competition. I like that. On the other hand, I’ve used the “only takes a couple of inspections to pay for it” one too many times I think. What with GL insurance, new tools, computer gear, higher gas prices, truck maintenance (new tires), oh you get the picture, I’ve kind of reached a point I need to say Kings-X and let some revenue fall to the bottom line for awhile. I might rethink this though with the marketing angle you’re using. As R? would say: Hmmmmm…
Originally Posted By: mpelz This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I think that Greg hits the nail on the head with his point about how BuildFax can help distinguish you from other Home Inspectors. As a matter of fact, we encourage anyone in an area that we serve to put a BuildFax link on their website so that your clients can easily see that you go the extra mile for them: “We Proudly Feature BuildFax Property History Reports”
At $2 per report ($29.95/15 reports), there is nothing easier you can do that will better distinguish yourself, perform added due dilligence to decrease liability, or serve your clients better.
Also, you may have seen in IQ that we're looking for Distributors in all areas to help us expand into new markets. Those of you waiting for BuildFax to come to you may want to get in touch with me to discuss this opportunity.
Originally Posted By: jfarsetta This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It will be a nice service, but will caution all inspectors who offer the service, with a basic question:
Are you a code compliance inspector, are you an appraiser, are you an attorney, are you a realtor, or are you a Home Inspector?
This service is clearly beyond the scope of any SOP. Not that it's a bad idea, but it is based upon the gathering and verification of information performed by a third party.
I'm not sure if I'd be willing to take on the responsibility to research the existence or validity of building permits, code violations, or COs. I believe there is an added liability which extends beyong the limits of E&O insurance
I'm also not sure if most clients would be willing to pay for such a servce, and if so, how much.
-- Joe Farsetta
Illigitimi Non Carborundum
"Dont let the bastards grind you down..."
Originally Posted By: kgraham This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
TREC has a specific rules wording we are supposed to use as our report. On the cover page, it has “It is recommended that you obtain as much history as is available concerning this property. This historical information may include copies of any seller’s disclosures, previous inspection or engineering reports, reports performed for or by relocation companies, municipal inspection departments, lenders, insurers and appraisers. You should attempt to determine whether repairs, renovation, remodeling, additions or other such activities have taken place at this property.”
So, I guess I'll have to consider using Buildfax when it is available in my area.
Originally Posted By: jonofrey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
kgraham wrote:
TREC has a specific rules wording we are supposed to use as our report. On the cover page, it has "It is recommended that you obtain as much history as is available concerning this property. This historical information may include copies of any seller's disclosures, previous inspection or engineering reports, reports performed for or by relocation companies, municipal inspection departments, lenders, insurers and appraisers. You should attempt to determine whether repairs, renovation, remodeling, additions or other such activities have taken place at this property."
That would be "you" as in your client should attempt to obtain as much history, info, etc...
That wording was put in there to help limit the inspectors exposure. I would be hesitant to deviate from this limitation but that's just me. Knock your socks off! 
Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
jonofrey wrote:
I would be hesitant to deviate from this limitation but that's just me. Knock your socks off! 
Originally Posted By: kgraham This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I agree that it appears the “you” applies to our clients, but I have heard the argument that it applies to ourselves as well. Regardless, should we not provide our clients this information or at least offer them this alternate source for the information?
I don't think this would expose us to additional liability if we are careful on our promises. Such as, offer the report for what it is, which is information from a 3rd party resource for their consideration.
It may be that little "something extra" to seperate us from the crowd.
Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
"The inspection of the property listed above must be performed in compliance with the rules of the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). The inspection is of conditions, which are present and visible at the time of inspection, and all of the equipment is operated in normal modes. The inspector must indicate which items are in need of repair or are not functioning and will report on all applicable items required by TREC rules.
Please read this report carefully. This report is intended to provide you with information concerning the condition of the property at the time of inspection. If any item is unclear, you should request that the inspector provide clarification. It is recommended that you obtain as much history as is available concerning this property. This historical information may include copies of any seller?s disclosures, previous inspection or engineering reports, reports performed for or by relocation companies, municipal inspection departments, lenders, insurers, and appraisers. You should attempt to determine whether repairs, renovation, remodeling, additions or other such activities have taken place at this property. Property conditions change with time and use. Since this report is provided for the specific benefit of the client(s), secondary readers of this information should hire a licensed inspector to perform an inspection to meet their specific needs and to obtain current information concerning this property."
When read in context with the rest of the paragraph I don't see how it could be said that it is addressing the inspector. It speaks of the inspector in the third person. It's plainly addressed to the client.
Originally Posted By: kgraham This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Patrick,
You're right, it is pretty obvious that it is addressed to the client when read in context with the rest of the information. Below is the response from TREC as well.
"The inspection report language cited below is directed toward the
inspector's client and is intended to alert the client (particularly a
potential buyer of a property) to the possibility that the inspection will
not reveal every detail of the history of the property. While inspectors
may make the same sort of inquiry, they are not required to do so.
We hope this information is helpful to you.
Devon V. Bijansky
Staff Attorney
Texas Real Estate Commission
(512) 465-3960
fax (512) 465-3962"