Following is a copy of a conversation with myself and Geff of Hawks Eye Home Inspection out of Washington. Hope it’s helpful for you too.
When you started out were you the only one running things? For the most part, yes; my husband was our first home inspector.
**What was your marketing strategies? ** In the beginning we focused mainly on home shows and building a reputation (through BBB, our local Chamber of Commerce, yellow page ads and online presence). A significant shift occurred when we began marketing specifically to Realtors by joining local real estate associations, meeting with brokers and setting up presentations. We purchased box lunches and hosted a meet and greet. Once we established a rapport with multiple agencies the business took off. As time went on we hired another inspector, then another, and over a year ago, another. Yellow pages, not worth the investment. Home Shows, we spent well over $8K creating an awesome marketing booth; not worth it. The biggest investment you can make is allowing your time in building the relationships. We began participating in charitable events (mostly golf) that benefited causes we believed in. This enabled us to contribute our time, money and effort in our own marketing campaign and all for a good cause. This wasn’t a driving force, but law of attraction.
What was your budget for marketing? It’s important to have a budget yes; however, our first year we went overboard not really knowing the niche; (home buyers vs. Realtors). The niche is to market to Realtors. However, that being said; marketing to home buyers is valid, yes; (If I knew then what I know now; I would have focused on the “Move-in Certified” InterNACHI offers) for more information go to www.moveincertified.com. InterNACHI also offers the “We’ll Buy Your Home Back” program which is a phenomenal opportunity for new inspectors in building their reputation and business. For more information go to www.nachi.org/buy
How long before you hired your first inspector? I would say about eight months into the business. By then we were averaging a minimal of two inspections per day and we needed the help. My husband, (now a CMI), recruited his brother (a general contractor) to come on board. We got him certified through the same InterNACHI process and boom we were off and running. This same process occurred with the other CPIs as well.
How many inspections did you perform in the first year? If you have an intention on running a successful business, you must know what business you are doing and maintain your stats. Very important. At the end of our first year (and we started in April of 2010-the midst of an economic downpour) we averaged about 3-4 inspections per week.
**Were you planning on becoming a multi-inspection firm right outta the gate or ? ** No, not particularly. However, once the business was actually launched, my brain started considering the calculations and a goal was implemented…To be the largest, most professional home inspection company in Northern California.
And I must state that Nick’s book, “How to Run a Successful Home Inspection Business” was my bible. I read that book backwards and forwards (even down to having a RED phone). If you don’t own this book, I highly recommend it. Go to www.inspectoroutlet.com/successful and get your copy today.
Sorry if these have been addressed before.I’m 6 months in and have done roughly 45 inspections. **Thanks,Geff ** Hang in there. You must believe you are capable of achieving all that you desire, irregardless of what may be going on around you. If you set an intention on performing x number of inspections per month, you can create it; but you must first believe you can, before you can see it.
hawkseyehomeinspection@gmail.com
Wa.state lic#1131
Seattle Bellevue Everett Tacoma Wa. Home Inspector