Hey Everyone, First time posting in here so bear with me. I’m a new inspector starting up here in Canada.
Just curious as to how other guys go about Inspection Agreements and getting them signed? Most situations, when you show up to the house the client doesn’t come till after your done your inspection to go over the house. So I’m wondering how does one get an agreement signed. I’ve heard guys getting it signed after they have completed the inspection and the client shows up but to me that doesn’t make much sense as they should be aware before hand what’s all involved and will be inspected. I know some guys have their agreements integrated on their software but I’m still curious how most get this done.
If they will not be there from the beginning they get a secure link to sign
**You’ll be receiving email from the International Assoc of Certified Home Inspectors.
There will be a secure link that will take you to the required inspection agreement for you to sign.
It must be signed for me to proceed, please let me know if you have any questions.
In case you did not receive the email link to sign your inspection agreement, here it is: My Inspection Agreement
Regardless how you get the actual paperwork signed the client should receive and accept a copy before the actual inspection. This is delivered by email and gives the client a chance to review the whole document before work begins. Mine is 2 pages and I have never gotten a refusal. I also keep a copy of all email correspondence with the report and pictures (MD requires all HI report materials be retained for 5 years).
Thanks guys for the quick replies! I will look into the online agreement system. Didn’t realize you can fire off an email like that. Appreciate the help!
We use Square to send our agreements, invoices, collect payments, etc. We send the agreement and invoice when booking the inspection. Once they electronically sign the agreement, then they can click to pay the invoice by credit/debit card or etransfer.
6 Likes
ndegaris
(Neil DeGaris, CMI KY License # 102167)
8
I use ISN as well, Kevin how do you go about requiring the signature the day before?
I do the same as @mgoldenberg . The online agreement system that Nachi has is included in your membership. The agreement templates are fully customizable or you can create your own from scratch. You can also generate a pdf version to download it or print it if needed. Easy peazy. The system will send an email with a link, or you can send the email link yourself, which ever you prefer. I do both for redundancy, and have never had a problem. I have found that if the client has gmail, the link could cause emails to go to junk/spam folders though. Depends on how they have their spam filters set up. It’s no big deal but make it a habit to tell your clients to check that and mark emails from you and Internachi as “safe” or “trusted”.
Many report software companies offer agreement systems as well. Some charge extra for it though. Like @jfudge I will send Square invoices when they pay with a credit/debit card, but have one I made for other forms of payment.
I use NXT Inspekt as my administration software. The client can schedule online, then the agreement and payment link is send to them. I have to do nothing, it’s all automatic. It is $3.00 per paid inspection to use. I know inspector toolbelt has free administration software, but it’s not as customized as NXT Inspekt. It’s just like ISN, but cheaper. And no porch integration to worry about. It will not share clients info with porch.
Hey Neil, in the email that I send out with a link to the agreement I have this statement:
This email is confirmation of your inspection & contains a link to the Inspection Agreement that can be found below. Before the inspection can be performed, it is a requirement of the State of Ohio that a signed inspection agreement is in place.
I would guestimate that 95% of the time I receive the signed agreement back the same day I send it out, if I haven’t received a signed PIA back by the day before the inspection, I will call them to make sure they received it, and also to verbally inform them that state law prohibits me from entering the property until I have a signed agreement in place, they almost always apologize and say they forgot, and send it right out.
Last year I had to cancel one inspection because the client wanted me to change the contract, when I called the REA and informed her I was cancelling, she told me she totally understood as he wanted her to change her contract with him as well.
I send my agreements as an email through ISN. Most of the time I receive the signed agreement back the same day. On the times that I don’t get it back I’ll reach out to the client and their agent to make sure the client received it and ask them to sign it.
ndegaris
(Neil DeGaris, CMI KY License # 102167)
13
Thanks Kevin, i basically do the same, if it’s booked out far enough i have it set up to send out a reminder email to sign the agreement.
I guess i got caught up on the word “Required” like ISN had a feature that i wasn’t aware of.
Spectora largely facilitates the entire process, including contract signing, payment, and report delivery, through their client portal (supported by automated texts and emails).
I use the InterNACHI Online Agreement system however instead of sending from InterNACHI, (which is a simple option) I send them an email with a link to the inspection agreement which has simple instructions to walk them through the signing process. and the email also list ancillary options (with prices) they may want to consider and add on (Radon, sewer scope, meth test, etc.) The email will also have an Invoice Attached as well as advise them on payment options, CC, Venmo check or cash. 80% of the time I never meet the clients at the inspection, and when I do it is usually at the very end, so signing at the inspection is very rarely an option(except for a few times where the client is 80+ years young and does not do the computer/smartphone thing). And I Always make sure the Inspection Agreement is signed before I ever step foot on the property. This is also most likely required by your E&O insurance or you will not be covered.
I use HomeGauge for my report writing and scheduling. When I schedule the inspection my agreement is emailed to the client and requires an e-signature for me proceed. If they don’t e-sign and I do the inspection and report they are not able to open the report until a e-signature is provided.
Hey everyone, just want to thank you all once again for all the replies. They have all been super helpful. Nice to hear what everyone is using for their agreements. I’ve gone through and made up an agreement through the internachi system and think I will be going ahead with it to start. Thanks again!