Originally Posted By: rbracklow This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hey Dan,
You just can't up your ante by $.03, from my $.02 to your $.05!!  
Yeah, different areas, different opinions!!  
I guess since were closer to Hollyweird, they like photos and the like. In my report, I add the narative, it is not like some of the newer ones where it is written out for you and you just puch the button.
Then of course your right, some newbies are so bad, that they can't even push the right button!!
Ron.
-- The highest compliment my clients can give me, is the referral of their Friends, Family and Business Associates!
Originally Posted By: jrooff This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’m with Dan out here. The realtors here want there client to have the report done now so they can work on the closing. Some of the realtors have said they like the fact that they don’t have to stand around that extra 45-60 min. while computer boy is doing the report.
Originally Posted By: Brian A. Goodman This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
If that’s where your money comes from indirectly it maybe a good idea to listen. What’s in your wallet?
And what happens when the realtors decide they don't want to wait for more than a hour for you to do the whole thing? If you let the realtors dictate the terms of your inspections, they will.
If you choose to do a certain type of report because it works best for you and your clients, so be it. If you choose it because the realtors like it even though you really feel another type would be better, you're compromising your client. Start kissing the realtors' butts and you'll need a lot of Chap Stick, they don't get tired of it.
Originally Posted By: jrooff This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It just so happens I picked the reporting system the realtors seem to like and that is why I am in no hurry to change. But if the mood in this area swings more for computer print out I will go with the flow. Will I do a lesser job for a client with one or the other reports, I think not. But will I listen to what realtors say, I’d be a fool not to, I know I will see that realtor a number of times in the next 15-20 years and I know I will more than likely never see that client again. Now understand I said listen, I never said jump through hoops or cover anything up. That little word is so hard for some people to do.
Originally Posted By: rbracklow This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
James,
Let me just add something! One of the reason that I am using ReportHost, is that it gives me a professional appearance and that means more business. Generally speaking, I thing any computerized report will do that for you.
Again, I don't know what report type you are using. so lets say for arguments sake, that you are using a pencilled in Matrix type of system, just because everyone else is doing the same (sheep syndrome) but now, you come on the scene using a professional Computer Generated report with Digital Photos of suspect or defective and good items.
Will you WOW them, absolutely. I guarantee you, that the Realtors won't say so, but more and more will start using you, just because!!  
Try it you'll like it - basic Marketing 101!!
Ron.
-- The highest compliment my clients can give me, is the referral of their Friends, Family and Business Associates!
Originally Posted By: jmurray This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
jrooff wrote:
It just so happens I picked the reporting system the realtors seem to like and that is why I am in no hurry to change. But if the mood in this area swings more for computer print out I will go with the flow. Will I do a lesser job for a client with one or the other reports, I think not. But will I listen to what realtors say, I'd be a fool not to, I know I will see that realtor a number of times in the next 15-20 years and I know I will more than likely never see that client again. Now understand I said listen, I never said jump through hoops or cover anything up. That little word is so hard for some people to do.
Why not do both?
-- "A little less conversation and a little more action"!
Originally Posted By: jrooff This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I only say this about the computer reports (around here) because I have friends and these are realtor friends that I have known for many years long before I became an inspector that are telling me this. They say 24 hours to get the report not so good, inspector’s that have them spend more time playing with the computer than talking to there client. These are a few things I hear and it kinda turns me off on computers . # 1 I enjoy educating the client and do not want to detract from that . # 2 not that proficient with computers, OK I’m a little gun shy of them.
Originally Posted By: bsmith This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Interesting replies from all - different strokes ect. I use both paper and computer reports together. I like the ITA Matrix Deluxe checklist during the inspection. After the inspection I hand the client the binder - they are happy, the realtor is happy and I am happy. I then go home and process the digital photos I took at the inspection, add narrative text and mail it the next day with instructions to add the “supplement” in the “General Notes” section of the report binder. Seems to work for me (and my clients).
