Like Jeff above, in over 25+ years, I also can’t remember having a Client that was an actual Red Flag. IMO, the types of question MOST clients ask are from (for lack of a better word) ignorance and ask questions the internet tells them they should be asking. The average person doesn’t really give a crap about that stuff (except for how much they need to pay you). With that being said, my all time favorite clients are Attorneys! Damned near every inspector on this and other forums panic when they get a hint of a Lawyer.
My advise… TALK with your potential client. It is critical from their very first call that YOU begin to make a connection with them and build a relationship of trust. They must trust that you are competent and care about their needs, and you must have the information necessary to perform your inspection as a professional. In effect… you are both interviewing each other.
By talking WITH my clients, I have discovered one common trait… those that don’t engage in conversation for more than a few minutes, are likely the clients that either don’t wind up hiring me, or just simply make it difficult to make contact with throughout the process. In comparison, my typical client will ‘chat’ with me for 15 to 30 minutes about the home, their needs for the home, their family and their needs (new born/children/pets/elderly/special needs/etc). Through this conversation, I learn about what they expect from the inspection, and they learn about me as a person, not just an inspector attempting to get them to give me their money.
Speaking about money… even though it is usually the first question (other than if we are available), the ‘how much’ question is always the last answer I give a reply to. In fact, after a good conversation with the client, many times we have both forgotten about the money and just booked the inspection. I usually always remember right away after hanging up, and call them right back. It’s funny how many times they have also forgotten about the money, as it wasn’t really their concern. These people make the best clients!
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