Hey everyone, I’ve been a long time lurker on the forums. I officially created an account today just to post this. I’ve been using HomeGauge for almost 10 years now. After many many many many times of having HG blow me off, drop balls, and completely disregard me and my concerns I have finally decided to switch to a different software. I have spent the last few months using my free time setting up a Spectora account, thinking this would be the one to go with. Then right when I’m about to pull the trigger and make the switch, BOOM the Report Host debacle drops. Ever since, I’ve been getting blown off by Spectora with any webinars, meetings, phone calls, help, etc. I think they’re just dealing with a bunch of damage control from the RH blowback. But twice they cancelled they’re 1 on 1 meeting with me scheduled weeks apart, now I’m ready to leave them in the rearview. Does anyone have any advice on switching from HG to another software. The main thing I’m concerned with is that the software must be NC compliant. Client privacy is obviously a priority as well, so a software that doesn’t sell or use their data. Tablet/mobile app. I’d also like it to be able to take care of the backend as well (scheduling, invoicing, automated emails, etc.) Does anyone have any advice? ISN & Palmtech are not NC compliant (I brought this up to them and haven’t heard back), HIP looks like the reports are older than I am. Importing my template and comments from HG would also be great. Any helpful advice would be great. Thanks.
Give homeinspectortech.com a look.
I recently realized Tap Inspect offers back office as well, making them a real player in my mind.
I started with tap. Was a great report and easy to use in the field. Two cons in my opinion was that it only works on Apple devices and you can do zero template or report work on the PC or Mac; it all has to be done in the app.
Both of those are deal breakers for me.
I use HG and haven’t really had any significant issues with them but if I were to change I’d probably go with ScribeWare.
I only used HG since I started. I had enough of them also. I looked around, Spectora has too many clicks to view the report and the flow was not something I liked. I almost went with HIP (before the Porch buyout), I watched a zoom meeting about Scribeware and felt like that was the closest in feel to HG.
Changing software has been a struggle, been using it full time since March and still not where it needs to be. Lots of work involved and just getting used to something different. #itsastruggle
Curious how Jeff Pope’s software is working out.
I know a coule of years ago inspectors were liking it, but haven’t heard anything lately.
Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of it.
Found it… https://inspectornexus.com/
Matt,
I’d really be curious to get your honest opinion on Inspector Toolbelt. Ian Robertson (CMI) and I are the sole owners. We launched in 2021 and have been doing really well so far. We’re also big on getting feedback to improve our product… our “by inspectors, for inspectors” mindset.
We don’t have an HG import yet, but we’d be willing to create one if you were serious about coming on board.
Please let me know, good or bad. You can book a free training session on our website right here: https://inspectortoolbelt.com/request-training/
Did he retire or just get sick of this site? It’s been a while since he has posted.
Don’t know for sure. I know he purchased a ‘mountain top home’ just north of Los Angeles and is doing traveling with his wife (High-end Realtor) and their horses.
Hasn’t posted on his FB Business page in 3+ years, but his website is still live, so ???
You should look into what they’re doing with your clients data and their reports.
Thanks for the offer, I looked at your sample reports. It looks like you guys aren’t NC compliant either. You can PM me if you’d like the details.
I use 3D, although if you think HIP is old, 3D is older. I’ve been using it for 20+ years now and plan on using it till I retire. And I’m not sure if it’s NC compliant. It does have the back office etc. etc…
I hope all is well with Jeff Pope, the lack of his presence and expertise is a huge loss to all of us who use this MB.
Never know. Around the time of the pandemic would have been a good time to retire.
Sure thing! We are supporting a number of NC inspectors on our platform. I’ll reach out to you for specifics on compliance to figure out the details.
Having 10 years wrapped up in any vendor’s platform will make the change tough for awhile, or even longer. Every year or so I consider changing, but the choices are disappointing. You’ve clearly done the basic research, and have found very few compelling choices for a software solution that fits your needs.
As our industry’s software options devolve into subscription models that have inspectors locked into perpetual monthly or annual fees, combined with ever-changing ToS and “opt-out/opt-in” shell games, you’ll have to decide which feature is most important, or even obtainable at all.
Yes they may or may not be used by America Family. I have had zero complaints from clients whom most likely gave all their info to Zillow, Redfin and Trulia anyway.
They all do it or they all will once they have accumulated enough market share to make them an attractive purchase. And they all will sell when the check is held in front of them. Well… except spectora they just fold at the first sign of trouble and eliminate access to thousands of reports making the HIs look like idiots.
To truly make you customers safe from data mining you’ll have to build something yourself or go back to yellow pads and Polaroids.
Who knows if you build your own thing you might be able to pick up enough market share to sell it to some data mining company and retire from the business.
Yes, Jeff’s presence/expertise is missed, for sure!