The word is Out !

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1

Originally Posted By: lmartin
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we all notice and hear , too !many Inspectors for the area . but the ones that get the work are the ones that have been around sometime just a few of them .


What I’m hearing is new inspectors ,go out there hang out their shingle, without much back ground and knowledge of home inspections , and they miss lead clients.


Please if your new ! ask for help , don’t inspect anything you don’t understand, tag along with one of us if you can until you do.


One inspector here in my area , not form Nachi, made a bad report, report was sent to bank , client lost loan , it was a new home , the inspector being new didn’t have a clue ,on rafters, codes , but ! he took a 6 hour course, got his certification as a home inspector… now lets get real here !


Ladies and Gentleman we have standards , be professional, in everything we do. you are representing yourself and Nachi , right Friend.


Lester/ Maine

2

Originally Posted By: jonofrey
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Lester,


That's a good reminder. I agree completely. The good news is that in a free market society, if you provide a bad product, chances are very high that you won't last long. I know that doesn't help those persons that purchased an inferior product. I guess "let the buyer beware" is key in our business, at least I hope it is. I want the same level playing field to sell myself as the inspector that's been around a long time. Life experience counts but you have to be able to prove it when you present yourself. If you can sell yourself then good for you, now all you have to do is produce a quality product.

It's good that this business is somewhat hard to break into. It should be. People depend on us during the largest purchase many of them will make in their lifetime. I get miffed about generalizations made of new people in this business though. Perhaps some of it is justified because of the volume of people that try to do this and fail but I hate the fact the all new people in this industry are lumped into the generic category of "not capable". That is so much B.S. icon_mad.gif States that do not have any requirements for inspectors is bad business for our industry but over regulation is worse. Someone has to set the standards and the "old guard" associations have tried to do that but are failing. They have chosen self preservation over doing the right thing.

This is not my first Rodeo (thank you Will) and one thing I know about this job is that I love it. I've worked since I've been thirteen years old and I've liked a lot of the things that I've done but I have to tell you that this job is the best! It helps me tremendously to love this career. If you truly love to do this work, you will be successful. The market is there, you will have to be creative to find your niche as a new inspector, but plenty of opportunity exists, much of it not tapped yet. Put your thinking caps on, I have. There is so much opportunity out there that you will just stumble upon it if you are active enough.

Good luck to any and all new, competent inspectors out there! icon_wink.gif As my friend Igor has said before, it's time we expose this for what it is. If you choose this profession plan to work your @ss off, study hard and continue to learn (never stop). Write reports as if an attorney is going to read them. Realize that realtors are not the only meal ticket in town and above all, if you love to do this, you've found a home and friends with NACHI.

--
Inspection Nirvana!

We're NACHI. Get over it.

3

Originally Posted By: lmartin
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Well said John, this is good we remind each other the standards of the HI industry and you are right ! on the younger inspectors they can do a very good job out there with good training.


I feel realtors once are aware of Nachi , and visit our web site will get a clear picture of the Home Inspection Bus. and will use it as a good tool selling homes .


Its great to see you John, putting a lot of impute here on the message board


Keep up the good work !


Les / Maine

4

Originally Posted By: ismetaniuk
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This membership was a big waste of my time!

–
Igor


Top To Bottom Inspections


Glen Spey, NY

5

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Igor,


That is how I learned to be an auto mechanic, what is wrong with that? icon_biggrin.gif

BTW....Chiltons is wrong at times, just like the newbies. Learning is a difficult process sometimes.

Joe Myers

6

Originally Posted By: lfranklin
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and they is goood

7

Originally Posted By: lfranklin
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Now back to the topic.


Igor I agree with you on the part about people deciding this week to become a home inspector and opening up shop next week. Most of these will fail or be bad for the consumer and the industry. icon_redface.gif
Most of these have no ideal what a home inspection is they just see the money for what they think is a couple hours work. icon_surprised.gif

But on the other hand.

They are some people that can come into this industry without any experince. If their willing to work for it. They must be willing to study and learn for awhile. Then they can start but must continue to learn. This will be very few because there will be alot of work involved.

8

Originally Posted By: jonofrey
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Well, thank God the Chilton’s are no longer in the white house.


Igor, well said. I'm with you on all of that. I have found this endeavor much more difficult than I anticipated when I started. Even with The state of Texas making the rules. Nobody talks about the challenges. But there seems to be a rainbow on the horizon!

If there was someone like you telling me the harsh reality up front it probably wouldn't have sunk in anyway. Your message is understood and well appreciated by me at this point, however. I think what we are hearing out of New Jersey should be a message to anyone thinking about getting into this business. Things are going to get tougher everywhere. I see the states that are already regulating the industry making it tougher to fullfil the requirements for licensing and those without requirements, seriously considering proposing legislation.

I propose that we rename New Jersey to New Igorville. They have taken your message to the extreme. Texas seems to have it together but I think they have a bill to increase the requirements (don't know the status). I'm not much on politics but I'm sure someone will set me straight.

Keep up the straight shootin' with the newbies (oh, I just thought of a great graphic). Tag me if you want me to jump in the ring.

--
Inspection Nirvana!

We're NACHI. Get over it.

9

Originally Posted By: lfranklin
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Its a top seceret. icon_lol.gif


If you knew what they were made from, you would never try them.

10

Originally Posted By: jonofrey
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Alrighty then. What’s the due date on this project?

–
Inspection Nirvana!


We're NACHI. Get over it.
11

Originally Posted By: rstephens
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LoL. I like the joke though my wife did not find it that funny she is a blond.


I agree I got the idea of home inspections a few months ago and well I thought it would be real easy, I was wrong I have been studying my A*s off. I have a pretty extensive background in construction. Though I still have a lot to learn I have been studying like crazy on electrical systems and plumbing. I still have a lot of learning to do before I set out and start doing full paid inspections. I know of this sue happy country due to the Pest Control field I am now in, and I don’t want a big claim on my butt. I do agree that a sign maker would have a lot to learn but if they have the will it can be done. As to the mechanic issue I rebuilt my first engine in June using a manual and well it now has 9,000 miles and still running so I must have done something right. My point is if someone does their home work it can be done. I know now that you can not just go down get business cards and just be a GOOD home inspector. I have NACHI to thank for that because if I never found NACHI I would be one of those bad inspectors giving everyone else a bad name in the process. I am 26 and I will be the best I can be as I have in everything I have done. I do agree with some of your points though. It is amazing how many new pest control companies start up in my area every year and half have little or no experience at all and next year they are no where to be found. Whoo I am out of breath now

12

Originally Posted By: dvalley
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Igor,


Excellent story.

Stupid Blonde with experience. Wonderful.

--
David Valley
MAB Member

Massachusetts Certified Home Inspections
http://www.masscertified.com

"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."

13

Originally Posted By: jmyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Igor,


Yeh, chiltons and grits, that is a southern dish. I think they make that there chiltons stuff with pig guts, if I am not mistaken.

Joe Myers

14

Originally Posted By: rking
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Igor,


A very wonderful blend of a stern speech and with an added bonus of humour (however truthful) icon_biggrin.gif
I agree with you that someone wanting to get into this business should have plenty of experience in either construction or engineering before they hang out their hat as an HI.
On the other hand their are also a small percentage of people that can learn the business (although not in a short period or lackadaisically) and do a good professional job.
I am a newbie to fee paid inspections.
I have literally done hundreds of inspections for free!!!
Being a contractor, every time I went to look at an addition project or renovation I did an inspection to determine if the project was feasible and/or possible!
But, there is a strong tendency within the real estate industry to go with the inspectors who will 'help' them sell a property.
I have heard of some inspectors who when they find something wrong take the realtor aside and ask how they should report the condition! And these guys are getting the business that I am trying to get!
I will keep plugging because I too love this job.
I help people as a volunteer firefighter and I help people make informed decisions regarding the largest expenditure most will ever make!

--
Muskoka Home Inspections
"Wisdom is the Anticipation of the Consequences"
Steering Committee Member At Large

15

Originally Posted By: arosenbaum
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Inspectors that pull the realtors aside to ask on how to report it are icon_twisted.gif … I don’t think I’d want the realtor there, unless they hired me for the inspection. I remember I took a week home inspection course and when I was done, I thought “Wow… I learned a lot, I guess I’m ready.” Before I started though, I got all my materials I would need, and started reading home inspection books… After reading books, I realized I learned almost NOTHING in the week course that I took. I still read whenever I can about EVERYTHING I can. There is always new stuff coming out and I don’t want to be left behind… icon_biggrin.gif

16

Originally Posted By: jmyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Robert,


There is much truth in the statement, "it's not so much what you say but the way you are saying it". While you can sit there and complain about the method which other inspectors are using to get those inspections they need to keep feeding their families also. It is called doing what it takes to become sucessful. I really don't see any conflict of interest there at all asking or being asked to word something, as long as the general concept of what I am trying to convey is maintained.

The manner in which you stated that tends to lead me to believe you are suggesting that other inspectors are less than honest, or ethical when they are in fact just giving a good referal source what they desire, in order to become sucessful in this business. Lets fact some facts here, realtors are responsible for a more than generous portion of our income as inspectors and keeping them happy is in your best interests. I am not saying to do anything dishonest or unethical, just that it makes good business sense.

You should take a listening 101 course and start talking to realtors, asking them what they really want.

Joe Myers

17

Originally Posted By: psabados
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Joe’s right


You want more business, take it to the agent. This is one where you have strong, confident and calm but not defensive. Someone try this at your next office meeting.

Zig Ziegler said the best way to make a sale is to take the all objections away. I'm sure everybody sales meeting is pretty much the same. Showing reports, maybe a piece of equipment used in an inspection. Talking about your SOP etc. While you're talking, 90% of those agents are in la-la land. Thinking about the next appt. lunch whatever. All they hear is blah-blah-blah.

Give them your opening funny and break a little tension.

Now you want their attention, make them think that they got you on the defense. Ask them HEY! Just what do you agents hate about inspections and inspectors! Whoa! An inspector in my office, at my meeting wanting to know what I hate. The sharks smell blood, feeding frenzy, inspector about to be shredded. And, oh boy be ready for it to hit the fan. It may start slow but it should heat up.

Gotta be cool. Listen to what they say. Pay attention to who has the most objections or complaints, they are your target later. Be agreeable, smile and a little condescending. Then ask, what do you want in an inspection. Again listen. Most likely the ones that will respond is your target. Be firm with any response, offer no bribes or anything that will get your butt into trouble. This is your time now, you have been given the opportunity to take away their objections.

With 10-20-30 or however many agents that are there, you may not get the loudest ones. But, a few are thinking, man this guy's alright. He's got balls. Get back to the complainers quickly, one on one. Try to get more input. If they want something illegal, then bye bye. Objections can be simple, like using the wrong words while inspecting. Problem vs. situation.

I will guarantee you, they will remember you. Hopefully you were listening to what they said. Any takers?

Paul

Sorry guys, probably should be posting elsewhere, but it seemed to fit

18

Originally Posted By: jonofrey
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Paul,


How about this? Realtors should be trying to sell themselves to inspectors. Maybe it's been backasswards for too long.

--
Inspection Nirvana!

We're NACHI. Get over it.

19

Originally Posted By: psabados
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


John, that’s a novel idea


Maybe we can form a class, that they can use for their Continuing Ed stressing those thoughts.

Like "Yes, I do home inspections, but, why would I want to do one for you?" or "I'm sorry, you're to new in the business. I have my agents that I can trust."

That's a great point. We, the inspectors, try to honest. How do we know about them.

Paul

20

Originally Posted By: Brandon Ellerbee
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Igor,


Quote:
I'm 26 years old, have no experience and no past related skills in construction ", " I work in a lumber yard with building materials and see contractors on a daily basis ".



I wish to he!! you would lay off of me and my inexperience. Yea I am only 26 and never slung a damn hammer but people have to start somewhere. And yea I have started a HI business (if that's what you call it), but I been studying and practicing for almost a year without earning one red cent.


Now for some of the older guys, I understand your frustrations with some of the "newbies" as you want to call us. But instead of giving us a hard time or talking about your "fellow" HI, try to lend them suggestions that's going to make them better in the business. And no Igor, that don't mean suggesting they just give it up and go back to an hourly J-O-B.

Now that I've said that I can rest better tonight.


Quote:


--
Brandon
All American House Detective