What I've Learned So Far.....

system · February 8, 2021, 10:55am

Originally Posted By: Robert W Newland
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.

I’m just getting started on the road to home inspections. After doing a lot of reading (mainly on this board) I’ve learned several things a home inspector should not skimp on, correct me if I’m wrong… 1. Training - I’ve been reading as much as I can on this board and I’m due to start a hands on training class next week. 2. Tools/Reporting software - Currently obtaining various tools recommended by NACHI members and trying to decide on which reporting software to buy (holding off until my training class to see if there are any recommendations.) 3. Marketing - I view this as a biggie. I’ve already registered a domain name and will publish a website as soon as I get my certification(s). Started making contacts with Real estate agents that I know, friends, neighbors, etc., (just to plant a seed), made a rough draft of business cards and brochure. 4. Joining NACHI (I know, this should be #1

) I’ve passed all the required on-line tests, just need to lick the stamp.

I know there's a lot to do, business lic., insurance etc. I'm getting my ducks in a row now with a target start-up date after the first of the year. Does it sound like I'm on the right track? I value everyone's advice on this board so thanks in advance for your comments/suggestions.

--
Robbie

system · February 8, 2021, 10:50am

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

In order of importance My opinion .

1 Join NACHI.

2 get out with other inspectors .

3 Get out with other inspectors .

4 Get out with other inspectors even if you have to pay them up too $50:00 a trip minimum 50 --100 is better.

Every person I know who has done this has become a good inspector and has lasted .

This is a hard profession to learn properly and up to 90% do not last three years from my experience.

5 while getting out with other inspectors take as many courses as you can find.

If you wish to ask me any questions or communicate with me please do no hesitate .

I will try and help as much as I can . your choice .

Roy Cooke sr. roycooke@sympatico.ca

–
Roy Cooke Sr.

http://Royshomeinspection.com

system · February 8, 2021, 10:50am

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

1. Join Nachi

2. Educate yourself

3. Market like a mad man.

–
Gary Porter

GLP’s Home and Mold Inspections LLC

Orlando, Fl 32828

321-239-0621

www.homeandmoldinspections.com

system · February 8, 2021, 10:56am

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

Robert,

Join every single local community group, such as the Moose , Elks, VFW etc.

Wherever you fit in.

I have found, in over just 2 years of being a HI, that it is very important to get involved in your community.
There are a lot of marketing ideas, but this is a sure deal.

Here is another one no one ever talks about. Go to the closest places that have Bingo every day/week, have some fun and get to know the folks.

You can't loose.
Heck you might even win a couple of bucks.

Just another one of my 4000+ nugets Blaine ![icon_lol.gif](upload://zEgbBCXRskkCTwEux7Bi20ZySza.gif)

--
I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.

www.whiteglovehomeinspections.net

30 Oct 2003-- 29 Nov2005

system · February 8, 2021, 10:51am

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

gporter wrote:

1. Join Nachi
2. Educate yourself
3. Market like a mad man.

I do not care how well you market your self if you do not have the knowledge you will not make it .
We just had another close up in my area. He was a P2P they had free draws for the agents put in your card gave away discount coupons like WOW! he spent a fortune on advertising did ever thing he could to survive but did not have the foundation.
I spend almost nothing on marketing no yellow pages no news paper Charge more then any other inspector with in 100 miles .
Make my own Brochures ( cost about 12 cents ).
My presentation to clients and agents gets me all the business I can handle .
People soon find out the cream rises to the top.
Works for me !!!!!!!

--
Roy Cooke Sr.

http://Royshomeinspection.com

system · February 8, 2021, 10:51am

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

rcooke wrote:

gporter wrote:

1. Join Nachi
2. Educate yourself
3. Market like a mad man.

I do not care how well you market your self if you do not have the knowledge you will not make it .
We just had another close up in my area. He was a P2P they had free draws for the agents put in your card gave away discount coupons like WOW! he spent a fortune on advertising did ever thing he could to survive but did not have the foundation.
I spend almost nothing on marketing no yellow pages no news paper Charge more then any other inspector with in 100 miles .
Make my own Brochures ( cost about 12 cents ).
My presentation to clients and agents gets me all the business I can handle .
People soon find out the cream rises to the top.
Works for me !!!!!!!

Marketing gets you biz, quality keeps them coming.

--
I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.

www.whiteglovehomeinspections.net

30 Oct 2003-- 29 Nov2005

system · February 8, 2021, 10:51am

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

I spent thousands of dollars marketing to Realtors and potential client with little return.

Now, I market to old customers and folks that have lived in a home for 9 to 11 months.

The one year warranty thing.

Since I started doing this I have been booked solid one week in advance.

last week 7 this week 7 and counting.

I offer a $25.00 certificate to all the folks I have done an inspection for. I also offer and give to the Agents a $25.00 gift certificate to use as they wish.

Thank you RR for your help in my promotional materials.

--
I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.

www.whiteglovehomeinspections.net

30 Oct 2003-- 29 Nov2005

system · February 8, 2021, 10:51am

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

You can be the best inspector in the world, but if the phone don’t ring, you don’t work.

–
Erby Crofutt

B4U Close Home Inspections

Georgetown, Kentucky

www.b4uclose.com

system · February 8, 2021, 10:51am

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

Hi to all,

Robbie, if you haven't allready done so join Mike Roses Atlanta chapter and attend their meetings.

Regards

Gerry

--
Gerry Beaumont
NACHI Education Committee
e-mail : education@nachi.org
NACHI phone 484-429-5466

Inspection Depot Education
gbeaumont@inspectiondepot.com

"Education is a journey, not a destination"

system · February 8, 2021, 10:51am

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

ecrofutt wrote:

You can be the best inspector in the world, but if the phone don't ring, you don't work.

Gee all the good inspectors I know seem to be doing ok.

--
Roy Cooke Sr.

http://Royshomeinspection.com

system · February 8, 2021, 10:51am

Originally Posted By: jwilliams4
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.

Roy C Sr. nailed it down… so did Todd. It’s not how much you

market, it's HOW you market. You sound like you are getting those

ducks right where you want them.

--
"not just an inspection, but an education"

system · February 8, 2021, 10:51am

Originally Posted By: Robert W Newland
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.

Thanks all for the comments.

Gerry, I visited the Atlanta Chapter website earlier today. I'll take your advice and attend meetings. Looking forward to it.

Roy, Thanks for the offer to answer my questions. I'm sure I'll be emailing you soon...whew! , lots of questions. You have a great website too.

My next post will be as a member. If not, you guys are free to eat me alive!

Thanks again,

--
Robbie

system · February 8, 2021, 10:57am

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

Welcome Robert !!!

system · February 8, 2021, 10:52am

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

Robert W Newland wrote:

Thanks all for the comments.

Gerry, I visited the Atlanta Chapter website earlier today. I'll take your advice and attend meetings. Looking forward to it.

Roy, Thanks for the offer to answer my questions. I'm sure I'll e emailing you soon...whew! , lots of questions. You have a great website too.

My next post will be as a member. If not, you guys are free to eat me alive!

Thanks again,

You might find I and others are some times a little brutal we really do not mean to come across that way
but get so involved with our thoughts and try hard to get the point across .
Please do not take it to heart we all want to help as much as possible .
Remember we all are self employed and are convinced our way is the best .

--
Roy Cooke Sr.

http://Royshomeinspection.com

system · February 8, 2021, 10:57am

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

Quote:

You might find I and others are some times a little brutal we really do not mean to come across that way....

and mean, disagreeable, hardheaded, bullheaded, stubborn, SOB's who think we're always right. (what'd I miss?) ![nachi_sarcasm.gif](upload://6HQh6KbNiD73gqTNQInjrR2zeJw.gif)
But hey, never, never, get between brothers. No matter how hard we scrap on this board, this is a brotherhood of sorts. I have noticed that most of this scrapping is between individuals who eventually get over it, or at least agree to disagree, and the rest of us just read and move on, live and let live. It's kinda like a barroom brawl. If you want to participate get up swinging. But be prepared to take a few hits. If not, just find a table to crawl under, and wait till it's over.

Welcome to the board

system · February 8, 2021, 10:52am

Originally Posted By: Robert W Newland
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.

Thanks for the welcome. As I stated in my last comments, the next time I post it will be as a member…well… I’m officially a NACHI member! Looking forward to learning a lot from everyone.

Thanks again!

--
Robbie

system · February 8, 2021, 10:57am

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

Robert W Newland wrote:

Thanks for the welcome. As I stated in my last comments, the next time I post it will be as a member.....well... I'm officially a NACHI member! Looking forward to learning a lot from everyone.

Thanks again!

Maybe if I log in it'll show me a s a member ![icon_lol.gif](upload://zEgbBCXRskkCTwEux7Bi20ZySza.gif)