Last year, I became a Certified Master Inspector (CMI). Moving to Florida felt like starting over—I had plenty of experience and certifications, but I wasn’t getting the bookings I was used to in my previous state. I reached out to Nick and he said just get a CMI and that should take care of it. Of course, I took to social media and talked to other inspectors, many of whom felt that the CMI designation wasn’t worth it. Despite the doubts, I decided to go for it.
Now, a year later, I’m not only well-known in my area but also respected among my peers. I’ve even encouraged other inspectors to pursue the CMI, which has boosted the value of our services. My profits have doubled, and I’m usually booked a week out, even if it means a few late nights. Looking back, getting my CMI was one of the best moves I’ve made. Nick honestly has helped D&P get on the map and become a mentor as well to many others. The sky’s the limit when you’re willing to push forward!
When a client is educated on what a CMI is, they quickly become very confident in our abilities. It sets us apart from 99% of the other home inspectors. I have enjoyed the success like you have.
I am booked in the same neighborhood for the next two weeks. Residence talk to each other on social media and brag about the great inspection a CMI did in their home.
I went to a networking event and introduced myself as a CMI and said I also mentor and train other inspectors. Since there was another inspector in the group “CPI” I said use him first, use me as a backup. Well, I told that inspector to get his CMI because he has the qualifications. He did a year later. Nothing but positive results for him now too.
There are times when someone is challenging me about something, that when I say something like, “As a Certified Master Inspector with 25 years of experience and around 12,000 inspections, I think…” the challenge fades away.
It’s worked very well for me and my business over the years, and if I had to do it all over again, obtaining CMI status would be a goal that would be high on my list.
Wrong.
I’ve been an InterNACHI Member for 17+ years.
I began my inspection business in 1996… 28 years ago!
And NO, I don’t “always” mention how long I’ve been an inspector. In fact, it’s quite rare when I do. It’s usually only when some lame ass, failed plumber that was forced to relocate to multiple states, stalks and attacks me to sooth his butthurtedness!!
I agree. I don’t think I’ve ever heard you boast about how long you’ve been an inspector. There are a few on here that have to prelude every post with their qualifications though. I guess it’s supposed to mean we should sit up and pay more attention to them I think.
LOL, not really, but also, that contractor may be doing it the right way for 30 years.
Me neither. Most of my clients don’t know anything about me other than I am the guy their realtor or relative recommended. Sure, I’ll play the experience card when challenged. I’ve earned some gravitas, and I’ll lord it over some jerk or idiot trying to con a client or me with their BS. In fact, I just had an exchange about a plumber over a sump pit and pump installation, although he wasn’t a jerk or idiot; just some experienced old plumber who hadn’t caught up with the times. Laying my gravitas card on the table settled the discussion when he realized that I wasn’t some hammer swinger who couldn’t make it in the trades.
If you are lumping me in that group, I disagree that I do that, even if I’ve mentioned my experience and credentials a few times. Whether you think so or not, Jeffrey, Dan, Larry, (some others that I am blanking out on), and I have learned a few things at the school of hard knocks over our many years. I don’t post here for some ego trip. Hell, that is like boasting about being the big goldfish in an 8" aquarium.
I want all of us to be the best we can be and yeah, I think I have some advice to that end. I have made most of the mistakes that someone in our biz can make, and I hope to save a few others from duplicating my painful mistakes.
And finally, I don’t know how much the CMI designation has helped me, but it hasn’t hurt. It bestows some gravitas with those who understand it. But how many of the public understand it? I don’t think it is many, but maybe I am wrong.
Thats great to here. I have been a certified Residential Appraiser for 18 years in Illinois and had my own company for 17 years. I moved outside of Knoxville 4 months ago and could not get my business off the ground here. I was devastated that I could not even get work as a staff appraiser down here. I finally said “screw it” and I decided to switch to home inspecting and should be done with my InterNACHI classes nest week. I’m confident that I will be able to successfully change careers and get back to having a good income.
