So I figured we would get started with the taboo right off the bat. The big rift between agents and inspectors is how to provide a comprehensive detailed report without scaring off the buyer.
Its been my experience that at least once or twice a year, I run accross the house that makes everybody cringe. You know the one that has great curb appeal, a fresh coat of paint, new landscaping, upgraded appliances and built in the mid 90's. As an agent your pretty confident the first time home buyer is going to love it. Along comes the certified home inspector that agrees with the initial assesment of the curb appeal but needs to take a look. Over-all good shape, but the house like 50% of all houses in this time frame in this area is plumbed with polybutelene and there is a good size active water leak in the roof.
First time home buyer so they are most likely FHA - thats not going to work so well when they see the report.
In reality you are talking about 10-15k worth of damage in a depressed - as is - filled market. The prices are already at rock bottom and the owner (the bank due to forclosure) certainly wont be making any improvements and can not lower the price anymore.
As an inspector, I can not overlook or omitt known issues or problems with the house. I can however, stress the importance of research and knowing why things are an issue or not. The roof leak is easy - fix it - in most cases it will be less than $1000. The plumbing however is the delicate issue that I want to discuss.
This would be my first blog, so please be constructive with any criticizm.
I made it to active rain through my professional organization. I am doing this in hopes of connecting with the new generation of agents in Central Florida. That being the post boom bust generation. I had a great deal of contacts before the bottom fell out and now.....not so much. I know that I need to do the traditional meet and greets all over again, but before I started buying donuts and putting on "classes", I wanted to try technology out.......
So here goes,
This blog, my blog is dedicated to the art of networking and persuing the best possible service for the best price. I have a number of service and professional contacts that I can provide once we get established. I will be looking for any Central Florida Service Provider in the Real Estate Industry to comment, participate, or debate. It will be my goal to provide at least one topic that requires lively or is prone to lively discussion on a weekly basis. To be clear... that would be discussion in relation to the industry. :)
So as soon as I figure out how to invite other people to view my blog we will get started. The first topic should be one to establish an introduction to the primary audience. As an inspector in the Central Florida Market I have a number of questions, queries, and discussion points to help agents and inspectors understand one another.
WE provide quality home inspections for Buyers or Sellers with the power of Infrared. WE also offer 4 point/insurance; mold; water; air; and wind mitigation inspections. NACHI09030701
Knowledge is Power.
I provide you and your clients with the knowledge you need. Using a certified NACHI inspector gives you the peace of mind
every agent should have with the inspector. The NACHI Pre-Inspection agreement adds a layer of protection to you as the agent. The NACHI qualifications ensure that I continue my education by at least 24 credit hours a year. The Standards of Practice that I am obligated to protect you, our client, and the industry.
In addition to NACHI certification, I hold certificates from the Professional Home Inspection Institute, Environmental Solutions Association, and the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants (IAC2).
When I need something to fall back on, I rely on my Masters Degree from the University of Central Florida.
Buyer Inspections:
From the edge of the curb to the peak of the roof, WE provide you with a comprehensive review of all major components of the house. The average house takes 2-3 hours to inspect and a 20-25 page report is produced. Complete with color pictures and a back up CD, this report provides a detailed understanding of the property along with its positives and possible concerns. Always get an inspection before you buy - regardless of the circumstance. Knowledge is Power.
Seller Inspections:
All the attention to detail with a different perspective and goal. With a seller inspection you have to get past the perceived bias the buyer sees. That's why it is beneficial to use the "Move In Certified" program. Utilizing a certified independent inspector gives you knowledge (power) to effectively prepare and market the home. Avoid costly surprises at closing. Don't guess about your product - know about it. Finally, the perspective buyer has the advantage of choosing to accept an nationally recognized program and inspector (thus saving time and money) or exercising their right to get a second independent inspection. (doubling the evaluation - leading to more confidence). No inspector will see everything and no two inspections can be exactly the same. Most importantly, by utilizing the inspection agreements, liability to both agents is further limited. Finally, on-line report retrieval makes providing a detailed inspection report to serious buyers as easy as following Internet links.
4 Point or Insurance Inspection:
These will be needed by new owners of older property or homeowners that are changing insurance carriers. This is the least comprehensive and least expensive inspection offered. It is only intended to provide the bare minimum asked of by insurance carriers. An inventory of the 4 major components: Roof, Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing is recorded along with any major safety concerns (if any).
Environmental Inspections:
These include air quality assessments, water testing, soil testing, Mold sampling, Mold screening, Mold surveys, Post Cleaning and Clearance Testing. WE utilize the standards and practices of the Environmental Solutions Association and the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants. Our primary lab of choice is PRO-Lab. Potential clients for these services range from the individual home owner to multi-residential assisted living facility to commercial office environments. The power derived from this knowledge can financially beneficial to life saving.
Wind Mitigation Inspections:
This is currently a huge mess in Florida. The legislature enacted a program that fizzled away and now a mass confusion of what constitutes an accepted inspector exists. According to the statute that allows for wind mitigation credits in Florida, there are a number of accepted qualifications including a phrase that allows agents and carriers to use inspectors they deem qualified. The incredible amount of gray has created massive anxiety over using these inspections. Until the legislature makes a final decision on this matter, I follow the law and allow my agents/carriers to rightfully qualify me. This allows agents to suggest that clients get a wind mitigation inspection that could save hundreds or more over the course of five years (life span of report).
Michael Tonsetic, Vice President, Mark Blanchard Agency Inc.
"Steve has been providing my clients with only the highest standards of professionalism and service for the better part of a year through his quality home inspections. In fact, Steve provided my own inpsection for my new home I purchased last year! Steve has been an intergal part of helping my business grow and I would recommend him to anyone in the realty market. 110% Professionalism, Service, Ethic, Promptness and Integrity!" April 17, 2007
Jenny Lusardi, client
Top qualities: Expert, Good Value, High Integrity
"Steve provided a detailed home inspection which saved us from investing in a "money pit". He was very detailed and I appreciated his honesty and professionalism. I will definately use him again when we're ready to buy a house. Thanks!!" August 25, 2008
Blake Newman, Newman Crane and Associates Insurance
Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity
"I've known Steve for several years and he has always been a complete professional in all of his endeavors. His home inspection business is second to none and I have had nothing but great feedback from any of my personal lines clients I've referred him to. I will continue to refer and recommend Steve to any of my clients that need his services. Blake" May 18, 2008
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