Pottstown, PA

Wordless Wednesday- Back luck?

They say it's bad luck to walk underneath a ladder...

David Artigliere is a ASHI-certified home inspector in Pottstown, Reading, Norristown & surrounding Philadelphia. He also is a certified 203k Consultant. David can be reached by calling (610)220-1907.

Great Rental in Pottstown Schools... Recently updated single two bedroom home with bonus room on third floor. Storage shed in the rear of the yard for added storage. Heater is only two years old and bathroom has skylight for additional natural light. Kitchen has plenty of cabinets. Tenant is responsible for all utilities including heat, hot water, water/sewer and electricity. Some pets will be considered. $900 month plus one month security. Call or message me today to see this great rental- it won't last at this price...

Many thanks to the Pottstown Post for this wonderfully uplifting story!

Valentine's Day 2012 Events (Pottstown, PA)

Looking for something special for you and your sweetheart to do on Valentine's Day this year?

There are some great Valentine's Day 2012 Events happening in and around Pottstown, PA.

My wife and I have lived in the area for several years and, based on the places we have personally been to, I make the following recommendations:

If you enjoy dancing:

Sunnybrook Ballroom in Pottstown, PA is having a live band- Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners. The band starts playing at 8pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012, in the ballroom and it's $35 for general admission.

Reed's Sports Bar & Grill in Blue Bell, PA is having a live band on Saturday, February 11, from 8-10pm and it's a $6 cover with drink specials.

Learn how to Rumba or West Coast Swing on Friday, February 10th, and Saturday, February 11th, at the Peppermint Dance Club in the Plymouth Meeting Mall. It's $12 per person and includes food and refreshments! Lessons start around 7pm and the dance runs until midnight. Check out their website for more specifics at www.peppermintdanceclub.com.

Another great option to learn Ballroom dancing or Swing dancing is right in Pottstown, PA at Swingkat. They have a Swing dance and lesson on Friday, February 10th and a Ballroom lesson and dance on Sunday, February 12th. See more details on their website at www.swingkat.com.

If you prefer a nice, romantic dinner:

Cutillo's Restaurant in Pottstown, PA is having a special menu on Valentine's Day. Reservations are required and it books up quickly! They can be reached by calling 610-327-2910.

The Brick House in Pottstown, PA is offering 3 dining packages starting from $29.95 to $49.95 and includes your food, a rose, and a bottle of champage or wine. Find out more by calling them at 610-906-3527.

How about dinner and a movie? Reading, PA's new rustic Italian restuarant, Panevino, located across the street from the Reading IMAX theater, is offering a special menu on Valentine's Day. They also have a "Sweetheart Dinner" on Monday, February 10, for $95 per couple. It's a 5 course meal with 4 different wines (paired with 1st 4 courses). You can reserve by calling 610- 376-1101.

Share a romantic fondue meal at The Melting Pot in King of Prussia. They typically have a special menu on Valentine's Day and you can add on a special package such as having roses or chocolate-covered strawberries at your table. They also include a photo of your special evening! Call them to get more information at 610-265-7195.

These are all great options for Valentine's Day 2012 in and around Pottstown, PA.

David is a ASHI-certified home inspector in the Pottstown, PA area and can be reached 7 days a week at (610)220-1907 or by visiting www.artihomeinspections.com.

Do you Trust your Home Inspector? (Pottstown)

Trust is probably one of the most important things to me, personally and in my business as a home inspector in Pottstown, PA. I naturally trust people and want them to trust me back.

When I started my home inspection business in Pottstown over 10 years ago, I knew I would have to prove myself over and over again to establish a good base of agents and clients who would trust me as the best professional inspector for their needs. Looking back, how did I build a successful business as a home inspector?

It all came down to trust and that takes many forms:

Background

Highlighting things like my Master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and my background in real estate rehabbing still gives me credibility today. People want to trust me based on this background. If a prospective client compares me to another home inspector whose background is "unrelated" such as a store manager, accountant, salesman, etc, I have the advantage.

Consistency

By consistently giving a thorough home inspection, I'm giving people what they expect. Building confidence and trust also involves consistency of ones character. I encourage the client to be at the home inspection because I want them to see the things I find, I want to answer their questions, and I want them to feel like I gave them as much time as they needed. By following the ASHI Standards of Practice and being consistent in where I start inspecting on a home and where I finish, I'm also giving the agent peace-of-mind that the home inspection is consistently thorough.

Being Available

Another way I build trust with clients is to make myself available after the inspection for questions. I don't show up for a quick home inspection, throw a report together, and disappear. If the client has questions about something in the report or needs advice on an item they are concerned about, I will make myself available to them and get back to them the same day. They don't have to chase me. I want to help them to be informed so they can make the best choices regarding one of the largest investments they might ever make.

Inspecting, Not "selling"

When I go to home inspector conferences or even a local meeting at Keystone ASHI, I will have other companies marketing to me about things I should offer during my home inspection like home warranties, energy audits, etc. Most recently, I was contacted by an alarm company that was offering compensation for every client I could refer. I am there to provide a professional home inspection and I don't feel it's my place to "sell" these additional services or products. I'm put in a position of trust and the alarm company knows this. They also know I have a targeted audience, but I refuse to exploit my professional position of trust for such a sale. My clients can trust the information I give them is truly in their best interest.

So....... Do you trust YOUR home inspector with that next big investment? If not, it's time to re-evaluate!

This post is a submission to the ActiveRain / Adobe EchoSign Trust Contest. I could possibly win a prize. You can find out about the contest by clicking here.

David Artigliere with ARTI Home Inspections LLC is a home inspector around Pottstown, Reading, Norristown & surrounding areas of Greater Philadelphia.

He's available for home inspections 7 days a week. David can be reached by calling (610) 220-1907 or visiting www.artihomeinspections.com