Joe Mitchell, a Berkshire Hathaway real estate agent in Tampa, uncovers key reasons why the HomeTeam home inspection franchise is an ideal choice for REALTORS® looking for industry-leading communication, professionalism, friendliness and organization.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices agent Joe Mitchell exclusively trusts HomeTeam Inspection Service — a 200-plus-location home inspection brand known for its unique team-based approach — and recommends their services to other real estate agents. After entering the real estate business in September 2020 with a primary focus on residential real estate, Mitchell knew he needed a home inspection team that was thorough, personable and efficient.
“When I first became a REALTOR®, HomeTeam was at one of the meetings and hosted a seminar,” stated Mitchell. “I knew, after that seminar, when I got my first client, I was going to reach out to them, and I did. They did such a great job and the process was incredibly easy: they were able to schedule an inspection the next day. The report was thorough and I didn’t have to wait for anything. I have been using them ever since.”
HomeTeam’s team-based approach ensures that multiple inspectors are on-site for each inspection. Following this method, not only are inspections faster, but they are also more thorough as each inspector can hone in on individual areas throughout the property.
HomeTeam president Adam Long couldn’t be happier that local real estate agents like Mitchell are embracing HomeTeam as their exclusive home inspection service.
“The relationship that HomeTeam inspectors have developed with local real estate agents is invaluable, and we want to continue to be a resource for homeowners and real estate agents throughout the country,” said Long. “Potential homebuyers should always have the confidence that they are purchasing a structurally sound home, and our multi-inspector approach ensures that every house gets a thorough and timely report to help buyers make an informed decision.”
Inspector-REALTOR® relationships are mutually beneficial and, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), 88% of buyers and 89% of sellers purchased and sold their homes through real estate agents in 2016. This means that most buyers and sellers rely on an agent’s resources, and HomeTeam has filled the inspection-services gap for many. In 2001, NAR and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) commissioned a study revealing that nearly 70% of homebuyers nationally chose their home inspectors based on their real estate agent’s recommendations.
The relationship that HomeTeam has with real estate agents around the country is key to this brand’s success, and Mitchell attested to the brand’s stellar communication, professionalism, friendliness and organization, which help sustain this inspector-REALTOR® relationship.
“Communication is key with me. I call them, and they answer the phone every time,” said Mitchell. “They understand the urgency of the business we are in and work with us every day to accomplish goals. Overall, HomeTeam hits the mark in terms of professionalism on every level.”
Communication is one of the main things that immediately drew him to Jeff Ackerman, owner of HomeTeam Inspection Service of Tampa Bay, and ultimately made their partnership so strong.
"When home inspectors and real estate agents have a strong relationship, everyone benefits,” said Ackerman. “Joe has my personal cell phone — he knows that he can contact me at any time, whether it's to schedule an inspection, a consultation or simply ask a question about an issue a client might have. In this tight market, we all need to move quickly and a strong inspector-REALTOR® relationship allows offers to move forward quickly, which makes everyone happy."
Additionally, Mitchell explained that HomeTeam communicates the inspection reports in a way that anyone can understand — not just someone accustomed to construction or real estate lingo. The homebuyer needs to understand every aspect of their report including what might need to be repaired and why. HomeTeam understands that most consumers aren’t accustomed to looking at inspections every day and, as a result, inspectors adjust the wording as needed.
By offering a “one-stop-shop” approach, HomeTeam is able to complete a home inspection in one appointment, taking the hassle out of scheduling multiple appointments for various professionals to come into the residence. HomeTeam has taken the traditional one-man inspection approach and made it more efficient by bringing a team of professionals to each inspection — making the job more accurate, less time-consuming and more convenient for all involved.
“Every time I go meet them at the inspection, they're very friendly and efficient,” said Mitchell. “There are generally two or three people at every inspection. They always arrive knowing exactly what their role is, so there's no confusion, and get right to business.”
Mitchell expressed that he’s never had any complaints about the service received by HomeTeam because of these top-notch custom-service aspects.
“I'm completely satisfied with HomeTeam, and when it comes to other home inspection companies, they could take a note from HomeTeam’s book,” Mitchell stated. “HomeTeam inspectors always take pride in the work they do to make sure that it’s right and, as a real estate agent, that is an invaluable asset to have in a home inspector partner.”
