From poorly written reports to unnecessary scare tactics, here are just some of the reasons why agents are looking for a better kind of home inspector to recommend to their clients.
Agents dread this situation: The deal is looking good and while the house is a little older, it has been well-maintained. The buyer has reasonable expectations, and the seller came to reasonable terms. Now, the lender is on board. The earnest money is in place and everyone's very excited.
Then the inspector arrives and chaos ensues.
A good home inspector is something most people don’t think about until they have had a bad experience of their own. Unfortunately, inspectors can sometimes set off unnecessary alarm bells for buyers with their findings, leaving agents to perform additional hand-holding with their clients, or worse, scuttling a deal.
That’s why real estate agents are now turning toward home inspection franchises like HomeTeam Inspection Service. They know they’ll get an experienced and honest professional with the skills to explain what an inspection means — and does not mean — for a home buyer.
“The number-one thing I hear from agents about what they need in a home inspector is trust,” said Buddy Stark, HomeTeam’s Director of Operations. “They want someone to explain what they’re doing, not cause unjust worry and anxiety during an already stressful process.”
HomeTeam has spent over three decades separating itself from the competition with reliable and trusted inspectors who become strong partners for both home buyers and real estate agents.
“There’s a reason HomeTeam is an approved vendor for some of the leading real estate brokers in the world like Keller Williams and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services,” said Adam Long, HomeTeam President. “They know that when their agents recommend a home inspection from us, they get a professional, reliable partner who works with them to help their clients clearly understand the home inspection process as well as the inspection reports.”
“HomeTeam is everything you would expect or hope for in a quality inspection team and I truly appreciate the professionalism that their team brings to my clients,” said Keller Williams Real Estate Agent, Stephen Payne. “They don’t disappear after an inspection has been completed. Instead, they are always available for any follow-up questions that may arise.”
Real Estate Agents’ Top 5 Home Inspection Pet Peeves
Alarming reports: Many home buyers, especially first-timers, are unfamiliar with the inspection process. Inspectors can make every item seem like a huge expense or a deal-breaker without providing adequate context. The result: the buyer gets scared and deals fall through.
HomeTeam’s approach: With clear and detailed reports that help the home buyer understand the full context of their home, HomeTeam helps buyers make informed decisions. “Our inspectors won’t pull any punches, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to be an alarmist,” said Stark. “We know a home inspection is not a pass-fail proposition. That’s why we clearly and concisely explain to the clients what each part of a home inspection means.”
Poor customer service skills: Everyone appreciates the depth of knowledge home inspectors bring to the home buying process. But, home inspection reports can be intimidating, especially for a first-time buyer. That’s exactly why great communication skills are essential. Inspectors should be willing to guide the homeowner through any questions they have about the process and not overwhelm them with industry jargon. Great customer service also extends to agents: too often, agents feel that the inspector takes the business they send to them for granted.
HomeTeam’s approach: HomeTeam inspectors are trained to communicate effectively with customers, but they also want to be an agent's valued partner to help close deals as smoothly and as quickly as possible. “When they are in your home, our inspectors are there to earn your trust and respect,” said Stark. “We aren’t looking to simply earn new customers. We want to earn a loyal customer base that we hope will continue to boost our referral business.”
Lack of professionalism: Who would your clients rather have in their home: an inspector who arrives in a clearly marked, well-maintained company vehicle, or someone in an unmarked van or personal vehicle? Someone wearing the uniform of a different company (because home inspections could be their side job), or someone who wears a clean, clearly easy-to-recognize uniform? The answer is obvious.
HomeTeam’s approach: HomeTeam inspectors arrive in a branded vehicle, professionally dressed and trained in customer service and care. As soon as they arrive onsite, they are ready to get to work.
Not showing up to scheduled appointments: Sometimes inspectors arrive whenever they can make time, leaving everyone else waiting or rearranging their schedule at the last minute. They’ll arrive early and do an entire outside inspection and leave before you speak to them, or worse, they leave homebuyers waiting for an inspection report at crucial moments in the sale process.
HomeTeam’s approach: HomeTeam’s efficient process means faster, more thorough inspections, and agents and home buyers will have a detailed report in their hands within 24 hours.
Reports that are difficult to understand: Sometimes reports can be full of jargon, long checklists and out-of-context information. That’s because some inspectors lose sight of who their report is for: the homebuyer. The result, homeowners feel that these reports list troublespots with little to no explanation on what that could mean for repairs and/or their home sale.
HomeTeam’s approach: With a reporting system that creates insightful, easy-to-read and complete reports, the agent, homebuyer and inspector are all speaking the same language and can enter into the sale process with confidence.
