Emerson and Whitbeck began working together over 15 years ago. Leading with communication and professionalism, Whitbeck has grown to be Emerson’s go-to, trusted inspector.
HomeTeam Inspection Service, the home inspection concept that leverages a team-based model to provide thorough, knowledgeable property inspections, done quicker and more efficiently. Home Team has established itself as a respected inspection company in markets nationwide. Scott Whitbeck, the owner of HomeTeam Inspection Service of Colorado Springs, is a prime example of how the brand’s owners and inspectors play into the overall brand recognition and reputation.
Through partnerships with local real estate agents, HomeTeam owners build connections that grow their own networks while supporting agents and their clients through the purchasing process with the help of professional inspections. Larry Emerson, with RE/MAX Properties, local real estate agent, connected with Whitbeck for this very purpose over a decade ago, and the two quickly began to build a professional relationship.
“Scott and I met in a group called BNI (Business Network International), which is a business networking and business referral organization,” said Emerson. “The group gets together once a week and networks with one another. You’ll have a handyman in there, someone with a cleaning business, an insurance salesperson and usually a real estate agent, and we like to get a home inspector. Scott got into our group, we learned about his business, then we ended up going to get coffee one day to talk about how we could benefit each other and help each other be successful.
During this interaction, Emerson shared his insight in terms of what he looks for in a home inspector, his expectations, and how to stand out as a professional Home Inspector. With over 30 years as an agent, he had more than enough experience to know what would and wouldn’t work well for an inspector looking to connect with real estate professionals.
“I gave him my two cents, he took that to heart and he has become very successful,” added Emerson. “Scott owns the #1 inspection company in Colorado Springs.”
“We’ve been working together ever since we met in BNI and have done several hundred home inspections together,” said Whitbeck. “Our partnership is great because it gives the client a real sense of the condition of the home. Once we’re done, there’s pretty much no doubt about the true condition of the home, and that increases their confidence in going further with the transaction.”
Emerson and Whitbeck Leverage Their Respective Areas of Expertise for a Well-Rounded Client Experience
In addition to their current professional qualifications, both men bring a wealth of knowledge and curiosity to their roles. Emerson explained that the excitement to continue to pursue professional development and further education, even though all mandatory trainings and credentials have been completed, is the mark of someone he’s interested in doing business with.
“To be good at the job, you have to stay up to date on all of the information. The classes, the seminars… anything you can,” explained Emerson. “If a class comes up on radon, you take it. Electrical Code changes, take the class! You want to be the best in the industry. Taking seminars, podcasts and classes first shows that you’re a leader and that you’re passionate about your business. Scott is very good about that.”
Similarly, Whitbeck explained that Emerson’s expertise and willingness to step up to the plate where appropriate is incredibly helpful.
“Larry always attends the inspection whereas a lot of agents do not,” said Whitbeck. “With all of his experience in real estate and construction, he can pretty much tell whether a home will be a good one or not. He will tell me ahead of time, ‘I did see this issue’ or ‘The seller disclosed this issue’ to try to make the process as easy as possible, but while I’m doing the actual inspection, he takes a step back and lets me do my work.”
The Pair’s Partnership Continues To Grow
“I have a lot of experience with home inspectors — good and bad,” said Emerson. “Scott and I have formed a partnership. Since I work for my buyer, I have to give them options when we get to the inspection stage. I give them two or three options, but I always personally recommend Scott, and they almost always go with Scott.”
Emerson continued to say that he feels confident recommending Whitbeck as an inspector due to his commitment to continuous learning, positive affect with clients and willingness to refer a client to another expert for additional insight when necessary.
“Because we’ve worked together for 18 years, we’ve built a strong relationship and trust so deep that we really do rely on each other a lot,” said Whitbeck. “We also support each other if there’s an event that needs sponsoring or something outside of the inspection relationship. We’re quick to help each other that way, even on a personal level. It’s been a great relationship.”
