Russell Poe
07-08-2012, 10:47 PM
I stumbled upon this forum after searching for "Zinsco panels" with my browser after seeing a picture in the ASHI Reporter so I joined.
I've been a state licensed home inspector and an ASHI Associate member for 6 years. 22 years before that I was in the Information Technology business - I think I have the Customer Service thing down, but I'm always trying to learn more about all things home inspector related to try to be the best inspector I can. The name of my company is "Best 1 Home Inspection". I didn't name it that because I think I'm the best HI. I did so due to the constant realtor claims that their offices "won't let them directly refer an HI" because they are scared of potential lawsuits. I decided I would name my company what I did so that whenever the realtor gives their buyer a list of HI's to choose from, and that inevitable question comes to them from the buyer ("Which one should I choose??"), they can simply say "I'd just choose the best one". ;)
I had a realtor tell me yesterday that it is ILLEGAL for her to refer an HI. She called ME, because I had met her husband at a networking group meeting, and said she was putting my company and 2 others on her "list" to give to the buyer. I know my fee was lower than at least one other, but I didn't get the call from the buyer. I work in Alabama and to my knowledge there is no such law, and I have found that most realtors who say things like this work for the big, franchise realty company offices. I can't tell you how frustrated I get - how am I supposed to develop a business relationship with a realtor if they can't refer me?!?!
Now, I realize this revelation about myself might simply be causing you to say "Dumb cluck - he doesn't even realize they don't want to use him". But I've been in so many situations where my work and reporting and customer service have been confirmed by the buyer as "excellent", that I can't believe it is said for that reason. I've actually seen many "handouts" where 3 HI's were listed and these are giving to every buyer that uses that realtor/realty office and that's it. Sometimes my name is in the #1 spot, sometimes not, but this is actually how they "refer" HI's to their buyers! Anyone want to give it to me straight and tell me if this happens to you or if you've ever heard of it, or if they are trying to politely tell me something? I've found other ways to get referrals and increase business, but this does drive me crazy when I hear it. Hope everyone had a great weekend and that you have much business success this week! -rp-
I've been a state licensed home inspector and an ASHI Associate member for 6 years. 22 years before that I was in the Information Technology business - I think I have the Customer Service thing down, but I'm always trying to learn more about all things home inspector related to try to be the best inspector I can. The name of my company is "Best 1 Home Inspection". I didn't name it that because I think I'm the best HI. I did so due to the constant realtor claims that their offices "won't let them directly refer an HI" because they are scared of potential lawsuits. I decided I would name my company what I did so that whenever the realtor gives their buyer a list of HI's to choose from, and that inevitable question comes to them from the buyer ("Which one should I choose??"), they can simply say "I'd just choose the best one". ;)
I had a realtor tell me yesterday that it is ILLEGAL for her to refer an HI. She called ME, because I had met her husband at a networking group meeting, and said she was putting my company and 2 others on her "list" to give to the buyer. I know my fee was lower than at least one other, but I didn't get the call from the buyer. I work in Alabama and to my knowledge there is no such law, and I have found that most realtors who say things like this work for the big, franchise realty company offices. I can't tell you how frustrated I get - how am I supposed to develop a business relationship with a realtor if they can't refer me?!?!
Now, I realize this revelation about myself might simply be causing you to say "Dumb cluck - he doesn't even realize they don't want to use him". But I've been in so many situations where my work and reporting and customer service have been confirmed by the buyer as "excellent", that I can't believe it is said for that reason. I've actually seen many "handouts" where 3 HI's were listed and these are giving to every buyer that uses that realtor/realty office and that's it. Sometimes my name is in the #1 spot, sometimes not, but this is actually how they "refer" HI's to their buyers! Anyone want to give it to me straight and tell me if this happens to you or if you've ever heard of it, or if they are trying to politely tell me something? I've found other ways to get referrals and increase business, but this does drive me crazy when I hear it. Hope everyone had a great weekend and that you have much business success this week! -rp-