Need advice

Shawn Watkins · 10-26-2009, 11:20 AM

I have been asked to speak at a realtors meeting in a couple of days. There is normally about 20-30 local realtors there that meet every week. They use it as a networking group. I have been ask to discuss some of the things that have changed recently with inspections and answer any questions they may have. I have done this before and I have a few ideas, but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for topics or issues. Do you think this should bring business? Thanks in advance.

Shawn

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**Rick Bunzel** · 10-26-2009, 12:47 PM

Shawn,

I talk to Realtor groups all the time. Yes, it does bring in business. You need to find a particular topic that the group will find interesting. Something like the issues you are seeing in foreclosed homes. Typically I like to have a projector and powerpoint slide show. If you are given 10 minutes to talk, you need to limit yourself to 5-8 slides max. Have good pictures to represent what you talking about. The last slide should be your "advertisement slide" of your company. I would typically highlight why my company was better/different than who they are using currently. Depending on the time of year and who I was talking to I might included a coupon for discount on their next inspection. Usually I could count on 1 or 2 Realtors trying me out.

//Rick

**Gunnar Alquist** · 10-26-2009, 02:06 PM

Update on Chinese drywall. Any changes in home inspection laws in your area. Something to pique their interest. Don't get too technical. Maybe provide them a handout like the HAHB component life expectancy document.

Shawn Watkins · 10-26-2009, 02:47 PM

Thanks for the great ideas guys. I was definately going to discuss the Chinese Drywall issue.

Shawn

imported_John Smith · 10-26-2009, 03:33 PM

Dont dwell on it too much unless it actually affects your area. I heard it was mostly Florida and Louisiana.

Help them understand how to read a report and some of the terms as well as any recent changes to your states SOPs (assuming its applicable in Alabama).

Public speaking is truly an art, some guys get too consumed in it and actually lose business because of it. If you really are a good speaker and come across as a good communicator, your miles ahead of the competition.

**Gunnar Alquist** · 10-26-2009, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by imported_John Smith

Dont dwell on it too much unless it actually affects your area. I heard it was mostly Florida and Louisiana.

Rumor has it that some of the stuff made it to central California as well. I would not discount it anywhere. However, I agree with Pocahontas' husband,

there is not much way for us to determine if it is in a home without opening-up walls.

imported_John Smith · 10-26-2009, 04:32 PM

Yeah, the Chinese drywall is the next "if its mold its gold".
As far as rumors, I try to work off fact. There are ways to find out what it is without ripping walls down.

This stuff is getting like urban myth status and radioactive granite.

Shawn Watkins · 10-28-2009, 09:32 AM

Just wanted to update you guys. My meeting went great. They were very receptive and seemed to like my presentation. I was amazed at the fact that nearly half of them had not heard of the Chinese Drywall issue. I did not dwell on it too much, but let them know that it could potentially become an issue. They also seemed to like the NAHB's life expectancies info.

Thanks again!

Shawn

**John Arnold** · 10-28-2009, 09:48 AM

FWIW, my E&O carrier strongly suggested adding wording to my contract deferring Chinese drywall.

**Jim Luttrall** · 10-28-2009, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by imported_John Smith

Dont dwell on it too much unless it actually affects your area. I heard it was mostly Florida and Louisiana.

John, I just saw some pictures last Friday of a TPREIA continuing ed class from an inspector in the Houston area that inadvertently (was not looking for it specifically) found a bunch of the stuff in a tract house. One thing to think about is the fact that this stuff came by boat from China and there would be a bunch of houses that could be built out of just one boat load! Be careful out there!
I wonder what percentage of tainted drywall in a house would be required to be a problem. 50%, 10%, 2%, 1%, or just one piece?

**Gunnar Alquist** · 10-28-2009, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by John Arnold

FWIW, my E&O carrier strongly suggested adding wording to my contract deferring Chinese drywall.

We must have the same insurer.

I have not, because my contract already generally disclaims chemicals, laboratory testing, etc. The problem that I see is that if you specify one, then it would be necessary to specify every chemical that you do not test for.