help me!!!!! - InspectionNews

bobby adams · #1 (**permalink**) 03-16-2008, 09:35 PM

Hi, My name is Bobby Adams I am just getting ready to start doing.
Home inspection here I need help on getting ready.I will be doing
my report right on site with a labtop. When I get inspection software
what is the best software out there now?
And with my labtop do I need any other business softwear other then
the the inspection softwear I will be getting? I need all the help I can
get to make this right.When I do somthing I like to make sure I do it
right the frist time. So if anyone can give me some help I thank you
very much ahead of time.

Thank you
Bobby Adams

p.s. if you can get back to me as soon as you can I thank you.

Richard Rushing · #2 (**permalink**) 03-16-2008, 09:42 PM

Bobby. In my opinion... that's one big azz mistake.

If you are just starting out, you should *NOT* be doing your reports on-site.

Go back to your office in the comfort of your home and take your time. Review the phots again. Take extra time and review your notes, then remember the little things that you thought of at the time when you took the photos, remember the things you explained to your clients as they were asking why you were taking those photos.

If you are just starting out, being rushed at the inspection site to quickly and efficiently type and remember everything so you can generate the report on-site is bad medicine. Tell the client and their realtor (especially the realtor) that the report will be there early in the a.m.

That way, you are not trying to quickly generate a report about something that you may have questions about. Utilize your resources available and do things on your terms... not the agents time-line.

Just my opinion...

Richard

Billy Stephens · #3 (**permalink**) 03-16-2008, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Rushing

If you are just starting out, you should *NOT* be doing your reports on-site.

Richard

Ditto,

I run the pictures through Bome's Image Resizer attach the photos I want from the group in the sections of the report, make a pdf file using Primo PDF and email to the addresses the client wants within 24 hours.

Bome's Image Resizer and Primo PDF are both free downloads.

Paul Kondzich · #4 (**permalink**) 03-16-2008, 10:46 PM

Bobby, I agree dont do the report onsite. When I started, I worked with a guy in South Florida, and we did 3-4 inspections per day (the boom of 2005), I would do the inspection he would generate the report onsite. Now I dont know of anyone who does an onsite report (except the dinosaurs who do a paper checklist onsite.) The 2 biggest reasons are in my opinion, is being comfortable and not rushed if you do it at home, and when you see something that doesnt look right or you dont understand, you can post a question here and usually have an answer before the report is finished. The second part is invaluable advise you will receive from here.

Jon Randolph · #5 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 12:52 AM

Oyu neeed somehting wtih a buitl in, atuomatic spellling and gramamar chekc.

John Arnold · #6 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobby adams

...When I get inspection software
what is the best software out there now?
...

Ditto regarding doing the report onsite. Not a good a idea when just starting out. As far as software - there is no "best". If you do a search of this forum you'll find quite a few opinions about the different programs. The only program I've ever used is PalmTech. I'm not crazy about it, but I have nothing to compare it to. I do not deliver reports on site. I thought I was going to when I got PalmTech, but then I discovered that no one cared. Clients were quite happy to get the report emailed to them within 24-48 hours.

Alton Darty · #7 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 07:08 AM

I agree with the other posts here. Stay away from generating on-site reports. Get back to the office, look up serial and model numbers to get ages, look over the NEC, ICC or other codes that are followed in your area. Check references that you have for any questions on if something was done wrong or not. Ask questions here if you have any concerns, these guys are great about sharing info and experience.
Email your client, and their realtor, the report as a PDF or other format that can't be altered. Copy pics that aren't a part of the report to a PDF document to reduce the size of the attachment and email separately.
Which software to use? Geez, there are a ton of packages out there, most can be downloaded as a free trial, check several out before settling on one. There are a number of threads here where software systems are discussed, read those and see what others say, there may be points that you haven't considered yet.
Alton

Steven Meyer · #8 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 12:06 PM

I do NOT give onsight reports. Learned long ago as a contractor, not to give information/prices on sight. Found that being in a hurry, I missed some small (and larger issues) and you can't correct your report "after the fact" with out looking like an idiot.
Best to get back to the office, go over all that you hae noted on your inspection, then write up the report. Having to hurry to do an onsight report, usually with the RE agent looking over your shoulder and pushing you to hurry up, I found quite anoying and distracting.
A next day e-mailed or hand delivered report isn't going to break a deal or cause any undue delay in closing.

Back to office, go over notes, think about anything you might have missed, document your findings = keeps you out of court!

An e-mail report is ok if time is short, but I prefer to deliver report in person to the buyers real estate agent, that way I can answer any questions they may have, so they can give better advice to their buyers.

Alton Darty · #9 (**permalink**) 03-18-2008, 01:31 AM

Back to office, go over notes, think about anything you might have missed, document your findings = keeps you out of court!

An e-mail report is ok if time is short, but I prefer to deliver report in person to the buyers real estate agent, that way I can answer any questions they may have, so they can give better advice to their buyers.[/quote]

I still like to email the reports.
#1. Proof of delivery (if you check "request read receipt" in your email program)
#2. I have a copy retained on my pc in my office & a copy that I emailed to myself that I can compare to any other copy that might surface.
#3 The copy that I emailed to myself now resides on another server, giving me secure off-site storage of my reports (along with a copy backed up on another hard drive, also stored off-site.) . Just in case my pc fails or some other disaster strikes.

I always take time to try to explain any major points to the buyer or their agent as I go through my inspection. I always take time to explain these points again as I finish up. I usually give a verbal summary before I leave the property and give all a chance to ask questions. I always tell my clients to call with any questions. When my report is emailed I follow up with a call later to make sure that the report was received, I ask if there are any questions, and I log everything down.
Alton

Paul Kondzich · #10 (**permalink**) 03-18-2008, 02:53 PM

So Bobby....still going to do the report onsite.

Steven Meyer · #11 (**permalink**) 03-18-2008, 04:34 PM

Good point on e-mail vs hand delivery as far as having a paper trail. However, when I hand deliver report, I have a "recept of report" which I have the agent (or the buyer) sign. That way, they can not claim they never received the report and want the money back. I also include copy of the invoice, marked "paid" if the inspection was paid for at the time of the inspection, or "balance due" if billed to escrow. I also include in that document, that this report is for the exclusive use of (name of buyer), (or person who ordered the inspection) and is not for the use of any other potential buyers, as my gurantee (and legal responsibality/ liability) is only to the original person who ordered the report.

I always go over my findings at the time of the inspection with the buyers and their agent (if that agent shows up!!!), but always follow up after their receipt of the written report. Also, hand delivering does give me the opportunity to interact with the agent and hopefully have them recomend me in the future. The more time you have with the agent, the better your chance of future business. Cheaper than donuts and advertising!!!!

Last, but not least, the agent some times (in my experience) needs information/help in necogating repairs, etc. between buyer and seller, and some inspectors I know of charge for that time. By delivering the report in person, you can also go over the report with the agent, if they have any questions as to your recommendations.

Just my thinking on matters. After all, we are a "service" industry, and the more personal service you give, the better your chances of repeat business is!!!

Guess one could hand deliver, then follow with a e-mail, which I just might consider, the more they see/hear your name, the better. And, ALWAYS cover yourself from a legal standpoint!!!!!

Alton Darty · #12 (**permalink**) 03-18-2008, 04:51 PM

Steven, you make a good argument for hand delivering. I admit that you have thought of some things that I overlooked. I will also admit that I am shameless when it comes to using the ideas of someone else, and I will be borrowing some of these. Thanks.

Billy Stephens · #13 (**permalink**) 03-18-2008, 05:04 PM

Most people do not want a hard copy of The Report.

Email can be opened at their (& my

) convenience. Plus great Pictures.(printed photos lack quality and detail.) ( stored and transferable media.)

If you are in a small enough Market hand delivered might work for you.

I've meet Agents that stated they Hate paper copies.( file,copy,fax,dig back out of the files.) If you are using a check list form given on site some of your customers are talking behind your back.

I for one will not be chasing someone down to hand them a Report.

Rick Hurst · #14 (**permalink**) 03-18-2008, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven Meyer

Good point on e-mail vs hand delivery as far as having a paper trail. However, when I hand deliver report, I have a "recept of report" which I have the agent (or the buyer) sign. That way, they can not claim they never received the report and want the money back. I also include copy of the invoice, marked "paid" if the inspection was paid for at the time of the inspection, or "balance due" if billed to escrow. I also include in that document, that this report is for the exclusive use of (name of buyer), (or person who ordered the inspection) and is not for the use of any other potential buyers, as my gurantee (and legal responsibality/ liability) is only to the original person who ordered the report.

I always go over my findings at the time of the inspection with the buyers and their agent (if that agent shows up!!!), but always follow up after their receipt of the written report. Also, hand delivering does give me the opportunity to interact with the agent and hopefully have them recomend me in the future. The more time you have with the agent, the better your chance of future business. Cheaper than donuts and advertising!!!!

Last, but not least, the agent some times (in my experience) needs information/help in necogating repairs, etc. between buyer and seller, and some inspectors I know of charge for that time. By delivering the report in person, you can also go over the report with the agent, if they have any questions as to your recommendations.

Just my thinking on matters. After all, we are a "service" industry, and the more personal service you give, the better your chances of repeat business is!!!

Guess one could hand deliver, then follow with a e-mail, which I just might consider, the more they see/hear your name, the better. And, ALWAYS cover yourself from a legal standpoint!!!!!

Steven,

All of this hand delivering time, when do you have time for it? I can't imagine running all over time doing such.

If they don't show up for the inspection (agent) in my opinion that shows their lack of real interest in their client and I personally would not be chasing them down at their convience to go over the report with them.

Your caring about the interaction with the realtor should not be your priority either. Doing so usually comes back to haunt the HI as he'll get accused of kissing ass with the agent. When HI's learn to quit relying on the agents for the referrals maybe then we'll be considered a "Professional" and not the "Service industry" that many are too comfortable being called.

JMHO

David Banks · #15 (**permalink**) 03-18-2008, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hurst

Steven,
Your caring about the interaction with the Realtor should not be your priority either. Doing so usually comes back to haunt the HI as he'll get accused of kissing ass with the agent. When HI's learn to quit relying on the agents for the referrals maybe then we'll be considered a "Professional" and not the "Service industry" that many are too comfortable being called.

JMHO

Rick I agree with your comment of being accused of kissing ass with agent. One guy I did a inspection for and saved him from a nightmare house and he was very thankful. Second house I did for him I got there early and the Sellers Realtor was there so we were talking as he pulled up.
First thing he said to me was " So the fix is in" This after I had just saved him from disaster the house before. Now most would not be this paranoid but he did not like that house either and our relationship was not the same and he never called me for the third house. Its all perception!

bobby adams · #16 (**permalink**) 03-18-2008, 07:55 PM

I just read all the message you guys sent me and I thank you with all
my heart you save me alot of time.When I start I will not be doing
report on site now.Thank you all for your reply.

Mr.Adams

bobbyedgewood@aol.com

Darren Miller · #17 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 05:59 AM

Bobby,

Check out this site for your reporting system

http://www.knightssoftware.com/

Darren

New Jersey Home Inspection - About the House!

David Argabright · #18 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 10:10 AM

Bobby;
What is your experiance and background? Have you attended any home inspection classes? Why have you decided that home inspections are for you? It will help us give you honest answers if we know more about your qualifications.

Steven Meyer · #19 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 01:47 PM

To clarify my prior postings on this subject, what works for me, may not work for you, just sharing my experience and opinion. I do not kiss A** as some of you infer, but I do try and get along with RE agents, as they can make or break you under the right circumstances. Keep in mind, the RE agent is a componant of the HI business.

As a contractor, I got into the inspection business at the suggestion of a realtor I have done business with (repairs/corrections of others inspection reports) for over 15 years. Although I can not now work on pre seller inspections nor buyer inspections that I do due to conflict of interest, I can still do work on others inspections. Double dip so to speak.

Most of my business comes from referrals, from prior buyers/sellers I have done inspections and/ or repairs for, others in the trades that I have had a business relationship with over the years.
Therefore, I do NOT have to kiss the A** of any realtor, nor do I have to count on them for business, but if they do throw something my way, not about to turn it down.

Note some of you have a dislike, problem with RE agents, but like it or not, if you are going to stay in this business, better learn to get along with them. Think a Dale Carnige course or his book "how to win friends and influence people" might be a good read.

Professional vs Service? Like the term or not, we provide a service!
Basic economic theory, there are 2 sectors in an economy, GOODS and SERVICES. Goods are tangable items (TV, Computer, etc) Service is
non tangable (home inspection, computer help, etc).

So, those of you that are stuck on this PROFESSIONAL identy, then guess we could qualify that we offer a professional service. As for me, I could care less what I am called, the bottom line is all I care about, it all spends the same.

E-mail vs hard copy, both can work and I have never had an agent cut me down for a hand delivered copy. The advantage (at least for me) is that I can include in the hard copy of any recalls/consumer protection alerts along with the inspection report that I noted on the report. I stick with a reasonable geographical area, so, hand delivering does not take that much time nor effort and can usually be done on the way to, in between, or the way home from an inspection.

Yup, still use the old fashion hand check off inspection report, but only for my own use during the inspection, much as I use (as a private pilot) a check off list before every take off.

I then transfer from that, my notes, etc. to computer program (I use XL PRO), and print that out for my own hard copy, and attach my notes to that copy and file it away. Guess I am old fashioned, still like paper copies of everything, and have little trust of computers.

Each HI inspector needs to work at their own comfort level, and what works for them.

My business format has worked for me over the years in the construction business, and now in the HI business. It's just a matter of personal opinion and preference.

Wish all of you continued success, and Bobby, best of luck in your new adventure into the HI business, it is a challenging but rewarding business!!