When looking for a home inspector, there are a few key traits to look for. The choice you make can reflect on you. If you end up using an inspector that rubs your clients the wrong way, this puts you in danger of bad online reviews, lack of referrals, and lack of repeat business. While some clients will brush it off, why put them through that? Here are a few qualities to consider when looking for a home inspector.
1. Honesty
Honesty is the best policy. This should really apply to all professions right? Now in terms of delivering that honest news though, they should also have a soft personality able to give you recommendations on what they have observed. They can point out flaws and refer to them as suggestions instead of an absolute "must fix". Some clients will have an emotional attachment to their home, so tearing it down can be taken personally.
2. Punctuality
You know what is great? Efficient service! Responding to emails within 24 hours or less and returning phone calls the same day is what makes for great customer service. If a home inspector is able to give you an easy to follow report the next morning, that makes you look good in front of your real estate clients.
3. Reputation
Have other agents used them? Do they have good reviews? This is very important when doing your research. Take a look at all reviews from 1-stars, to 5-stars, and 3-stars. Some reviews will be very honest, and some reviews will be an exaggeration of their experience.
4. Carries a Screwdriver
You know what would be fantastic? If an inspector saw something loose that they could fix themselves and fix it right there, instead of adding it to the report! Talk about great service! This little thing is what can lead to repeat business for them.
5. Somebody Similar to You
See a pattern here? Honesty, promptness, and reputation are qualities that people look for in a real estate agent too. If you are lacking on either of these, you should try to do a little self-improvement. If this is you already, great! Side note: We don't think it is necessary for real estate agents to always carry screwdrivers -- but being able to solve simple problems for clients can go a long way.
After looking at all potential candidates, give a list to your clients. Give your professional opinion. Let them decide on who they would like to use. Giving a client a great experience is what will get them to talk about you in a positive light. Be there every step of the way, and make it as easy as possible for them.
We understand maintaining relationships can be time consuming, why not give Zurple a try to help alleviate some of that work?
