One of the most important decisions a professional home inspector makes is what type of inspection reporting system to use for his/her inspection business. The inspection report you choose can have a major impact on whether you succeed or fail in the business.
There are several types of inspection reporting systems on the market today, but basically they fall into two categories, electronic or written.
With an electronic inspection report, the inspector usually delivers a memory stick also commonly referred to as a jump stick or a Internet website and access code. With the memory stick, all the client's reporting information is stored on the stick and they leave the inspection with this in hand. Once they have access to a computer, they can use the memory stick to access their inspection report. When the inspector is using an Internet based inspection report, the client will receive the url address where they can go to enter their personal inspection report code. This will give them online access to their inspection report.
With a written inspection report, like HomeReport, the client leaves the inspection with their full report in hand. This makes it convenient and easy for home buyers to review their inspector's findings in detail so they can comfortably make their purchase decision within the confines of their purchase contract/agreement. Not to mention the perceived value added by receiving a substantial physical report.
There are also inspectors who choose different types of written reports or even do their own narrative written report following the inspection. They write up the inspection report and then make arrangements to deliver it to the client, some 24-72 hours after the inspection. The problem with not receiving the report at the inspection is that, often, clients must make purchase decisions before they actual have their report.
If you are new to the home inspection business, the choice of which way to go with regards to your reporting can be a bit confusing. One of the main places that inspectors will get referrals is from Realtors because they are the ones working with home buyers on a regular basis. We recently received some unsolicited feedback from a Realtor about home inspection reporting and we thought it was well worth sharing.
"With over 20 years in Real Estate, I have worked with many home inspectors. I have seen many different types of inspection reports but I had to contact you to tell you the reaction HomeReport received. My clients recently hired an inspector who delivered HomeReport to them at the inspection and I have to tell you their reaction to your report was amazing. They appreciated how well put together the inspection report was. They especially appreciated the value added sections on home maintenance, budgeting and even the envelopes in the back for keeping track of all their expenses. My clients were beaming when the inspector reviewed the report with them. I just don’t see this reaction from the inspectors I work with that hand over a jump stick or password to an electronic report. There is something about the value my clients see in your very detailed written reporting system. I will always try to refer inspectors who deliver HomeReport."
Sincerely JoAnne Muegge, RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd.
Sincerely JoAnne Muegge, RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd.
We want to close this post by saving again that we know you have a choice with what type of reporting system you use in your inspection business. We just hope that, before you make a final decision, you check out HomeReport for yourself because we truly believe it's a system that has helped many inspectors build strong inspection businesses right from the start.
Wishing you continued success in all that you do,
Canspec Home Publishing
