Welcome to National Home Inspector Month!
Sandra Gibbs Performing an Inspection
In addition to taking time this month to recognize all the hard work we do as home inspectors, it’s also a great reminder that we should prepare for a busy summer, as home sales are going up and inspectors will soon be in high demand. This “summer rush” happens partly because many home purchases revolve around school schedules, with many families preferring not to disrupt their kids’ routines when they move.
Practicing home inspectors must be prepared to handle the increased volume of business during these often hectic summer months. Regardless if you are a seasoned inspector or new to the industry, all the effort that goes into building skills and relationships now will be critical for creating future success.
As a first step during the slower months, invest in yourself by taking additional training to sharpen your skills. Home inspection continuing education is often affordable and easily accessible through online classes and webinars, and even a few hours of training can give you vital information.
“These are great ways to retain customers for future business, and for you to earn more money!”
Keeping up with current trends allows you to provide a higher-quality and more comprehensive inspection, and you can also gain proficiency in added services that your clients may need. Both of these are great ways to retain customers for repeat business, and for you to earn more money!
Here are some options for extended learning with ICA:
- If you trained with ICA, remember to complete the bonus courses that are included at no extra cost with your enrollment. These teach various topics such as radon testing, wind mitigation, using drones for roof inspection, and much more.
- Visit icaschool.com for the latest continuing education courses, articles, and other content so you can be in the forefront of the industry.
- Become a member of the ICA Home Inspectors Resource Group on Facebook which is a platform to ask questions, meet fellow inspectors, and mentor others to help elevate the industry.
“Getting out and meeting people in the community is a vital task.”
Sandra with a Student
Getting out and meeting local real estate agents, brokers, home inspectors, and others in the community is a vital task to get your foot in the door for later business. If people know you, there’s a much higher chance that they will consider you if and when they need home inspection services. At least at first, it’s not about promoting your business, it’s about allowing people to get to know you as a person.
When meeting people, especially those who could give you future business, make an effort to be your authentic self so they will experience who you truly are. Putting your morals, ethics, and professionalism on display will convey much of what they’ll need to know when they make the decision to work with you.
When you are meeting with people, remember to:
- Be professional and presentable
- Give them business cards with your up-to-date contact info
- Remind them of the services you provide, and your areas of expertise
- Discuss your availability, scheduling process, and turnaround time
- Provide details about your reports and what they include
It has been my experience over the last 15 years that the best leads are generated in this way; by simply showing up and making an effort to meet people in the local community. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors!
Sandra Gibbs is an instructor with ICA, and also the CEO and co-owner of Quality Home Inspections, a multi-inspector firm in Virginia and North Carolina. She has 20 years of experience as a former lending officer and Assistant Vice President of a financial institution in the Hampton Roads area, which allows her to understand the complexities of home sales. Sandra has taught hundreds of home inspector courses and regularly participates in continuing education in order to stay abreast of the ever-changing industry.
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