The real estate property inspection trade sees many different kinds of clients. The successful real estate property inspection business is good at identifying its target audience and at marketing to it. Historically, the marketing target was almost exclusively the real estate agent, as his or her referrals were the only source of clients. This meant that the needs of the clients were subordinate to the desires, whims, and dictates of the real estate property agent. The modern technology enables the inspection firm to gear its marketing directly to the public, thereby, gaining some independence from the real estate property agents, allowing the inspectors to focus on serving the client primarily, who is, after all, paying.
Most real estate property inspection clients are motivated, if not by caution, by prudence. They want to avoid getting stuck with a money pit. But the inspection typically helps the buyer in ways other than simply allaying fear. With his training, proper licensing, and insurance, the real estate property inspector gives the client an idea of what to expect, explains how to maintain and service the appliances and systems in his new property, and in general brings the buyer assurance, satisfaction and peace of mind. Let’s examine certain aspects of the business to see how this is accomplished specifically.
Cost
Buyers cannot get the proper help they need without paying for it. They should view the cost as a form of protection for what is usually a very large investment. Furthermore, contrary to popular thought, the real estate property inspectors are not commodities; in general, you get what you pay for. Those who inspect quickly and/or dash off reports without much thought can charge less, but in such cases the inspection cost is often a waste of money and something crucial might be overlooked.
Checklist
The main benefit of the real estate inspection checklist is that it ensures adherence to the state or national standards of practice in place. These standards establish not only what is included in and excluded from the inspection, but they also govern ethical behavior and conduct of business. The buyer can rely on consistency and completeness.
Report
Inspection is analogous to a physical examination, and the report is a record of the results, a snapshot of the overall condition of the property. It is not only the document used to make decisions regarding the sale, but it can also serve as a kind of user manual after closing.
A real estate property inspector with good communication skills is helpful to the buyer, not only because the report should be clearer but also because verbally sharing observances and answering to the questions during the inspection are a bonus, establishing a higher comfort level. Good reports will be replete with photographs and detailed narrative, but the buyer witnessing things firsthand is often the best help of all.
