Several years ago, when I moved to Kentucky, I asked my Exclusive Buyer's Agent in Austin, TX to recommend a Buyer's Agent in the Lexington Kentucky area that could help me find a home for my family.  He sent me to Gale & Mark Fulton.  Now I feel sorry for what we put them through, but back then her attention to the idiosyncratic needs of my family and her unstinting efforts to help us find a home (over four months) was most appreciated.  I've always (since my first bad experience with a dual agent) used Buyer's Agents.  

First order of business for me was to find an agent that was more about my family's needs than playing a dual agent role for the paycheck.  We were fortunate to find Gale & Mark.  I won't delve into the details but my family's  idiosyncrasies were enough to drive a person mad.  Not Gale & Mark.  They were always pleasant and personable.  In the end, we've been very happy with the home they helped us buy.  They certainly reduced the stress on my family of a long distance move.  We've ran across each other several times since I started B4U Close Home Inspections & Radon Testing.  Its always been a pleasant experience.  

So to the point of the story, seven years later, she's starting her one year term as the President with the Lexington Bluegrass Association of Realtors (LBAR). 

Congratulations, Gale.  

I'm sure you'll have a great year, though you may need a long vacation when your year is over.  Here's the press release from  LBAR.

---

Gale Fulton has been elected by LBAR members as their 2009 President. Gale has been a REALTOR® for 13 years and is an Accredited Buyer’s Agent, Certified Residential Specialist, a Quality Service Certified Sales Professional, a Graduate of the Real Estate Institute, Kentucky Real Estate Education Foundation Trustee, a Director for the Kentucky Association of REALTORS®, a Certified New Homes Construction Specialist, a Bluegrass Tourism Ambassador and is At Home with Diversity Certified. Involved with leadership of the Lexington-Bluegrass Association of REALTORS® for nine years, Gale has served as the association’s President-Elect and Chair of the Education Committee. She was also the recipient of the Nat Sanders Award given by the Kentucky Association of REALTORS® to recognize exceptional service in real estate education. A REALTOR® and Team Manager/Trainer with RE/MAX Creative Realty, Gale also was a charter member of the Homebuilder’s Association of Lexington’s Sales and Marketing Council.

Other newly elected officers and directors are President-Elect Anthony de Movellan with Prudential A.S. de Movellan; Treasurer Mike Wheatley with Milestone Realty Consultants; Treasurer-Elect Larry Freels with RE/MAX Creative Realty; Don Hudson with Rector-Hayden Realtors and Brenda Stewart with Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty.

The 2009 LBAR Board of Directors also includes Judy Craft with Milestone Realty Consultants, Shirley DeBoor with Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty, Barbara Curtis with Coldwell Banker McMahan, Donna Ensminger with Prudential A.S. de Movellan, John Groft with RE/MAX Creative Realty East, Sherrye Guthrie with Jonah Mitchell Real Estate & Auction, Laura Hayden with Rector-Hayden Realtors, South, Kathy Pendleton with Coldwell Banker McMahan, Ashley Trautner with Trautner Real Estate & Auction, Mike Wheatley with Milestone Realty Consultants and Linda Wiley with Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty.

As the region’s leading advocate for homeownership, Lexington-Bluegrass Association of REALTORS® (LBAR) understands the value and joy of owning a home. LBAR represents more than 2,000 REALTORS® located in Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Madison, Mercer, Montgomery, Scott and Woodford Counties. Visit www.lbar.com or call 859-276-3503 for buying and selling resources and real estate listings.

I hear this from home buyers quite a bit.  I'll bet a lot of agents here it too!  Do you have an answer for your buyer's. 

Are you increasing your liability by NOT recommending a private third part inspection of new homes.  What happens three years from now when your buyer is now your seller and the new buyer hires a quality third party home inspector.

Here's my answer: (the pages flip themselves or you can use the arrows to flip them.) (Click on the document to open it in a new window where it can be resized to be readable.)

 

Open publication

 

 

Protect yourself.  Get educated with a quality third party home inspection.  No, not that guy that was doing computer work last week and now decided to be a home inspector after his layoff.  Get a quality education on your new home.

Make sure you attend the inspection.  Some things just don't communicate well in written form and you'll learn a lot more when you have the ability to stand in front of something and ask the home inspector questions about it.

Inspectors should police themselves, shouldn't they!

You'd think so, but no mechanism exists for that policing other than the free market and some weak licensing laws.  Here's a take on it from one of my fellow home inspectors:  Posted with permission but I've decided to withhold his name.  I will send him a link to this sad commentary on our profession.  If he desires to identify himself, he can do so in the comments section.

=====

To all of my Fellow Home Inspectors:

I have a story to tell that may be a little long winded but bear with me; it may open your eyes as it surely did mine.

I set out last year to increase my business with the Real Estate sector.  I wanted to make my Home Inspection business viable with greater income.  Now keep in mind I have been doing this in my area for over ten years, so I know many Realtors with little repeat business from them, always to wonder why. When pressed for an answer, I always received some half baked response from the Realtors.

My business partner and I mapped out the area and offices to devote our marketing program on, seventeen offices with approximately 750 Realtors. We started in Oct. of 07 with a combination of flyers, discount coupons [we thought everybody loves coupons] and a candy jar [all chocolate] with a great photo of us, cards placed on top. You couldn't miss us unless you were literally blind, always talked and introduced ourselves and spoke at meetings. Now keep in mind we are not new to the area or game, we are well known. Our strategy was to provide information, great service and always keep chocolate in the jars every ten days, and we did this straight from Oct. 07 to Nov. 13, 08.

Now, there was always the little nagging voice in our heads as to why we were not getting more business. We asked, met Realtors, spoke, consultations, you name it because we wanted more business, honest business. I have always prided myself on doing the best for my clients, not nit picking houses apart but the issues that need to be known and by my state law.  I figured naively that that is what others would want for their clients, enough said.

Bob and I go about our route yesterday and decided to discontinue the candy and info.  Here's why.  I keep track of all my records; we had visited each office at least 30 times since we started. Now I know a little about marketing and know consistency is a large part, I also know that out of 750 agents something would stick. For our hard work we only obtained six inspections and spent approx. $3,000 in costs. By this time both of us are really scratching our heads and trying to figure out why, is it us, our report, people hate you and so on. Throughout the day as we picked up our candy jars we pondered this question further. As we were walking out of one office we happened upon the broker who is also one of the high Ramalama's on our state board and founding father, so to speak. This is what happened that has answered that annoying question of Realtor business and has slightly changed my way of looking at life.

We engaged the broker for about twenty minutes talking about the economy and home sales, and by the way, if you don't know by now they are dismal. Bob finally turns around as we are leaving and directly asks Mr. Board member why we can't get more business from the Real Estate Sector.

He looked at us for a moment, thinking what to say, and said, "You have too many bad Home Inspector's in the business."

We both looked at him as he went on to say that there are inspectors out there who are not doing what they are supposed to be doing and the agents know who they are, that's who they use.  

It took both of us time to regroup from our dropped jaws and re-compose. Now keep in mind that he seemed truly sad about the issue and said there was nothing he could do, it would have to be up to our profession to weed them out.  He also went on to state that he thought our fees were ridiculously low with the amount of responsibility we take on.

After we bid good bye, Bob and I finally had our answer, we didn't play the Reindeer games and never would. After a year + of steady marketing and trying to provide exemplary service, it does not work in this business.

The saddest part that bothers me is that this is the normal operations of a large organization that people trust with their life savings, to be lied to and steered to vendors providing sub-par expertise all to close the sale, and the public doesn't even know they are being duped.

I know there are good and bad businesses and people, but let's be realistic, I am talking about getting only six inspections out of marketing to 750 agents.  Even throwing poop on a wall sticks sometimes.

I have lost a lot of faith in agents in Real Estate and will no longer seek their business, I will continue to do it my way with Honesty and Integrity, never to suck more out of life then I give. I hope there are more Home Inspector's out there that feel the same and maybe we should have some national or regional spokes person at least informing the public about bad decisions; I for one would gladly volunteer.

Well, as I start my new day in business and life I have one consoling thought, at least I don't have to lie, cheat, be a low life or ner-do-well to survive.  At least I did it my way, regrets, I have few.

I give my consent to anyone who wants to use this letter to put on the internet, re-print or use in publication, I just ask to be informed, honestly!

Sincerely,

KRT

==

The sad thing is that "those inspectors", and the agents who steer their clients to them, aren't likely to be here to read this.  They don't usually bother with mundane stuff such as continuing education beyond that minimum level required by the state or the association.

I've personally experienced this several times.  I'd call a prospective client back to see if they decided on an inspector only to be told they'd chosen someone else.  When I inquired why, they said things like: 

Our agent said you were

•·         too picky,

•·         took too long to do the inspection,

•·         cost to much,

•·         etc, etc.

Odd thing is, more times than I have fingers on both hand, "our agent" would call later to have me perform an inspection on a home that they or their relatives were buying for themselves.  That speaks volumes to me about their character and ethics.

Capitalism is a wonderful thing most of the time.  I'm not really one to whine about "there oughta be a law" and won't start now.  The free market takes out most of "those inspectors" along with the type of agent who steers their clients to them. 

But, there's always more coming along to repeat the cycle.

 

Get Educated B4U Close

 

It's a wonderful day when you wake up in the morning!

 

 

I shared this with some people last year as it so adequately expresses Christmas.  I love it.

I don't know who put this together.  I don't even know where it comes from.

BUT, it is beautiful and I wanted to use it to share my Christmas wish with you.

For those who celebrate it with me: 

 MERRY CHRISTMAS

For those who celebrate in other ways:

 HAPPY HOLIDAYS

It's a Power Point Presentation and I don't know how to start it automatically so it's a download from my file manager on my web server.  Click on the Christmas Card to see the slideshow.  Give it a minute to download, especially if you're on dial up.

Merry Christmas from Erby, The Central Kentucky Home Inspector

I hope y'all enjoy it as much as I do.

If you don't have Power Point you can download a free Power Point Viewer from Microsoft here:

Microsoft Power Point Viewer

What do you get for a wife who just gets whatever she "needs" whenever she needs it?  I sure don't want to repeat the early years and get her a "vacumn cleaner" (What was I thinking! Truly ignorant & a LONG spell in the doghouse).

Well, the other day I noticed some things that just may suit her decorating style or taste or whatever you want to call it. 

Frank Hosley, a member of the Cedar Post Clan (read some of my other blogs about the Cedar Post), has just what you need.  Frank is a retired "something" that enjoys working with fine scrollwork and wood (when he's not busy riding his motorcycle or burning brush on his country place).  He's made some beautiful things that would make some really unique gifts for that special someone that you can't find anything for.

Frank would probably also appreciate some commentary on the workmanship visible in the pictures.

 

Operating as "Woodworking by Frank" he's done some beautiful things with wood.  I don't know much about the wood types but was inspired enough to take a few photos and post them here.  Neat stuff for those who don't really "need" anything!  And while the shipping may cost almost as much as the "unique gifts', it'd be worth it to get it in your hands!

OR, if you're in the Georgetown, Kentucky area, just stop by the Cedar Post Restaurant and pick em up.  Make him a decent offer and I'd bet he'll take it.

Cedar Post Restaurant
2176 Cincinnati Road
Georgetown, KY
Just west of I-75 Exit 129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being just a point and shoot kinda guy, I couldn't (no matter what I did) get a really good shot of his Reinder & Sliegh scene that would show the fine intricacy of the work. 

  

 

 

 

A month or more ago, as I was travelling through Madison County, Kentucky I took these pictures of the fall colors with the express intent of posting them here.  Better late than never, I guess.

The first one just kinda stopped me in my tracks as I was travelling the road.  Bright sunshiny morning with a full sun shining on these trees.  I couldn't resist.  I turned around and went back to get this angle and shot.  The second one is thru the windshield as there was too much traffic to stop.  I gotta love the fall colors.

Before long, it'll be time to snap some winter photos.  Hopefully, I'll get those posted before summer!

 

Thanksgiving offers a great opportunity to restart my long neglected blog.  It's been a busy year with very little time for fun things like blogging, but I'm thankful for that (so is my wife - keeps me out of her hair and my wallet fuller).

I restart with a great activity (and looming tradition) at one of my favorite local places: 

The Cedar Post Restaurant - five miles north of the courthouse in Georgetown, Kentucky. 

I see very few of the same people on a frequent basis.  Being a lonely Kentucky Licensed Home Inspector, I spend a bit of time there for the camaraderie the staff and other members of the Liar's Table provide.  It also provides a great place to write my reports while someone else brings me coffee!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beverly Nobles, the matriarch of the Cedar Post clan, once again held her annual Thanksgiving Customer Appreciation Dinner.  The day before Thanksgiving, she shuts the doors early and hosts a Cedar Post Clan family Potluck Dinner.  She provides the place.  The Cedar Post Clan provides the food.

Bring a covered dish or dessert - eat all you want.

Boy, did I eat all I wanted.  (What a way to stack on some extra winter weight, I mean warmth!)

It was a good time for all that attended.  (I lost count somewhere around 100.)

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of Beverly's grandsons had his Birthday party, complete with a piñata in the middle of it.  Good entertainment for the little ones, and lots of laughs for the adults watching the kids swing at it.  No, nobody got hit.  Daddy was smart enough to hang the pinata from the ceiling.  Though it was difficult to make enough room so none of the Clan or the food table got hit.

 

If you're passing through Georgetown, Kentucky, get off I-75 at exit 129, go west a half mile over the hill to the Cedar Post Restaurant and let Beverly and her gang feed you some good home cooking.  You'll make it a regular stop! 

If the front parking is full (like it was that afternoon) pull around to the left side parking lot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

And, you might even get to sit in my "office"! 

Cedar Post Restaurant
2176 Cincinnati Pike
Georgetown, KY  40324

502-867-1031

 

 

 

 

You might see me sitting there.  If you do, be sure to say Hello!

 

 

I've been fortunate that in all the crawl spaces in all the world (that I've been into) I hadn't yet found any of those nasty poisonous critters that tend to inhabit those dark nether regions of a house.

Until TODAY that is.  Inspecting a brand new (one year, never been occupied) home in a subdivisiion north of Georgetown, Kentucky. 

Fortunately I saw her before she saw me.

 

Pretty as she was, there was still an audible "pop" as gloved hands sent her to Heaven.  Along with a short note in the buyer's report about treating the crawl space for spiders.

Worst I've ever ran into before (and still) was a snarling possum behind a piece of plywood in the dirt floored cellar of an older home in Georgetown, KY.

Today I had an occassion to visit Casey County, Kentucky .  The morning was a bit wet as it rained almost the whole home inspection.  Lord willing, the creek won't rise and flood the house I was inspecting.

 

Strangely enough, the property was located on "Dry Creek" Road.  Just didn't look very "DRY" to me.

BUT, passing back through Liberty, Kentucky, I realized the rain had stopped.  The sun hadn't quite come out, but look at the signs of spring in front of the Casey County Courthouse. 

Blooming going on!

But the Casey Count courthouse square was a busy place.  After five minutes, I gave up trying to get a shot without a moving car in it.

After seeing, this I noticed all kinds of blooming going on!  Just not any good photo ops.

 

The other morning, I was out on my second run of the day (yep, I'm an early riser) and noticed a rainbow at sunrise over Georgetown, Ketucky.  I snapped this picture and wanted to share it with y'all.  I actually took several but shooting into the sun isn't exactly my strong point.

See the rainbow ends at both sides of the sun??

 

Yeah, there's a  little snow on the ground, but it was gone just a couple of days later.  That's what I like about the weather here.  We get these little touches of winter, play, and then it's gone again.  Not much extended cold weather around here.