Having a great home inspector is a key part of purchasing a home--someone who doesn't know what they are doing could overlook a major problem with the home that may lead to some very costly fixes down the road. You definitely want someone with a lot of experience and an attention to detail.

Today I went out on a limb and tried a different inspector than I normally use; however, not without doing my homework first though! About a month ago I received an e-mail from Mark Watkins, a home inspector in my area looking for more agents to work with. He included his prices in the e-mail and they were cheaper than the inspector I was currently using so I became intrigued.

I did some research: I replied to the e-mail asking him how long he'd been in the business and if he had some referrals I could look at. He got back to me right away with an overwhelming list of 87 REALTOR names and contact information that are currently using his services. He has been doing inspections since February 2007 and prior to that he was a real estate agent for 11 years! Previous to his real estate career, he also owned a remodeling company. He's completed over 743 inspections. It definitely seemed to me he had plenty of credentials and was worth trying out.

This morning's inspection went very well! Mark was very thorough in doing his job and anytime he found even the tiniest thing wrong he would show it to my client and explain how to fix it. Also, as he was going through the home he taught my client how to take care of their home and maintain it--such as what knob to turn off before the first freeze of the fall and how often they should change out their air filters. I thought this was especially helpful since my client is a first-time home buyer.

His report was ready within two hours after the inspection and sitting in my e-mail box when I returned home from being out and about! It is very simple to read and easy to understand exactly what's wrong because he highlights the problems with photos.

I would highly recommend using Mark Watkins for your home inspections if you're in his area. He is based out of Buford, Georgia. You would have to ask him if he serves your area though.

His Prices are as Follows (Based on the Sales Price):

  • Up to $250,000 the price is $275. Add $25 if on a basement or a crawl space.
  • $250,001 to $350,000 the price is $300. Add $25 if on a basement or a crawl space.
  • $350,001 to $450,000 the price is $335. Add $25 if on a basement or a crawl space.
  • $450,001 to $550,000 the price is $375. Add $25 if on a basement or a crawl space.
  • $550,001 to $700,000 the price is $425. Add $35 if on a basement or a crawl space.
  • $700,001 to $800,000 the price is $450. Add $35 if on a basement or a crawl space.
  • $800,001 to $1 million the price is $500. Add $50 if on a basement or a crawl space.

He also has special prices on Town Houses and Condos.

If you need a home inspector that you can trust, I would call Mark Watkins. 770-527-1865

If you are in the market to buy or sell your home in the Bethlehem or Dacula area, I would be happy to assist you! My passion is helping people find their dream home and stepping them through this exciting journey. I serve the Walton, Barrow and Gwinnett county areas. Call or text me today!

 
This post has been included in Georgia Real Estate News Gwinnett County, GA Real Estate News Buford, GA Real Estate News
Post is included in group: 20-Somethings Realtors
Post is included in group: Dedicated Bloggers
Post is included in group: Keller Williams 'Rainers
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: The Lounge at Active Rain

6 Comments on Who Else Wants an Awesome Home Inspector?

MAY
19
2009
655,774 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Anne! Mark's fees sound very good and it seems he knows his stuff too.  I am sure he appreciates you supporting him......I would be glad to give him business with your recommendation if he worked the B'ham area.

8:57pm • #1
158,058 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Kudos to you for doing your due diligence! The home inspection is a very important part of the process and, as in everything, experiece counts!

9:06pm • #2
874,662 Points 167 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Anne - Mark's pricing structure seems very reasonable/low.  I haven't actualy seen an inspector charge by sales price before.  Here in Austin, they all charge by the square footage.  Great post promoting your favorite vendor!

10:12pm • #3
1,343,418 Points 192 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Anne, great references and awesome background for Mark. Glad you found him.

10:46pm • #4
MAY
20
2009
561,413 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Anne, this will be a great resource for home buyers and sellers in your area!  I'm with Jason, I've never heard of charging by sale price.  Another reason having a knowledgeable local REALTOR is so important!

5:50am • #5
APR
30

Mark Watkins is the nastiest person I've ever seen.  He is extremely unprofessional, lazy and hard to work with. I would never recommend him. When I showed him my concern areas, he told me to shut up.  Later he told me if I don't want his service, then he will close the inspection and I don't owe him anything. But next day he send me a bill and threatened t o sue me! He called me an “asswhole”. Please don’t bother with his fat b**tard.

Steve
12:40pm • #7


Captcha

Drag the music-note to the circle on the side.

Image?id=90a93c1917af441bca1c84be36578ee0093387f4 Image?id=ca3609a8387ac1bf666270a48a50c194b7336e5f Image?id=0aa59c0805a881cdb373ab1d4f719cade8166c2e Image?id=568ed89877ec4d51b2ff4fa16f3970304d63a3e1 Image?id=646efd743bf8fb5661a7934011eb0ebec47e15aa

Accessibility option: listen to a question and answer it!

Type below the answer to what you hear. Numbers or words, lowercase:

Leave a response…


(optional)
Captcha

Drag the cloud to the circle on the side.

Image?id=aac28121311c16b1cbfcf133bfcac75fa189fad9 Image?id=ec432805189ad8e5958f5d40beefbdba6883d60e Image?id=dabac802065d74e0cb50b7c95d6de92fd1982b35 Image?id=efe50bcc108a01a2e7b315969dbbb38307c9dc41 Image?id=c734cf8d00ef9628a4fc3a2fceeb9505b570b736

Accessibility option: listen to a question and answer it!

Type below the answer to what you hear. Numbers or words, lowercase:

 
Anne Rains -Bethlehem Georgia Real Estate Agent (Real Estate Agent for Keller Williams, Atlanta Partners)

Anne Rains -Bethlehem Georgia Real Estate Agent

Bethlehem, GA

More about me…

Real Estate Agent for Keller Williams, Atlanta Partners

Address: 4495 Atlanta Hwy, Loganville, GA, 30052

Office Phone: (678) 808-1300

Cell Phone: (404) 357-2231

Email Me



Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog