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Realtors of America - Send me your opinion!

By
Home Inspector with BONSAI Inspection Company

Hello Realtor friends:

This past month, I have had the good fortune to be invited to speak at a very prestigious local Realtor traning center.

Over my travails as a home inspector/mold investigator, many times I have heard "I did not know that", or "I just learned something new today" from both customers and Realtors.

I have attended several Realtor networking functions over the past few years (I am an affiliate member of my local board of Realtors) and many times someone has said to me - "we (as a group) really need/would love to have someone to help educate us about ______ (insert topic)."

So now my chance has come. I have an hour to speak, and the open option as to what topics to cover.

So why not try to cater specifically to the audience?

If any of you could, please describe what topic(s) you would most like to be covered if you were attending an educational seminar hosted by a well-rounded home inspector. Be as brief as you like. Your feedback will help me determine what topics I will cover.

You most likely wont be at the seminar, but at least you will be contributing to the collective knowledge of your peers.

Much obliged ~ Mike C

 

 

Comments (11)

Ralna Burridge
The Mortgage Centre - Vancouver, BC

Here where I live (Vancouver BC) we have had major issues with "condo rot" due to our very wet weather... apparently buiding codes have changed but...I've always wanted to know what to look for to ensure a place won't become a futre "condo rot" building...I've heard that large overhangs are good...but that's all I've heard... 

Jan 20, 2010 04:24 PM
Anonymous
Ana Lee McIntosh

First of all I want to commend you on your job as a home/mold inspector it takes alot of guts to do what you do.  Many buyers don't really realize that your report can break or make a deal.  I have had many deals go down due to the home inspection report. LOL  But, what the Buyers and Realtors don't understand is that the home inspection report will be done to state required guidelines and no one elses, your are licensed and your license is on the line to do the best job for your client. 

I have had many Buyers get mad when their houses don't pass muster and their mortgage companies won't even make the expensive of sending out an appraiser due to a bad inspection report.  But, for a seasoned Realtor like me, you are gold! I take those inspection reports and make them the focal point of my continuing negotiations for making sure my clients get a good livable home to live in.  I value the opinion of my home inspector, and I have a great working relationship with him.  Together we have seen things that should never be mentioned in public. 

So, if you want the Realtors to remember you, remember this:  Facts tell, but stories sale.  And, this is the one chance you have to sale yourself to that particular group of Realtors.  Tell your stories, I know you have many.  Because what you want is for the Realtors to like you and see you as a very important spoke in their wheel; after all they're the ones doing the driving.  Right!

Jan 23, 2010 02:13 PM
#3
Don Wixom
RE/MAX Executives Nampa, ID - Nampa, ID
"Looking out for your next move..."tm

How about Mike's top ten lists of worst things to find in a home inspection or the top ten most common issues or the top ten most neglected maintenance items... Best of luck!  I would like to see a post on these items too!

Jan 26, 2010 03:50 PM
Michelle Shelton
Realty One Group - Gilbert, AZ
REALTOR®, Certified Negotiations Expert®

I like Don's idea...and his photo! Make it fun. Maybe interactive. Do some experiential stuff, maybe put a piece of paper under their chairs that has to do with statistics...something like if 8 out of 10 molds are dangerous...put the mold under the chairs of 8 of the people and then have them look. I pulled these numbers out of the air by the way. AND I am not saying put real mold under the chair...just a note card with mold written on it or something...

I don't know...these are just ideas. How about this...I love the inspectors that focus on how good the house is and not on the negative. Almost like they LOVE the house and are willing to report the news...they still enjoy the good bones of the house. Obviously if it is a dump and bad purchase this wouldn't work. I just know I had an inspector communicate in a way that was so doom and gloom over the little stuff it freaked my clients out.

Email me if you want some more ideas. : )

Michelle Shelton
www.askmichelleshelton.com
www.boldtalent.com

 

Jan 29, 2010 05:58 PM
Dean Bergstrom
Bergstrom Realty Inc., Brokerage - Stoney Creek, ON
Broker of Record

I would start by explaining what you do not inspect and why. There are a lot of people who seem to think you have x-ray vision. Clearing this up would help everyone understand what you face as a home inspector and then they would not expect what you are not required to deliver.

 

I think there may be some foundation issues with this one.

Jan 31, 2010 09:27 AM
Benjamin Vanhook
Mountain Pro Real Estate - Franklin, NC

I would definitely cover what a Realtor can do before the inspection to make it look cleaner.  I know there are several issues that are minor that if attended to before the listing actually hit the market there would be a very inexpensive fix but would make the home inspection cleaner.  I'm not saying for a Realtor to hide defects or potential hazards but maybe have a list of the top ten things a home seller could do before the listing hits the market to prevent a bad inspection.  I have seen several home inspections come back and look horrible and a buyer back out.  When in reality the fix for the problem was very inexpensive and could of been avoided if the selling agent would of had their seller fix it before listed.  A lot of Realtors and almost all Sellers don't know what to look for upfront and a top 10 preventive list would be awesome.  If you come up with one please email it to me so I can send it out to all of my fellow Realtors and clients.

Feb 09, 2010 04:20 AM
Jerry Morse
The Morse Company - Janesville, WI
BBA,GRI

You might want to see how many in the audience find benefit in having the Seller do a home inspection before marketing versus having only the Buyer have one done.

Jerry

Feb 13, 2010 12:42 PM
Ellie Shorb
Compass Real Estate - Chevy Chase, MD
Realtor DC, MD & VA Luxury Home Expert

Congrats! Speak from the heart about what you do - and goodness knows, you must have a few funny but true tales to tell... so share those. Humor is always a plus!

Feb 17, 2010 11:27 AM
Abraham Valentino
SOLARIT® - San Francisco, CA
Founder CEO SOLARIT®, iMetros, Nummus®

What a great topic to blog about. Now you may want to talk about it.

Feb 20, 2010 04:40 PM
Deb Jobin
RE / MAX River's Edge - Bristol, RI
Award-Winning Realtor

I like the idae of exploring the topic of the seller doing a home inspection before they sels and its benefits.

Feb 22, 2010 05:29 AM
Scott Lewis
The Bald Man Group - Post Falls, ID
REALTOR, e-Pro,CIA,IMSD,GRI & CNE

How about some the issues that a are inspection items for loans ... such as the check list that an FHA appraiser, VA appraiser are going. to look for

Mar 20, 2010 01:12 PM