Last week I started writing a blog post about how I have grown my Home Inspection business. I wanted to share what has worked for me in the hopes that other Home Inspectors could help their business grow as well. This morning I read a featured blog that fellow Home Inspector Clint Mckie wrote titled “Advertising in print. Advice required” looking for ideas and advice on how to grow his Home Inspection business. So Clint’s post motivated me to finish my blog. As a Home Inspector in Mesa Arizona I too have had challenges getting business in what has become a rather competitive field. So I thought I would share what has helped to build my Home Inspection business here in Mesa Arizona.
First of all, Clint - I feel your pain! Been there, done that! Sometimes it feels like you are just running in circles trying to get your name out. Three things have worked for me: Persistence, persistence, persistence!
I make a point of visiting all of the Real Estate offices in person within a 20 mile radius every three months to drop off or replenish my brochures and business cards. I have become acquainted with most of the assistants and/or agents at the front desks of these offices. Most of them know me by name at this point even though many of them have yet to use my services.
What I have learned is that most agents are not necessarily happy with their current Home Inspector here in the Mesa Arizona area. The agents have them saved on their speed dial and it is just habit for them to punch “#3” on their phone to contact that Inspector or refer them to their buyer. So I did a tongue-in-cheek flyer that I dropped off at all of the Real Estate offices with instructions on how to delete the old Inspector and add Toby Karlquist - The Inspector Home Inspection Services 480-427-4715 - my info to their phone. Many of the agents have actually done this!
I also offer a 20% discount off my basic Home Inspection rates (yes – that IS a big discount) to agents to try my services on their next Inspection. This one-time discount has by far and away done the most to build my Inspection business. About 95% of the agents who try my services the first time recommend me from that point on. I more than make up that discount by gaining new agents that recommend my services on a regular basis. The proof is in the pudding. They see that I go above and beyond what they are used to seeing in a Home Inspection. My inspections take longer than the average Home Inspection – I am very thorough. My customer service skills are second to none. I take the time to explain all of my findings both good and bad to the buyer. I welcome the buyer and agent to be present for the entire inspection so they can see firsthand what that particular house is all about. My Home Inspection Reports are detailed, loaded with photos and written in plain, easily understood language. And the agents who use my Home Inspection services on a regular basis describe me as “non-alarmist”. Agents hate Inspectors who feel the need to over-dramatize problems. There are “softer” approaches to describe that a foundation is in fact cracked in half without causing the buyers to go screaming in to the streets.
So my advice for building your Home Inspection business is pretty simple. First, be good at what you do. I'm good at what I do and I'm not afraid to toot my own horn! There are a ton of great Inspectors out there. Some of us are better at customer service or Home Inspection Report writing or general knowledge etc. Polish all of your skills and hit the pavement. Visit as many Real Estate offices that you can on a regular basis to introduce yourself and hand out your brochures and cards. Get to know the agents. Offer a one-time Inspection discount to agents so they can see just how good your services are.
Reviews on sites like Google, Yahoo, etc don't hurt either!
That’s my 3 cents worth (inflation) on how I have built my successful Home Inspection business here in Mesa Arizona. What has worked for you? What have you done to grow your business? ActiveRain is a great place to network and help each other out. Feel free to add your ideas here!
And for you Real Estate agents in the Mesa, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe and Phoenix, Arizona area that have not tried out my Home Inspection services, give me a call! (480-427-4715) You have a 20% discount waiting for you that you can pass along to your next buyer! Your client will appreciate the savings and you will gain your favorite new Home Inspector!
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