Real Estate Blog - The Long and Short of It...

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The Long and Short of It...

There is a lot of debate between home inspectors as to whether bigger is better. Having been a long time believer in the train of thought, that bigger was better, I have come to the realization that is not always the case. Although some real estate agents like big or long reports, I have found that most like short ones as they seem to be less intimidating not only for them but for the buyer as well...

After studying my competition and talking to real estate professionals, I an learning what is successful in the market place and what does my client want and need. Armed with this knowledge, I embarked on an aggressive business plan to shorten my 45+ page report and get down to basics. I have come up with a report that adheres to ASHI and the State of Tennessee Standards of practice. The result was a 12 - 17 page version that addresses what is necessary and the comments are short, concise and succinct. ie. "The widget that is attached to the gazinta is broken. Repair as necessary."

After much debugging and beta testing, the final version of the reporting software is being launched today. Hopefully, no more flying computers...

Join my birthday alarm. It is fast painless and the best part of all, you will be helping me out.

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Michael

Posted by Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector on 09/03/2008 06:09 AM

Comments (17)

michael thornton, complete home inspections inc, real estate

Originally posted at: Michael's View: The Long and Short of It...

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17 Comments on The Long and Short of It...

SEP

2008

So you are finally finished! Must be a relief. Afraid to ask what a gazinta is.

If you think of things according to "quality is better than quantity" that can directly contradict "bigger is better." So you've decided to focus on quality - a wise decision.

I am trying to do the same with my reports!

Better is better, not longer or shorter. A report that is accurate concise and not alarmist is what we are looking for

Good luck with the new report format Michael.

Short and sweet! As a mortgage broker, I'm mystified by all the disclosures and forms that we need to get signed. Never do we delete a form, it's add, add, add. We actually have a form that says that the proceeds from the loan won't be used for terrorist activities! Like terrorists will obey a form.

When there is too much stuff, I believe it's largely ignored. It defeats the purpose to disclose or warn of anything if you're going to do it 124 times on 45 pages.

Short and sweet!

Michael, I am afraid I am headed in the other direction----I do all I can to keep the summary short though----that is what the agent is most interested in and the bulk of the report is for the buyer----and so far I find they want the information.

Morning Michael,

Congratulations of your accomplishment. Concise detail is the key word. We want the buyer to know what needs to be addressed without having them go into arrest.

Good luck with your new format.

Michael, feedback is one of the mainstays of my business. It's wise of you to talk to clients and agents to find out the best way to present your report.

Michael, Congratulations. I know it took you a lot of time and headache to get this right. I think in our fast paced society, being concise is paramount to operating in our world.

Good job,

Great going Michael....now you have more time to blog....

Acytually I would prefer to read 17 pages to 25 any day, as long as you covered all neccessary areas required by law.

Short and sweet works - but I have to say I love PHOTOS in a report. I don't attend inspections so photos are helpful for me as an agent, the buyers and the sellers. Makes it much easier when we do an inspection request.

I would think that by shortening the report you will also save yourself a lot of time.

Sean Allen

I think a report that addresses the significant issues with clarity is what most people want. For purchasers, the question is this house sound and is there anything that will bring ruin or unanticipated major costs.

You are probably moving in the right direction. Some seem to want to list so many things to cover themselves, that major stuff gets lost in the detail.

Richard

SEP

2008

Short and sweet home inspection reports probably get more comments, just like short and sweet blogs here at Active Rain. LOL

Thanks for the tip on Windows Live Writer. I'll try it, as soon as I have time to find it.

Whatever it takes to educate the client! Long or short, if they're happy, then it's a good report....after all, they're the one's paying for it.

Have a great day!

Josh Frederick, Northwest Ohio Home Inspector

SEP

2008

Holy crap... 45 pages? Are you kidding? 99% of the inspectors here do one... MAYBE two page reports. We have one I use regularly that does a nice 8-9 page report complete with photo's but 45? Damn. That's what ya call thorough.

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