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The call we all like to get

By
Home Inspector with Clayton Inspection Service, Inc.

I got a call this morning from the seller of the house I inspected earlier this week. The call started with: "This is Mr. XXXXXX and you inspected my home this week". This is usually when I brace myself for the verbal assault and arguments that follow.

What followed caught me by surprise. He said he was very impressed with my report. He also said he was surprised by some of my findings because he takes pride in keeping up with problems and taking care of them promptly. As we talked he made the following comments many times: I would have never thought to look there, or for that problem. I had no idea that was going on. It must have been like that since the day it was built. The heating contractor said you must be pretty good to catch that.

He then told me that he had taken care of almost everything on the list, and should have everything done by the weekend. Then he asked me if I would be willing to travel to Arkansas to inspect the house they were buying. I told him that driving 8 hours and crossing a State line was just slightly out of my normal service area. (While I have driven over 4 hours and crossed a State line for an inspection, the cost is fairly prohibitive.)

He ended the conversation telling me he just wanted to call and tell me what a great job I did for the buyers of their home.

Nice!

Comments (9)

Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary
LemonTree Realty - Orlando, FL
First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes

Wow that is great to hear and great that you got the call to congratulate you. It's very rare that people call about good things it always seems to be negative.

Mar 20, 2009 04:34 AM
Jim & Maria Hart
Brand Name Real Estate - Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC Real Estate

Hey, Jack. That is awesome. Keep up the great work. Jim

Mar 20, 2009 04:37 AM
John Mulkey
TheHousingGuru.com - Waleska, GA
Housing Guru

Jack, sounds as if you provide the type of professional inspection customers deserve. Good job!

Mar 20, 2009 04:58 AM
Winston Westbrook
Westbrook National Real Estate Co - Victorville, CA

High five Jack. I was expecting you to say that the guy flipped his lid or something, lol. Keep up the good work and how much would it cost for you to drive to California to do an inspection, LOL?

Mar 20, 2009 05:24 AM
Jack Feldmann
Clayton Inspection Service, Inc. - Knoxville, TN

Winston,

Let's see.....unlimited In & Out burgers, fries and shakes, some El Pollo Loco, throw in some Tommy's and Trader Joes and we can talk. I was born in CA and lived there until 94 when I moved to TN. 

Mar 20, 2009 07:31 AM
Jack Gilleland
Home Inspection and Investor Services, Clayton - Clayton, OH

Jack those calls are to be treasured from the seller.  I'm waiting for a first of that kind. Get those from the buyer on occasion, but not the seller.  Good job.

Mar 20, 2009 02:22 PM
Dan Callahan
Callahan's Home Inspections - Casper, WY

Great job Jack, Thats what the world needs more of, sellers who take pride in their homes.

Mar 21, 2009 12:36 AM
James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector

That gentlemen was able to place the shoe on the other foot. He saw and appreciated the quality of your work instead of taking offense. I applaud him for his fairness and objectivity.

Oh by the way, nice job Jack. ;)

Mar 22, 2009 12:27 AM
Robert Dirienzo
HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC - Franklin, TN
Home Inspections - Nashville TN

Attaboy Jack!  And I know what you mean about that lead-in comment "You Inspected my house last week/month."  We get it from the seller more than anybody.  And it usually ends with "I had no idea."  Which may or may not be the truth.

Richard

Mar 24, 2009 01:21 AM