I had a new agent refer me the other day. That's always a good thing - Right! I reached out to the buyer and explained what would be provided to him and provided my fee for the inspection and we decided to schedule the inspection.
I use an inspection scheduler and email conformations out to the buyer, the buyer's agent and the listing agent just to remind everyone that an inspection has been scheduled. Good communication is always useful.
Today I received two emails after again talking with my client. These emails were from the buyer's agent. Let me share these with you - I removed names to protect the innocent.
Hi John, I see your fee is $367. I guess I should have asked today how much you charge. I told the XXXXX it would cost them about $300 since that was my understanding as to approximate cost. I usually don't get involved with H. I. but due to the fact they are new to the area and their disabilities I am trying to help out. I suspect they will be unhappy with your pricing.
Hi John, As I mentioned in my earlier e-mail I thought your price was pretty high. I have spoken to another Home Inspector we work with and he will conduct the inspection _*considerably*_ cheaper. I also called and you were not available so I left a message. I understand you have spoken to the XXXXX and they have agreed to your price. You most certainly have the right to charge what you like and they have the right to select a different contractor. Please get in touch with me ASAP so that we can resolve this.
So, here I am calling this agent back after being out in the field all day conducting inspections. He left me a message at my office, but had no problem calling my cell phone the other day when he needed to get this scheduled. I returned his call and asked what he needed. He asked if I checked my email and I explained no that I just walked in the office. At that point he asked if I was busy today and I told him yes, that I had two inspections and that was the reason we couldn't get his client inspection schedule for today.
This is the point where things went downhill fast. He stated that inspection company "X" is charging $285 and is offering a $50 discount. I laughed. I told him I call my competitors - those who I considered good inspectors/companies and none of us have charged under $300 in two years. I also asked him if he knew this company and the product and service that his client was going to receive? He had no answer. I again asked, if he was so concerned about his buyer - he should have a general understanding of the level of service and product that was going to be delivered to his client.
I asked if he was comparing apples to apples, such as will there be a computerized inspection report with digital photos printed on-site and also emailed as a backup? Will there be a 90 day home warranty provided to the buyer? Does the other inspector have E/O insurance? You see E/O is not required in NY State, but those of us that have been in the business awhile understand this is important insurance to have. Is the other inspector bonded? Does the other inspector provide a state police background checked...?
He again he had no answers. He asked me if I would match the price. I began to laugh. He didn't appreciate that. I informed him I don't match prices with others that don't have the same qualifications as I do and especially those that don't offer the same level of service or product as I do. I also stated that it's not my fault that the other inspector didn't value his service or maybe he does and that's the price he values it.
I ended our phone call asking this agent why he felt compelled to get involved with my business, if he didn't have answers to the questions I just asked him about the cheap inspector. If he was so concerned about helping out he should have known who and what he is referring. Again, silence. I asked that he not refer me in the future, because I don't care to be around people who aren't successful or those that have no idea how to become successful and ended our call.
Some might say, John you burnt a bridge... maybe so, but I don't get in any agents business and I don't tolerate them getting in mine. I will be following up with the broker at this office to explain my side of the story, because this office has been a good referring office for many years.
Since this call I was able to fill the inspection spot with another customer and agent who "get-it."
Here's to your best year ever, may everything you touch turn SOLD,
John Villella, Your Personal Building Consultant from Buffalo
All Pro Home Inspection (716) 722-2548
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