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INFRARED CAMERAS FOR HOME INSPECTIONS - YES OR NO?

Reblogger
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Paul Howard, Broker, Paul Howard Realty 856-488-8444 8639604

It is unfortunate that some agents will answer "NO" because they don't want to kill a deal.  

A real bright guy told me, "Home inspections don't kill deals- they just open the door to negotiations."   I agree.

Original content by Glen Fisher

It is getting close to that time of year when I start dwelling on new equipment for my home and building inspection business.  I have been thinking about purchasing an infrared camera to use on my inspections which are mostly residential homes.

However, I am not sure how infrared cameras are perceived by real estate agents and brokers.  This is where I need your input.  If you are not familiar with these cameras, what they do is take a picture of invisible infrared or "heat" radiation also known as thermal imaging.  The camera is a remarkable diagnostic tool for inspectors as it can indicate problems not visible to the naked eye.   For instance, water leakage can be detected through a roof, wall or window with no interior evidence that the leakage even exists.  We all know what problems water may cause (can you say mold) and the liability it presents.   

It is also possible to use the camera for energy loss issues (think green) such as missing insulation and improper operation of air conditioners and heat pumps.  There are safety uses too, such as locating overheating electrical wires inside walls or other faulty electrical components. 

Now that you are up to speed on what thermal imaging can do, I think you are starting to get the picture (no pun intended).  Using infrared cameras for home inspections will find more problems.  And with more problems, selling properties may become increasingly difficult and more deals may not close due to the seller's unwillingness to negotiate repairs.   

This is my dilemma.  Although my inspections already are high quality, an infrared camera will help me provide an even better inspection.  But I am not sure an infrared camera can help me grow my business with real estate agents and brokers.  Do you want this technology - yes or no? 

 Glen Fisher southjerseynpi@aol.com                                                                                                                    

"The South Jersey Home Inspector"

 

Posted by

 

Paul Howard, Broker

NJHomeBuyer.com Realty

80 Barclay Center Suite 4A

Cherry Hill NJ 08034

856-488-8444

Comments (1)

Stephen Kappre
KW Hometown - Mantua, NJ
Helping You Home

Interesting - it would really only be fair to have as much inforormation as possible about the transaction, including "inner" issues with a home that you wouldn't know otherwise. A good realtor(s) will be able to negotiate through it anyway.

Feb 20, 2009 06:56 AM