I don’t loose many inspections to other inspectors once the call for an inspection comes in. I lost one the other day for a reason that has not come up for me before----but it is a reason that is likely to become more common. While it is logical to see a conflict of interest in agents recommending a home inspector, I really don’t have any experience of this being an issue. Most of the agents that refer me do so because they know that I am thorough, and will take care of our buyer in a way consistent with their own business model. Yes I know the old wives tales about agents recommending inspectors that will minimize concerns----but they are few and far between----and again, outside of my own personal experience----more “urban legend” than anything substantial. Today’s consumer is way more savvy than home buyers of the past. They go online and check out all kinds of things about the home buying process-----including finding a home and finding a home inspector. I think this will be a hurdle that agents, that want to make sure their buyers are getting the best possible service, will have to reconcile. As an agent how do you reconcile this issue, or do you feel there is nothing to reconcile? I have been on both sides of this scenario now. More and more I am doing inspections for buyers that have found me online, and I thus meeting the agent for the first time at the inspection. While this usually gains me a new agent to get referrals from, I often see the watchfulness and concern in their eyes. As I answer their questions, I get the sense they are making an assessment of me to make sure their buyer is going to be well taken care of. After the “bubble burst” and many of these newbie agents did not survive, the referrals from these agents naturally dried up as well. For me much of this slack has been offset by increasing contacts from the internet. These contacts would not be happening if I was not blogging consistently here on activerain. This is not a “direct” translation of: “Post + Call = Inspection.” It works more like: “Blogging + Calls = Inspections.” It takes time. By consistently blogging, and by posting content that people are looking for, you will get found by the search engines. The more you get found the more you get found. Google is like a giant “Lost & Found” in that respect. If you don’t let Google know how lost you are----you stand very little chance of being found in a timely manner. The more of “yourself” you can donate to the Lost & Found----the more Google----or Bing----or Yahoo, will like you. Charles Buell
I lost the inspection because the agent recommended me to them.
When I first started inspecting I learned that the vast majority of inspections would always come from Agent referrals----with the possibility of building a referral base from past clients and friends of these past clients. As a newbie inspector the best way to get agent referrals was to approach agents that were also new. The old timers already had their “stable” of people to refer----including home inspectors.
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Terrific post, Charles. It's interesting how the changes in the economy have changed the way business in the industry is done.
Debi
Charles - I can't remember any of my clients rejecting my referral to Home inspection company. That said, you make a great case that the current consumer is more savy than ever.
Debi, thanks----the changes are happening all over the place----we must adjust.
Claude, most have done their homework by the time they get to me.
Interesting post, Charles. As a consumer, if someone I like recommends someone else (and by "like" I mean that I like their professionalism, confidence, service, sense of humour and attitude), I'll go to that person. It's when there is something I don't quite like about a person (even if I can't quite put my finger on it) that I won't choose a horse from their stable. -- Tanya in Montreal
You're right you have to put yourself out there. People normally wont gravitate to you. Step out on faith and see what happens.
Charlie, once I was lost but now I'm found. Amazing!
Tanya, thanks. I know when I am looking for something on the Net I am always suspicious of who is on page one----wondering what they did to get there:)
Robert---yes---we have to keep stepping in front of the bus.
Kate, how true it is:)
Don't know the circumstances, but it may be a sign of not totally trusting their agent, deserved or not. As for you being found, that will not be a problem, thank goodness.
Frank stole my thunder here Charles. It would appear on the surface that this particular buyer just didn't have 100% faith in his agent or his recommendations.
Just keep doing what you do. Chalk this one up to a buyer who may have done his homework...but still failed the test.
Charles, do not feel like the Lone Ranger on this one, any home inspector who being in this business, will run into this scenario eventually. Since I've been doing inspecting, I've seen a 80% turn over 4 times in this industry. The average Real Estate agent in this business is about six years. This my personal experience here in El Paso.
~ Life is Good ~
Frank, I think you are right. So something agents need to work on?
Craig, makes me wonder if they studied---but for the wrong test:)
Roy---this is just the first time where I was turned down "because" I was being referred.
That is interesting that the buyer selected a different home inspection company as opposed to the one their agent recommended.
Bing=Yahoo (soon). Less to monitor now. :)
Sharon, this was the first time I have seen this happen----it may have in the past---but I just didn't know maybe.
Kevin---yup :)
Charles, I started referring 3 agents at a time several years ago to counter act a conflict of interest. Most of the time they ask who would I select and I tell them any of the three will do a great job... I wish you and Steve were closer and I would add you to my list...
I have a variation on this scenario several times. The buyer opted for the cheapest inspector referred by the agent. They felt all were equally good because they did trust their agent.
Paul, thanks for the vote of confidence---I think your approach is OK as long as you are convinced they all do a great job for you and your buyer.
James----all I can say is "ouch." That is a painful scenario I had not thought of.
We are not supposed to recommend a home inspector. We are to give a list and then let the buyer choose for himself. I certainly see potential liability when an agent recommends ONE inspector.
Barbara, only if they screw up:)
Charlie,
I get calls sometimes from people who find me online because they DO NOT want to go with an agent suggested inspector. However, most people do seem to like their agents suggestions. In my case, if they want another inspector, it is easier for me. I talk them into having Nutsy do the job and one thing is certain, no agent is recommending him.
I have heard that every agent in Watcom County, WA, and a few in White County, Arkansas, have Nutsy on their, "Do not ever call list."
Nice article Charles.
It is one of the areas of my "Quest for Marketing Genius..." blog that I am focusing on in next couple weeks.
I worked in the music industry with some pretty high profile artists in the late 80's and early 90's and considered myself a marketing guru. After being "out of the loop" for a couple decades, I am constantly amazed how marketing has changed.
Rich
Rich, I am sure they change the rules every day:)
I get referred and I get found. But, more and more, like you, I am getting found!
Charles, if you were in KY I would be referring my clients to you. For now they will just get to enjoy your blog stories every now and then.
Jay, it does seem so
Lizette---that is OK----we will just have to make the best of it :)