Business Update--Atlanta Checking In

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by Brian A. MacNeish

As single person operation, I can't imagine doing 550 inspections in a year! Are you following the SOP strictly and/or doing a lot of smaller, single story homes??

I'm not sure what you mean by "following the SOP strictly." I do cover everything in our SOP, but other than pool & spa inspections, I don't offer any ancillary services. I perform complete home inspections (I don't count draw inspections or phase inspections) and inspect homes of all sizes. The average is in the 2500 sq ft range.

Saturday I have two appointments - one is 4600 sq ft and the other is 5200 sq ft. Sunday I have two appointments - one is 972 sq ft and the other is 8200 sq ft.

500 inspections per year is pretty easy to accomplish if the work is available. If you only average 2 inspections per day, you would still get 100 days off.

[Brian A. MacNeish]

Originally Posted by jpope

I'm not sure what you mean by "following the SOP strictly." I do cover everything in our SOP, but other than pool & spa inspections, I don't offer any ancillary services. I perform complete home inspections (I don't count draw inspections or phase inspections) and inspect homes of all sizes. The average is in the 2500 sq ft range.

Saturday I have two appointments - one is 4600 sq ft and the other is 5200 sq ft. Sunday I have two appointments - one is 972 sq ft and the other is 8200 sq ft.

500 inspections per year is pretty easy to accomplish if the work is available. If you only average 2 inspections per day, you would still get 100 days off.

What's your "representative" number of receptacles, windows checked. Do you go beyond the SOP?

2 full house inspections a day usually take me 12-14 hours + meal breaks......can do it for a couple of days, then I have to take a break or do a single for a day or 2. I don't/won't dream of 500 per year!!!

[RAY THOROMAN]

Originally Posted by gsloan

I hesitated to post this (not that I post much), but just wanted to share some hope with my fellow Nachi members. I realize that markets are different across the U.S., but here in Atlanta I just pulled the numbers for our small company and we are up 19% over the same time period last year. We should complete roughly 550 inspections by years end. Incidentally, we raised our prices (slightly) and have made this progress during a difficult economy.

I share this information to give hope to some who may feel like their pushing a rope. Running a home inspection business continues to present challenges (that weren't necessarily mentioned in home inspection school). We all work so hard on behalf of the clients. There are days when being an employee for another company may be more inviting. The bottom line is...we are an important element in helping people during a very stressful time period. I've had the privilege of performing inspections with some other local and out of state inspectors. This is one industry that should not be cut throat with one another. All of my competitors are welcome on my inspections. Folks like Kip Mccullough (www.keystonepropertyinspections.com) and Robbie Newland (www.certifiedhi.com) are top inspectors in my area.

If I can offer some help to a member, please feel free to contact me!

Have a productive week.

Hi Gary,


I'm a little north of ATL but still serve the metro as that's my bread and butter. I think I understand your post but as you can see not posting regularly and minimal subsistence offered in this post may drawl out some criticism.

I would suggest maybe offering help or pointers time to time or just answering a question here or there with the newbies.


Now the doubters that do not believe that 500 State or iNACHI sop inspections are achievable, maybe you should not be in this business, or maybe that pace is not mentally or physically possible for you. Gary did say that his ''firm'' will do over 500, so that may mean one or more in addition to Gary. But 400-500 is definitely achievable. It's a pretty grueling pace. It takes a lot of work and dedication to say the least. Some days are in fact 12-14 hours.


Like Jeff said, you can average 2 a day and still have over 100 days off! I will more than likely fall in the 350-400 range this year. They are all iNACHI sop inspections and reports. For me it's too hard inspecting much more than 400. Example is today I inspected a 150 year old lake log cabin w/ detached apartment & garage, then 7000 sq ft 2005 high end home. I have a total of 212 photos/items that will go into the report. I just finished #1 and after trolling the MB will start #2. I started on the job at 8:30 am this morning. Will hit the sack well after 1 am. Tomorrow I only have 1 inspection in Marietta, fairly easy one. I've done 10 this week. I have 6 already scheduled, one commercial, one real high end lake lanier home. So some days it's only 1 if it's high end, over 6000 sq ft, or commercial. That's why it's hard to do more than 400. But like today, I made likely more on those 2 than some inspectors do all week. It's not all about total number of inspections but fee per inspection IMO.

Most of us if we had a choice would do all commercial or larger high-end homes and less inspections IMO.


Garry F. I see a lot of disappointment in your posts. It does matter or varies from market to market. Fortunately these past few years the ATL market has been very kind to several of us. It also matters on several other factors like relationship building, advertising, and so on.


IMO, sooner than later if it's not providing ends meet at the minimum + retirement savings, I'd get out of the inspection business or think about moving to a more stable market. There are so many inspectors that are inspecting for different reasons. Some only need to do one or two a week and like to post 300 messages on the MB, others need to produce a few hundred or more.


The inspectors that want to be in this profession for a long time and make a good living doing so, watch and listen to the seasoned inspectors that are serious about what we do, it will only help you in the end. Do not listen to the negative people on the MB or mock the guys that only do a few a month.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by Brian A. MacNeish

What's your "representative" number of receptacles, windows checked. Do you go beyond the SOP?

2 full house inspections a day usually take me 12-14 hours + meal breaks......can do it for a couple of days, then I have to take a break or do a single for a day or 2. I don't/won't dream of 500 per year!!!

In a vacant house, I will check them all. In a furnished house I will check those that are accessible without moving furniture or personal belongings. "Going beyond the SOP" is quite a subjective term. Do I limit myself to the outline of the SOP? Not by any means. I walk every roof when possible, crawl every crawl that's accessible, access all attic spaces that I can enter, pull covers off of every panel that I can, etc., etc.

I also incorporate thermal imaging on every home inspection, operate all built-in appliances, perform a "more-advanced" circuit analysis (beyond the simple three-light testers) and other things. Is that what you're referring to as "going beyond?"

In a 12 hour day I can easily complete 3 inspections on homes in the 2500 to 3500 sq ft range. Most of my inspections are within 15 to 20 miles from my home, so drive time is minimal. Reports are completed during the inspection, so there's no "double-work." I've been doing this gig for a couple of days now, so I'm pretty efficient.

[Russell J. Hensel]

Your reports must be really soft to do 550 inspections. IMHO. - Gary Farnsworth Post #5

I did over 500 inspections in 2003 - Gary Farnsworth post #9.

So when others do over 500 they are soft and when you do over 500, they are top notch. Your post confuses me. I am baffeled how when other people are successful they are using trickery or are substandard inspectors, yet when you do 500 its because you are awesome.

You are not doing inspections because your doing everything right. You are doing less because of YOU. Stop looking for the REASON people go elsewhere. I will tell you why, you have no value in your service or your marketing sucks.

I personally think your jealous that others are successful and your not. ITS YOU. You have done nothing to better your situation except ***** and moan.

Keep doing what your doing and you will keep getting what your getting.

[Gary E. Sloan, CMI]

I hesitated to generate this thread because I'm not the type of person who looks for a quarrel. My intent was genuinely directed at encouraging other inspectors who may be in a struggle. We all need encouragement from time to time.

Some keys notes worthy of mentioning...

I've been inspecting for more than 14 years. This have fortunately allowed me to cultivate long-term relationships with bankers, agents, repeat customers, builders, contractors, home stagers and mortgage brokers. We also get to work with investors which I find especially rewarding because we're part of converting a depressed property into something that is safe and healthy housing for a family. I've had the pleasure of working with investors from Canada, Russia, the Dominican Republic and Japan (which is especially fun since I speak fluent Japanese).

For the most part, I'm performing inspections 7 days a week. This is a personal choice because I'm simply trying to compress my working years so I can have a lengthy retirement. It's tough to try to balance this schedule yet spend important time with family.

Regarding my inspections...our business model involves having 2 certified NACHI inspectors participate in the inspection. We usually perform 2 inspections a day with a possibility of a third one. The third one must meet several criteria to happen (such as size of home, foundation type, summertime for extended daylight and distance from the #2 inspection). 2 inspectors can complete an inspection in a shorter amount of time. We are not in any hurry to finish though. We want to be known for our attention to detail, excellent communications skills, and customer service. Our clients seem to like the second set of eyes. I just checked our numbers and our average inspection fee for the year is $405. Nick would jump on this and say it's half the price it should be. We are certainly not the cheapest. A quick check of Craigslist and I found an inspector offering $245...any size home...with a termite letter.

Nonetheless, because of our willingness to work expanded hours coupled with 2 inspectors per inspection, we can reasonably exceed 550 per year. Incidentally, we have a part-time marketing rep, a full-time Office Manager and a part-time bookkeeper to keep our agents, clients and referral sources properly cared for.

When I first started inspections 14 years ago, I remember just looking at the phone and hoped it would ring. Then I worried about what to say! Today, I've got a hand-picked incredible staff that presents our business in a very professional manner.

The best business owners will constantly evolve,adapt, and are not afraid to make mistakes. Lord knows I've done plenty. The best inspectors I know are committed to following the contents of the SOP, are consistent in their work (independent of whether the client is present or not) and are quick to check their pride aside and say "I'm not sure about this, but I have trusted resource I can confidently get the answer from."

I left a high paying Corporate job because I felt drawn to this industry. The whole technical side of the business is intriguing yet converting and conveying that information to the client in an understandable, usable format is also rewarding.

If I caused a non-productive debate with this thread..I am sorry. Wish you all the very best for your businesses.


Gary in Atlanta

[Russell J. Hensel]

Gary - it's a freaking sad day when a guy has to apologize for being successful. I am telling you it's simple jealousy. Instead of looking at it like criticism, look at their comments as success. Plain and simple they want to be in your shoes. They don't have the balls to succeed. They blame the world, the market and YOU for their failures.

Let me guess, those days you were waiting for the phone to ring you stayed up thinking how to better serve the client to in turn get more business and then when a few business changes lead to more clients you tweaked it a little more and then got more business. It becomes addicting. You then found out if you hire more people to better service your clients, well you get more clients.

You are an entrepreneur. Your business has nothing to do with luck, schemes, trickery. It appears you built your business on one word "professionalism". I would love to travel and see your operation and you are welcomed to come here anytime.

There are several people reading this thread and finding hope, mentorship, and guidance. For those people congrats, Gary Sloan is a person who should be emulated, copied, and talked to. He apparently has a wealth of knowledge and is willing to share.

Gary, please never apologize for your success. You apparently built something from nothing and should never listen to the "nay sayer". Negativity breads negativity.

P.s. I am serious about going to Atlanta and seeing what you do. I think I could learn a lot from you.

[Gary E. Sloan, CMI]

Thanks for the comments. Our small company operates with one concept in mind..."Good enough never is." We strive to constantly improve. That could involve anything from our phone script our Office Manager uses to the inspectors' equipment (for example, infrared camera). Bob Elliot seems to be very in tune with the latest and greatest in electronics and technology (he certainly has convincing websites).

When I got my initial inspector training, my mentor said "The only tools needed for a home inspection are a flashlight and a screwdriver." Since then, several diagnostic tools have become available to us. Just the other day, my client marveled at our electronic moisture meter. The general public simply doesn't have exposure or knowledge about these tools. Until houses are developed to include a self-diagnosing reporting system similar to automobiles, we still have opportunities for business. Even so these smart computer systems can't detect odor, the location of an unusual sound, or a mechanical misalignment to name a few.

I remember seeing reports from the late 80's and early 90's that included Polaroid pictures stapled to the report.

Yes, technology can be cool but it can be daunting and cumbersome for some. Not all clients are current with it. I had a older Realtor recently ask how he would receive a copy of the report. I replied we would be sending an electronic copy before then end of the day. The realtor pulled out a $20 bill and asked if I could Fedex it to him. I've never been asked to do so but inquired as to why he wanted it sent this way. He said he didn't have an email address. I shook his hand and said I was honored to meet the last man in America without email. We both laughed.

Three years ago we had an "open house" at our business. We called it "Discovery Days" and invited realtors for a free meal and just a break from their day. I also had my Office Manager invite every inspector within 30 miles to participate. We actually had 12 show up. It turned out to be a great success. They got to see our operation, interact with our staff and see some of our work in action. We make every effort to be transparent in everything we do. The agents were quite surprised to know other inspectors were invited. No worries. It was an innovative thing to do and we'll plan for another one. The next will involve our other referral sources and other types of businesses who may benefit from new relationships.

I'd write more but it's getting dangerously close to the time to leave for the next inspection. Being prompt is paramount in our operation. Our inspectors know that if they're not 15 minutes early, then they are late.

Later!

[Gary Farnsworth]

I have been doing inspections for over 10 years. Before that, I was an executive in a top 75 fortune company for many years. I know what it takes, and how to work it. My wife is a top marketing executive in a food company. She knows how it works.

When agents here no longer hire an experienced, professional, CMI home inspector, that tells me one thing; that agents want soft, say-nothing basic cheap inspections at lower cost, so the buyer will not be alarmed by home defects that a more experienced home inspector would find. And, these basic inspections are allowed by the new Kansas SOP's and laws.

It was a sad day three years ago that these new licensing laws where signed into play, and my business has reflected it. Veteran inspectors such as Dan Bowers and I are suffering here in KC in many ways. We refuse to compete and stoop to these $249 inspections. We are striving to properly inform home buyers, but the agents do not see it that way. Sad for the home buyers of KC.

[David Hays]

This is a good thread.
I'm in my second year and business is improving all the time. I do see so many negative comments and people here that it is refreshing to see someone post something positive.
This year I anticipate performing about 125 inspections. I do have a reputation for being a very thorough inspector. My average price this year is about $50 higher than last year, less condo's and less discounting. My average size homes have been larger also, which helps increase the average price.
I would like to thank everyone for their input. I try to make use of the positive and throw out the negative. I will one day get to the 400 to 500 range.

[Russell J. Hensel]

I think Gary Sloan, Dale Duffy, Jeff Pope, John Shishilla, Myself, Preston Halstead, Fox, Troy Pappas, Bob Elliot, Sean Fogarty, Anderson, Gillian and these are just off the top of my head, all seem to be turning a decent profit and are far from the cheapest in the area.

From what I gather from the years of post readings in that you and Dan took on the Realtors in your area. How did that work out for you? You got black balled big time. So now its up to you to get your name out there. Which from your posts is not doing too well.

Sometime a little guy can win, such as Nick and Internachi winning against ASHI. Its rare and seldom happens. But in this case it did.

So you can keep degrading others and telling them their success can only happen because their reports suck or just face the facts that maybe you suck and they are better business men. I tend to think from reading your posts you tend to be the biggest crier of unjust treatment and the blamer of failure on others.

Its BUSINESS, deal with it or get out. If your not making money, its not the world agaisnt you, its your horrible at business. You brag about 500 inspections in the boom. What does that prove? My dog could have done 500 inspections during the boom. Business success is not proven during good times, its proven during bad times. The cream willm always rise to the top and will diversify and adjust to adjust for success.

You have been unwilling to do so, so then deal with your actions and your lack of action.

Stop freaking crying and blaming the world, and you are absolute proof that negativty is the recipe for disaster.

[bdoles2]

Surprising how things just don't change here. It's a shame that one man's story of success can be ripped apart. Obviously Gary S. extends his story for those that have doubt in the industry. And it's the rude, negative comments that followed that have kept me away from the message boards.

Keep doing what your doing Gary Sloan!