International Association of Certified Home Inspectors

dsikler · #1 2/17/10, 12:09 PM

Hello I am a new inspector just getting underway and I was wondering if you guys had any tips or marketing ideas you could share with me to get my name out there and start getting some calls
thank you
dustin

Gary Farnsworth · #2 2/17/10, 12:12 PM

See the marketing section of this message board. You need to add your location to your heading also. This is a bad time to start a home inspeciton business, as home sales are very slow. Does your state require licensing/testing? This is why it is important to list your location, as this would vary your marketing plan.

Jeffrey R. Jonas · #3 2/17/10, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfarnsworth

See the marketing section of this message board. You need to add your location to your heading also. This is a bad time to start a home inspeciton business, as home sales are very slow. Does your state require licensing/testing? This is why it is important to list your location, as this would vary your marketing plan.

Quote:

dustin sikler
saskatoon,sk

Website, website, website... (just to get the list started...)

Daniel W. Levia, CMI · #4 2/17/10, 12:23 PM

"come on even I am from canada and I know that the russians will win gold for mens hockey"
1st tip is to cheer for the right team....never admit your home team may lose

seriously though, get out and talk to everyone and drop off your cards to everyone you meet.

Robert W. Jude · #5 2/17/10, 2:00 PM

plan on making money somewhere else also for the first year at least. Unless you are independantly wealthy, in which case- offer home inpsections until the money runs out.

jhoest · #6 2/17/10, 2:02 PM

I am also brand new and plan on starting out part time.
Any one have information on insurance companies that offer per inspection rates?

Thanks, John

Robert W. Jude · #7 2/17/10, 2:31 PM

peerless has a good deal for inspectors. its about $125 every 3 months i think. I got the info from my instructor when i took the HI course.

iniquette · #8 2/17/10, 4:52 PM

Take every education class you can get your hands on, and get a good website going.

Jeffrey R. Jonas · #9 2/17/10, 5:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjonas

Website, website, website... (just to get the list started...)

Reason(s) for this being at the top of my list, is timing...

We are (hopefully) coming out of Winter, and (hopefully) the market will begin to move again in a month or so...

A new website takes time... time to set it up, but also time when it goes live, for it to produce. A new site could sit in Google's sandbox for 6 months up to a year!!! Just because you have a live site, doesn't mean potential clients will find it. Get one going now, so it matures and (hopefully) starts bringing in the clients by this summer.

Contact Dominic at HIP for a site at great pricing, follow all of his tips, and you will have a jumpstart on the game called SEO!!!

Bob Elliott · #10 2/17/10, 5:15 PM

He also has the Best and Best Priced Report Software.

dsikler · #11 2/17/10, 5:37 PM

thanks guys for the reponses keep them coming I have already been in contact with dominic for a while and he is getting my website going. How about folders for real estate agents I heard it is a good idea I just don't know what to fill them up with besides my card and brochure any suggestions?

ldapkus · #12 2/17/10, 5:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsikler

thanks guys for the reponses keep them coming I have already been in contact with dominic for a while and he is getting my website going. How about folders for real estate agents I heard it is a good idea I just don't know what to fill them up with besides my card and brochure any suggestions?

Donuts, and if you go with Dominics report writing system, Condo Bob can give you some tips on how to write soft reports that will have the realtors calling you back for more.