Tough Economic Times - Laser Focus Required

[David P. Valley]

Hi Steve,

It's been awhile since we talked. You haven't been to Massachusetts in over a year.

I can see that you ran into a wall here. Not to worry though. Simply post your thoughts and there will be those inspectors who will absolutely heed your advice.

Drive on....

[Michael Roberson]

What He said ^

[Mario A. Kyriacou, CHI]

Originally Posted by krichardson

It's not that Steve needs thicker skin, it's that the constant barrage of posters who always seem to be negative and find fault in every thread, need to grow up.

Or better yet, actually find something better to do with their time. How about inspecting properties?

Kevin

Good advice Kevin!

[Mark A. Timpani, CMI]

Steve, your reports on your site look good. Hang in there!

[Steven S. Ramos]

David- I guess I didn't like the snow as much as I originally thought You can always call me, no?

Michael: As for the thicker skin - I guess I am a little sensitive

HIP is a good product. And I agree with Dom - the ISN rocks!

As for those of you that think you are being sold something, you obviously didn't read the post. Yes, I used a specific product to make a point. It doesn't mean you can't use the information with whatever software you are using currently - if it has that capability, right? That is why I tried to actually share an idea rather than just say I like this or that. Newer inspectors and those thinking about making a change or inspectors without software might like this information, no?

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by sramos

Not a minute to spare is my motto these days. Every investment I make of my time is more critical now than it ever has been in the last 7 years for my home inspection business. Every deal counts - even the small ones. That is why it is so important to remain focused on profit generating activities. The last thing you want to do is bog yourself down with administrative tasks that are necessary but not profit generating. Your report writing software is just that - a necessary administrative tool to complete a necessary administrative task. When choosing a software report writing tool I look for several features: (1) it must generate an easy to read and visually appealing report format (2) does it allow me to complete my report in the most efficient manner (3) does it help me to be accurate and precise. Of course, there are a lot of programs that can meet these requirements and I own several different pieces of software and have tried even more of them but for my money when I am doing a general home inspection for real estate purposes the fastest most accurate way for me to get from the observations and photo taking to the report delivery is with eInspections. I know it is not the most popular software out there and it certainly hasn't been around the longest and it doesn't have the most features. It does have the most essential features, it does generate a beautiful and easy to read report that my Realtor clients prefer (they specifically request this format) and it helps me complete the report in the shortest amount of time allowing me to get back to finding my next inspection job or planning how I am going to expand my business - you know - it helps keep me focus on profit generating activities.

I encourage you to check it out at www.einspections.net or www.inspectionsupport.net

The einspections report looks like a very nice baisic report that I am sure some will like. Thank you for sharing.

I hope you the best in these tough times.

[Kevin A. Richardson]

I've actually created my own template with eInspections and it does not look much like the samples they give on their website. The program is robust and very customizable once you dive in and get behind the GUI interface (xml).

If anyone would like to see what I have created, just let me know. I'd be happy to share

I used HG for a long time and think it's a rock solid piece of software. Actually, I still use it for my energy audits. I've made some sacrifices switching from HG to eInspections, but it's worth it to me because the program works really great if you use the ISN.

Kevin

[Jeffery L. Haynes]

Originally Posted by sramos

It is a very sad day indeed when some inspectors have so much time on their hands that they have to criticize someone for something. Yes, I have said good things about other software producers and my recent comments do not take anything away from their accomplishments. My point is that eInspections is joining the party. They have a fine product. For those inspectors that are truly interested please visit their website at www.einspections.net

For those of you that care to share you opinion about me just call me at 7073226445. I would love to talk with you personally rather than trade childish snipes on a message board. Please don't waste the time of the inspectors that use this board to gather information that is useful and helpful. I, for one, have found many good products and services on this board based upon other inspectors recommendations. These products and services have helped me immensely in serving my customers.

Well said Steve......too many times the keyboard gives people the courage or stupidity to say things they normally would not say to ones face.
I have a copy of both Home Inspector Pro and HomeGauge (both are excellent products) yet I am still relying on my own spreadsheet report which I can easily tweek........... that's not to say the previous mentioned software, as well as others, can not be tweeked.

I think with any inspection software it comes down to what you feel comfortable with in not only presenting to your client but how easy it is to work with.

Jeff

[Richard Fitzwater]

No Texas version? Just checklist type?

[Steven S. Ramos]

I am not familiar with the requirements in Texas. I have seen Texas template but have no need to use it. If you are interested contact Dan Huber at support@inspectionsupport.com he can set you straight on what the software can do to comply with Tex regs