Avoiding Complaints Are You Doing All You Can? The following is excerpted from the Liability Reporter, a risk management e-newsletter for real estate home inspectors and appraisers published by the Organization of Real Estate Professionals (www.OREP.org). Home Inspector Checklist* 1. Do you always obtain a signed pre-inspection agreement from the client? 2. Does your pre-inspection…
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Editor’s Note: Do you have a survival plan if the real estate market slows dramatically like it did in the early and mid 90s? Barry Lebow has been there and back and has some excellent advice for appraisers and home inspectors on how to prosper in hard times. The key is being prepared. Making the...…
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It all starts with a phone call. A prospective homebuyer/seller calls about your services and fees. The impression your firm makes over the telephone, in large part, will determine whether the caller hires you.
Bill and Jeanne Sutton run the Bay Colony Home Inspection Co. in Milton, Mass. – one of the best in the business.…
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Editor’s Note: Here is the second in an ongoing series of risk management strategies from Alan Carson designed to help inspectors insulate themselves from liability. This installment examines the value of a good contract and the importance of establishing realistic expectations in the mind of your client. Inspecting Your Contract By Alan Carson Many believe...…
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In almost all cases mold grows where there is excess moisture in a building or on building materials that contain cellulose or other organic material. This means that to find mold you must first “find the water.”
Mold grows by using moisture in the form of water and vapor. Catastrophic events such a roof leak, sewage…
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It Pays to be Considerate By Mike Casey Many of us realize that we must be professional with our clients. In addition to completing a quality inspection report, being a professional also means being considerate. It’s easy to forget that little things impress not only our clients but sellers too. And remember, every seller is...…
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Loss Prevention – Nine Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make By Douglas A. Glass, Esq. I’ve spent the last 17 years defending home inspectors in civil lawsuits. Along the way I’ve seen a number of mistakes that often cause inspectors to wind up in litigation. Here are a few suggestions for staying out of trouble. Defer to...…
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Editor’s Note: According to long-time appraiser Barry Lebow, attending open houses is a great way for appraisers and inspectors to add clients, attract new business and become better professionals. Benefits of an Open House By Barry Lebow With the market slowing down, appraisers are looking for ways to drum up business. I have found first...…
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Editors Note: Client complaints are a fact of life for home inspectors. But complaints do not have to turn into lawsuits. In fact, if handled properly, complaints are actually a golden opportunity. Here is the first in an ongoing series of risk management strategies from Alan Carson designed to help inspectors insulate themselves from liability....…
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Editor’s Note: The following questions are from OREP insureds and inspectors nationwide. The answers, provided by David Brauner, Senior Broker at OREP, may be helpful when shopping for your E&O insurance. If you have specific questions about your coverage, ask your agent. Inspectors Errors and Omissions Insurance Q&A By David Brauner, Senior Broker at OREP.org…
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