What if skipping a home inspection could be a thing of the past? Join us on Inspector Toolbelt Talk as we sit down with Preston Sandlin from Home Inspection Carolina, a pioneer who has been in the home inspection industry since the mid-90s. In a thought-provoking discussion, we dive deep into the legislative efforts spearheaded by Massachusetts, New York, and other areas to make home inspections (or at least the contingencies for them at the moment) mandatory in real estate contracts. This poten...
Jun 18, 2024•48 min•Ep 21•Transcript available on Metacast Join Ian and David on Inspector Toolbelt Talk as they dissect the art of relationship building in the home inspection industry. Drawing from their own experiences and a touch of humor, they unravel the complexities of parasocial and intersocial relationships—one-sided interactions versus direct, two-way connections—and how mastering both can lead to significant business growth. Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, they illustrate the need for a balanced approach to maximize your po...
Jun 10, 2024•45 min•Ep 20•Transcript available on Metacast Could shared delusions be affecting your business practices? Join us as we unravel the fascinating concept of group psychosis, or "folie à deux," and its unexpected relevance to the home inspection industry. Discover how collective misconceptions, much like widely misquoted movie lines, can shape the beliefs and behaviors of inspectors. We dive into the psychological mechanisms at play, from the influential limbic brain to the power of tribal thinking, to understand how challenging the...
Jun 03, 2024•48 min•Ep 19•Transcript available on Metacast Imagine transitioning from a career of service to a role where your hard-earned skills can shine in new, unexpected ways. We had the pleasure of sitting down with home inspection expert and former soldier Mike, who shared his journey and why veterans and first responders are making waves in the home inspection industry. Mike's story is a testament to the seamless fit between the discipline, patience, and stress management honed in structured service roles and the meticulous demands of home ...
May 07, 2024•44 min•Ep 18•Transcript available on Metacast Preston Kincaid himself joins us to dissect the often-misguided pursuit of vanity metrics in the home inspection industry. Ever wonder why some inspectors boast about the number of inspections they perform or the number of inspectors they hire rather than what really matters? Through Preston's seasoned eyes, we examine how these inflated numbers can detract from the substance of the trade and potentially mislead consumers about the value of a thorough home inspection. Our candid chat also s...
Apr 30, 2024•46 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast Ever felt like you're teetering on the edge of burnout, with each home inspection client feeling like it chips away a bit more of your sanity? Jay and Ian have a candid conversation that uncovers the raw emotional cost of our industry. We're not just inspectors; we're human beings trying to balance work, life, and the occasional odd comment about our voices (apparently, Ian sounds bald—who knew?). So, we kick back with a couple of fine spirits, Jay with his Adirondack High Rye and...
Apr 24, 2024•49 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast Listen in as we discuss the Q2 market outlook for home inspectors in 2024. The landscape is changing: a thinning in the ranks of home inspectors and real estate agents has leveled the playing field, offering insights into a market that's slowly rebounding. We'll dissect the complexities of a subtle yet significant transformation—where buyers are opting for modest abodes and the ramifications this has on the spring selling season. As we peel back the layers of the real estate onion, we ...
Apr 17, 2024•34 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast Unlock the secrets to scaling your home inspection business with self-made magnate Nick Gromicko as he sheds light on the path from solo entrepreneur to the leader of 14 thriving enterprises. Despite forgoing formal business education, Nick's hands-on, practical growth strategies highlight the importance of balancing profit with personal fulfillment, providing a blueprint for breaking through the industry's growth ceiling. Join us for an eye-opening conversation that will redefine your...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast Do you ever feel like you're navigating a minefield when dealing with difficult people? That's exactly what David and Ian tackle head-on, sharing our toolkit for managing those hair-pulling interactions that can make or break your day. From the nuances of home inspections to everyday run-ins, we reveal the power of clear communication and the art of assuming good intentions, all while peppering the conversation with humor and personal anecdotes that prove we're right there with yo...
Apr 02, 2024•40 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast Discover the seismic shifts shaking the foundations of real estate and home inspection industries as Beon and Ian analyze the National Association of Realtors' latest settlement. No longer will sellers shoulder the financial burden of buyer's agent commissions—a change that could rewrite the rules of real estate transactions. We navigate through the brokers' and home inspectors' reactions, dissecting potential impacts and the resilience needed in the wake of these policy shif...
Mar 27, 2024•34 min•Ep 12•Transcript available on Metacast Sean Garvey, the mastermind behind Dwellinspect , steps in and shows us the power of good branding and being "boutique". He joins us to unravel the secrets of crafting a powerful brand identity, and we dig into his personal narrative of building a business that not only grows but thrives through strategic branding. Together, we dissect the pitfalls that inspectors often tumble into and how to sidestep them with consistent messaging and professional imagery that can turn a company into ...
Mar 17, 2024•40 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast Unlock the latest news in the home inspection industry shake-up as Beon and Ian dissect the biggest things going on. Carson Dunlop being bought, Spectora being partially bought, the market changing, and much more. We're witnessing a pivotal moment with insurance companies betting big on home inspection firms, which could redefine how we handle data and approach market dynamics. Stay ahead of the curve with our insights into the latest legislative updates poised to send ripples across our pr...
Mar 05, 2024•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ever hit that frustrating plateau where your home inspection business just won't budge? You're not alone. In my latest chat, we take a deep dive into overcoming the dreaded 'stall' that so many of us face. By sharing insights from my own journey, I'll guide you through the steps of incrementally getting through a plateau. It's about getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, and I'm here to walk you through those paces. This episode isn't just theory; it&...
Mar 01, 2024•22 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast Unlock the secrets to crafting winning bids in the commercial inspections world with the wisdom of industry expert, Lance Coffman from Focus Building Inspections. Our conversation peels back the layers of what it takes to not only survive but thrive in this niche. Lance generously spills the beans on his proven strategies, from gathering essential property details to positioning yourself as a business consultant that clients can trust with their financial goals. As we wade through the complexiti...
Feb 26, 2024•49 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast Learn where the inspection industry is headed and what needs to change with our guest, Nathan Thornberry. From his teenage house-flipping ventures to navigating the choppy waters of today's industry, Nathan's wealth of experience offers a treasure trove of insights for anyone with a stake in property. As the real estate seas grow turbulent with rising interest rates and shrinking inventories, we dissect the decline in inspection volumes and the strategic evolution from solo operations ...
Feb 21, 2024•43 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast Learn more about the lucrative landscape of commercial inspections with Rob Claus, the brilliant Director of Education for CCPIA. Our latest episode of Inspector Toolbelt Talk is a treasure chest of insights for seasoned home inspectors contemplating an expansion into the commercial realm, or for novices eager to carve out a niche in this dynamic industry. Rob brings to light the allure of commercial clients, the tact needed for drafting proposals that shield you from litigation, and the finesse...
Feb 16, 2024•39 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wondered how to turn your solo home inspection venture into a thriving team operation? Mike Ortiz joins us to reveal the blueprint for scaling your inspection business by recruiting the right talent and fostering a culture that values growth and quality. Listen closely as we offer an insider's look at the strategic timing of expansion, the importance of HR and payroll systems, and the transformation from independent inspector to dynamic leader. We dissect the art of recognizing potenti...
Feb 06, 2024•46 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast Show Notes: Join us for our discussion with Daniel King from Inspector Media as we uncover the social media trends of 2024 for home inspectors. In this episode, Daniel shares his journey through the evolving digital landscape, drawing on his experiences since 2007. Don't miss our deep dive into the power of social media videos in 2024, including the rise of platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok and how they are revolutionizing client engagement. Discover how to leverage hashtags and cont...
Jan 31, 2024•44 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast Randy Lima of Integrity Home Inspections USA is on the show this week - tune in as he recounts the benefits of running a lean, quality-driven business—where the fusion of expert work-life balance meets the mastery of a one-man operation. It's an episode that redefines success, illustrating the profound impact of focusing on personal satisfaction rather than relentless expansion. Randy reveals his approach to standing out: premium services and confident pricing. This isn't just a discus...
Jan 22, 2024•43 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast Join us as we talk about commercial inspections with Dillon Winiecki, the mastermind behind Arizona Commercial Property Inspections. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone itching to crack the code of commercial inspections—a niche that is as lucrative as it is demanding. With Dillon's expertise, you'll learn the ropes of establishing yourself in the commercial inspection industry. Dillon walks us through how organizations like CCPIA aren't just allies but essenti...
Jan 21, 2024•44 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast Emerge from the storm with newfound insight as we navigate the choppy waters of the home inspection industry together. Season 4 of Inspector Toolbelt Talk kicks off with a heartfelt look back at the challenges we've faced and an energizing perspective on the resilience that defines our community. We're not just recapping the past; we're charting a course for success in an evolving landscape. The real estate market's anticipated spring rebound and the Federal Reserve's de...
Jan 16, 2024•42 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Just imagine if you could steer your client's focus from price to value in your home inspection business. What if there was a clear strategy for crafting a marketing message that shows what sets you apart? Join us in a chat with Ian Robertson and co-host David Nyman and explore this and more. We delve into the concept of a 'marketing fraction,' to shift your perspective from a pricing war to delivering distinctive value to clients. Remember, it's not always about adding more ...
Dec 11, 2023•35 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast What if YouTube Shorts, rather than TikTok, held the golden key to marketing success for home inspectors? That's the question we're unpacking in this episode of Inspector Toolbelt Talk. We put this theory to the test through a series of experiments, exploring YouTube Shorts' unique strengths in audience targeting, increased engagement rate, and potential for longer-lasting views. We even share our simple yet effective formula for crafting YouTube Shorts that grip viewers' att...
Nov 28, 2023•18 min•Ep 46•Transcript available on Metacast Ever thought about the harsh reality of lawsuits in the home inspection industry? Let's explore that together in a heart-to-heart session with our guest, Philippe Heller, a seasoned veteran in home inspections based in San Diego. Philippe pulls back the curtain on his experiences in court, dispelling the fear and stress associated with legal battles and presenting a fresh perspective on the inevitability of lawsuits in this field. We journey through the maze of liability, demand letters, an...
Nov 20, 2023•39 min•Ep 45•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to a riveting conversation where we unravel the secrets of direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing with none other than Mike Ortiz. Get ready to explore the fascinating world of digital marketing as Mike shares his invaluable expertise in leveraging Google My Business and Local Service Ads to foster relationships and generate leads. With his insights, we promise to guide you through the labyrinth of customer reviews and show you how to effectively utilize platforms like Inspector Toolbelt for...
Nov 16, 2023•47 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast Ready to explore a seismic shift in the real estate landscape and the ripple effects that are poised to transform the home inspection industry? Strap in as we unpack the recent $1.8 billion judgement that rocked the National Association of Realtors and the potential for this major shake-up to create untapped opportunities for home inspectors. The verdict is still out, but as the dust settles, we're set to explore how home inspectors could become the first point of contact for potential buye...
Nov 07, 2023•28 min•Ep 43•Transcript available on Metacast Get ready to bolster your inspection report writing skills with this enlightening episode featuring seasoned expert, Mike Crow! With a treasure trove of wisdom gained from teaching, reviewing thousands of reports, and collaborating with attorneys and national home inspectors - Mike Crow will guide you to the path of excellence in report writing. What's more, you will gain a thorough understanding of how to efficiently carry out inspections, the right format for your reports, and the best wa...
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep 42•Transcript available on Metacast Will the settlement between report hosts and Spectora shake the foundations of the inspection industry? Get ready to find out with Nick Gromicko and Nathan Thornberry. We explore Spectora’s decision to settle and what it means for the larger inspection industry. We also examine the powerful dynamics that led to this settlement, and question if this was the only route to survival for Spectora. Delve into the potential for legal action by Nick and InterNACHI, the steps to obtain an injunction, and...
Oct 20, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep 41•Transcript available on Metacast Do you wish you could captivate your audience and deliver impactful presentations? Today on Inspector Toolbelt Talk, we're breaking down everything you need to know about public speaking for home inspectors. We explore the significance of understanding your audience and conducting thorough research, and we're also sharing some top-notch advice about how to balance timing and information flow. No more worries about cramming too much in a short span of time! In our second segment, we div...
Oct 16, 2023•43 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast Are buyer agents going away? Some think so, and some not. In this episode, we navigate the intricate maze of the antitrust lawsuits filed against the National Association of Realtors. In this journey, we promise you'll come away with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of these lawsuits and their potential ripple effects on the real estate industry. Part of our discussion will reveal the controversies surrounding the buyer's agent commission and its lack of disclosure to ...
Oct 09, 2023•38 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast 
