Real estate has never been more competitive and today’s consumers expect the best from all service providers involved in their transaction. Research has also shown that consumers often become loyal sources of on-going referrals. As a matter of fact, in one survey, top producers estimated that 65% of their business comes as a result of repeat business and referrals from past clients and customers. So it’s always important to remember that today’s customer is tomorrow’s advertisement.

HOW UNIVERSAL CAN HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS STAY SATISFIED.

Universal inspections are thorough, professional, and backed by the Universal Limited Inspection Guarantee (where available). This Limited Inspection Guarantee assures that our inspectors will do their very best on each and every inspection.

DECREASED LIABILITY

Lawsuits are a fact of life in the Real Estate Industry, and many of them are unwarranted. Too often the real estate firm is held accountable for defects found after the buyer moves into a home. This fact is surprising in light of a recent study by ASHI (The American Society of Home Inspectors) and NAR (The National Association of Realtors), which found that NAR members recommend a home inspection almost 100% of the time.

What could be going wrong?

Basically, not all home inspection companies are created equal. In speaking with top legal counsel of several major real estate firms, Universal found that too often their agents are involved in lawsuits over home defects even though a home inspection was performed. This can occur because the home inspector was un-insured, un-trained, or otherwise un-qualified, and thus the legal liability fell back on the real estate firm or other service provider. Here are a few things your clients should ask about when interviewing an inspector:

• Errors and Omissions Insurance. If the firm your customer chooses does not have this insurance, you increase the likelihood that you could be left holding the bag should a significant claim arise after the deal has closed.


• Training and On-Going Education. Claims may arise because the inspector is un-informed or un-trained and thus misses a defect. Even in States and Provinces where licensing is required, on-going education is often lacking. And remember, experience does not replace the need for home inspectors to have an on-going source of education and access to technical support.


• Inspection Report Quality. There are few areas that offer standardization of report formats within the home inspection industry. It’s vital that the report your customer receives is detailed, easy to understand and professional. Inspection reports should include particulars such as ages (if possible) and makes of the systems in the home, as well as general information and definitions on common concerns. This information should be in addition to detail regarding the condition of each major element of the home.


• Post-Inspection Assistance. This is a very general area, but it is crucial to customer satisfaction, your ability to convert customers into referral sources, and the reduction of liability. What services or communications does your home inspector have with the homebuyer after the inspection? What guidelines or limited inspection guarantees are in place to address a defect discovered after the closing?