Winter, Time To Plant Seeds

Winter, Time To Plant Seeds To Grow Your Business

No, I'm not crazy (maybe a little) and, no, I am not talking about plants that grow in the winter. I am talking about growing your real estate and home inspection business. During the winter months, business often slows down for realtors, home inspectors and others in the real estate industry. While the holiday season is certainly a great time of year to spend time with friends and family, it is also time to plant seeds. The seeds of personal and professional growth.

Even though it is winter, our home inspection business stays stready but, not at the fast pace of spring and summer (we planted seeds).

During winter's slower months for real estate, we take time to plant the seeds to grow our business;

• Create next years business plan
• Create next years marketing plan
• Create next years advertising plan

We also make investments (plant seeds) in our greatest assets, our people;

• Attend training classes for CEU
• Attend seminars
• Read books related to real estate professions

What was successful and what was not? We take time to study last years crop;

• What parts of your plans worked or failed?
• What battles did you win or lose? Why?

What makes you different? Why would a client choose you over someone else?

• In what way can I specialize
• What can I offer clients that is different from our competitors
• Create possitive ways to make your services stand out.

Recharge - Repeat

For may of us who love what we do, taking time off is sometimes more of a burden than something we want to do. However, anyone of us will burn out if we don't take time to "recharge" our batteries. So, enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year with your family and friends this winter. While you are planning, plan good times to take vacations or long weekends. Just like the farmers soil that lies dormant in the winter, we all need time both to recharge and to plan for the next season.

No matter what part of the real estate industry you are part of, I truly beleive that if you want to be successful, planning is required. So if you are not at a Christmas party, Thanksgiving dinner, vacationing or otherwise shopping, perhaps you too should be planting seeds.

Selman Home Inspections, Inc.

David Selman, Certified Master Inspector

www.selmanhomeinspections.com

469-371-3228

The Value Of A Home Inspection

The Value Of A Home Inspection

Homebuyers and sellers both benefit from hiring a qualified Professional Home Inspector. It is important to be aware of the condition of a home, new or old, before settling on a sale price. New foundation, plumbing or wiring systems are often more critical and valuable than cosmetic upgrades. As long as the buyer is aware of these renovations via an inspector’s report, a listing should generate positive feedback.

Value for Buyers

Prospective homebuyers should always hire a qualified home inspector to review a home before finalizing a purchase. An extensive review helps recent homebuyers avoid discovering unforeseen damage after the papers have been signed. Negative reports have the ability to facilitate or prevent moving forward in the home purchase process. Including short sales and foreclosures, all home sales should be prefaced with a Buyers Home Inspection. As a homebuyer, be wary of sellers who strongly discourage an internal assessment. They could potentially be hiding widespread or hazardous damage to make a quick and profitable transaction.

Value for Sellers

Buyers are not the only ones who benefit from inspections. If a property is in good condition, a Sellers Home Inspection might solidify a price point. For instance, a recently installed plumbing system or electrical rewiring is a positive sign for house hunters. The documented report helps prove the investment costs reflected in the list price. Pre-inspections allow the current homeowners the chance to make any repairs before listing a home. Being aware of any issues and either fixing or disclosing them helps sellers evade potential lawsuits.

Selman Home Inspections, Inc.

David Selman, Certified Master Inspector

TREC #10299

www.selmanhomeinspections.com

469-371-3228

Is Your House Prepared For Your Home Inspection?

While performing home inspections, the report results and thoroughness are greatly improved when a home has been properly prepared for inspection. Below are our recommendations for helping all your home inspections go more smoothly. We have also prepared a printable PDF for real estate agents to share with their clients. Download your copy of Preparing Your Home For A Home Inspection. We hope you will take the time to share this information with your home buyers, home sellers and other agents.

• Make sure the water is turned on and that the water meter is not locked.
• Make sure the electricity is turned on.
• Make sure the gas (or propane) is turned on.
• Make sure that there is clear access to all electrical breaker panels.
• Make sure that there is clear access to pier and beam crawl spaces.
• Make sure that there is clear access to attic stairs and attic access ports.
• Make sure that the HVAC equipment is accessible.
• Make sure that HVAC breaker panels are unlocked.
• Make sure that pilot lights to water heaters and furnaces are lit.
• Make sure keys are available to locked spaces and detached buildings.
• Unlock or leave keys for back yard gates.
• Turn off computers and valuable electronics.
• Remove pets from the property for the home inspection.
• Remove vehicles from the garage.
• Be prepared to stay out of the home for 3-5 hours.
• Make sure that the fireplace is accessible.
• Empty the dishwasher.
• Empty the oven, stove and range.
• Make sure that the sinks are empty.
• Make sure that all light fixtures have working bulbs.

Preparing Your Home To Be Inspected is important and should not be neglected. Preparing your home for a home inspection will not only help the inspector do his job well, it demonstrates integrity as a home seller and, helps insure a smooth home buying or selling transaction.

Selman Home Inspections
www.selmanhomeinspections.com
469-371-3228
David Selman, Certified Master Inspector #10299