Posted by BrendaTX on 9/4/05 9:22am
Msg #63698
Inspector Input Requested
I may have turned down a good stream of work doing pictures and inspections for a certain company. Here was my beef with them:
You know how when you get a new insurance company for your home they come out and snap pictures and make a drawing?
Well, that's what the job is. I have two problems with them:
1) They originally offered me a pittance, but when I rejected the job they came up to a very reasonable fee. I did not care for the low-ball fee being doubled upon me saying LOL, no way I'll take pictures and measure for that!
2) I was not to call the homeowner ahead of time, but the inspector should just show up after 9 am and before some other time, I can't remember. Anyhow, the inspector should just go there, knock on the door and tell them what you are there for. The HO had been told someone would come...**supposedly**.
My problem with that is that in Texas just showing up at a door is rude. This procedure says that we are suspect that we want the element of surprise. And, if no adult is home and there are minor children on the premises, it's a dry run--would have to come back another time. If no one is at home, you can proceed, but can't we just imagine what the Gladys Kravitz of the neighborhood would do? I think I need the owner's permission before jumping out and running around their house and into the backyard, etc.
I really wanted to do this kind of work but feel this would be nothing but a headache if I cannot call first to let the HO know the stranger with the clipboard, badge and measuring tool they will see on their front porch is friend, not foe.
Also, it gives me the opportunity to let them know I know nothing about the policy or whether they will be approved during the phone call. Otherwise, my time on the ground doing the job will be extended while I answer their questions.
Comments?
| Reply by LisaWI on 9/4/05 10:09am
Msg #63700
Re: Question
Brenda,
Is this protocol of just this company, or is this the way the industry works?? I would not be comfortable going to someones property without speaking with them. When you speak with them over the phone, you can at least get a little bit of a feel of what you are walking into. For all you know they might have pet alligators in their backyard!!
| Reply by BeccaWI on 9/4/05 10:12am
Msg #63701
Re: Question
Hi Lisa!
Good question, that is what I was thinking! Except for us in WI, a pet cheese head!
| Reply by LisaWI on 9/4/05 10:18am
Msg #63702
Re: Thanx!! I needed that!!
You are a hoot!!
| Reply by Nicole_NCali on 9/4/05 11:04am
Msg #63704
That is kinda abnormal..
Hey Brenda I do inspections for one company and I am always instructed to contact the HO before my visit, the inspections normally require pics of structures that I will need to have the HO show me. I don't do the diagram function, but the pic functions is very vital. I average about 25 pics per house inspected. I try to give more than less, especially on the insurance loss inspections. Sometimes the repairs are hard to determine with just a zoom pic.
| Reply by Charles_CA on 9/4/05 11:25am
Msg #63705
It's been a long time since I've done inspections but I find it interesting to see what is happening in the business world. I like to keep busy, very busy actually, and there was a while back that I used to do inspctions for several insurance companies. Primarily I inspected trucks for insurance companies, dump trucks, over the highway trucks, tractor-trailer rigs etc.
this was in the late 70's and at that time I was getting paid $25 per truck and $5 for a photograph. I briefly inquired from several inspection companies recently since the topic keeps coming up and they certainly don't want to pay any more, and a number are paying considerably less. $25 in the late 70's was whole lot more money than it is today. Additionaly many of the companies today want CAD capability. I use AutoCAD and have a light version on my laptop but there is no way I am going to take the time to do a CAD drawing, a photo, drive to the inspection site, measure and sketch a building and do a hazard inspection for under $20. I'm sorry but my time is worth a whole lot more than that. It seems to me that there a lot of companies who are capitalizing on the the deisre of people to be in business for themselves. It also seems to me that there are a lot of people who have such a warped and twisted idea of the money to be made in business that they are willing to buy the business to start. As long as there is a continuous flow of new entries into some of these fields who are willing to buy business for themselves they are ruining it for everyone else. As far as I am concerned (and I've done it for a long time) business has to make a profit, or else it s just an expensive hobby. Even the IRS tells you that to be considered in business you have to make a profit at least 3 out of 5 years to be able to deduct losses from a business. It is my opinion thatjust like the notary signing business, if you can work for the insurance companies directly you will make a comfortable income, if you work for the schedulers you will work for a pittance and they will harvest the benefits with little risk or work. Kind of reminds me of the working lifestyles of Elizabethan England.
| Reply by LawrenceOK on 9/4/05 12:13pm
Msg #63709
There is no way in H**L would I do an inspection w/exterior drawings and photos for less then $125.00. I get $65 for just the curb-side inspections w/4 photos. I was a licensed real estate appraiser and they are asking you to do everything we did expect add value, for a lot less money. Some of these insurance companies are just as bad as the low balling SS's.
| Reply by Brijoe_WA on 9/4/05 10:15pm
Msg #63734
$65?????? Thats unbelievable. I do inspections for several companies and I have NEVER seen any come close to that fee. I would love to know who the company is.
| Reply by LawrenceOK on 9/5/05 9:00am
Msg #63755
My experience and license speaks for itself, and no I am not giving you my contacts. Do you work directly with the insurance company or an insurance services company, big difference. The service comapnies are a lot like SS's, they take the larger cut and give you squat. If you want to do them for $25 or $30 bucks, more power to ya.
| Reply by Brijoe_WA on 9/5/05 12:45pm
Msg #63773
No I dont work directly for the insurance companies, how would you ever get hooked up with them. No I dont really want to do them for $25-$30, but I guess thats what I get for my lack of "experience and license".
| Reply by Joan Robinson on 9/4/05 11:45am
Msg #63706
My brother spent 2 summers doing reinspections for State Farm agents during college breaks. Every so often, a company will reinspect their book. The insureds were sent a letter telling them that there would be a reinspection in the near future, but no definite appointment.
The purpose of the reinspections was to see if the risk had changed. If you had a definite appointment, wouldn't you take the pit bull and board it for the day? Would you "hide" the trampoline? Would the "beware of dog" signs come down? Would you mow your lawn in preparation when all your neighbors could testify you hadn't mowed it in months?
They want to see what they are insuring, not what the insured wants them to see.
Just the same, my niece did one in NC and the 88 year old lady who lived there, would not answer the door, was informed by mail, informed by phone, informed by a note on the front door, still met her in the back of the house with a shotgun.
In Texas, that would be MY major worry. Doesn't everyone there own a shotgun? :-)
Joan-OH
| Reply by LawrenceOK on 9/4/05 11:53am
Msg #63707
Brenda, it's not only rude but in some of the rural areas that I cover here, you could get your a$$ full of buckshot. Back in my appraiser days I have been run off of properties by the homeowner just doing drive-by's. Unless you can contact the insured, I would not do them.
| Reply by Mitch_MD on 9/4/05 11:54am
Msg #63708
I know of some pretty decent places on the east coast and in the Rocky Mountain states where a stranger that's trespassing is met with a loaded shotgun, and these are primarily white-collar bedroom communities. Here in my own neighborhood, we've had enough trouble with local bad elements that we immediately call the police when strangers are seen nosing around any of the houses in our community.
I'd make sure my visit was expected before doing something like that.
| Reply by Dee_RI on 9/4/05 12:32pm
Msg #63710
Here's a good one - kind of long....
....I was called to do an inspection of a mobile home. No problem I thought. How hard can that be?
Well...I ask, "What does the inspection entail?"
The reply "Oh, just a few pictures of the exterior and verification of the serial number/HUD number. But in this case, you will have to knock on the door and if someone is home, you'll have to call us and put the homeowner on the phone. If no one is home, you'll leave a note that we will supply."
I am thinking, this is not too hard. Wrong!
Then I get "In this case, this is a vacant mobile home. When the home is vacant, you are required to gain entry to the mobile home, do an interior inspection, take pictures and change the locks."
At this point, I am trying to hold back the laughter. This did not seem real. So I continue the conversation. I ask how I am supposed to gain entry, change the locks, etc.
I am told that I can drill out the lock, or pry open a window. What???? I had to ask "Has anyone ever had the cops called on them" She replied "oh, that rarely happens". So I said "well, here in RI, if a neighbor saw someone breaking into a house, they would either call the cops or come out with a shotgun (in that particular part of the state where the mobile home is located)."
And I asked about the lock change. I am told that I can buy a cheap exterior lock, and change it myself for an additional $10.
OK, so I am going to risk getting shot breaking into someone's home (via prying open a door/window, or drilling our a lock), take pictures (if I don't get arrested) and change the locks for $65? I don't think so. And if the cops did come out, how the heck would you prove that you were hired to do this? The last thing they would want to hear is "wait, let me call my contact..." yeah, right!
Have any of you heard of such a thing?
One would think that if the assignment were to be done correctly, one would make arrangements with the local police department and hire a locksmith. Can't do that with a measely $65 now can you? What these companies won't do to save a buck.
| Reply by DMARTZ_IN on 9/4/05 1:46pm
Msg #63712
Re: Here's a good one - kind of long....
Here is the funny thing. These kinds of inspections use to be done by Private Investigators, we would have a law officer come to the vacant house or mobile home watch us drill- out the locks and sign-off on a affidavit that we performed this and that the home was secured with new locks. We charged $200 and up for this service. Here is a side note to all you people who do Mystery Shopping. These use to be called Integrity Investigations we would charge $100 for this service plus reimbursement of anything purchased, now these same companies changed the name from Integrity Investigations to Mystery Shopping pay someone $10 plus reimbursement on anything purchased.
| Reply by BrendaTX on 9/4/05 5:13pm
Msg #63715
thanks all on the inspection question...
Nicole, thanks for your real life experience. That's what I thought.
Joan, Your post was insightful. Thanks. I am apparently just not man enough to prance up to a Texas door without being able to call ahead. Even if I just called upon receiving the assignment, I don't have to tell them when I will be there, but I am not going to bang on a door unannounced.
As far as I am concerned, Mystery Shopping is the absolute bottom. They now have a certification program for you to do the pay is usually like DMartz says: $10 and a tiny purchase. What kind of jerk likes reporting on people trying to do their job? I don't.
For awhile I did PETCO shops because I go there anyhow. The pay was not a big deal and it provided for Ms. Dog a new luxury chew bone. For awhile, it was fun and we went at least once a month. However, then they come up with a little scenario where I am supposed to tell the manager that an employee cursed last time I was in there and my kids were with me and heard it and I was supposed to be angry.
Bull. I quit.
| Reply by BrendaTX on 9/4/05 5:15pm
Msg #63717
Re: thanks all on the inspection question...
And, everyone else - I appreciated what you had to add. The fees you quoted were helpful and I realize they should be up around what LawOK said. I agree that the inspection companies are getting ridiculous. The quality of their work product must be of no consequence at this point. $13-20 to measure? Puhlease.
| Reply by BrendaTX on 9/4/05 5:19pm
Msg #63718
Re: Here's a good one - kind of long....
Dee, I am loving this story. I get calls to go do these for $50. Just knock on the door, that's all. Yeah...sure I will.
What they say to do about the vacant homes is breaking and entering is it not? I think so, unless you have express permission from the owner or mortgage holder to take possession of it.
| Reply by Brijoe_WA on 9/4/05 10:26pm
Msg #63735
Re: inspection when people are home
I do these insurance inspections for several companies. I have never had a problem with any HO questioning me on why Im there. If all they need is an ext. with no HO interview I will knock on the door and if someone is home let them know what Im doing there. If not I have a badge that I wear with my picture and designation of who I am and who I am working for. I am sure whatever company you are looking into will have means to produce you a badge, I have a few of them each from different companies. Anyway the ext. inspections are so easy and fast you will probably be in and out of there before anyone notices, those take me about 5 min max.
| Reply by BrendaTX on 9/5/05 12:58am
Msg #63740
Re: inspection when people are home
Good info Brijoe. Still, I am not sold on walking up to the door unannounced. The ins. co. even says that they 'probably' have been told I am coming.
I have a badge...still not interested in approaching the door without being able to call - I hate turning down business... but it's just not a good idea IMHO. Also, like I said, if no adult is home and a minor answers the door, you have to leave and come back again "some time."
Thanks all for the input.
| Reply by Lawrence Goodwin on 9/5/05 9:10am
Msg #63756
Re: Here's a good one - kind of long....
Yes Dee, I get requests for vacant property inspections a lot. Your work order is your proof of entry just in case the fuzz show up.
| Reply by BrendaTX on 9/5/05 9:26am
Msg #63760
Re: Here's a good one - kind of long....
Lawrence, more good info. I have learned a lot in this thread! Glad I started it...I had no idea there were so many doing inspections on this board.
| Reply by RickinVA on 9/5/05 8:24am
Msg #63750
Re: Rebuttal;;(Long) Inspector Input Requested
FWIW, I have been doing these for 10 years. If I have an address problem, I call first to get directions. Otherwise, I just go there and knock on the door. I have almost NEVER been turned away, and NEVER threatened. Many times, the HO will come home while I am in the middle of doing my thing, and I eplain what I'm doing and all is well.
We, as Notaries, charge $75 to $100 (plus e-doc fee) and spend 45 minutes to an hour at the borrowers house, plus the time to D/L docs and print them, check them (and wait for them). As a property inspector, I D/L a one page form, print it and (when I have enough in this rural area to make it pay enough) go out inspecting. Takes me 3-10 minutes with a measuring wheel to inspect, take 2-3 digital pics, check stuff off on the form, and go to the next one. When I get home, I transfer the stuff to a form in the computer, draw a diagram on company provided cad program, send it all off, which takes approx 15 minutes per inspection. For all this, I get about 20 bucks each. I work about 1-2 days a week, and suppliment my retirement by around 8K. (Less this year; companies getting too demanding.)
So, for about $85, notaries spend maybe 2 hours+/-. For $20+, inspectors spend about 15 minutes +/-. (Not counting travel time), sounds pretty even, and the inspection companies pay!
Rick
| Reply by BrendaTX on 9/5/05 8:37am
Msg #63753
Re: Rebuttal;;(Long) Inspector Input Requested
Rick, that's good information.
Thanks. I agree the time and money can be good. However, maybe it's a regional thing, or like I said earlier, I am just not man enough for the job, or maybe I am just a nut magnet and my frame of reference is different.
However, if anyone has a cast iron constitution and wants to make money going to doors unnannounced for a good fee, try: http://www.avengersfieldagency.com/inspections.html
This company lets debtors know they need to pay their debts. I have been offered $50 just to go knock on a door and hand them a note abouut a past due bill. I don't do them, ...but some of you big guys might want to.
| Reply by Margaret_FL on 9/5/05 1:40pm
Msg #63777
Re: Rebuttal;;(Long) Inspector Input Requested
I got an email from this company last week saying they had talked to me on the phone. They talked about $5.00 drive-bys and $40.00-$20.00 (sliding scale) depending on if the HO was home.
I emailed them back and said they had not spoken to me and also said you must have left off a 0 in your fee quote.
I had been approved for HUD Reac Inspection Training that are for HUD subsidized multi-family properties. They take appox 3 hours and pay $250. You use a hand held computer device to enter you inspections on site and no pictures I understand.
The training is in Washington, DC Dec 5-9. Training is free, you have to be approved by HUD to attend the training and pre-qualified with your experience. I have already booked the hotel/plane fare
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