TOPIC: Home Warranty

I've done a ton of traveling with Ben, and he's a great guy. One thing I learned, he doesn't post often! Call him or email him and he'll answer or get back to you right away.

I went online and read about it last night and I think it is a great idea. The guy that is offering it is a home inspector. If you read the fine print, it only covers claims up to $1000, and fixes things tha break under normal wear and tear. Mainly meaning if you the whirlpool tub motor breaks within the timeframe, they can get reembursed for it. I personaly struggle to start a new buisness in these times. I do not have the prior client resources, nor do most the Realtors know or trust me. So anything I could offer thats legitamate, to get an edge on the competition is a bonus. Personally I find that most of my customers don't know what a NACHI or ASHI is, all they care about is what is in it for them. I think weather or not you have been doing it for a long time, if your competition is offering somthing better in all apects, then you are loosing buisness. I refuse to let my family suffer because I offer the same as everyone else, with less experience. I think in today's market unfortunately it is all about price and what else you offer.

$1000 pays for a lot.  Clients of my inspectors have made many claims - I've paid for new tub components, new garage door openers, new microwaves, dishwashers, a/c refrig charges, hose bibs, roof flashing, light fixtures over vanities.  Your client pays for nothing.  No deductible.  No service contractors to deal with.  If the claim is valid, they get a check in the mail.  Actually, I mail the check to you, and you send the check to them.  It makes you look great.  And you also cc their agent.  There are limits - $1000 limit, 100 days, and other exclusions (it was written by me and Mark Cohen, InterNACHI's Legal Council, Mark was my partner at Mountain for a while).  But the warranty works.  For only $15.  And it works on many levels.  One of the main reasons to use the warranty.... Over time, you become known as the inspector who brings resolution to unexpected problems that may arise after you perform your inspection.  You don't assume responsibility - you become part of the solution.  And that's a money-maker.  I've got to go and pack and ship some of my home maintenance books.

Remember, the main problem/hesitation that agents have with home inspectors is that there's a little risk involved.  Because agents/clients know that home inspectors do not take responsibility for anything.  That's the criticism.  And it's the truth.  We home inspectors don't like to be responsible for unexpected events that occur after the date of the inspection.

So, you don't have to use a warranty to do that.  Try to think of a way that you can reduce/eliminate the risk of hiring you.  Then you make the path to hiring you smooth and easy.  A warranty happens to make hiring you easier, because it reduces the risk your client assumes, which is the cost of repairing problems that are experienced after you perform the inspection.