Home inspectors use different methods for report delivery. Some use the traditional method of typing, printing and delivering the report on-site. Some will type and print just a short summary of the major findings and email the rest of the report at a later time. Now we have enterd the "digital age" and inspectors are uploading reports to their website and emailing a username and password to clients giving them the option to download, print or forward the report at their convenience.
I use the "digital age" method. I haven't had one complaint about not delivering the report on-site. I explain that the report usually takes me 1 1/2 hours to write and that I'd rather not take their valuable time and make them wait. It's very appreciated. This also gives me the opportunity to do some research if I need to. I don't claim to know everything about everything, sometimes I get stumped (that's another blog to come). Actually, I couldn't deliver my PREMIUM report on-site because it includes recall research on the appliances. The report is available 24/7/365 so clients/agents don't have to search through files or emails to find it later down the road. Also, if you accidentally hit delete on the email (we've all done it) you don't have to wait for the inspector to send it again, just log in and download/print.
What method does your inspector use and which do you prefer??
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Kevin, good post. The inspectors I use have a standard "Inspector" form they use and fill out right on site. They give copies to the buyer and buyer's agent if they are present. However, I would prefer that they did it digitally. It's a "greener" technology and all Realtors should have access to email so they could download this report if need be for their clients.
Christopher Smith
Cedar Rapids Real Estate
christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com
Since I've gone totally paperless I prefer receiving the inspection reports in digitial form. I then read it over, save it to the addess' CD, e-mail a copy to the buyer. ask them to review it and then go from there.
Christopher-You must be talking about a "checklist" style. Are you really happy with that for your clients? Reports have come a very long way from checklists.
Mary-That method definitely works and sounds like your comfortable with it. However, the only problem I've seen with emailing the report is people losing it, accidentally deleting it or being filtered into the junk folder and I have to find the time to send it out again.
Kevin,
I give my clients the option to download from my site and I also email them a copy. As for on site reports I simply believe a client will be more satisified if he or she knew thier inspector took the time to research, review pictures, and think before he or she puts out such a important product. It's a known fact that inspectors have written on site reports only to get home that night and notice something new after reviewing pictures. I deliver mine the following morning by 9.
I upload my reports to my web site and then send my Clients a link via email. Then can then download the report to their computer.
The only part of my office that is not paperless is my service agreement, but I'm working on figuring out a way to go paperless there, too.