Allen Sneed Jr. has been the owner the The HomeTeam Inspection Service franchise for six months.
BEFORE INSPECTING?
When he moved to Jacksonville, he did electrical work for about a year and then for the last six years, he worked as a cable technician for Comcast Cable.
CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE?
“I’ve always had a construction background. It goes back as far as my grandfather who was a carpenter. I worked with him and learned a lot.”
HOW DID YOU GET INTO HOME INSPECTION?
“When I moved here, I kept hearing people complain about how they were treated by some home inspectors. So, I thought how hard can it be to be nice to someone and to give them the truth about the current condition of their home? So, I figured that would be a good spot for me to be in.” After Sneed bought the franchise, he was trained to be a home inspector and has continued training on a yearly basis.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT REALTORS CAN DO TO HELP YOU IN YOUR JOB?
“Educate their clients on getting a licensed and fully insured inspector. We offer a 400 point inspection that outlines what we check including foundations, roofs and gutters, exterior walls, doors and windows, attic insulation, porches and decks, sidewalks and driveways, plumbing and fixtures, heating and cooling systems, water heater, electrical fixtures, switches and receptacles, attic, basement and crawl spaces, electrical service panel, floor structures, walls and ceilings, kitchen appliances and more. We also back up our Realtors. We write an extra Realtor policy to cover them as well for any mistakes we might make.”
Sneed said he prefers customers and the real estate agent to be there when he does an inspection. “That way, we can introduce them to the current condition of the home.”
WHAT ARE YOU DOING DIFFERENTLY IN THIS BUYER’S MARKET TO DRUM UP BUSINESS?
Sneed said he has been giving presentations to different Realtor offices to get noticed. “I let everyone know what a real home inspector is and to be aware of those who are not.”
TEAM OF INSPECTORS?
When Sneed goes out to inspect a home he brings with him a team of professional inspectors who are specialists in certain areas. “What sets us apart is that we carry a team of inspectors on each inspection so there will be no less than two or three inspectors on each job compared to one guy who thinks he knows it all.”
TIPS FOR REALTORS?
“We really do prefer that the Realtor and the client be there.”
BIGGEST ISSUES FACING HOME INSPECTORS?
Sneed said the lack of legislation is an issue. “There is no cap on licenses or insurance of home inspectors.”
HOW DO YOU HANDLE THOSE ISSUES?
“A good home inspector should answer your questions before you even ask them. We give the client a 24-hour verbal report of any issues we found. We do not take minor issues and turn them into major problems.”
BEST PROFESSIONAL ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?
“Have faith. Stay strong and believe.”
WHERE DO YOU GET BUSINESS?
Sneed said he has been getting referrals from people in the various organizations he belongs to.
LESSONS LEARNED?
“It’s hard to make everyone happy, but you need to try.”
ADVICE FOR NEW HOME INSPECTORS?
Sneed said to not give up.
AREA HE WORKS?
His franchise covers North Jacksonville and Nassau County. “The growth is just tremendous in those areas. I see a huge difference since I moved to the Northside three years ago.”
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Women’s Council of Realtors, Northeast Florida Association of Realtors and the National Association of Home Inspectors.
- by Michele Newbern Gillis