Think Magazine Issue 2 Vol 2

Page 1

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

VANESSA C. GUZMAN

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Carlos Martin Castro Stirling Cox

Joe Ferry

Nick Gromicko

Greg Johns

RESEARCH

Nestor Mann Editorial Research

Stuart Mills Project Manager

PHOTOGRAPHY / VISUALS

James Acquaroli Photographer

Nelson Randall Senior Photo Editor WEB

Karlina Watson Digital Production Manager

Sharon Saban Production Coordinator

SOCIAL MEDIA

Carolina G. Garcia Social Media Manager

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING

Gabriel Veloso Web Developer

Vinicius Veloso Marketing Director

BUSINESS

Matthew Adams Chief Financial Officer

Leah Castello Vice President of Operations

Amber Rose Controller

Christina Rodriguez Administrative Assistant

TECHNOLOGY

Seth Penn Director of Technology

PRODUCTION

Naomi Callaghan Special Events Manager

Ernie Clair Production Assistant

DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION

Daniel Marr Distributing Manager

Jose Avrett Circulation Manager

©2024 THINK Magazine. All contents are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. The advertiser is solely responsible for ad content and holds publisher harmless from any errors and/or any trademark or copyright infringement.
Contents 28 IN THE FIELD SPRING REVELATIONS FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 14 IN THE DETAILS: 2024 CHEVY SILVERADO HD ZR2 16 ENVIRONMENTAL: EFFECTIVE PREPARATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTIONS 20 HOME CHECK: TREE DANGERS 22 INSPECTIONS: SPECIALIZED CALL SUPPORT 26 HOME IMPROVEMENT: ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY 32 PRO-TIPS: BUYING A FORECLOSURE 34 TECHNOLOGY: FRESH TECH 36 HEALTH: CARPET BEETLES 46 SIPS: THE GODFATHER COCKTAIL 38 ESCAPES SWITZERLAND 48 SPOTLIGHT JOE FERRY
SERVICE SUPERIOR

2024 SILVERADOCHEVy HD ZR2

The off-road capability synonymous with Chevrolet’s ZR2 badge debuts for the Silverado HD with the introduction of the 2024 Silverado HD ZR2 – the brand’s flagship heavy-duty off-roader. Elevating the Silverado HD’s offroad credentials to even further heights, the 2024 Silverado HD ZR2 Bison debuts as part of the Chevy trucks family as well.

Chevrolet will soon offer a trio of flagship, off-road performance pickup trucks for anyone ready to explore the trails in Colorado ZR2, Silverado 1500 ZR2 and the first-ever Silverado HD ZR2.

Both the HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison bring race-proven technologies and enhanced off-road capability to the refreshed 2024

Silverado HD lineup, with the specialized ZR2 Bison featuring unique equipment from premium off-road aftermarket manufacturer American Expedition Vehicles, for those seeking the ultimate capability in their adventures.

“The all-new Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison provide the off-road performance our customers have come to expect from a ZR2, with the towing and payload capabilities our HD customers demand,” said Michael MacPhee, director of Chevrolet Trucks Marketing. “They also expand the Silverado HD lineup, offering more

choices for customers to find the perfect truck for work and off-road adventure.”

Offered exclusively in the 2500 Crew Cab configuration — with the standard 6.6L gasoline engine or available 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel — the Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison leverage Chevrolet’s off-road racing success with a defined set of upgrades built from proven off-road prowess. Whether that’s crawling trails, tackling tough terrain or towing adventure toys on the weekend, the Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison can handle it all.

The Silverado HD ZR2 does this without sacrificing on-road comfort or heavy-duty truck capability, embracing the same hall-

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marks that make the Silverado 1500 ZR2 a winning combination.

As for capability, the max payload for the Silverado HD ZR2 is 3,397 pounds2 (gas engine), while the max trailering rating is an impressive 18,500 pounds3, when equipped with the available Duramax Turbo-Diesel to ensure owners don’t have to leave behind any part of their adventure – big or small –when hitting the trail.

“The Silverado HD ZR2 is for those who want it all: For when you need to haul equipment to the jobsite during the week, then the camper and family off the beaten path on the weekend,” said Sahar Nasif, program engineering manager, Silverado HD ZR2. “It’s for those who want their tow rig to be just as cool as the toys it’s hauling.”

The HD ZR2 is instantly recognizable with the ZR2 family’s front grille, which represents the expressive styling the ZR2 family of trucks values. Unique wheel opening moldings featuring integrated mud guards, ZR2 badging on the grille bar and a higher stance further strengthen HD ZR2’s image. Both trucks also wear the “flow-tie” emblem. The suspension is raised approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm), front and rear, compared to other Silverado HD 4WD models. Learn more at chevrolet.com

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Effective Preparation for Environmental Inspections

In today’s business world, environmental inspections are more than just an obligation; they are an opportunity to demonstrate a company’s commitment to environmental protection and all stakeholders in general.

Asuccessful environmental inspection not only ensures regulatory compliance but also provides an opportunity to identify areas for improvement and strengthen a company’s image in terms of sustainability.

In general terms, it demonstrates transparency and compliance. These laws not only protect the natural environment but also employees and the community

at large. Furthermore, noncompliance can have serious consequences, such as significant fines, negative publicity, and even legal action. To this end, here are some practical tips for managing an environmental inspection strategy:

1. Identification and Correction of Potential Issues: Conduct a thorough assessment of operations, processes, facilities, and clean environmental management practices. During

the inspection, areas for improvement will be identified, and an evaluation of how the company handles its processes and the types of waste generated will be assessed, ensuring safe and sustainable disposal.

2. Compliance: Thoroughly review environmental regulations applicable to your industry or productive sector. It is essential to familiarize yourself with these regulations to identify potential issues and develop effective

strategies to address them. This deep understanding will allow the company to tailor its operations by current regulations.

3. Records: Maintain accurate records of all environmental activities. These records should include pollution prevention measures, waste management practices, and compliance with environmental regulations.

4. Audits: Conduct an environmental audit to assess

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its environmental impact and identify areas for improvement. Subsequently, the company should set environmental goals and objectives and develop a plan to achieve them.

5. Training: Provide regular training to all staff involved in environmentally sensitive activities, including hazardous substance handling practices, proper use of personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures. Welltrained staff not only helps prevent violations but also generates awareness of care and contribution to a sustainable culture.

6. Post-Inspection FollowUp: After the inspection, carefully review any findings or recommendations provided by the inspectors and take necessary measures to address them.

By following a continuous strategy with this approach, you will be better prepared for environmental inspections and able to demonstrate your commitment to environmental protection. This will be reflected in improved environmental conditions, a safe working environment, and compliance with control authorities.

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• • • • • • •

TREE DANGERS

Although trees are generally a desirable feature of home landscaping, they can pose a threat to buildings in several different ways. Inspectors may want to educate themselves about tree dangers so that they can inform their clients about potentially dangerous situations.

Tree Roots and Foundations

Contrary to popular belief that tree roots cannot normally pierce through a building’s foundation. They can, however, damage a foundation in the

following ways:

• Roots can sometimes penetrate a building’s foundation through pre-existing cracks.

• Large root systems that extend beneath a house can cause foundation uplift.

• Roots can leech water from the soil beneath foundations, causing the structures to settle and sink unevenly.

Other Dangers:

Trees that are too close to buildings may be fire hazards. Soffit vents provide easy access for flames to enter a house.

Leaves and broken branches can

clog gutters, potentially causing ice dams or water penetration into the building. Old, damaged or otherwise weak trees may fall and endanger lives and property. Large, weak branches, too, are a hazard, especially if weighed down by ice. Tree roots can potentially penetrate underground drainage pipes, especially when they leak. Water that leaks from a drainage or sanitary pipe can encourage root growth in the direction of the leak, where the roots may eventually enter the pipe and obstruct its flow. Trees may be used by insects and rodents

to gain access to the building. Falling trees and branches can topple power lines and communication lines.

Structural Defects in Trees

Trees with structural defects likely to cause failure to all or part of a tree can damage nearby buildings. The following are indications that a tree has a structural defect: dead twigs, dead branches, or small, offcolor leaves; species-specific defects. Some species of maple, ash and pear often form weak branch unions, while some other fast-growing species of

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maple, aspen, ailanthus and willow are weak-wooded and prone to breakage at a relatively young age; cankers, which are localized areas on branches or stems of a tree where the bark is sunken or missing. Cankers are caused by wounding or disease. The presence of a canker increases the chance that the stem will break near the canker. A tree with a canker that encompasses more than half of the tree’s circumference may be hazardous even if the exposed wood appears healthy; hollowed trunks; Advanced decay (wood that is soft, punky or crumbly, or a cavity where the wood is missing) can create a serious hazard. Evidence of fungal activity, such as mushrooms, conks and brackets growing on root flares, stems or branches are indications of advanced

decay. A tree usually decays from the inside out, eventually forming a cavity, but sound wood is also added to the outside of the tree as it grows. Trees with sound outer wood shells may be relatively safe, but this depends on the ratio of sound-to-decayed wood, and other defects that might be present; cracks, which are deep splits through the bark, extending into the wood of the tree. Cracks are very dangerous because they indicate that the tree is presently failing; V-shaped forks. Elm, oak, maple, yellow poplar and willow are especially prone to breakage at weak forks; The tree leans at more than 15 degrees from vertical. Generally, trees bent to this degree should be removed if they pose a danger. Trees that have grown in a leaning orientation are not as hazardous as trees

that were originally straight but subsequently developed a lean due to wind or root damage.

Large trees that have tipped in intense winds seldom recover.

The general growth-form of the tree and any uplifted soil on the side of the tree opposite the lean provide clues as to when the lean developed.

Tips that inspectors can pass on to their clients:

• Binoculars are helpful for examining the higher portions of tall trees for damage.

• When planting trees, they should be kept far from the house. It is impossible for the homeowner to reliably predict how far the roots will spread, and trees that are too close to a building may be a fire hazard.

• Do not damage roots. In addition to providing nutrition

for the tree, roots anchor the tree to the ground. Trees with damaged roots are more likely to lean and topple than trees with healthy roots. Vehicles are capable of damaging a tree’s root system.

• Dead trees within the range of a house should be removed. If they are not removed, the small twigs will fall first, followed by the larger branches, and eventually the trunk. This process can take several years.

• Inspect your trees periodically for hazards, especially in large, old trees. Every tree likely to have a problem should be inspected from bottom to top. Look for signs of decay and continue up the trunk toward the crown, noting anything that might indicate a potential hazard.

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Driving Increased Volume in 2024 through Specialized Call Support

In the rapidly fluctuating real estate market of 2024, home inspection services play a crucial role in ensuring buyer confidence and facilitating smooth transactions. However, the efficiency of a home inspection business is not solely dependent on the quality of the inspections themselves but also on the effectiveness of their customer support systems. Since 2024, service level across the board will determine who the home buyer selects and the realtor trusts.

The nature of home inspection services demands a high level of scheduling flexibility, detailed communication, and customer education. Homebuyers and sellers are often anxious, needing clear and prompt responses to their queries. Non-experienced schedulers might not always be equipped to handle such specialized needs, leading to potential gaps in service and customer dissatisfaction.

Scheduling Expertise

One of the primary challenges in the home inspection business is managing and scheduling appointments efficiently. Choose a call center that excels in this

area by employing advanced scheduling technologies and staff trained in the nuances of the inspection business. This ensures that inspectors can maximize their time in the field while minimizing administrative burdens. Untrained schedulers will cost you a lot of money.

Customized Communication

Communication is key to address buyer uncertainties. Clients have a lot of questions about what inspections entail, the areas covered, and what the findings could mean for their property transaction. Choose a call center that employs schedulers who are not only skilled in customer service, but also have a foundational understanding of the home inspection process. This enables them to provide informed responses to client queries, enhancing the overall customer experience.

After-Hours Support

Realtor now expect inspectors to be available in the evenings and weekend to support their clients. Offers and client questions are increasingly coming outside of traditional business hours. A call center

can offer after-hours support, ensuring that home inspection services can cater to their clients’ needs around the clock. This level of availability can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Enhancing Business Growth

By partnering with an outsourced team, home inspection businesses can focus on core capabilities including marketing, handling inspectors and profitability. Leveraging party capabilities not only improves operational efficiency but also supports business growth. Satisfied customers are more likely to provide positive feedback to their realtors, driving increased referrals.

Integration of specialized call support into the home inspection business model is not just a value-added service; it’s a strategic necessity. It enhances customer service, supports business growth, and ensures that home inspectors can focus on their core service offerings. As the real estate market continues in this rapidly evolving manner, business flexibility and capabilities become increasingly pivotal to ensuring profitability.

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ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY

Solar energy offers considerable advantages over conventional energy systems by nullifying flaws in those systems long considered to be unchangeable. Solar power for home energy production has its flaws, too, which are outlined in another article, but they’re dwarfed by the advantages listed below.

The following are advantages of solar energy:

Raw materials are renewable and unlimited. The amount of available solar energy is staggering — roughly 10,000 times that currently required by humans — and it’s constantly replaced. A mere 0.02% of incoming sunlight, if captured correctly, would be sufficient to replace every other fuel source currently used.

Granted, the Earth does need much of this solar energy to drive its weather, so let’s look only at the unused portion of sunlight

that is reflected back into space, known as the albedo. Earth’s average albedo is around 30%, meaning that roughly 52 petawatts of energy is reflected by the Earth and lost into space every year. Compare this number with global energy-consumption statistics. Annually, the energy lost to space is the combined equivalent of 400 hurricanes, one million Hoover Dams, Great Britain’s energy requirement for 250,000 years, worldwide oil, gas, and coal production for 387 years, 75 million cars, and 50 million 747s running perpetually for one year (not to mention one million fictional DeLorean time machines).

Solar power is low-emission. Solar panels produce no pollution, although they impose environmental costs through manufacture and construction. These environmental tolls are negligible, however, when compared with the damage inflicted by conventional energy sources: the burning of fossil fuels releases roughly 21.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually.

Solar power is suitable for remote areas that are not connected to energy grids. It may come as a surprise to citydwellers but, according to Home Power Magazine, as of 2006, 180,000 houses in the United States were off-grid, and that figure is likely considerably higher today. California, Colorado, Maine, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington have long been refuges for such energy rebels, though people live off the grid in every state. While many of these people shun the grid on principle, owing to politics and environmental concerns, few of the world’s 1.8 billion off-the-gridders have any choice in the matter. Solar energy can drastically improve the quality of life for millions of people who live in the dark, especially in places such as Sub-Saharan Africa, where as many as 90% of the rural population lacks access to electricity. People in these areas must rely on fuel-based lighting, which inflicts significant social and environmental costs, from jeopardized health

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through contamination in indoor air, to limited overall productivity.

Solar power provides green jobs. Production of solar panels for domestic use is becoming a growing source of employment in research, manufacture, sales, and installation. They contain no moving parts and thus produce no noise. Wind turbines, by contrast, require noisy gearboxes and blades. In the long run, solar power is economical. Solar panels and installation involve high initial expenses, but this cost is soon offset by savings on energy bills. Eventually, they may even produce a profit on their use. It also takes advantage of net metering, which is the practice of crediting homeowners for electricity they produce and return to the power grid. As part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, public electric utilities are required to make available, upon

request, net metering to their customers. This practice offers an advantage for homeowners who use solar panels (or wind turbines or fuel cells) that may, at times, produce more energy than their homes require. If net metering is not an option, excess energy may be stored in batteries.

Solar power can mean government tax credits. U.S. federal subsidies credit up to 30% of system costs, and each state offers its own incentives. California, blessed with abundant sunshine and plagued by high electric rates and an over-taxed grid, was the first state to offer generous renewable-energy incentives for homes and businesses. Solar power is reliable. Many homeowners favor solar energy because it is virtually immune to potential failings of utility companies, mainly in the form of political or economic turmoil, terrorism,

natural disasters, or brownouts due to overuse. The Northeast Blackout of 2003 unplugged 55 million people across two countries, while rolling blackouts are a part of regular life in some South Asian countries, and occasionally in California and Texas.

Solar power conserves foreign energy expenditures. In many countries, a large percentage of earnings is used to pay for imported oil for power generation. The United States alone spends $13 million per hour on oil, much of which comes from Persian Gulf nations. As oil supplies dwindle and prices rise in this politically unstable region, these problems continue to catalyze the expansion of solar power and other alternative-energy systems. In summary, solar energy offers advantages to conventional fossil fuels and other renewable energy systems.

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SPRING REVELATIONS: EMBRACING WEEDS AS BUSINESS LESSONS

Iwas out with the dogs the other morning and I saw the harbinger of Tennessee spring – a prolific, offgreen, tendril-like weed that somehow always shows up while other plants and fescue remain dormant. In years past, I’ve tried numerous methods of eradication, seemingly to no avail. I’m finally at a point, this year, of accepting the inevitable. Sort of. I know I can’t win against this one plant, so each time I take the dogs out, I

pull a handful of it. If I can’t beat all of it, then I’ll at least thin out the crowd.

Weeds in our region of the country usually come in stages and each stage brings a different set that appear and behave differently. By the time the yard needs to be mowed, it’s too late to successfully eradicate any weeds without potentially harming the lawn or environment (I stopped spraying cancer-causing and pollinator-killing products a few

years back). For several years I have struggled as to how to manage these thriving beastly banes. Then, last year, I realized something – they are weeds only to me.

For the pollinators, one of the first weeds of the season is a multi-tiered green meany that has tiny purple or red flowers and apparently is a source of food. I noticed two years ago (after not spraying for about three years) that honeybees were all over them like…well, bees in a hive.

Huh. The more I watched, the more I realized these “weeds” as I called them were more akin to prolific and hearty native species that contributed to stages of the ecosystem as spring came and went, succumbing to summer with its own host of non-fescue greenery and pollinators. What in the hell had I been doing all these years?

Anymore, I pick the largest clumps of weeds in the backyard, but not all of them (I simply couldn’t if I tried) and I pick

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nothing outside of our rear fenced-in yard. The grass outside the fence has been supplanted via natural vegetation. The greengrass part of me really bristles at this; but then I see how many more pollinators are present, and how neat it is for our children, and I let my ego pat itself on the back.

In our inspection world, the change of seasons, and with it work volume, almost is a guarantee. We’re a peoplebased business and, as we know, people become more active when their brains signal a substantive change to warm from cold (I don’t understand people-brains up north…I mean…it gets warm for like 2 months). This time of year, often is filled with the inception

of retooling choices made during the winter slowdown. It may not seem like it, but we’re picking weeds.

Now, you can run your business like the green grass variant – spending lots of money on fertilizer, seed, water, and deweeder just to have a green lawn. Or, you can let your business grow at its own pace, pull the most obnoxious weeds in your line of sight, and then move on letting the yard run its course. Neither is a wrong choice.

We have an entire industry sprung up (ahem, note the metaphor…subtle, I know) to service home inspectors in relation to business philosophy and business motivation. No names need be given, but we’ve all

seen the ads, the emails, the other digital ether. You don’t have to go broke to become more proactive as a business owner. And you need not hop on the train of “bigger, bigger, bigger” (seriously, The Lorax anyone…).

You do, and should, however, make some conscientious choices each year regarding your business. Do you want to be the multiinspector firm? Do you want to jam out 3 inspections six days a week? Do you want to do just one inspection a day and focus on value and service? Do you want to raise your prices? When was the last time you cleaned up your database, your contact list? When did you last refresh your brand, or run numbers on your advertising failures? As we get

busier, it becomes harder for us to manage our businesses – much like waiting to pick weeds until your grass is 4 inches tall. If you wait too long, you may need to compromise your goals for another year until you once more have the time. And, if you are too focused on that green promenade, you might just find yourself investing in someone else’s dream of a weed-free greenery. The value of small business is you maintain the local feel and fabric of your community – there’s nothing wrong with big business, if that’s your jam. But, if you aren’t spending time in your yard looking at your designated weeds, you might overlook what turns out to be a gem of a business pollinator. Happy spring to all.

Buying a Foreclosure

Purchasing foreclosed homes in desirable areas at below-market values can be a sound investment strategy.

Appreciation on their original prices may be tax-free.

Buying foreclosed rental properties can provide positive cash flow, as well as valuable tax deductions.

On the other hand, buying a foreclosure involves homework, patience, and a certain amount of luck. For those wishing to get a bargain house through the foreclosure process, it’s best to learn the basics.

Four Ways to Buy a Foreclosed Home

• A presale is when the prospective buyer negotiates with the current owner before the house is foreclosed upon. Presale discounts can be considerable, but communicating and reasoning with the owner isn’t always easy; they might have legal problems, lost their phone service or electricity, or greet you with suspicion, having already been hounded and threatened by creditors. And after time and energy have been invested, the deal can fall through if the owner comes up with the money to repay their debt, or for any number of unexpected reasons. With persistence, however, the seasoned real estate investor can profit

from presales. To find out about presales, you can try one of the following avenues:

• Ask your local county court how to search new notices of default.

• Find out if the County Recorder has data available online.

• Look in the “legal notices” section of the newspaper for properties that are coming up for sale at public auction. Take note of the address, the property owner’s name, the tax ID, and whatever other information is contained in the ad.

• A foreclosed home may be sold at a public auction, in which buyers can expect a

discount of 10% to 25% of market value. Interested bidders are generally required to show proof of financing, and must have a minimum cash deposit before they are qualified to bid. It might be impossible to gain entry to inspect the interior, too, which makes this type of purchase risky. The local building department may have permit records that can clue you in to the building’s layout and appearance.

• A real estate owned (REO) sale is a transaction where a foreclosed house is purchased directly from the bank. These properties typically wound up in the bank’s portfolio after failing to

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sell at auction. REO investments are relatively safe, as there are no tenants to evict or hidden liens and, unlike properties sold at public auction, buyers can usually receive a mortgage to pay for them. And purchasers might even get an unused house; the slow economy has left many builders at the end of their construction-loan periods without finding buyers for the homes, in which case the bank will foreclose on the brandnew homes. Unfortunately, REOs are usually offered at near-market prices to recoup the costs of property taxes, maintenance and legal fees. To find REOs, try the following:

• Check lenders’ websites, as they may have a list of their REOs, along with contact information for the appropriate real estate agent.

• Call lenders and ask to speak to someone who handles their foreclosures.

• Check newspapers.

• The Department of Housing and Urban Development has tens of thousands of HUD homes whose previous owners defaulted on federally issued loans. After a period during which local governments gain exclusive buying privileges, they become available to individual buyers who pledge to live in the property. After another 10 days, investors may bid on the property. It’s difficult to make a profit on these houses, as HUD releases them at near-market values.

Tips for Foreclosure Purchases

• Invest time in research and preparation. Those new to the field should spend some time learning the variables of foreclosure investing before making any purchases.

• Budget carefully to prepare for the unexpected. The house may require unforeseen repairs,

such as a leaky roof or unstable deck. The price tag of the home itself is often just the first of a series of fees. What if you planned on rental cash flow to cover the mortgage, but you can’t find a tenant?

• Avoid buying a foreclosure sight-unseen. Try to see the house yourself before buying it or hire someone to evaluate at it in your absence. Distant investors are buying up properties unseen in bulk, and they’re often unpleasantly surprised at how much they’ve been misled.

• Evaluate the neighborhood. If the foreclosure is rife with problems, but it’s in a desirable area with high property resale values, it may still be worth it to make a low offer. An area with several foreclosures or a high crime rate can undermine an otherwise good deal, however.

• Consider how long the house has been vacant. Building damage—and the costs required

to make the house livablegenerally increases with the time that has lapsed since the last tenant vacated. Pests are a particular issue in houses that have been empty for a long time, and plumbing defects and leaks increase in likelihood in such homes, as well.

• Examine the landscaping. Left unchecked, trees can send their roots into the foundation, and vines can creep into the windows.

• Has the house been professionally inspected by an InterNACHI inspector? Foreclosures can be notorious for damage suffered at the hands of past tenants, through both inadvertent and intentional vandalism and theft.

In summary, there are a few ways to go about buying a foreclosed home, and buyers should exercise patience, persistence and careful planning before buying foreclosed properties.

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CARPET BEETLES

INSPECTION AND KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR HABITS AND HOW TO PREVENT A COSTLY DESTRUCTION

Carpet beetles are household pests capable of destroying various household items. Inspection and knowledge of their habits can prevent costly destruction.

Life Cycle and Habits

Female carpet beetles will lay 50 to 100 small, pearly-white eggs on protected surfaces near a food source, such as the lint around baseboards, in the ductwork of hot-air furnace systems, and on wool clothing in storage. Larvae emerge once the eggs hatch after six to 11 days in warm weather, although they may require more time in cool weather. The larval life spans between 250 to 650 days, most of it spent scavenging

for protein-rich food in dimly lit areas. By the time they reach adulthood, carpet beetles will live for only another few weeks or months, and they will no longer damage household goods. Unlike larvae, adults are attracted to light and can be found busily flying around windows or feeding on pollen outdoors.

Types of Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles come in several types of subspecies, including the following:

• black carpet beetle: Adults are oval and shiny black, with brownish legs. They vary in length from 1/8-inch to 3/16inch. Larvae are golden to dark brown, and about 1/2-inch long. The body is narrow and elongated and narrows toward the rear.

• varied carpet beetle: Adults

are 1/10-inch to 1/8-inch long and nearly round. The top surface is usually gray, with a mixture of white, brown and yellow scales, and irregular black crossbands. The bottom surface has long, gray-yellow scales. Larvae are about 1/4-inch long, and light to dark brown in color. The body is wide and broader at the rear than the front.

• furniture carpet beetle: Adults are 1/16-inch to 1/8-inch long, nearly round and whitish, checkered with black spots, each outlined with yellowish-orange scales. The bottom surface is white, and the legs have yellow scales. Larvae are about 1/4-inch long, elongated and oval, and thickly covered with brownish hair.

• common carpet beetle: Adults are 1/10-inch to 1/8-inch

long, nearly round, and gray to black. They have minute, whitish scales and a band of orange-red scales down the middle of the back and around the eyes. Larvae are similar to those of the varied and furniture carpet beetles.

Damage and Inspection

Carpet beetle larvae prefer to feed in dark, protected places, consuming and damaging wool, fur, silk, cashmere, feathers, bone, and synthetic and cellulose-based fibers that contain some amount of animal fibers. Check for larvae and their cast skins under baseboards, and in and under upholstered furniture, air ducts, stuffed animals, stored cereals and grain, abandoned bird and wasp nests under eaves, and in attics, and clothes closets. Stored items are vulnerable to severe

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damage, so periodically inspect woolens and other susceptible items. Also, inspect for improperly sealed windows, as these are a likely entry point for carpet beetles, although the insects are small enough that it may be impossible to completely prevent their entry. It is important for the homeowner to know the difference between carpet beetle damage and damage caused by other pests, such as clothes moths. Fortunately, the distinction is simple; moth infestations are often accompanied by adult moths flying nearby, and you will likely find adult moths, pupae casings or cocoons and larvae in your clothes. Carpet beetles are less conspicuous, as they typically move elsewhere after feeding, and the adults spend much of their time outdoors. Telltale signs of beetle-

damaged clothing include small, irregular holes, especially around the collar.

Chemical Treatments

Homeowners interested in pest control measures for eliminating carpet beetles indoors have the following options:

• permethrin: This product is relatively safe and is recommended for mild infestations.

• cyfluthrin: This poison is longer-lasting than permethrin.

• pheromone traps: These baits attract adults using special scents, which lures them into glue from which they cannot escape. This measure will diminish the number of active adults, which, in turn, will reduce the risk of future infestations elsewhere in the building.

• diatomaceous earth and silica

aerogel: These substances, known as desiccants, cause insects to lose moisture and, in small quantities, they are relatively harmless to humans.

Non-Chemical Treatment

• Sanitation is the best way to avoid carpet beetle infestations. Practice thorough and frequent vacuuming and sweeping of carpets, rugs, draperies, closets, drawers, upholstery, air ducts, corners, baseboards, and other places where lint and hair accumulate.

• Wash your clothes to remove adults, larvae, eggs or pupae. Be sure to throw away badly infested pieces.

• Remove dead insects and rodents. Carpet beetles feed on animal waste, including their excreta and carcasses, so be sure to

inspect for dead insects, especially around windowsills, and control any rodent population in your home. Avoid poison baits, as dying mice may be found more quickly by the beetles than by you.

• Thoroughly inspect secondhand items before bringing them into your house and immediately launder them, as carpet beetles often hitchhike into homes on clothing, rugs, quilts, and other items of animal origin.

• Tightly seal windows and other openings, especially near flowers and shrubbery, where adults are likely to be found.

In summary, carpet beetles are a common source of damaged household items, and measures should be taken to prevent infestation.

Switzerland

WELCOME TO YOUR FAIRYTALE

Switzerland is a vast land with diverse cultures and languages, awe-inspiring natural sights, and historic cities. Mammoth castles, fairytale-like scenes, and mountains that pierce the sky are just a couple of sights the marvelous country is known for. Get ready to wander in Switzerland!

ZÜRICH

The first city you’ll want to set out to explore is one of the most famous: Zürich. This is Switzerland’s largest city and is actually considered a modern financial powerhouse. Begin your sightseeing in the quaint Old Town, full of charming cobblestone streets and a string of cafes, book shops, and galleries. Make sure to pop into Cabaret Voltaire, a small café, gallery, and salon that is responsible for the beginning of the world-famous Dada art movement. In July 1916, German artist and poet Hugo Ball first read aloud the Dada Manifesto here, introducing the world to the art form. Famous Dadaist group Spiegelgasse even performed their unique poetry here! cabaretvoltaire.ch

Next, head into the Swiss National Museum

to catch up on a history lesson. It boasts the most significant collection of Swiss cultural and historical artifacts, with some even dating back to 100,000 B.C.! Over 820,000 artifacts make up quite the collection, and you’ll be able to check out medieval paintings, jewelry, clocks, musical instruments, carriages, armor, and more. There are even a series of period rooms, so you can witness how living spaces changed throughout the years. landesmuseum.ch

Soak in some outstanding views at Uetliberg, a 2,857-foot mountain that is a favorite amongst locals. Take the Uetliberg railway line to enjoy a peaceful ride to the upper station of the mountain. Once you reach it, you can take a pleasant 10-minute walk to arrive at the summit. From there, you’ll be treated to wonderful views of not only Zürich, but

also the Black Forest and the famous Swiss Alps in the distance.

Stop for a drink and a challenge at Oepfelchammer, a 200-year-old tavern. The historical property has been everything from a residence for nobles to a convent’s apple storage unit over the last 650 years, but in the 17th century, it was a bakery. The baker who owned it first got permission to start serving drinks in 1801, resulting in its gradual conversion to the restaurant and tavern it is today. It’s known for its beam challenge, or balkenprobe, where guests are encouraged to attempt to hang upside down from a ceiling beam and drink a whole glass of wine without spilling it. If you drink the wine successfully, you get to add your name to a collection of carvings on the wall. oepfelchammer.ch

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Lake Bachalpsee

BERN

Set your sights upon Bern, the Swiss capital that’s about an hour drive from Zürich. Bern possesses lots of old world charm that will be sure to captivate you as you tour around town. Walk around the city’s Old Town (yes, Bern also has an Old Town), which is a UNESCO Word Heritage Site thanks to its preservation of medieval style. Stroll along the lovely streets until you reach The Bern Minster. This medieval church has the highest church spire in all of Switzerland—there are actually 312 steps you need to take to reach the viewing deck, but it’s well worth it! The church was first

commissioned in 1421, but wasn’t fully completed until 1893. The detail in the church is magnificent with stained-glass windows, stone figurines, an invaluable set of bells, and artworks like frescoes and sculptures. A visit to Bern isn’t complete without a tour of this beauty. bern.com/en/detail/ the-bern-minster

Located a short walk away from the grand church is Zytglogge, a medieval clock tower that dates back to 1530. This 800-year-old tower has a huge astrological clock that features a circus of mechanical puppets that appear three minutes before every hour. Watch in awe as characters such

FACT: “HALF OF THE LUXURY WATCHES PRODUCED IN THE WORLD COME FROM SWITZERLAND. BRANDS LIKE TISSOT, TAG HEUER, ROLEX, PATEK PHILIPPE, AND LONGINGS ARE ALL SWISS.”

as The Fool, The Knight, The Rooster, and more come out to dance and move around, entertaining both locals and tourists alike.

If you’re a science geek, you’ll appreciate the chance to visit Albert Einstein’s former residence! The famous scientist lived in a second floor apartment in Bern from 1903 to 1905, where he completed some of his most famous mathematical work like the groundbreaking special theory of relativity and E=mc2. Inside, you can discover typical period furniture, an exhibition showcasing Einstein’s work, and further information about his life. einstein-bern.ch

Fun fact: When in Bern, you will see images of bears everywhere. It’s the city’s symbol, thanks to the translation of “bern” meaning bear. The city was actually named Bern in 1191 by its founder, Duke Berthold the Fifth, who wanted to name it after the first animal he killed while out on a hunt. That animal turned out to be a bear, and thus, the city of Bern was born. Ever since, the city has adopted the bear as their symbol and you can see it everywhere from the flag to sculptures and even doorknobs. You can also peek at some real live bears at Bärengraben, or bear park. At this 64,583-squarefoot enclosure, you can watch as big brown bears

Bern Bern Zytglogge Old town
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waddle around and interact with each other. There’s even a small river, where the bears splash around in the warmer months. baerenpark-bern.ch

LUCERNE

Hop in your car and set out on an hour and a half drive to your next target: Lucerne. This city is surrounded by mountains, a gorgeous sparkling lake, and tons of medieval architecture. Your first attraction will be the Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden bridge that was built in 1333 and runs across Reuss River. The stunning bridge is a picturesque spot that’s perfect for daydreaming, photoshoots, or just catching up with friends. It’s also a tourist destination thanks to its 100 or so 17th-century pictures that hang from the roof rafters—they depict patron saints and events from Lucerne’s history.

Another great art piece that depicts some of Lucerne’s history is The Lion of Lucerne, a lion statue that has been carved into the wall of a former sandstone quarry. It’s one of the most renowned sights in the city thanks to the statue’s emotional nature and grand size. The lion appears to be dying from a spear wound, with incredibly sad eyes and a shield next to it that bears the mark of the French monarchy. The statue was actually constructed in 1820 to commemorate the hundreds of Swiss Guards who were massacred during the French Revolution.

Continue onwards until you reach one of the city’s most spectacular sights: The Musegg wall and its nine towers. The 2,624-foot-long wall was built around the year 1400 to protect the city following the Battle of Sempach, in which Leopold III, Duke of Austria, fought against

the Old Swiss Confederacy. Part of the wall still partially stands, with four out of the nine towers open to the public. It’s actually considered one of the longest, best-preserved defensive walls in Switzerland. The four towers grant you access to some wonderful views, and in the Zyt tower, you can even spot the oldest clock in Lucerne, which was built in 1535 and still rings hourly.

Lucerne is especially well-known for its close proximity to the surrounding mountains, making it an ideal starting point for the mountain explorers. The first one you’ll want to visit is Mount Titlis, a 10,626-foot-tall mountain that’s one of the most popular attractions in Switzerland thanks to its ski resort, Titlis Engelberg. In February, the average temperature is 36˚F, so you can expect cool winds and snow to welcome you here. Take advantage of all of the snow activities like snow tubing, skiing, and snowshoeing. The

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Musegg Wall

ski resort even offers glacier excursions that take you through Titlis’ blue glacier cave. The ice inside is up to 5,000 years old! There’s also the Ice Flyer, a chairlift that allows you to peer into the glacier from above, and the Titlis Rotair gondola, the world’s first-ever fully rotating cable car that provides 360˚ views of the winter wonderland. titlis.ch

Another snowy adventure you’ll want to embark on is the World-Heritage listed Jungfraujoch, a glacier saddle in the Bernese Alps, that connects the two peaks of Mount Jungfrau and Mount Mönch. Jungfraujoch is also known as The Top of Europe as its home to the highest railroad station in the continent at 11,332 feet. Here you will be able to take in some unbelievable views, but if you want to get even higher up, take the elevator to

reach the summit of the Sphinx. Jungfraujoch also has much more to enjoy besides just the view. There’s an Ice Palace for you to wander through, which features ice sculptures crafted by various artists; a Snow Fun Park, for all of your snow activity desires; and a Hole in One by Omega, where you can attempt to get a golf ball in the hole with a single stoke while surrounded by snow. jungfrau.ch

The winter wonderland of Switzerland has surely set your heart on fire during this trip. Sure, you adore the beaches of South Florida and the warm days, but it’s always nice to step outside of your comfort zone. Between the snow activities and the astounding sights you’ve encountered, it’s safe to say that Switzerland was a remarkable destination to cross off your bucket list!

Lucerne
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The Bern Minster
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9CEUs – ChimneyScan is a service offered by home inspectors who are trained in an advanced inspection technique to find potentia l problems in residential chimneys, fireplaces, or venting systems. ChimneyScan technicians serve home buyers and sellers who are interested in adding a more detailed inspection in their home buying process. A ChimneyScan features an enhanced visual inspe ction of the exterior chimney and includes and a video of the internal flue (Level II) which is not normally included in a standar d home inspection. Cost of course may be applied to the purchase of a chimney camera. $595 Approved by CREIA / ASHI / InterNACHI

find potential problems in residential and commercial gas burning venting systems. The Certified FlueGasInspector training course is intended to help home inspectors complement and grow their business with an advanced analysis of exhaust gasses within the appliance. Exhaust analysis will help diagnose true operating condition of appliance in regards to proper combustion and exhaust. $195 Approved by CREIA / ASHI / InterNACHI

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This month try the smoky flavor of Scotch whisky that blends beautifully with the sweet and slightly bitter almond taste of amaretto. This classic, elegant, yet simple-to-make cocktail is one for scotch lovers; especially if you find yourself in need of a stiff drink. To get the best flavor, be sure to use a quality midrange blended or single malt scotch.

THE

GODFATHER

COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS:

1.5 oz. of Scotch whisky (or bourbon) | 0.75 oz. of Amaretto almond liqueur | ice | orange twist, for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Fill a glass about two thirds full of ice. Add whisky and amaretto. Stir until well-chilled, about 20 seconds. Lastly, add an orange twist and enjoy. Cheers!

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Joe Ferry THE LEGAL POWERHOUSE BEHIND HOME INSPECTIONS

Who Is Joe Ferry?

Joseph Ferry was born on September 19, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, emerged into a world of promise and possibility as the youngest among seven sons of Dennis and Margaret McCarney Ferry, immigrants from Ireland. Joe's heritage as a first-generation Irish-American endowed him with a dual citizenship of both Ireland and America. His formative years unfolded within the vibrant streets of Philadelphia, where he navigated his early education through the parochial school system. It was during this time that the seeds of his future endeavors were sown, laying the groundwork for a remarkable journey ahead.

Upon graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 1988, Joe embarked on a new chapter of his life, one that would see him don various roles and carve out a path uniquely his own. His journey led him to the United States Army, where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Artillery Branch in 1969. Serving in the Republic of Korea as a Company Commander at the tender age of 22,

Joe displayed both leadership and valor. His subsequent posting at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, as a member of the Commanding General's staff, further honed his skills and broadened his horizons.

Transitioning from military service in 1971, Joe ventured into the dynamic world of the insurance industry. However, it was his pursuit of legal education at Temple University's Beasley School of Law that would shape the trajectory of his professional career. Graduating in 1986, Joe embarked on a new vocation as a trial lawyer, a role that he has since embraced with unwavering dedication and distinction.

The serendipitous encounter with Nick Gromicko marked a pivotal moment in Joe's journey, catalyzing a partnership that would redefine the landscape of the home inspection industry. When Nick sought representation in a lawsuit filed against the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), Joe rose to the occasion. Emerging victoriously, Joe not only secured a resounding triumph but also assumed the role of NACHI's General

Counsel, a position that would solidify his influence within the growing organization. In the early days of InterNACHI, its office was wherever Nick Gromicko happened to be. One of Joe's fondest memories was when he met Nick for lunch in a Chinese Restaurant in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. When Nick’s telephone rang, he answered, the call, taking the information down on a paper napkin, was a home inspector interested in joining InterNACHI.

As the nascent InterNACHI began to take shape, Joe's unwavering commitment and expertise became invaluable assets in navigating the challenges that lay ahead. Joe's presence and counsel became synonymous with the ethos of InterNACHI. His deep-seated understanding of the intricacies of the home inspection industry positioned him as a trusted advisor, sought after by inspectors facing legal challenges and disputes.

The genesis of the ClaimIntercept™ membership program marked a watershed moment in Joe's career, heralding a new era of proactive legal protection for home inspectors.

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Through this innovative initiative, inspectors could avail themselves of Joe's expertise and guidance, mitigating potential liabilities and safeguarding their professional interests. Joe's relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering advocacy for the home inspection community propelled him to the forefront of the industry, earning him widespread acclaim and recognition. For more than 20 years, the ClaimInterceptTM program has helped thousands of home inspectors across the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The evolution of Joe's journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion,

perseverance, and purpose. From humble beginnings in the streets of Philadelphia to the corridors of legal expertise, Joe's indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment have left an indelible imprint on the fabric of the home inspection industry. As he continues to chart new frontiers and inspire future generations, Joe remains a beacon of integrity, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his craft.

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD INSPECTORS

There is nothing like a road trip for restoring your faith in the future of this country and reminding you that, despite our manifold

problems, the present is pretty awesome, too. As I write this, I am sitting at the departure gate for my flight home to Philadelphia after having spent a few extra days in Pittsburgh following the presentation of the Law and Disorder Seminar for home inspectors at the PRO-ASHI Pittsburgh Chapter’s Spring Meeting.

The inspectors who came to this seminar were all seasoned veterans and virtually all of them have had one or more bad experience with an unreasonable client, a cowardly insurance company, an unprofessional real estate agent, or a vindictive seller that had caused them considerable agita and cost them lots of money.

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My interests, one cannot fail to apprehend, are perfectly aligned with the home inspector’s. We both want the claim to go away. And pronto! And that is exactly what has happened in 97% of the over 3000 claims that inspectors have asked me to respond to in the last twenty years."

In other words, this was a sampling with a margin error of zero.

This, of course, is not exactly terra incognita to me. I am accustomed to inspectors being shocked, shocked that their insurance company would pay a bogus claim or would immediately offer their deductible to the complaining former client or would assign them an attorney “who didn’t seem to know anything about home inspections” and who would churn the file, running up legal fees for years, before eventually caving in and settling the case for “nuisance value.”

And I am completely inured to the astonished reaction from veteran inspectors who are hearing for the very first time in their inspection careers that there is no longer any reason for them to stand for this nonsense. That there is a new sheriff in town! That their days of routinely refunding inspection fees are over!

While my message is a breath of fresh air, it is also a trifle overwhelming because it is such a disconnect from the fairy tales that they are accustomed to hearing from insurance company lawyers who infest industry conferences. And that is because the interests of those lawyers are diametrically opposed to the interests of the

inspector.

The inspector wants the claim to die aborning. That is the absolute last thing that an insurance company lawyer wants to see for reasons that should be surpassingly obvious.

My interests, one cannot fail to apprehend, are perfectly aligned with the home inspector’s. We both want the claim to go away. And pronto! And that is exactly what has happened in 97% of the over 3000 claims that inspectors have asked me to respond to in the last twenty years.

IS E & O INSURANCE A WASTE OF MONEY?

Home Inspectors frequently ask me if having E & O Insurance is “worth it.” The unspoken subtext of the question, of course, is “Hey, if I never have a claim, haven’t I wasted my money?”

I guess that the answer would be “Yes,” if you felt the same way about any other line of insurance. If you never have an auto accident, never have a health issue, never have a house fire, never lose time from work due to sickness, have you wasted the money you spent on auto, health, homeowners and disability insurance?

The problem that I think that home inspectors have with legacy E & O insurers is

that they don’t really trust them to do the right thing. And with some considerable justification. I’m currently representing an Arizona inspector in a multi-party claim: the seller, a seventysomething woman, the real estate broker, a very successful entrepreneur and the inspector. The claimants are a real estate lawyer and his wife. The lawyer-claimant wrote the Mother of All Demand Letters, a real megillah, fourteen pages, that sought $150,000 in damages. My response, according to counsel for the other defendants, “really infuriated him.”

Well, good, I thought. My fastball has not lost any of its velocity.

By and by, the seller’s attorney contacted me to ascertain my level of interest in participating in settlement discussions. He and the real estate broker’s attorney had some authority to settle – not much, mind you because the case against them was nearly as thin. They were in the $17,000 area. I was in the $500 range.

I participated in the settlement discussions via telephone. The Arizona lawyers were very impressive professionally and, though their clients had scarcely more exposure than mine, were nevertheless realistic about the cost to their clients should the case not settle.

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The claimants were at $150,000 prior to the conference and, after the cold shower they got from the defendants, came down to a still absurd $85,000.

The other defendants subsequently came up to $30,000 and the inspector’s insurance company, having pulled me for a pinch-hitter magnanimously offered $5,000, coincidentally the very amount of its insured’s deductible.

So, this is what you are up against as an inspector: Regardless of your lack of culpability, Brand X insurers will routinely offer up your deductible to appease unmeritorious claimants.

This unmeritorious case, if tried, will likely result in a defense verdict. Of course, defense costs will vastly exceed $35,000. So, the last time I spoke to counsel for the other defendants, they were inching upward toward $45,000.

If my client did not have E & O Insurance, it would cost him many thousands of dollars to defend this meritless case. Even with his insurer selling him out, though, he is still better off with the insurance.

INSPECTION AGREEMENTS: IS THERE ANYTHING THEY CAN’T DO?

When home inspectors contact me to squash a claim, there are three documents that I always ask

for:

1. All correspondence with the claimant;

2. The Inspection Report; and

3. The Inspector’s Inspection Agreement. These documents essentially constitute the “claim file” and invariably provide a torrent of reasons why the claim will fail.

After having successfully dispatched over 3,000 home inspection claims since 2006, I never expect a claim to have any merit and my expectations are never dashed. Of course, claimants and their attorneys, by and large, do not regard the mere fact that a claim has no legitimate predicate as any obstacle to making it. Indeed, their most frequently and fervently expressed desire is that the inspector “turn [the claim] over to your insurance company.”

And who can blame them? After all, most insurance companies operating in the home inspector professional liability field do not regard the mere fact that a claim has no legitimate predicate as any obstacle to throwing money at it. As long as the amount does not exceed the insured’s deductible, that is.

Those two well-established modi operandi of claimants and insurers constitute incontrovertible evidence for many inspectors that having

professional liability insurance merely “puts a target on your back.” If only not having professional liability insurance removed the target from your back, what a wonderful world this would be!

Fortunately, there’s me. No home inspection claimant is going to get money thrown at them while I continue to draw breath.

Recently, a home inspector in Florida who has a multi-inspector firm contacted me to respond to two claims. Both claims were ridiculous on their face, but this inspector had armed himself with a strong Inspection Agreement that, inter alia, barred claims that are brought more than one year from the date of the inspection.

So, in addition to telling the claimants’ attorneys that the inspector had not been negligent, I could also state that, even had he been, the claim was untimely.

The inspector was not even aware that he had had this provision in his agreement.

Do you know what’s in yours?

For more Information on Joe's ClaimInterceptTM Program, The Inspection Agreement AuditTM, or to have him speak at your next event, please visit joeferry.com

After all, most insurance companies operating in the home inspector professional liability field do not regard the mere fact that a claim has no legitimate predicate as any obstacle to throwing money at it. As long as the amount does not exceed the insured’s deductible, that is."

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MISSION 24: THE DOUBLE YOUR BUSINESS EVENT

Mike Crow, renowned as the Mastermind of Home Inspector Marketing, has made his highly anticipated return with the successful completion of Mission 24: The Double Your Business Event. This event, designed specifically for home inspection business owners looking to elevate their marketing strategies and grow their businesses, has proven to be a gamechanger for all who attended. It marks the return of Mike’s legendary annual events, formerly known as The 3 Days of Secrets Revealed!

Featuring a comprehensive curriculum that covers the latest trends and techniques in home inspector marketing and business growth, Mission 24 offered attendees the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. During this powerful 3-day event attendees gained valuable insights and practical tips to help them double their revenue throughout 2024 and beyond, and PRO-LAB® was thrilled to partner with Mike and Coach Blueprint to bring an event of this caliber back to the Home Inspection Industry!

“We are thrilled with the success of Mission 24: The Double Your Business Event,” said Mike Crow. “Our goal was to provide home inspection business owners

with the knowledge and systems they need to take their businesses to the next level, and we are confident that we have achieved that goal… And it’s just the beginning.”

Mission 24 showed home inspectors, just like you, how to build million-dollarplus companies. The event featured hands-on strategy sessions, expert panels, and networking opportunities designed to help home inspectors maximize their business potential. Mike’s handpicked lineup of experts (including Davy Tyburski, Christa Trantham, Jonathan Crow, and the man himself just to name a few) shared everything from proven “traditional” marketing systems and strategies to cutting-edge digital marketing secret weapons (like A.I. tools and resources) that are currently changing the face of our business.

“I am thrilled to be back in the game with Coach Blueprint and Mission 24 and partnering with Davy Tyburski, America’s Chief Profit Officer™ to help home inspection business owners across the country achieve their goals,” said Mike Crow.

“With our combined expertise and proven

strategies, we can show you how to build million-dollar-plus companies and take your business to new heights.”

“Our relationship with Mike goes back years. We were thrilled to once-again partner with Mike Crow at the Mission 24 event to empower home inspectors with the knowledge and tools they need to take their businesses to the next level,” said Ben Molina, Vice President of Operations of PRO-LAB®. “By combining PRO-LAB’s state-of-the-art technology with Mike Crow’s expertise in home inspector marketing, we are confident that attendees were inspired and equipped to double their business.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry (the man who has been there, done that, AND still doing it today) and take your home inspection business to new heights.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry (the man who has been there, done that, AND still doing it today) and take your home inspection business to new heights.

Rumor has it that next year’s event will be even bigger and better… Mission 25! Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, Mike and his team offer invaluable resources and opportunities to help you reach your business goals.

CoachBlueprint.com/mission

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