HomeTeam featured on VetFran.com

HomeTeam Inspection Service was recently featured on VetFran.com in an article titled, "Veteran Franchise Success Leads to Enhanced Discount Promotion" HomeTeam Inspection Service franchisee Brian O’Rear discusses his experience opening a HomeTeam franchise with help from the VetFran program. The article also discusses HomeTeam's constant effort to recruit veterans to become business owners, as well as, other background information on the franchise. Read the article below.

Veteran Franchise Success Leads to Enhanced Discount Promotion

Former Air Force officer Brian O’Rear has achieved another major milestone in the short tenure of his new business in the home inspection industry. Brian and his team of inspectors have recently surpassed 1,000 inspections, putting him in an elite group who has accomplished this milestone in less than 3 years.

Brian spent 22 years in the United States Air Force flying fighter jets and the B-2 stealth bomber, fighting in four American wars. After flying in the very first strikes in post 9/11 attacks and setting the world record for the longest combat mission in history, Brian decided to return to Louisville and follow his entrepreneurial dream, opening a HomeTeam Inspection Service through the VetFran program.

“The whole process was really, really smooth,” said O’Rear, one of 14 veterans who own a HomeTeam franchise. “HomeTeam uses several specialists to inspect homes and commercial buildings, a concept that appealed to me as a former B-2 squadron commander.”

HomeTeam Inspection Service, the professional home inspection service is actively recruiting even more veterans to join their team. “Brian’s success has been impressive, and we are excited about the opportunity to have more veterans on our TEAM,” says Paul Spires, President of HomeTeam Inspection Service. For a limited time HomeTeam will offer the right candidate a 75% discount on their intial franchise fee.

HomeTeam has been a proud member of the IFA’s VetFran program for a number of years and was named to GI Jobs 2012 Military Friendly Franchise List. “I understand the power of teams, and I understand leadership so it was a pretty easy sell for me.” says Brian O’Rear.

“High level energetic leaders who are self-motivated, enjoy networking, and enjoy serving others tend to succeed in this industry” said Greg Haskett, VP of Operations for HomeTeam.

HomeTeam Inspection Service featured in the Bethany Tribune

HomeTeam Inspection Service was recently featured in the Bethany Tribune in an article titled, "Homeowners: Prepare for cold weather with these tips." HomeTeam Inspection Service franchisee Frank Bombardiere gave his input about what homeowners can do to protect their homes inside and outside during the winter. Frank supplied helpful tips to keep your house and family safe, and pointed out that especially for those who are not very savvy with home maintenance, hiring a home inspector every other year can curb maintenance problems and save homeowners money in the long run. Read the article below.

Homeowners: Prepare for cold weather with these tips
By: Emily Driscoll

With snow, ice and winter storms affecting most of the country this time of year, homeowners need to know how to protect their residence inside and out.

                Research from AIR Worldwide shows that the insured damage from winter storms in 2010 was $2.6 billion, the highest since 2003, and 2011 was even more devastating—one storm in February had as much as $1.4 billion in damage.

                Frank Bombardiere, local owner of HomeTeam Inspection Service in Yukon, says that winter is the worst season for residential damage because ice, snow, and wind can put water in places that are not typically prone to leaking.

“Snow drifts on the side of the house can melt slowly onto the window and door sills, causing water to get around these areas where it normally wouldn’t during a rain storm,” he says. “Ice dams on the roof can cause a roof to leak, and snow can blow into the attic through the roof vents and damage the insulation.”

To avoid major damage to your home and your wallet, here are 10 tips that homeowners need to factor in to their winterizing strategy:

1.       Storm doors can help keep windblown snow and rain from getting around the exterior doors.

2.       All gaps around doors and windows need to be properly caulked, but be sure not to caulk the weep holes in brick veneer--they are there to let the wall breath (make a gap between the bricks about every third brick on the bottom row).

3.       Fireplaces and chimneys need to be cleaned and inspected at least every other year under normal usage, preferably by a qualified chimney sweep.

4.       Gutters should be cleaned after the last leaves have fallen to keep the water flowing away from the foundation of the house. You can also install gutter helmets to keep leaves and debris out.

5.       Cut any overhanging tree branches away from the roof so they will not fall onto the roof or your car if they break off in an ice storm.

6.       Clean any debris off the roof that can act as a dam and cause water to back up under the shingles.

7.       Keep leaves picked up around the yard to help prevent pests from nesting in them. 

8.       Homes with crawl spaces underneath should have the water pipes insulated to prevent freeze damage.

9.       Make sure to vent crawl spaces, even in the winter.

10.   Keep exterior hose faucets covered and detach the hose--pipes can freeze and burst on the exterior hose faucets.

Bombardiere recommends that especially for those who are not very savvy with home maintenance, hiring a home inspector every other year can curb maintenance problems and save homeowners money in the long run.

“You take your car in for maintenance and diagnostics, you go to the doctor for a checkup--why shouldn’t you have your home checked out by a professional as well?”

HomeTeam Inspection Service featured on Brighton Pittsford Post

HomeTeam Inspection Service was recently featured on the online edition of the Brighton Pittsford Post in an article titled, "Steve Tremaine, Owner HomeTeam Inspection Service." The article features HomeTeam franchisee Steve Tremaine of Pittsford, New York. The article discusses the benefits of having your home inspected, the success that Steve has experienced with his business, and how much Steve enjoys his job. Click here to read the full article.

Steve Tremaine, Owner HomeTeam Inspection Service
By: Marlene Caroselli

American cartoonist Frank McKinney Hubbard once observed that “the fellow who owns his own home is always just coming out of a hardware store.”
 One way to avoid those frequent hardware-store trips is to have a comprehensive inspection before buying the house. And comprehensive inspections are what the HomeTeam Inspection Service is all about.

Owner Steve Tremaine is proud of the 3000+ inspections that have been done since the company started in 2001. He purchased the franchise from the HomeTeam corporate office and has proudly served Pittsford area homebuyers ever since.
(Read More)

Franchisee Profile: Mike Faulconer of Kansas City, MO

Mike Faulconer - HomeTeam Inspection Service

Location Opened in 2002.

 

Q: Before Franchising, what were you involved with?
A: “Before I got into franchising, I worked in the corporate world for 20 years. I was primarily involved with sales and marketing management. I burned out of the corporate world and wanted to go into business for myself. That’s why I decided to shop around for a new opportunity.”

Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?
A: “First of all, I looked into franchising because I wanted and needed the support. I still find it valuable to this day every day. It’s very important to have a network of colleagues to tap into. I didn’t have experience in home inspection, but I wanted something that would be an intangible service. I was thinking of something that could be a viable business in a short amount of time. I think of myself as a small business owner and entrepreneur. It just so happens my business is home inspection. Luckily, I’m good at it!”

Q: What’s your business approach?
A: “We use a team approach on every inspection. I go to each home inspection along with a subcontractor on my team. We also pull in others as needed. I’d say typically there are three of us at each home inspection, which cuts the time of the inspection down to about half.”

Q: What have been some career milestones for you/your business?
A: “Last year, we had our best year and grew about 15%. While many businesses were down, we had a banner year. We gained more market share and continue to gain market share this year. While others were losing business and getting out of the business, we continue to grow.”

Q: What are your future goals? Development plans?
A: “My goal is to continue to gain market share in my existing territory. I may add multiple teams in the future too.”

ABOUT HOMETEAM INSPECTION SERVICE:
For more than 20 years, HomeTeam Inspection Service, a 175-plus-unit home inspection franchise, has brought exceptional quality, value and dependability to the home inspection industry.  HomeTeam franchisees work with homebuyers, home sellers and real estate professionals to service home inspection needs.  Today, HomeTeam Inspection Service continues to expand throughout the United States by offering franchise opportunities.  For more information on HomeTeam Inspection Service, visit www.hometeaminspection.com.

Franchisee Profile: Ray Fonos of Pittsburgh, PA

Franchisee: Ray Fonos
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Q: What did you do before becoming a HomeTeam franchisee?
A: I spent 25 years in corporate America working in sales and service product management. I was starting to get tired of the whole corporate culture, having all the responsibility without all the power and the “more with less” mentality. When my company was bought out, I took my chance to strike out on my own.

Q: How did you learn about HomeTeam?
A: A former employee I kept in touch with owned a HomeTeam franchise and was very happy with it. He said he thoroughly enjoyed the work, and after doing some research I decided it sounded like something I would enjoy.

Q: What steps did you take to validate HomeTeam as a brand?
A: I did lots of research online into HomeTeam and its competitors, checking the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 and other resources. I ended up choosing HomeTeam because of their marketing program. None of the other brands I looked at could match the professionalism, content or quality of HomeTeam’s material.

Q: What are some career milestones for you? Is there anything unique about your business?
A: My growth has been exponential every year we’ve been open. Last year I was in the top 10 for HomeTeam franchises, and we’re set to do so again this year. Even though it’s been a tough year for the housing industry, we’ve done very well. We continue to gain market share. My strong service background enables us to deliver the highest quality service and superior customer care.

ABOUT HOMETEAM INSPECTION SERVICE:
For more than 20 years, HomeTeam Inspection Service, a 175-plus-unit home inspection franchise, has brought exceptional quality, value and dependability to the home inspection industry.  HomeTeam franchisees work with homebuyers, home sellers and real estate professionals to service home inspection needs.  Today, HomeTeam Inspection Service continues to expand throughout the United States by offering franchise opportunities.  For more information on HomeTeam Inspection Service, visit www.hometeaminspection.com.

Mold in your home, how serious is it?

Learning that mold is present in your home can be scary, but before you panic there are some things that you should know.

Mold (fungi) is present everywhere - indoors and outdoors. There are more than 100,000 species of mold. At least 1,000 species of mold are common in the U.S. and are found in moist or damp areas, as all molds need water to grow.

Mold is often confused with another fungus, mildew. Mildew is the black residue on your shower curtains and the funny smell coming from clothes that sat too long in the washer. Mold is the fuzzy or slimy stuff that sometimes grows on your counter fruit. It also appears as irregularly shaped spots of black or gray on a wall or ceiling, which is much harder to throw away than a rotting orange!

Just like mold on fruit, mold growing in a house gets its energy from organic matter. Like mildew, it is attracted to moisture and breeds in damp environments. Therefore, if a home has been exposed to any sort of water damage, it may have hidden mold. Common areas where mold hides include:

• Backsides of dry wall
• Wallpaper or paneling
• Top side of ceiling tiles
• Underside of carpets and carpet pads
• Inside walls around pipes
• Surface of walls behind furniture
• Inside ductwork
• Roof materials above ceiling tiles

Most types of mold that are routinely encountered are not hazardous to healthy individuals, however there are household molds that are toxic and can cause neurological problems. Common symptoms in individuals living in a house with mold are:

• Itchy and watering eyes
• Chronic coughing
• Headaches or migraines
• Difficulty breathing
• Rashes
• Fatigue
• Sinus problems
• Nasal blockage
• Frequent sneezing
• Depending on the amount of exposure and a person's individual vulnerability, more serious health effects - such as fevers and breathing problems - can occur but are unusual.

Mold should be cleaned as soon as it appears. Persons cleaning mold should be free of symptoms and allergies and need to wear gloves during cleaning. Small areas of mold can be cleaned using a detergent/soapy solution or an appropriate household cleaner. Once the area is cleaned, it then needs to be thoroughly dried and any sponges or rags used need to be disposed.

If a house has a severe mold problem, more likely than not that there will be a musty scent in the affected area. Some surfaces may look smudged or blotched and should not be touched.

If you suspect that your home or potential home is contaminated with mold call a professional home inspector to inspect and test the house for mold. If the home tests positive for mold, caution should be taken. Even in the event that mold can be cleaned up, purchasing mold insurance would be a wise investment to minimize financial and personal harm that could occur if mold does not get properly cleaned up.

HomeTeam featured in Louisville, KY YouTube series

Louisville, Kentucky franchisee Brian O'Rear is being featured in local realtor Mitch Thomas' video series on YouTube. In this first video, Brian explains his background, how he puts his team together, and what makes a great home inspection team. This is the first installment in a weekly series, so keep an eye out for more updates!

Local HomeTeam Inspector Appointed to TREC Inspector Advisory Committee

Texarkana owner/operator tapped for six-year term with Texas Real Estate Commission

Greg Eakin, owner and operator of HomeTeam Inspection Service in Texarkana, was recently recognized for nine years of hard work and dedication to the home inspection industry in Texas with a nomination to the Texas Real Estate Commission’s Inspector Advisory Committee. This committee draws six home inspectors from the over 3,000 registered inspectors across the state of Texas. Eakin is the second HomeTeam Inspection Service franchisee to be named to the committee, joining Curtis Carr who was appointed in 2007.

The TREC Inspector Advisory Committee provides expertise in correcting and updating the “Standards of Practice,” oversees state approved continuing education providers and classes, and enforcement for home inspectors across the state of Texas. This year, over 100 applicants applied to the prestigious position and Eakin was one of only three named to the state committee.

“I am honored and excited to be given a seat on this committee,” said Eakin. “At HomeTeam, we strive to present the most professional inspectors and provide the highest level of service to Realtors. Being appointed to the TREC is proof of how much we care about every inspection we perform.”

Establishing a successful second career after working in the manufacturing industry, Greg has served Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas for the last nine years and has brought a new level of customer satisfaction to the home inspection industry in the area. Greg and his team of inspectors are prepared to inspect everything in the home from pools to structural and mechanical systems. In addition, they also can perform testing for radon, lead paint and carbon monoxide within the home.

To get the job done faster and more thoroughly than their competitors, HomeTeam never sends an inspector to a job alone. No matter how small the inspection, clients always get at least one master and one supporting inspector. Over the past 20 years, HomeTeam has proven its methods are superior with an impressive track record and a growing base of satisfied customers across the United States.

Franchisee Profile: Mike Kalkhoff, Franchisee of Metro Detroit, MI

Opened: 1994
Location: St Clair, Macomb, Oakland, Wayne & surrounding areas in Michigan

Born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Mike Kalkhoff opened his first business, a renovation and building company, while working for the US Navy as a heating and cooling specialist on military ships. Then, in 1994, Mike decided to use his years of experience and try his hand at a different segment in the industry: home inspections. Since opening his HomeTeam Inspection Service franchise in Southeast Michigan 17 years ago, Mike and his team have become a trusted source of quality home inspections throughout metro Detroit.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?
A: I was doing research on different companies on the internet—things that would mesh well with my skill set and professional background. When I discovered HomeTeam Inspection Service and learned more about how they did their business, I knew it was a perfect fit.

Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?
A: As a heating and cooling specialist for the US Navy, I worked on military ships for 4 years, from 1973 to 1977. As a result, I knew that having extensive knowledge of heating and cooling systems, as well as my building and renovation skills, would benefit my ability to inspect homes. I think my customers appreciate that I have vast knowledge and experience of heating and cooling as well as renovation and building. It’s easier to identify issues when you know how to fix them.

Q: How do you see the brand connecting with your local community?
A: Back in the late 1990’s I used to write a column for the Grosse Pointe News called “Ask the Inspector.” People could ask me questions about issues in their homes, and I’d answer them. I’ve become a resident expert in this subject for the community, and I like being the go-to guy for any issues they’re experiencing or questions they have as homeowners. “ONE CALL DOES IT ALL.” I’m certified by the Macomb County Board of Health for Well and Septic, I provide testing for radon, pests, lead-based paint, asbestos, and other environmental concerns. I’ve also been a member of the Women’s Council Board of Realtors, promoting knowledge and growth within the industry since 1994.

Q: What have been some career milestones for you/your business?
A: The tagline I’ve always used is, “if you don’t inspect, you may regret.” I’ve brought to light the importance of home inspections within my community, and saved my fellow citizens from avoidable issues that can lead to costly, long-term damage. Also, since 1989 I’ve been a licensed realtor and a licensed builder for over 30 years. I don’t practice real estate but I can handle that angle of the business professionally and in a way that follows the code of ethics, to leave the house the way it was, to respect the person’s property, to get lock box numbers, etc. I can be the go-to guy for foreclosure properties so a realtor doesn’t have to go there. I have developed a service where I can blow air into a house to check for leaks in the plumbing—giving realtors and homeowners another tool if they get stuck in a bind and can’t get the water turned on.

Q: What are your future goals? Development plans?
A: I just recently expanded the business and brought on an additional inspector about a year ago. For now, I’m focused on making my HomeTeam Inspection Service the best it can be.

HomeTeam Inspection Service featured in The Topeka Capital-Journal

HomeTeam Inspection Service was recently featured in The Topeka Capital-Journal with an article entitled "Radon testing important for homeowners." The article was written by Anne Williamson and built from an in-depth interview with Topeka, KS HomeTeam franchisee Maurie Blick. In the article, Blick weighs in as an expert on radon, a dangerous gas that is often present in people’s homes without their knowledge. Maurie discusses everything from the importance of testing for radon in your home, to how to lower your levels if radon is indeed detected, to how much it costs and what must be done to carry out these tests. Click here to view the full article.

Radon testing important for homeowners
By ANNE WILIAMSON, Jan. 28, 2011

Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers, and January is National Radon Action Month.

Maurie Blick, with HomeTeam Inspection in Topeka, recently answered a few questions about radon.

What is radon?

(Read More)

HomeTeam featured in the Chicago Tribune

A recent article in the Chicago Tribune discussed how potential home owners can avoid making big mistakes when buying houses. In it, multiple home-owners give entertaining and informative descriptions of the various issues they encountered when buying their first homes. Greg Haskett weighs in as the expert source of information, as Vice President of Services for HomeTeam Inspection, an Ohio-based national franchise. Check out a portion of the article below or read the full story here.

Scary first-time buyer mistakes and how to avoid them

New or old, every home has issues, said Greg Haskett, vice president of the Milford, Ohio-based HomeTeam Inspection, a national franchise.

"It's not if the house has a defect, but whether you want to buy it with that defect," he said. "Hiring a home inspector tells what you are buying."

Drainage issues, aging roofs, improperly built decks, inadequate attic insulation and defective drywall top the list of problems his inspectors find, said Haskett. When red flags arise, he said, an inspector brings in specialists who advise the buyer on specifics, such as lead-paint testing.

"It's not necessarily that the house had a 'bad' builder; his reputation may be OK," said Haskett. "But the builder may have had a bad sub who used a substandard product." (Read More)

Why Now Is the Right Time To Franchise with HomeTeam Inspection Service?

By Greg Haskett, Vice President of Shared Services

Many might think that now is the wrong time to get into franchising. The economy is suffering, the real estate market is in the dumps and people think, “Why would I start a business in this type of volatile market?”

But, now is exactly the right time to jump on board. Why? First, the market is only going up. Now is the time to establish your new business as a legitimate business so that when the market bounces back, your business will already be known, your service will already speak for itself and in the height of it all, you will capitalize much more than starting afresh in a stable economy.

Second, the home inspection industry is becoming more professional every day. If we look back to 1994, 25% of homes were inspected prior to the sale of the home. Now, 90% of all homes are inspected prior to the sale. Home inspectors are becoming a necessary asset for the homeowners, homebuyers and Realtors; home inspectors are an extension of the Realtor’s team. In addition, home inspectors are required to be licensed in 35 states and the remaining 15 states are putting laws in place to require licensing for home inspectors. This industry is becoming more professional by the day and the sale of 90% of homes in the US rely on home inspectors.

Finally, additional services are emerging within the home inspection industry that create additional revenue streams for the inspectors. These services include radon testing, mold testing, energy audits, water testing, lead testing, storm assessments and more.

Though opening a new business in a down economy may seem tough, HomeTeam Inspection Service supports new franchisees before, during and after the opening to ensure success. Over the next two weeks, we’ll discuss our Fast Start and The Academy programs which are support programs to help new franchisees from the time they become a franchisee through the first year of operation.