What a client thinks

Recent comment in the Lowe's Mover Thank You guest book: " We used Chris Hilton to do our home inspection and found him extremely responsive to the critical deadlines within the contract/closing. Further - he was very thorough in pointing out major and minor issues with the property. His price wasn't bad either. WH

What a "Sellers" agent thinks

This morning I awoke to a text message from Facebook on my I-phone about a posting on my wall from a listing agent concerning an inspection conducted for the buyer on her listing. That sounds ominous.

"Chris, Thanks so much for the Home Inspection on my listing in Buena Vista...Older homes can be a problem...My Sellers were very impressed with your expertise and we are moving forward with the closing of this home.... Thanks Again!!"

Here was the comment I left:

"Thanks (agent's name), it's very nice to receive kind words from a "listing agent" on a buyers inspection. Inspecting older homes can be very stressful for all concerned. My love for older homes usually shows through in my inspections. However, its the home that makes the difference. This home was well constructed from the beginning through its additions. Yes, there were a few issues but they are manageable considering the exceptional base to work from."

I didn't think it appropriate to use the agent's name here without permission. However, it is on my Facebook wall time line if you are curious. 

What a client thinks

I just stumbled on this review written by an unknown client in Google places on June 23, 2011 with FIVE stars: 

"So glad we chose Mr. Hilton as our home inspector. He's SO knowledgeable and informative. We got more than our money's worth -- learned SO much. We felt very comfortable with him and free to ask any and all questions we had. And his report was very detailed and informative as well, with drawings and links to further explanations of issues that were found. And his website/blog has been really informative as well. He really was 'unbiased,' not telling us "what we wanted to hear," nor did he make his discoveries seem so "alarming" as to scare us away from going forward. We'd HIGHLY recommend him to any buyer or realtor!"

This was my response:  Thanks, I just noticed this posting (January 25th 2012). Must not be paying attention. Probably a good thing so my head doesn't swell up. I try hard, it's great to know the effort is appreciated. Chris D. Hilton

What a client thinks

Unsolicited comment from a recent client:

I was recently involved with inspection of a large home completely enveloped in EIFS (Synthetic Stucco) which has been a serious concern for many years. As part of that inspection Emory Widener, an EIFS inspector, was involved in a survey of the condition of the EIFS wall system discovering moisture damage and areas of concern. Here are exerts from an e-mail addressed to Emory and I received from that client:

"I would like to inform you two gentlemen that I have gone ahead and now made the Earnest Money Deposit … Thus, I will be buying the house.

I'm sure that especially you, Chris, will find this piece of news interesting, given that you kindly took a lot of your personal time to share your thoughts with me and to write out for me your advice on the whole matter of the EFIS.  Emory, you too spent a good amount of time with me on the phone one morning, about this same issue.  I thank you both wholeheartedly for your time and your willingness to share your honest and professional views so that I could come to a decision made with confidence and without great anxiety.

Fellows, I so much appreciate any of your personal time that you two could give me regarding this matter.

As always, my best regards to you!"

What do you think, should I feel good? Does that sound like a "deal killer" to you?

A Builders Opnion

You do know that builders do not like home inspectors, right? Check out what a builder said about me:

“The quality of a home or building inspection is determined by the experience of the inspector. Chris' vast experience as a general contractor and as a inspector make him one of the most knowledgeable inspectors around. I highly recommend Chris as an inspector both for his hands on knowledge of correct construction techniques as well as his experience inspecting multitudes of homes and buildings."

Find that difficult to fathom? See it here

What a client thinks

Unsolicited comment from a recent client:

"Thanks so much Chris, you have been the only cog in this process thus far that has demonstrated exceptional customer service and professionalism!"

Now, that made my day!

What a client thinks

Unsolicited comment from a recent client:

I know I already thanked you but I want to reiterate both from myself and my family (who are in the real estate business) our gratitude for your work. This inspection and report is one of the most professional, detailed, and well presented documents that we have ever seen. I hope to be able to use you again in the future and will certainly be an evangelist when it comes to recommending you.