Granite Slab industry · Brownsville, OR · Member since 2015 · 11 posts · 0 votes
What's up y'all, this is my first post ever on Bigger Pockets. I'm considering taking a job as a home inspector and transitioning out of the granite fabrication/installation , kitchen and bath remodel field that I've been in for 18 years. I've been studying real estate investing and researching markets in the Eugene, Oregon area for the last 6 months. I'm planning to make my first purchase within the next 6 months. My thought is that working as a home inspector could be a good way to become proficient in understanding property values in this region and also building a better understanding of repair estimates. Does anyone have any experience in this or an opinion one way or the other? Thanks!
What are your long term real estate goal? Are planning to flip houses, rent, or something else?
I think any skill related to real estate investment is a boon. Becoming a home inspector opens up new doors. The fact that you already have kitchen and bath remodeling experience is also a great advantage.
However, I think you should consider where the job fits in the long run. This will help you decide whether it's a good fit.
@John Miller Hi and welcome to BP. I am here in the Eugene area as well, but all my REI is out of state. I think your idea of becoming a home inspector is very interesting. You'll certainly learn a lot more about what to look for in a good investment property. All best on your REI journey.
Alberto, I'm still working out the long term goals and the strategy to get there. Certainly financial independence is a piece of the long term goal. I'm focusing right now on understanding buy and hold investing which will include rehabbing. I think flipping will probably happen pretty naturally as well. Right now I'm waiting to hear about the home inspector position and working on my personal budget and just learning as much as I can about REI every day. Thanks for the comment! - John
Well I have a 3rd interview tomorrow for the home inspection job. I'm excited to see how it goes and hopefully take the job. It will mean that I'll be interacting with realtors and home buyers regularly. I think that the networking possibilities will be huge. We'll see what happens!
I'm actually in the process of doing the same as you. I just applied to a home inspector position here in Fairfield, CT. The plan is to learn some things about inspecting homes and estimating rehab costs while saving up some money. My longer term goal is to flip houses.
Did you end up getting the job? If so, how has it been so far?
I agree that working as a home inspector is a great way to keep your pulse on the market. I always chat with buyers and agents about the market and I learn a ton doing so.
So I did the 2nd interview a little over a week ago and the owner called me a couple days ago to set up a ride along which essentially is a 3rd interview I guess? I'll be accompanying him from start to finish on an inspection. I didn't realize it was going to be such a process but, I think it will be worth it. That is happening this Thursday so I'll post an update after that. I've also been narrowing down my buying criterial do seeing some exciting opportunities in my area. I excited to get into this REI lifestyle.
@Gene Hacker, I was already interested in getting into home inspections to learn a bit more about analyzing a deal and estimating rehab costs, but since you do it and speak of all the benefits, it makes me want to do it more!
I applied for a house inspector position, however, it went to someone more qualified. I really don't have much experience with inspections. I have done simple renovations and home repair, but that's as far as it goes. Do you have any suggestions that would increase my chances of getting a job as a home inspector?
Consider joining InterNACHI. You can take online classes on all aspects of building science. You can work to become certified. I think that would go a long way with any inspection firm looking to hire.
I did the ride along yesterday and, it went well. We inspected a 3500 sq. ft. home built in the early 90's. It was actually in really good shape so the inspection was fairly easy. I have to do one more ride along with the senior inspector in the company before I know if I'll land the job or not. Sounds like I'm competing with one other guy for the job. It's been about 2 month process so far.
Chad, Gene's advice sounds solid, anything you can do to familiarize yourself with construction components and terminology will give you a better shot at becoming an inspector. If I don't get the job I may be looking at other ways of getting licensed and finding work with another company. In that case I'll probably be taking genes advice as well. :-)
alrighty! Well I got the job! I won't actually start until after New Year's Day. But they have it set up so that I can get my inspectors license while I wrap things up at my current job. This will allow me to start at a better pay rate as well. I'm pretty excited because I know I'll be meeting lots of people in pro real estate circles and my work schedule will be more conducive to giving me time and energy to build up the REI business while working full time. A new chapter in life is soon to begin!