Becoming a Better Communicator
When you think of what being a home inspector involves, what first comes to your mind? Perhaps you think of the ability to: inspect every part of a home, get into tight crawlspaces, and find potential big and small problem areas. Do you think about the necessity of being a good communicator?
Why is being a good communicator important for a home inspector? What are some ways to be a better communicator? Let’s discuss the importance of communication!
Why Is Good Communication Important?
In general, good communication is vital so all parties involved feel satisfied and accomplished. Good communication helps avoid misunderstandings, which in turn decreases conflict.
As a home inspector, you want your clients to benefit from your good communication from beginning to end. Whether it is a home buyer, seller, or a real estate agent, the client should clearly understand what information they are receiving from you.
For a home buyer or seller, of course it’s great if you can make a thorough and accurate assessment of the property, but that does no good to them if they don’t clearly understand your findings. Poor communication can actually make the situation way more stressful and frustrating than it needs to be.
As for realtors, they are busy people. If they do not get information from you in a timely manner, trust may be broken and business lost. Forget about getting referrals for other clients!
Good communication will help you stand out in your profession. It will help build your clients’ trust in you, and that will lead to referrals, which will help you make a success of your business. So, what are some ways to be a better communicator?
How to Be a Better Communicator
An initial way to be a good communicator is through your website. When a client first gets on your site, is it clear what services you offer and how to contact you? Is there an email address and phone number readily available? And when a client makes first contact, are you quick to respond, or do you take a few days to get back to them? Do you make it clear what your inspection prices and how and when payment needs to be made?
Another area of importance is the actual inspection. If the client is following you on the inspection, be sure to clearly explain issues that you see. Some issues may seem more serious than they really are, and you don’t want to cause unnecessary panic in your client. When the inspection is complete, be sure to send them a clear and detailed report in a timely manner.
Over-communication is better than lack of communication. Be sure that appointment dates and times are clear to all involved, the buyer, seller, and real estate agent. Send confirmation emails as reminders. If there is a conflict with your schedule, communicate that as soon as possible.
Also, be a good listener. Listen to your clients’ questions. Be respectful, even during the times a homeowner or realtor may say things that might not make sense or they question your judgment. Make your client feel important, and this will help them develop trust in you.
Good Communication Is Vital
Good relationships are formed through good communication. Good communication helps all parties involved to understand each other and the process. It helps avoid misunderstandings and limits frustrating situations.
As home inspectors, it is essential to be a good communicator if you want your business to thrive. Let’s all look for areas we can improve!