How was HomeTeam Inspection Service originally conceived and started?
Our president and founder, Paul Spires, began performing inspections in the Greater Cincinnati area in 1990. His initial concept of a team of inspectors that completes the inspection both faster and better than a single inspector, coupled with unmatched professionalism in what was a rather fragmented industry, created tremendous growth and demand. Paul began franchising in 1993 just as the industry was beginning to gather momentum.
What was the original vision for HomeTeam?
To meet a need by performing quality, whole-house inspections.
How has that changed over time?
It has changed many times over the years, from increasing the professionalism to staying ahead of the curve, to ensuring the service was a benefit to all parties of the real estate transaction, to performing revenue-generating and valuable additional services, to ultimately a vision of providing a franchise support system that protects our valued franchise partner so they in turn can protect their families. This vision is a natural fit for an industry that is all about serving and protecting families.
What do you believe is the single most important factor when choosing a franchise?
That the concept aligns with your personal beliefs and values. You should love the concept, believe in it with all your soul, and know that you are partnering with like-minded individuals within the franchise systemindividuals from both the home office staff and existing franchise owners.
Why should someone choose HomeTeam Inspection Service over other similar franchises?
The team concept is unique in our industry. We offer something on a large scale that no one else in the industry offers. The concept of multiple inspectors onsite has benefits that go well beyond that single inspection team. No other concept in the industry has the potential to grow and provide for the franchise owners family like the HomeTeam team concept does.
What makes the home inspections industry attractive?
Our service is something that people will always need. It is not a fad or an opportunity that is here one day and gone the next. The home inspection industry is perhaps the least susceptible to downturns in the real estate market than all other real estate related services.
What types of qualities do you look for in potential franchisees?
Team players, self-starters, leaders, managers, networkers, people who can see a greater good by providing a valuable service at a critical point in the purchase of a home.
What do your franchise fees and royalties cover?
- Largest protected territory in industry
- Fast Start program & Academy Program
- Industry-leading technology solutions.
How do territories work for your franchisees?
Our protected territories are the largest in the home inspection industry. It is a marketing territory as you build relationships with local real estate professionals and are permitted to perform inspections wherever they send you.
Why has the HomeTeam franchise model been successful?
The team concept is a superior concept for the right individual who desires to grow a significant business. It is superior in operational, financial, and philosophical aspects.
Where do you see your franchise in 5 years and 10 years?
Continuing to grow, with new franchise partners each and every year; providing ongoing support to help grow individual businesses.
What is your favorite advice for new franchisees to help them succeed?
Stay the course. We have a proven model of success that not only the home office constantly teaches, but that successful HomeTeam franchise owners attest to as well. We’ve traveled the franchise road and know how to react to the hurdles.
What would you tell potential franchisees that may be nervous about the financial burdens of starting a franchise?
First of all, understand that this is an investment for your future. We understand the nature and the extent of the investment, and we know the expected end. Let’s work out a budget and a plan to stay the course so you can one day realize the full reward of the investment.
Can you explain your financial assistance?
For qualified prospects, we will finance up to 40 percent of the initial franchise fee at a low interest rate.
On average, how long does it take to start a new franchise from the franchisees point of view?
Anywhere from 4 to 16 weeks, depending on the licensing requirements of your area and how quickly you can devote full-time to the startup.
Do you have any franchisee testimonials or success stories that you would like to share?
"I looked at franchise opportunities for nearly ten years prior to joining HomeTeam. Other home inspection franchises offered similar low overhead and low startup costs, but I found HomeTeam’s ‘team approach’ to home inspections was a superior and unique model. It sets us apart from all others and has allowed my company to experience phenomenal growtheven in the housing market of the last few years.
It was also very important to me that the corporate staff and the franchisees have the same team mindset. This has been critical in our success."
-Brian O’Rear, Louisville, KY
"I started a HomeTeam home inspection franchise back in 1994 after being in a non-related field in New York. I knew nothing about the home inspection industry but was impressed with the HomeTeam business model. We were the first franchise in the state of Florida and now own 5 territories within the greater Tampa Bay area.
I went with the franchise approach because it eliminated the learning curve. The HomeTeam home inspection franchise has the best marketing program in the industrythe advice they provide is worth every penny. Their concept has allowed me to have quality time with my family and travel the world while still making money."
-Mitchell Rothenberg, Tampa, FL