- Industry Q & A

We recently sat down with Greg Haskett of HomeTeam Inspection Service, to talk about the home services industry and the role his franchise plays in it.

Why is the home services industry a great industry to start a business in today?

We provide a service 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 has proven it is perhaps the least susceptible to downturns in the real estate market than all other real estate related services.

How has the industry changed in the last 10-20 years? 

There has been an increased level of expectation on home inspectors in recent years, and this trend is continuing. It's a trend fueled by a greater percentage of homes being inspected, widespread licensing of home inspectors, the ups and downs of real estate over the past few years and, of course, the amount of information available on the Internet and social media.

What trends do you see in your industry over the next 5 years?  Next 10 years? 

We see national companies continuing to separate themselves from the pack through superior inspections, standout branding efforts, and the ability to introduce advanced technology.

What is the biggest concern about the home inspection industry that a franchisee candidate should be aware of and investigate? 

Industries have ups and downs. The housing market issues that began in 2008 exposed the under performers in all real estate related fields. This included home inspectors.  It was the practitioners in all fields who refused to compromise their quality of service or take the easy way out that not only survived the housing recession, but thrived during it. We don't know when the next challenge will occur, but we do know, without a doubt, that exhibiting professionalism and growing the business smartly will keep us ahead of that proverbial curve.

Why do you think your company stands out in the industry? 

HomeTeam begins with a team concept that is superior in all facets. It's our goal to match ourselves with prospects who are willing to grow and create equity for themselves rather than settling for a smaller business in an industry that is already flooded with them. 

What makes HomeTeam Inspection Service more attractive than your competitor's? 

Our team concept, as well as our superior branding and use of technology.  Additionally, we have the largest territories in the industry and our total fees for royalties and advertising are among the lowest.

Describe your ideal candidate. Do you think your requirements are any different than your competitor's? 

HomeTeam's ideal candidate is willing to grow a substantial business, without settling for a lesser level that's easy to achieve in the industry. They are a proven self-starter who is searching for a feasible way to begin a new business. Driven and positively impatient, this person seeks out and dominates high-demand and high-performance situations.

What's the strongest skill you require in a candidate?  

Since we work as a team, we want team leaders, strong and effective managers, and relationship builders.

Describe the working environment of your franchisees.  Is your environment typical of other companies in your industry? 

Most of our franchise owners continue to work from home, but a "main street" office is also an excellent option.  We go to our clients' homes and we become part of the real estate community.  The environment is an exciting and joyous one as you engage in one of the most important times in people's livesanother of the greatest understated benefits of our industry.

Why has HomeTeam been successful? 

HomeTeam is fortunate enough to have a great combination of caring home office staff and franchise partners.  As a result, we have very strong relationships with our franchise partners. This has fostered trust, excellent communication and a drive to make us all better, which helps improve the lives of our owners, our owners' employees, their clients and referral partners.

What advice would you give someone interested in buying a franchise in the home services industry?  

Understand what truly drives your business forward.  Sure, you and your team must provide high quality inspections (no one succeeds without that), but it is the connections and relationships you build with your referral sources, the community at large and with your clients in two-hour segments that will make the true difference.  Home inspections present opportunities to educate. You and your team members are constantly teaching, and our most successful owners have a personality that enjoys seeing others learn and succeed. They know, deep within, that if they focus on others, success is not only imminent, but far greater success than ever imagined is possible. 

How much experience in the industry should a franchisee candidate have? 

You do not need to have previous home inspection, construction or engineering experience. This is a learned and trained profession.