We’ve just returned from another Conference – this time the NAHI Conference in Las Vegas, and it was good to see some of our Horizon partners there! We conducted an Exclusive Horizon Presentation that was well attended, and we are happy to have a few new Horizon partners on board with us!

Anticipation of the Spring Real Estate market is certainly in the air now! The housing market is performing differently from market to market, but overall the feedback seems to be moderately positive about the real estate activity levels. Make sure you are actively working your agent and client database now to help you ensure a solid spring season.

We are in the process of completing a comprehensive review of Horizon, mostly through a number of customer focus groups and email surveys. We are digesting the feedback now – which by the way was just fantastic in terms of quality, quantity and the positive nature of it all! Our next step will be to review and assess the feedback, and formulate some positive enhancements that will benefit our Horizon Partners and their customers. More information to follow shortly.

We encourage all of you to take advantage of our FREE Webinars (details below), as you’ll learn some important user skills and tips and tricks to make your Horizon experience the best it can be!

Thanks and Happy Inspecting!

John Kwasnik
Senior Horizon Consultant
1 800 268 7070
info@discoverhorizon.com

Horizon quote:
“ Inventing is a combination of brains and materials. The more brains you use, the less material you need. ”
- Charles Kettering, inventor

HORIZON Special Offer for March 2007 - Win one of 4 Shell Gas cards – Valued at $50US Each!

For the month of March, we’re offering all of our Horizon Partners the chance to win one of 4 Shell Gasoline gift cards! Every 10 credits purchased during this month gives you 1 ballot, and you’ll be automatically entered into our grand prize draw!

Call or email us for contest details.

Prize Winners

Congratulations! - February draw for 4 Maglite Flash Lights.

Winner 1 - Sam Elias
Winner 2 - Kevin Campbell
Winner 3 - Larry Vernon
Winner 4 - Jim Ruether

Horizon Tip

Market your business using a Horizon report!

Using a Horizon report as a sample to show homebuyers and agents is a great marketing tool. Take one of your Horizon reports, and using a made-up client name and inspection address, print a full copy of your report. A copy center will bind the report with a clear plastic cover, and now you have a fantastic looking report to show your clients as a sample of what they will receive at the end of their inspection. A great way to cement client relationship and ensure repeat business!

Technical Articles

Technical Article #1 - Tankless Water Heaters Recalled for Repair Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard

In the United States, in cooperation with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, and in Canada, in cooperation with CSA International, Rheem Manufacturing Company (Rheem) and Paloma Industries, Inc. have voluntarily initiated the Recall to Repair because certain components inside the water heater may shift during transit, causing an air filter door switch to operate improperly. If the switch fails and the air filter door is out of place, the water heater may continue to operate and dust and lint could build up, posing a carbon monoxide poisoning hazard. Read more... 

Building Your Business

The First Time Buyers Seminar – Part 1 of 2!

Have you ever been asked by an agent in your referral network to sponsor or present at a first time buyers seminar? Have you introduced the concept of a first time buyer seminar to an agent?

This is an excellent way to re-enforce your relationship with your referring agent, while creating a marketing opportunity that is directed straight at the consumer. With that being said however, it is important that you earn a proper return on your investment. Who pays for the event? How do you make a meaningful contribution, and what makes a successful seminar?

In this first part of a two part series, we will explore the value in participating in these types of seminars, and what elements contribute to a successful outcome. Next month, we will look more closely at your principal elements of the presentation, and how to approach agents about participating in first time buyer seminars.

Click here to view article #1

To order this book, call us at 1-800-268-7070 ext 251 or email us at education@carsondunlop.com.

On-Line Tutorials - Would you like to work smarter and faster?

Receive 2 FREE credits while you’re at it!

Horizon offers convenient and informative Webinar tutorials on a variety of topics, in order for you to enrich your Horizon experience with new skills that you can use right away, focusing on your business. These online tutorials are designed to help you get more out of Horizon, all from the comfort of your own home or office! Read More...

Reciprocal Links & Report Library

Reciprocal links or link exchange is a great way to increase traffic to your site. Let your customers find you faster, easier.

Why exchange links?

• Increased link popularity = Increased search engine ranking
• Traffic to your web site from your links on other sites
• Swap links and build partnership with other webmasters

Not a programmer? Don't have enough time?
Our team will do it for you, FREE!

Want to do it yourself? No problem, Click here to get started.

Your website will be active in our directory quickly.

No Website? - No Worries!

Introducing InspectorsEdge.com – Special Introductory Offer!

No website? No Problem! We’ve teamed up with our long time marketing partner, Neglia Design, to develop another excellent, value added business tool for our Horizon Partners. InspectorsEdge is an affordable and easy to use website builder, with everything you need to market your business professionally.

Click here to find out more!

Horizon Update - February 22nd

Just in case you haven’t noticed, we have updated the sidebar that appears on the right of your Horizon screens. We have removed the picture and replaced it with an information bar containing 3 links that we will be updating weekly:

• Our Favourite ‘My Items’
• Horizon Tips and Tricks
• Horizon Updates
  

"Even trees and snow wouldn't limit your inspection of this chimney. Perhaps the next step is to brace it to the tree. Okay, maybe not!"

Picture was taken by Jody Breen, a Seneca student and future home inspector.

Please send us your most unusual or humorous inspection photo for this month, along with a brief description. Submissions will be posted in the next edition of the Network News. A prize will be awarded for the most original submission!

Thank you for your participation. All photos can be emailed to graham@carsondunlop.com.