Welcome to the March edition of the Network News!

Hello Everyone!

From the Latin word “hiberno,” meaning, “to spend the winter”, I hope that all of you are slowly venturing out of hibernation mode, especially from the winter weather we’ve been experiencing! To this I say, “Spring forward, and the snow can go back!”

This month’s issue is chock full of helpful articles for growing your business. So clean the sleep out of your eyes, and focus in on some of our featured articles. In this issue, we will explore a good way to acquire new clients, and create stronger working relationships with agents through your participation in a first time buyer seminar.

As you are all aware, the weather can sometimes be hazardous to you as a home inspector, so please be safe when driving to your next appointment and walking around icy properties. Speaking of hazards, why not have a glance at the article regarding tankless water heaters that were recalled due to a potential hazard.

A keen eye is a helpful tool for the industry that you are in, so let us put our hands together for last month’s winner of the Photo contest, Mr. Calvin McCafferty, of Caltech Consulting Limited, in Kingston, Nova Scotia. His photo reminded me of the famous “Stonehenge”, but funny enough, a smaller version of it appeared in someone’s basement!

I have been hearing through the grapevine that some of you are suddenly moving into a busier schedule, while others are still clearing the snow off of their moisture meters, preparing for the rush!

So on that note, I am hoping that all of you have a plentiful spring season of inspections!

As always, we’re happy to hear from you, and I can be reached at 1-800-268-7070 ext 232 or by email at carrieann@carsondunlop.com.

Sincerely,

Carrie-Ann Methe
Customer Service Coordinator
Carson Dunlop & Associates
800-268-7070
carrieann@carsondunlop.com

Technical Articles

Technical Article - 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, 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 learn more on other advertising strategies and methods, please refer to “Building Your Home Inspection Business – A guide to marketing, sales, advertising, and public relations.”

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

Success Breeds Success

Part of Carson Dunlop’s commitment to every Home Reference Book user is to ensure a quality report for you to use in your business, along with providing as many business and marketing solutions to you as possible. It is always a good feeling when we have the pleasure of welcoming new Home Reference Book users that have put their trust in that commitment. It is my pleasure to announce the following new Home Reference Book users to our Network:

• Roy Fast, Ontario
• Ryan Beecroft, Ontario
• Trevor Ellis, Ontario
• Kevin Sloan, Ontario

Special offer - Sales Special - Save 33% on The Illustrated Home in March!

The Illustrated Home Book with CD ROM is the most impressive collection of detailed illustrations that you'll ever see, taken from the equally impressive Carson Dunlop Home Inspection Training Program.

The Illustrated Home Book and CD ROM contain over 1500 professionally drawn illustrations, relating to all of the major systems in the home that are technically precise. From roofing and structural details to diagrams demonstrating electrical wiring defects, a picture is worth a thousand words. Images are stored at 300dpi, which means they are photo print quality for use anywhere.

This month we are offering to our Report Writing Community the Illustrated Home Book with CD ROM for a low price of $195 (Retail Price: $295). That is a savings of $100!

To order your Illustrated Home Book with CD ROM, Email or call Carrie-Ann at 1-800-268-7070 ext. 232.

"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 student in the Seneca Home Inspection Program and future home inspector.