HomeGauge News Alert February 2009
HG 4.2! | HG Website | Home Systems | Branding | Bilingual Template | News | Tip
- Includes pdf forms capability for pest control reports, Florida wind loss, HUD forms (fee per pdf form), and more!
- Includes a free sketch tool for drawing foundation footprints, roofs, etc.
- Includes easy sub folder selection for access to more pictures or line drawings!
It’s a free upgrade for HG Services users or those already using version 4.
HomeGauge delivers a new website with fresh content!
Please review it and leave us your feedback. Put your comments on any page on our website! We have added a comment window at the bottom of most pages.
Our seller's inspection program gets a face lift.
Review it from the seller’s perspective, agent's perspective, and the inspector’s perspective.
Featured Inspector: (visit page)
We have added a special place to recognize inspectors (HG folks) who are having success or have a special niche in the inspection industry. It’s great marketing for the featured inspector, as he can link to it from his website. It’s also international exposure for the featured inspector and helps other inspectors in the industry. So, we know we have many great inspectors out there and we would love to hear from you. Please email me for more info. Meanwhile, please help me congratulate our Featured Inspector by posting on the page!
New marketing tips for home inspectors
We are adding new marketing tips to this page, so check here often.
Agents can get repeat business with HomeGauge Services! (visit page)
Over 300 agents added their picture and changed their tagline in just the first 5 days after adding this feature. Now you can offer agents “Repeat Business” — go tell 'em.
New report look is available! (See a sample)
HG 4.2 users can get it at the print settings window — choose Format 3 Gradient.
New Inspector Dashboard for HG Services
The new Inspector Dashboard gives you quick access to all your HG Services! At a glance see stats on your reports, online agreements, open balances, appointments, and more. If you are not using HG Services, why not add more professionalism, better report delivery, and branding of your company name! Sign up right now!
Now it’s your turn!
We said we were revamping our website, and we did. Are you with us? You can build your own website using the HomeGauge Services (sign in at HomeGauge.com, then click on the "My Website" link). Or, if you're too busy, HomeGauge builds websites that you can edit for only $299, and just $15 a month thereafter. Call us right now and with HG Services you can have buyers and agents coming to your website for their inspection report. See some we did for others.
HomeGauge integrates with Home Systems Illustrated!
The Home Systems Illustrated book and CD includes 1100 line drawings, organized in folders. With the new sub folders feature in HG 4.2, you can now quickly choose only those drawings that pertain to the inspection item! Get more information here.
Lindsay Mefford of Mr. Fixit with Russell Buchanan of HomeGauge at the ASHI Inspection World 2009 convention
More branding of your company name!
Now buyers and agents can see your company logo in the header of their uploaded reports (for HG Services users). This is above your report where customers and agents can decide to print, see the summary, etc. To add your logo to your uploaded reports header, sign in and click on "Settings and Options", then on the “Company Description Information” link. You can also pick the top border color by choosing your company display color on that same page.
Spanish bilingual template now available!
HomeGauge now offers a bilingual Spanish/English template for non-Spanish speaking inspectors! While there is no substitution for the ability to speak Spanish, you can still offer a better report for the Spanish speaking community. Be a Spanish friendly inspector and add this template and service to your business.
Get more information and see a sample report.
HomeGauge sales in January increased from November/December sales, and a strong February is underway. The HomeGauge staff remains intact and our development efforts to provide cutting edge services are advancing forward as planned! Now, more than ever, is a great time to use HG Services to prepare your business for the New Year!
The next trend ... Energy Inspections?
HomeGauge is looking into the development of energy audit software that will provide measurement calculations for those considering the energy business. Currently in HG you can create your own template, use thermal images and report. The new software would incorporate measurement and comparison of air exchanges in the home and offer a remedy. Inspectors should seriously consider whether or not they should get more training and become an energy rater. Russell and Sean plan to attend the Resnet Conference in New Orleans this weekend to learn more (see their site).
HG attended ASHI Inspection World 2009 in Orlando!
Once again it was a high energy show with professional inspectors from all over the states. While the turnout was lower than normal (around 400 by my count), and some trimming of extras due to the economy (last year in New Orleans they rented out the entire New Orleans Aquarium), this show was well organized, had huge breakfast buffets each morning, and had a free open bar at the exhibitor’s reception and the President's Gala. The ASHI staff was exceptional as always and eager to cater to the vendors. Thank you ASHI for realizing that vendor’s plays a significant role in providing your national association members with quality products and services at a reasonable price! With first class treatment of its vendors, ASHI demonstrates mature leadership and direction. HomeGauge is proud to have been part of the ASHI IW 2009 convention. I strongly recommend all inspectors from all associations to plan to attend ASHI’s next event in Las Vegas in January 2010. Mark it on your calendar and see for yourself!
Frank Cooper and Jerry Simmons of ASHI Georgia
Barbara holding the Krawler at the ASHI IW 2009 conference
Russell of HomeGauge recommends the Krawler: I highly recommend the Krawler. I have had one for a year now to demo and it is very strong, comfortable, and keeps your knees clean. It also adds mobility to most crawlspaces. They are offering a discount during February for all HomeGauge folks. Go to their website.
Add your service counties to the HomeGauge search
At the HG website people can search for inspectors by zip/postal code and city. HG displays results automatically from your set zip code. However, buyers can also search by county. You need to specify which counties
you work in to take advantage of this feature. Login to HomeGauge.com, go to "Settings and Options" and then select the "Update Searchable Counties" link.
Until next time,
Russell Buchanan
HomeGauge, President
russell@HomeGauge.com
877-274-4299
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