HomeGauge News Alert July 2009
More HG Services Benefits | Energy Services | July Specials | Upcoming Events | Growth
More HomeGauge Services Benefits!
HomeGauge Services adds more benefits for the inspector and their agents, with automated feedback through a survey (Gauge) at each inspection. Now, when the buyer and agent view their uploaded report, they can Gauge the inspector. The results are stored online for the inspector to view at any time, and are calculated using the Net Promoter Score (more on this below). The inspector (the only person who sees the feedback) can use the positive comments for his website and advertising, and use the negative comments to improve his company. Overwhelmingly it has been positive for the inspectors. Some of the negative feedback that comes through tends to reflect an inspector's habits or actions — this type of feedback can be used to assist the personal and professional growth of the inspector. Some examples of negative feedback were: smokers breath, smoking while inspecting (even outside), not making enough eye contact with both buyers (the woman was disappointed the inspector did not acknowledge her), the contract agreement was longer than the inspection report, too many pictures and not enough comments (and vice versa where the buyer wanted pictures, but the inspector didn't use any/enough). These negative comments were extremely low compared to overall positive feedback. Even the inspectors who received some negative feedback also received positive comments from others. Having this feature can do a lot in helping you improve your company’s image as well as "reducing" your liability. It allows the unhappy customer to vent, and also notifies you that it is taking place. A proper and early reaction from the inspector can go a long way toward correcting or resolving the complaint. This automated feature, if used to improve your company, can be one of the strongest advantages you have among your competition. It can also warn you — report is too long, too short, not enough comments, not enough pictures, offensive actions or behaviors — things that can destroy your business, one complaint at a time. This feature alone is worth using HG Services! Since its release just weeks ago, over 3000 surveys were filled out by buyers and agents!
HG Rocks! The proof is in the Net Promoter Score
HG added the Gauge (survey) feature for itself as well, allowing inspectors and agents to give feedback on HG. So far, over 1000 agents have left feedback. HG's overall average score is 9.4 out of 10, with an NPS of 81.9. NPS is your % of Promoters (those who rate you 9-10) minus your % of Detractors (those who rate you 0-6), discarding all of those who rate you 7 or 8. NPS is not a percentage, but the difference of the 2 percentages. This should give you a number for predictable growth, with a 50 and up being a good score. HomeGauge Services’s NPS score of 81.9 is much higher than most big name companies. HomeGauge Services Rock!
Learn more about Net Promoter Score.
Add HomeGauge Services to your company now!
More new HG Services improvements you want to know about:
- We improved the agents' (including banks and lenders) report page, adding a link they can click on to get to a report that you made public. This request is a result of sellers’ inspections, short sells and lenders. It is a simple way for them to copy the URL and use it as a link on their website listing.
- We added a send 3rd party email link for agents and buyers to use at their uploaded report. If you did not set the permission to allow this function, then the letter is sent to you automatically. This allows you to control the forwarding of a report and add personalized service. At the same time, it affords you the opportunity to stay in communication with the agent. Did you know you can forward a report (and more) using most smart phones? HG mobile
- We improved the feature for inspectors to add a username to the report after it has been uploaded.
UPDATE: Since we added the marketing feature for your agents, to include their picture at the uploaded report, we have had 2,348 agents insert their picture and info. This is without contacting them at all. Many of you can use this marketing tool as a valid reason for contacting your existing and new agents! Let your agents know that you can offer them possible “Repeat Business” by using your company and HG Services. See the example letter you can use. Send agents to this link for more info:
http://homegauge.com/real-estate-pro/repeat-business.html
WOW! 35 new templates for the website builder!
Those of you using our website builder now have 35 new looks to choose from. It’s fun and easy to give your website a fresh look. $15 a month gets you a website that you can edit yourself, with email and hosting included. Not bad when you consider the access to HomeGauge support staff and our toll free phone number!
TIP: Buy a domain name that says “your city” “home inspector”.com (or .net or .biz). If taken, modify it slightly, but keep those keywords in the domain. It can be beneficial for search engine results to have a keyword rich domain name. Change home for commercial, thermal, or other services, and create multiple websites. Next, copy/paste some content from your advertised site, change it up so it is unique, and perhaps add some info mentioning “your city” and home inspections frequently. Put your contact info on there and link to your other websites. If you get one inspection a year from it, it will pay for itself. Where else can you get advertising like that for $15 a month ($150 annually)?
Energy is the next wave of evolution for the inspector and HomeGauge!
From Russell to all inspectors using HomeGauge:
Since January I have been researching this whole energy craze. I attended week long trade shows (RESNET Conference, ACI Conference), attended an 8 week online course on becoming a Building Analyst and/or HERS Rater, and spent one week in NY experiencing a training program. I wanted to know all about the different courses, requirements, and let's face it, whether this country boy has enough smarts to be one of them there energy inspectors. I am pleased to say, “Today I are one.” I did this to help HG determine if we should devote our time and energy to integrating energy into our software and services. I also did this to inform you what credentials are important, to find the differences in the profession, and how it will affect your inspection business over the next few years. My statement overall is that both professions are merging and there are huge benefits of jumping in right away.
Click here for info on career paths, training, and what to do first.
July Specials!
If you have not purchased HomeGauge Software yet, click on the link below to see the special offers we are making this summer!
We have a Summer Sizzler software sale for new customers and a Competitive Upgrade Blowout for inspectors moving from another software vendor to HomeGauge.
This is a rare opportunity to join HomeGauge for an even lower price than our normal competitive pricing. Don't miss out!
See our Summer Specials!
Upcoming Events
HomeGauge will be attending these upcoming events. We hope to see you there! If you know of an event you'd like HomeGauge to attend that isn't already on our schedule, please email sales@homegauge.com.
September 20-23, 2009 - Las Vegas, NV - The Right Direction Inspection Conference and Vendor Exposition - Visit Website
September 24-27, 2009 - Atlanta, GA - SouthEastern Home Inspectors Conference - Visit Website
October 15-17, 2009 - Montreal, Quebec - Canada's 16th Annual National Home Inspector's Conference - Visit Website
January 17-20, 2010 - ASHI InspectionWorld Las Vegas - Visit Website
HomeGauge Software Free Friday Training Class
August 14, 2009 - Asheville, NC - More info
HomeGauge is Growing!
HomeGauge Inspection Software and Services has experienced net growth in its user base since the October '08 real estate collapse. With real estate being one of the hardest hit sectors in the recession, we unfortunately said goodbye to several inspectors from November through January. Our sales were down, but still kept well above our own expectations. From February to present, many new inspectors have come on board, resulting in a higher growth and net user base than we had before October '08. A surprising number of inspectors using software from our competitors have switched over to HomeGauge! Our latest version being the “best they have seen” and our HG Services offering their customers unparalleled service. HomeGauge has big plans, new ideas and improved services on the horizon, and expects growth to continue as the economy improves. HomeGauge's new Gauge feature (described above) is just one example that makes HomeGauge Services stand out above the rest.
Until next time,
Russell Buchanan
HomeGauge, President
russell@HomeGauge.com
877-274-4299
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