| January 2007, in this issue: Inspection World 2007 | Las Vegas Training | Radon Action Month | Pocket HG |
Inspection World 2007 was the best ever!
HomeGauge was there with 4 booths, 4 staff (Russell, Sean, Wayne and Ron) and many inspectors. Once again, ASHI event planner Angela Orlando demonstrated her excellence in coordinating a great event, from beginning to end. On the last night, ASHI secured an exclusive section of the Disneyland theme park, complete with music from a hot band, a quality buffet, and open bar, leading a trail from the music hall all the way up to the Tower of Terror. It was non-stop fun and excitement. With no wait in line, the HG staff rode the Tower of Terror 5 times in a row, stopping for a Tower-Tini between each ride.
You gotta click this link to see the pictures!!
We had several new customers join the HG family at the show and a big interest in our Platinum service and website builder.
We saw many HG users there who stopped by the booth to say hello and brought us several of their fellow inspector attendees to show HomeGauge software.
Many of you may know that LandAmerica Property Inspections (LAPIS) recently chose HomeGauge as their choice for software. Their president Revell Frazier also was at the ASHI show and dropped by our booth to say hello. Several LAPIS inspectors came by with enthusiasm and good cheer to be using HomeGauge. We are proud to be their choice and to work with them.
Joe Cummings, of the HouseMaster Franchise corporate office, was at the ASHI show as well. HouseMaster chose HomeGauge as their standard more than 3 years ago and we continue to strive to remain their preference. Several HouseMaster Franchisees also dropped by and we are proud to maintain their confidence in us and look forward to continue to provide them with cutting edge technologies.
One of HomeGauge's users Steve Ramos, whom you may know from the hit show “House Detective” on HGTV, was there and thanked us for a quality product. Together we are planning to offer inspectors his template, complete with his 4 years' of tweaking HomeGauge, including his comments and CYA info he uses on his inspections. More info coming soon.
Las Vegas Training, February 20th and 21st, 2007!
HomeGauge is going to exhibit at the NAHI conference for NAHI inspectors in February. HomeGauge is a strong supporter of NAHI and we want to participate in NAHI's membership growth. During this conference, HG has decided to provide a 2 day training session for all inspectors of any membership or organization. This training is not meant to detract from the NAHI conference. On the contrary, training participants are encouraged to explore the advantages of NAHI membership. Representatives of NAHI will be at the NAHI show and invite you to speak to them. NAHI members who come to our booth and want to drop in to the training class between their breaks are welcome.
Sign up now for the 2 day training for only $195.00. Space is limited and seats are filling fast! Take advantage of this great destination to improve your skills with HomeGauge software, or just learn how to provide a professional computer generated report. Travel costs are always very low to Las Vegas - not counting money “invested” in the gaming tables and slots! We look forward to seeing you there. Click below for more information.
Official Las Vegas Tourism Website
January is Radon Action Month!
See: http://www.epa.gov/radon/rnactionmonth.html
What does this mean to an inspector? It means that you have government agencies doing marketing for you. Radon causes lung cancer and families should be concerned if the silent killer is lurking in the home. You can become a radon tester in most states simply by purchasing our kits from Air Chek and following these protocols:
- Hang two charcoal packs within a foot or so from each other in the lowest room/space of a dwelling. If your buyer would use this lower room for anything, then that qualifies as the lowest room.
- Make sure the provided foam plug is inserted in the pouch opening. This simply keeps the opening of the pouch open to receive radon gas.
- Note on the kit whether or not closed house conditions were maintained.
- Pick up the kit up 2-4 days later. Remove and discard the foam. Remove the adhesive tape and seal.
This test typically costs the consumer from $99 to $150. HomeGauge sells this kit, including a stamped FedEx return envelope, for less than $30 (cheaper in quantities). This means a profit from $60 - $120 per test for your company. You can add this service easily by simply mentioning it during your scheduling of the home inspection, or at the inspection.
Radon is considered a silent killer and your buyer should at least have the opportunity to accept or decline this service. Some inspectors feel it is their duty to offer this test. HomeGauge integrates the test results with your uploaded report using our Gold or Platinum Internet Tools. Even if you do not use our Internet Tools, you can still purchase the kits from us and Air Chek will post the results on their website for you to print and deliver to your customer. Consider adding profit each week to your company, and at the same time, providing a potential life saving service.
Get a starter pack of 5 ProPaks now! Remember, one ProPak has two kits and a FedEx SASE. Sign into www.HomeGauge.com now and click on the Environmental Testing link to order your Starter Pak.
HomeGauge Adds a New Message Board Topic for the Pocket HG!
Thinking about the Pocket HG? This is a great opportunity to read up on all the info from our users regarding the Pocket HG. Our message boards are constructive and aim to be beneficial without all the static or noise of many other boards. HG users endeavor to remain objective, respectful and helpful.
Sign in to www.HomeGauge.com and click on the Message Boards to find the topic on the Pocket HG.
Until next time,
Russell Buchanan
HomeGauge, President
russell@HomeGauge.com
877-274-4299
