I thought things would fall into place and I would be inspecting full-time. It takes a tremendous amount of work branding yourself, making sure you are setting standards and offerings above others in your area, and then pounding the pavement. I had to re-evaluate my strategies. To this day, I only get referrals from one realtor in my hometown. Most of my referrals are from past clients and realtors from adjacent towns.
Having no professional construction training in my background and knowing that contractors deal with a lot of different aspects to build a home with all its components and systems, I knew I had a lot to learn.
I started by reading everything I could get my hands on about house construction and repair techniques, building codes past and current, watching inspections videos, seeking out other inspection websites and associations, business start up and planning, and market research to get a better understanding of what all was involved.
I had a great mentor in Brian, who answered all my naive questions and encouraged me through out my training. My family has also been very understanding and helped me countless ways with words of encouragement, especially when I was overwhelmed from 18 hour days and countless things to do, and financial help when things were tight as I started out and for that I cannot thank them enough. No one wants to believe a female will crawl under a house or climb onto a roof as part of their everyday job.
I received skepticism. Many believed a female inspector was not capable of understanding, much less explaining, the technical details of inspecting a structure. My greatest challenge was and still is being able to speak to real estate professionals long enough for them to believe I have the proper training, understanding, credentials, and ability. Once I speak for a few minutes, I have no problems. Having been in a male dominated industry before becoming a home inspector that was VERY critical of females entering the industry, I have been pleasantly surprised at the reception I have received as a female inspector.
Most of the inspectors that I have come across are welcoming and will help you work through things because they realize you are just like they are and are trying to do the best by your clients. It is a bit harder to address issues that women face as home inspectors in a male dominated industry. For example, safety protocols when female inspectors are alone at an inspection with a male client etc; that I would really like to see the industry as a whole take on and offer training on as more women become inspectors.
Being in a male dominated industry has pushed me make every attempt to better myself and be as educated as possible. Being different is a challenge, but I look at it as an opportunity. There are many male inspectors. Having that empathy and social connection to my clients allows me to not only understand their needs better but address them in an easily understood way while at the inspection. Being able to balance the technical aspects of the inspection itself with the reactions and emotional cues that I pick up from my clients helps me be a better inspector and give my clients the vital information they need in a way that makes them feel confident in their final decision.
I enjoy spending time with my family. I am an artist by heart. I paint and sculpt. I love literature and music as well. My mother, 3 sisters and myself would sing at local events when I was younger. I enjoy spending time outdoors when it is warm.
I grew up fishing along the Illinois river and in many of the lakes in Oklahoma. If I have a choice in the matter, I choose fishing. My plans are to eventually retire to a waterfront property. I love learning new things and exploring new places with my kid. Some of our favorite moments have been exploring old homes in the area on tours and marveling at the details and time they took to build.
In this article, we explore how Maryland native Welmoed pronounced VEL-moot Sisson entered into and thrives in the inspection field. When her husband started Inspections by Bob, LLC in , Sisson was designing and developing custom window treatments and accessories as the owner of Bellwoods Interiors.
As Bellwoods Interiors dried up, Inspections by Bob blossomed. A journalism major of The George Washington University , Sisson is a confident and competent writer when she has a firm grasp on the topic.
So, as she struggled to adequately articulate herself writing about the inspection industry, Sisson realized she needed to know more. First, Sisson took home inspection training courses at a local community college, where she stood out for her industry knowledge.
I corrected him when he made mistakes. After graduating from her home inspection training, Sisson thought it only made sense to complete her education. As she inspected, Sisson discovered that she loves the industry.
A self-described novelty seeker, Sisson enjoys how every inspection property and client is different. Furthermore, Sisson appreciates the opportunity to safeguard others and their investments. While she continues to enjoy drapery and design—she still sews her own clothes—Sisson enjoys having a job that benefits others in more meaningful ways.
With countless buildings and homes in need of inspection at all times, including foreclosed and repossessed homes, there is never a shortage of work for home inspectors. The income potential for a home inspector really comes down to where the inspector works and how hard that individual is willing to work.
While salary average estimates differ depending on the source, the average home inspector in the U. As a home inspector, you are in control of your schedule. You accept work and schedule inspections when it works for you. And, home inspection is an easy career to do on the side, in addition to a full-time job.
In fact, many people who have non-traditional schedules like firefighters or paramedics will start a home inspection business in addition to their first career to keep themselves busy and bring in extra revenue. Many of our students have financial and family responsibilities that require them to slowly transition to their new career while still working full time to make ends meet.
Luckily, home inspection is an ideal career choice in these circumstances. Coming into class I inspected 5, to 7, houses as an insurance adjuster and real estate appraiser.
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