Ask the Expert: Short and Foreclosure Sale Advice

Are you working with clients purchasing a short sale or foreclosure? David R. Leopold, Owner of Pillar to Post Home Inspection in Fairfield County, Conn., gives us insight into handling these situations.

Q: What advice should I give clients when purchasing a short sale or foreclosure?

A: Start by telling your clients two things: 1) a professional home inspection is recommended, and 2) don’t rush the process. If the transaction timing doesn’t allow it, move on to the next house... Read More.

Posted on Sunday, March 10, 2013

Getting Ready For Home Inspection

You can make your home attractive to buyers and increase your likelihood of obtaining a positive inspection report by performing routine maintenance before putting your home for sale.

A home inspection does not pass or fail a house, but simply describes those items in need of minor or major repair or replacement.

You can help by having keys available to ant locked doors, removing obstacles around water heaters and other appliances, removing items from closets that provide access to attics. Please be ready to indicate the locations of hidden components such as water meter, electrical panel sump pump and main sewer cleanout... Read More.

Posted on Saturday, March 2, 2013

Pillar to Post reports record year for growth

Despite an unpredictable U.S. economy, Canadian-based Pillar To Post reported a stellar year for growth. In 2012, the company welcomed 50 new franchise owners, including five in December, which more than doubles the 20 franchisees signed in 2011. Looking to open 500 to 600 franchise locations over the next five years, Pillar To Post says it aims to capitalize upon its recent success and add 75 new territories in 2013.

According to a recent survey conducted by the American Society of Home Inspectors, 88 per cent of all homeowners believe that home inspections are a necessity prior to purchasing a home, not a luxury. These findings suggest that home inspection companies such as Pillar To Post are positioned for continued growth and increased demand, the company says... Read More.

Posted on Thursday, February 7, 2013

Realtors Honored at Annual Awards Reception

On January 24, the Dayton Area Board of REALTORS® (DABR) announced the recipients of the 2012 Affiliate, Community Service, Owner/Manager, and Salesperson of the Year Awards at the annual Sales Leaders Club Reception held at the REALTORS® Center. Their contributions to the real estate industry, the community, and the REALTOR® organization are greatly appreciated.

Affiliate of the Year - Alison Schray, affiliated with Pillar to Post has been a member of DABR since 2006. Alison has been involved with DABR by chairing or serving on the Affiliate Institutions Committee and REALTOR® Community Service Award Selection Committee. Alison is also a member of the Dayton Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® and received the Pillar to Post Franchise of the Year award in 2009... Read More.

Posted on Thursday, January 24, 2013

Local Englewood resident opens home inspection franchise

(Englewood, Colo.)--- As the economy begins to turn around, more and more individuals are leaving corporate careers behind to run their own businesses and make a difference in their bottom line.

One local example is Andrew McClish. The Englewood resident, a former structural engineer with years of experience in the building industry, is putting his skills and passions to work in his new business, home inspection franchise Pillar To Post. The home-based business, which serves southern Denver and Douglas County, opened in November 2012.

"I opened Pillar To Post because I wanted a career that offered opportunities for interacting with people, McClish said. Im passionate about community involvement and want the chance to help others make the right decisions about their home."

In a saturated home inspection market, McClish’s technical background and expertise makes him stand out: after earning a master’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University, he worked as a structural engineer for seven years. McClish is also a registered professional engineer in Colorado and Texas... Read More.

Posted on Thursday, January 24, 2013