Here is the information on the two new sites - then I will tell you how this may help you get more business. Trulia is a new residential real estate search engine designed to help consumers search for homes for sale and other information. It links the information back to the website of the agent or broker. The website permits brokers and agents to post their listings for free - complete information along with photos of the properties. Buyers can now search for homes and be driven to the agent's website by this easy to search, easy to navigate, and content rich website.
Zillow is a website that will allow the owners selling their own property to post information in addition to the agent and brokers. These are both great websites to search for homes; you will be impressed when you see them. The search results display on maps with a brief description that links to more detailed information.
Here is how knowing about these two websites may be helpful to you. As a home inspector, search for homes in areas that you like to work. Obtain the agents name and contact information and market your services directly to the agent and the seller. This can be very effective for a couple of reasons. First, the agent already has a property listed for sale and that property will need a home inspection when it sells (it may also need a home inspection BEFORE it sells). It is possible that the listing agent may have influence over the choice of home inspector. The agent selling the house is often the agent who is assisting the seller to buy a new house - so you have two opportunities there.
This is a good way to target your marketing effort directly to individuals who are ready to use your services. A really good way to get an agent's attention is to offer the first inspection at a substantial discount to try your services - or perhaps, do an inspection for free.
