In The News – Secure Home Inspections based in Northern Virginia launches SecureBook – a Home Inspection Booking APP
While buyers are weeding through to find their perfect home and sellers are preparing to sell their homes, the search for a service professional, contractor or inspector can be overwhelming. (see press release)
Behind The Launch of SecureBook Mobile App
SecureBook, a Home Inspection Booking App recently launched in June aims to solve the three top pain points homeowners and real estate professionals are having when searching for and scheduling an inspector. First is reaching someone on the first ring if calling, second is getting an inspection booked same day or on weekends and third is the ability to book and confirm online with real-time inspector schedules.
Securebook app developer and co-owner of the inspection company behind this new mobile app, Cheryl Spangler knows all too well the struggles as a twenty year veteran of the real estate industry. “Time is money and having the ability to book inspections online 24/7 creates instant confidence with clients, timelines and is imperative to contingent contracts”.
But Cheryl is not the only real estate industry professional who has an opinion on this topic as real estate agents and brokers from around the U.S. chimed in, it was apparent the inspection industry was in need of a technology boost.
“We launched our mobile app on the Google Play and Apple store on June 14, 2022 and have seen an overwhelming response from both real estate agents and top level service professionals to join and use its features.” says Austin Spangler, Co-Owner of Secure Home Inspection LLC. “Our number one goal is to give real estate agents access to the best, most qualified inspectors at the moment they need it”.
Solving The Demands of Homeowners
In addition to real time scheduling of inspectors, there was an additional feature included in the initial release of the SecureBook mobile app. This feature is a “Resource” button that instantly connects homeowners and real estate agents not only to a qualified home inspector but to highly recommended service professionals and contractors in the Northern Virginia area.
“The resource section was an added bonus that has taken on a life of its own and we are very excited about where things are moving.” says Austin.
In Virginia there are over 8.6 million people, 66.7% of them own a home (according to the census bureau) and most or all of them need the services of a local professional at some point.
Most homeowners go through the daunting task of signing up on sites such as Angie’s List or Thumbtack and spend hours communicating and scheduling estimates. In return, the service professionals have to pay to be a part of those sites in order to be contacted.
Inside the SecureBook app, the resource button connects homeowners to contractors for no cost to either party, vets each contractor or professional to make sure all contact information is current and accurate and allows anyone who uses the app to submit their own in-app review. The initial resource list was created from active real estate professionals and their clients in and around Northern Virginia who had a positive experience after work was completed.
According to Austin Spangler, this idea was just one of the solutions that came out of a nationwide query of real estate professionals who were asked their biggest challenges when it came to home inspections and inspector firms. Agents candidly responded about their frustrations and what could make their job easier as inspections continue to be an integral part of the home buying experience.
Solving The Demands of Real Estate Professionals
“A simple reservation app would be a wonderful way to improve the customer/booking experience and is easy with global access to a number of proficient designers. I often put a bug in the ear of the Inspectors I work with” says Shaun Martin, owner, member and CEO of Denver Real Estate Solutions.
“I wish there was more immediate availability for the home inspection to be completed. Oftentimes the home inspector can’t make it to the property for several days which can delay the entire process” says Bill Samuel Broker of Blue Ladder Development.
“The market has been such a whirlwind for the past few years, I would just like it to be easier for buyers to get a home inspection.” says Tanya DiNicolantonio of Remax Escarpment Realty“
“So few home inspectors allow online booking options. I wish you could just log into the website, put in my information, and do everything online.” says Marina Vaamonde, owner and founder of Housecashin, America’s biggest marketplace for off-market houses for sale.
“A better home inspector always responds as soon as possible. It makes no difference even if you are a prominent home inspector but do not respond fast.” says Martin Carreon, Broker/Owner of Soco Wine Country Properties
“It would be great if there was a way to book immediately without having to wait for confirmation or speak to anyone. Basically there could be blacked out time slots to show availability. This way I can book an inspection any day/any time.” says Rick Albert, Broker Associate for Lamerica Real Estate
“Weekend home inspections would be helpful in our fast-paced market.” Says Ashley Melton, Realtor® for Agent Owned Realty in Charleston, SC.
Secure Home Inspections, founded in 2011 is a multi-inspector firm serving all of Northern Virginia. This fast growing residential inspection company has plans for expansion to be announced at a future date as well as technology and systems that will continue to increase inspector satisfaction and personalize the homeowner experience.