Mortgage field inspectors are vital to the mortgage lending industry and to their local communities, and inspectors are frequently in demand in various locations across the U.S. Wondering if becoming a field inspector is the right path for you?
Here’s what you need to know about the role, who’s likely a good fit for it and the timeline for success.
What do mortgage field inspectors do?
Mortgage lenders, insurance agencies and banks hire mortgage field inspectors to inspect a property. Some examples as to why a mortgage field inspector may be hired are to obtain updated photos of the property for the lender, when a homeowner has stopped paying their mortgage, when a disaster has occurred or to confirm damage from an event like a tree falling on the home and verifying that the necessary repairs are being completed.
What type of person is a good fit for a mortgage field inspector job?
The role of mortgage field inspector requires someone with not only the right skills but the inclination to work in this independent role. Our experience has taught us that the most successful mortgage field inspectors demonstrate the following attributes and skills:
- Self-motivation. The ability (and desire) to work independently is at the heart of the mortgage field inspector role. It requires an individual who’s a motivated self-starter who can get the job done without constant direction.
- Time management skills. While you won’t have a boss directing your day-to-day responsibilities, you will have deadlines for completing your work, so success as a mortgage field inspector requires someone with excellent time management skills. Additionally, inspectors are required to check in with their inspection managers to provide regular updates and ask any questions.
- People skills. Yes, you’ll complete most of your work independently, but that doesn’t mean people skills aren’t also a requirement. You’ll need to be a solid communicator to help ensure everyone is in the loop regarding the inspections you’re completing to keep work flowing smoothly.
- Eagerness to learn. Experience in mortgage services isn’t a requirement to become a field inspector. You can be successful even if you’ve never worked in the industry as long as you’re willing to get up to speed on the requirements of the role. And companies you work with (like GIS) typically refer you to resources to get the education you need to complete your inspections and provide an orientation and ongoing support to get you up and running and boost your ongoing success.
- Observation skills. Documentation is the central focus of the mortgage field inspector role, so individuals must be keenly observant of their environment to be able to effectively verify and report on their work. (Solid writing skills are also helpful to complete these reports.)
- An eye for details. Completing inspections correctly the first time, without the need for follow-ups that can slow the process, is a critical aspect of the role, so mortgage field inspectors must stay focused on the details and requirements for each inspection to perform them quickly and efficiently.
- Patience. Sure, every job requires a certain level of patience. For mortgage field inspectors, it can mean being comfortable with spending a lot of time in your vehicle driving to various inspection sites. And if you’re aiming for it to become a substantial portion of your full-time income, that also requires patience and time to build up the number of inspections you’re completing to make it possible.
Who is best suited to a career as a mortgage field inspector?
Flexibility, not age or industry experience, is often key to succeeding as a mortgage field inspector. And this means it can work for people in various stages of life. For example, you might be a student or someone just starting out in the workforce who’s looking to combine inspections with your work doing food deliveries or being an Uber or Lyft driver. Or maybe you’re a retiree looking for a part-time income source as well as work that helps you stay busy while not being too physically taxing.
You might be a stay-at-home mom who wants to add a few inspections each week on the way to or from school drop-offs and pick-ups. If you’re new to the mortgage industry, it typically takes around three months in the field to get an understanding of the job requirements and to start becoming efficient at it—and to figure out if it’s truly the role for you or not.
What hours do mortgage field inspectors work?
One of the great things about becoming a mortgage field inspector is that the work can really be whatever you want it to be. It can be part-time, supplemental income that fits in with whatever other work you’re doing. Or, if you’re willing to hustle and you live in an area where demand for inspections is high, it can build up over time to become closer to a full-time gig.
No matter what level of work you’re looking for, if the role sounds like a fit for you, you can onboard with GIS, and we can help ensure you get work flowing your way. Then, you can decide where you want to take it from there.
Become a mortgage field inspector today
Contact GIS at recruiting@gisfieldservices.com or apply to one of our Job Postings. Mortgage field inspectors are independent contractors and are not employees of GIS.
For additional information on being a mortgage field inspector, check out our tips for success.