Succeeding as a mortgage field inspector requires focus and determination—along with a solid understanding of the industry’s essential tools, tips, and tricks. Why? They can help ensure you complete your work accurately and on schedule and help avoid the frustration of time and effort lost to follow-ups or corrections. Keep these essentials in mind to help ensure you are set up for success.
Tools of the trade
The road to success as a mortgage field inspector begins with ensuring you have the required tools. You will need these tools:
- A computer and smartphone to complete your inspections and related paperwork. All inspections must be completed via the InspectorADE app on your smartphone. Viewing/printing required inspection documents, routing and pulling payment reports should be done on a computer.
- A printer to print documents when required. It can be a small device that goes to the field with you or one you keep at home.
- A reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle that is easy to get in and out of (you’ll be doing a lot of that). Four-wheel drive may be beneficial in some areas.
- The InspectorADE app, used by most regional companies to enable the contractors to complete inspections (more on this in the tips below).
- A specialized background check through Shield Hub to obtain an ABC#. The cost is $50 for one year unless you reside in New York ($145 for 1 year). Your ABC# can be used with other inspection companies as well. It is recommended waiting until you have been hired before applying for your ABC#. GIS provides a link to start the process.
Optional mortgage field inspection tools to consider
There are other mortgage field inspection tools you may also want in your toolbox, including the following:
- An ID badge can sometimes help homeowners and neighbors feel more comfortable working with you, so consider having an identification badge created for your own use.
- Blue painters tape is safe for attaching envelopes/cards to a door because it won’t ruin the paint.
- A non-contact voltage tester, can be purchased at most hardware stores or Amazon.com, to check for the presence of electricity at the property and help determine if the property is occupied.
- A folder filing system to organize items like your door hangers, door cards, envelopes and FTV (first-time vacant) postings.
- Routing software will maximize efficiency and potential income by making the best possible route.
Tips to help you stay on track
Being a mortgage field inspector gives you the flexibility to work independently, but it does not mean there are not rules to follow and deadlines to be met. To be successful, consider these tips.
Always read the instructions.
Before starting an inspection, always thoroughly read the instructions. Different clients may have different requirements and different forms, especially regarding the photos you will need to submit or whether you are allowed to talk to neighbors.
Hit download before you hit the field.
Before heading out to perform an inspection, make sure the InspectorADE app is installed on your phone. Then, make sure the inspection has not been canceled, and pull in any new requests for inspections needed in the area. In the app, you should hit download a few times a day to see if new inspections have come in or if there have been any cancellations.
Know the words to avoid.
Mortgage field inspectors should not talk to the homeowner, occupant, or neighbors about late payments. Always avoid the following words:
- Late on payments
- Delinquency
- Past due
- Default
- In arrears
- Foreclosure
Follow best practices for taking photos.
Make sure you have taken all the required photos as directed in the work order. Hint: If you fill out your report first, it will populate a list of required photos based on your answers to questions in the report. Be sure to properly label them, as reports will be returned if they are not. Remember that your images should also be clear, legible, in landscape mode, and never contain people. Finally, always complete a quality check before submitting your photos to avoid potential mistakes like fingers, people, car doors or blurry images.
Always complete your upload before you leave the property.
Using InspectorADE, you can submit inspections directly from the field and it’s wise to always do so before leaving the property to help avoid liabilities or returns to the property to take photos you forgot. (From the time that the inspection is completed until it’s submitted, you as the inspector are liable for property losses.)
Know the occupancy status before leaving the property.
Attempt to determine if the property is occupied by knocking on the door, if applicable by work code type. If there’s no answer, try a neighbor’s door first and then check utility meters. If you’re still not able to confirm occupancy, look for potential signs, such as:
- Personal items like furniture, curtains, or decorations
- Lit porch lights and/or doorbell
- A water spigot near the front door with running water
- Noise that can be heard coming from inside the house
- Garbage cans set at the curb for collection
- A mowed lawn
- Cars in the driveway
- Personal property visible (either on the exterior or that can be seen inside from the street)
- Flags or political signs
- Pets on the premises
Apply Today
Acquiring the essential tools and following best practices for avoiding errors and follow-up visits will go a long way to boosting your success as a mortgage field inspector. Learn more about becoming a mortgage field inspector with GIS by contacting us at recruiting@gisfieldservices.com, or apply for one of our job postings today! Mortgage field inspectors are independent contractors and are not employees of GIS.