David Home Inspection

1. Branding is not a new concept. Many of the most successful companies in history have  from the efforts of a well thought out branding campaign. In today's society branding is not just for the big companies anymore- it is for everyone. At one point in my life I did not worry myself with my attire and appearance when running a small errand. If I decided to run to the store or the coffee shop my goal was to grab coffee not to look professional. I understood the error of my thinking all too clearly when I ran into former co-workers, current business partners and others of influence during my errand breaks.

Branding begins with you! How do you look? This may sound superficial but many people will judge a person by the first glance. Missed opportunities can be the best teachers. I am not saying that one must look immaculate when leaving the house but make sure that your presentation of self and your brand mission match up.

 As an owner of one of the top home inspection companies in all of California my strongest critics are Realtors. I need to understand that Realtors value image. So if I plan to market to them I need to be current on my presentation, image and customer values. I take notice of what Realtors tell me that they like about me and my company. I often hear them tell me that they like my uniform, presentation or delivery of the home inspection results. I repeatedly hear compliments about my truck and equipment. I keep this in mind because it is what my customers enjoy seeing when they see me.

If I look professional I am more likely to be able to strike up conversation with professionals. Success follows success my mother always said. My motto is that the person in line with you could be your newest contact, consultant or client! The three C's work wonders for me if my brand image is intact.

Keep your eyes open for opportunity and it will find you!

Burglars are opportunists. So being aware of how vulnerable your property may be can decrease the chances of an intruder. In the following blog I will discuss how to protect your property.

Wndows

First of all did you know that a third of all burglars access properties through windows. Securing your windows is vital. All windows should be inspected, even porch or pantry windows. If a human head can fit through it, then it needs to be secure. When you go to bed each nite you check every door but do you check every window?

Securing these windows is relatively straight forward depending on the glass and frame structure. The most secure glass is laminated glass which is harder to break. However attaching a window lock has the most benefits. It enhances the strength of the MFG latch, making it almost impossible to open without a key. The opportunist would be deterred as even if they break the glass, they still have to unlock the window.

Doors

While a third of all burglars enter the property through the window, two thirds enter through doors. If your door does not have a window or a visible means of checking who is there, it could be advisable to install a door viewer. A chain can add extra security during the day, but be aware that this may be a part of an exit strategy in case of fire. While it is always a good idea to keep keys out of sight, maker sure you know exactly where they are.

Inspecting that the frames and doors are in good condition, can help keep out a persistent intruder. Also be aware of any vulnerable parts such as glass panels.

It is sometimes much easier to keep keys in the doors for ease of access, however to an opportunist this an open invitation to enter your property. In fact most people keep a variety of keys with their door keys such as ; office keys, garage keys and car keys. This is a prize to any intruder. Now they have access to your house, your office and car.

Security Lights – Fitting security lights that are activated by somebody walking in front your property of within a designated area, can help protect you property at night. These are often built on passive infrared technology. The cost range is $9.99 $79.99. Big security value for the money.

Vacation – When going away on holiday there a few precautions you can take to help improve the security of your property. Making your neighbors aware that you will be away, will make sure that you have somebody keeping watch for an strange visitors.

Buying a dimmer switch is also another great idea. These can turn on or off, depending on the time you allocate on the switch. A house sitter is also a good idea. They can open and close your curtains and make the property look as though it is still occupied.

In summary, the above points are not made to cause panic or fear. The truth is these are just precautions that we can take to improve the security of our properties. With the standard of living so high, we work hard for our possessions, it is only fair that we should want to protect them.