Rates are easing, inventory is finally stacking, and yet the real curveball isn’t interest—it’s insurance. We unpack why deals in Florida and California are getting derailed by carriers, how state programs like My Safe Florida Home are quietly creating repeatable inspection work, and what the latest investor moves signal for the home inspection industry. From Porch’s acquisition appetite to Spectora’s higher follow-on valuation under Radian Capital, the money flowing into software and services points to a market that’s maturing, not stalling.

We also get practical about demand on the ground. Cash purchases still make up roughly a third of transactions, but contingencies are returning and Redfin reports more contracts falling apart during inspections—a shift away from the waive-everything era. That’s good news for thorough reporting and repair-request support. We dig into seasonality (why October hums, and why late November through January slows), how to plan your winter pipeline, and the smart ways to package ancillaries—wind mitigation, four-point, sewer scopes, mold, pool/spa—to lift average ticket size without bloating the buyer’s experience.

Looking ahead, we map a realistic trajectory: a steadier 2026, then stronger normalization into 2027–2028 as list-to-sale dynamics flip and prices step down without crashing. That’s the environment where pre-listing inspections resurface, buyers stay selective, and inspectors with crisp narratives become indispensable. We also make the case for a split brand strategy to grow commercial inspections—PCAs, roof and envelope surveys, and lender-friendly reports—so your business rides through winter and captures market share that attrition has left on the table.

If you’re ready to sharpen your edge for Q4 and beyond, this one gives you the playbook. Subscribe, share with a fellow inspector or agent, and tell us: where is your market opening up right now?

Check out our home inspection app at www.inspectortoolbelt.com
Need a home inspection website? See samples of our website at www.inspectortoolbelt.com/home-inspection-websites

*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast, and the guests on it, do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Inspector Toolbelt and its associates.

Ever wonder what separates a struggling inspector from a thriving business owner? Spoiler: it's rarely about technical knowledge.

We've identified a consistent pattern—where most professionals fall short isn't in understanding building systems, but in mastering the crucial soft skills that drive business success. In this candid conversation, I reveal the five books that transformed my approach to home inspection and business ownership, and continue to serve as my go-to resources during morning routines and office days.

From Robert Greene's "Laws of Human Nature," which has saved me countless headaches by teaching me to observe client behavior objectively, to Sun Tzu's surprisingly relevant "Art of War" with its business strategy gems like "let your competitor make the opening," these recommendations address the skills gap that technical training never covers. I share how Dale Carnegie's classic people skills manual dramatically improved my inspection delivery, why Jacob Goldstein's financial literacy primer should be required reading for every business owner, and how Robert Cialdini's psychology insights have helped me communicate more effectively with anxious clients.

These aren't trendy self-help titles—they're practical, skill-building resources that have directly contributed to better client experiences, smoother inspections, and ultimately, a more profitable business. Whether you're a seasoned inspector or just starting out, implementing these principles could be the difference between merely surviving and truly thriving in this competitive industry. What morning routine or "office day" practice has most improved your inspection business?

Check out our home inspection app at www.inspectortoolbelt.com
Need a home inspection website? See samples of our website at www.inspectortoolbelt.com/home-inspection-websites

*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast, and the guests on it, do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Inspector Toolbelt and its associates.

Ever wondered why so many home inspectors struggle when they try to break into commercial inspections? James Hooper, owner of Bridgetown Inspections and Oregon Commercial Inspections, reveals the stark reality: it's not just a bigger version of what you're already doing—it's an entirely different business requiring a complete professional transformation.

Hooper's journey began like many others, juggling a full-time job at UPS while building his home inspection business. After receiving increasing inquiries for commercial work, he recognized the need for a dedicated approach, eventually establishing Oregon Commercial Inspections as a separate entity with its own professional identity. Now running five commercial inspections in a single week, he shares the critical lessons that made this transition successful.

The conversation dives deep into why the typical home inspector approach fails in commercial settings. From professional appearance (no more shorts and untucked shirts) to sophisticated client communication systems, commercial clients expect business-level service at every touchpoint. As Hooper puts it, "It's not even a marketing edge—it's a completely different ballpark." When potential clients mention finding him specifically because "everyone else is just a home inspector," it highlights how crucial proper positioning is in this market.

What truly sets successful commercial inspectors apart is their understanding of business beyond buildings. Hooper recommends studying various industries to understand client needs better—whether it's knowing what a brewery requires for operations or helping a client navigate triple net lease terms. This broader business acumen transforms an inspector from a vendor into a valuable resource that clients return to repeatedly.

Want to elevate your inspection business into the commercial realm? Start by creating a separate professional brand, developing sophisticated communication processes, and investing in education through organizations like CCPIA. The commercial inspection industry is experiencing its "golden age," but only those who approach it with the seriousness and professionalism it demands will thrive.

Check out our home inspection app at www.inspectortoolbelt.com
Need a home inspection website? See samples of our website at www.inspectortoolbelt.com/home-inspection-websites

*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast, and the guests on it, do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Inspector Toolbelt and its associates.