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What happens when two dedicated professionals decide to take on the adventure of building their dream home while juggling bustling careers? Join us on an exhilarating journey as Laura, the office goddess, and I, Jim, share our personal story of leaving Mechanicsburg after 22 years to create a new haven on 43 acres of serene woodland in Vinton County, Ohio. From the unexpected twists that led us to a revered builder, to the heartfelt decision of turning our camping getaway into a permanent abode, our narrative is infused with excitement, challenges, and the joy of new beginnings. 

Balancing this massive personal project, we've kept our professional lives equally vibrant. Managing successful home inspection and sewer relining businesses, while launching our new venture, Heartland Commercial Property Inspections, has taught us invaluable lessons about preparation and staying ahead. As we navigate the chaos and thrill of relocating, we'll share insights on decluttering, smart planning, and standing out in the competitive business world. Grab a seat, tune in, and discover how life's adventures can harmoniously coexist with flourishing business endeavors.

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To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

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Ever wondered about the untapped business opportunities lurking around every corner? On this episode of Standing Out in Ohio, Laura and I share personal stories from our recent adventures, including the whirlwind of moving and an uptick in commercial inspections. You'll discover how one seller has carved out a lucrative niche by coordinating trash pickup for restaurants—a venture we never imagined could be so successful. We also look back at a clever COVID-era startup where a former kitchen worker found his calling in cleaning restaurant deep fryers, a service that became essential when staffing shortages hit.

Join us as we uncover these fascinating entrepreneurial stories that showcase the creativity and resilience of business owners who turn challenges into opportunities. By understanding and addressing unique market needs, these innovators not only fill niches but also stand out in their industries. Laura and I hope these examples ignite your imagination and inspire you to think outside the box in your own ventures. Don't forget to share and subscribe for more insightful discussions and updates!

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Is the stress of moving and selling getting you down? We share our own frustrating experiences with sky-high rental truck costs and the disappearing act of free moving boxes. But that's just the tip of the iceberg! This episode also brings you into the unnecessarily heated world of real estate transactions, featuring a tense re-inspection drama. When an agent demanded an updated termite inspection report, it set off a chain of fiery exchanges and procedural confusion. Discover why the NPMA 33 form is so crucial, and how adhering to state regulations and maintaining accurate documentation can save you from legal headaches.

Ever faced pressure to cut corners in real estate? We expose a troubling incident where an agent tried to push us into bypassing state rules. Learn the severe consequences of fraudulent practices as we share stories including potential felony charges over fake invoices and inflated repair costs. We also touch on the real estate market's current pulse, including the tantalizing prospect of lower mortgage rates on the horizon. This episode serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of honesty, professionalism, and ethical standards in every transaction. Tune in for eye-opening insights and essential advice to navigate the ever-complex world of real estate.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Curious about the hidden pitfalls that could be lurking in your home or rental property? Join us on this riveting episode of the Standing Out in Ohio podcast, where we share our whirlwind journey from building a new home to the shock and awe of discovering three pigs living in a tenant's finished basement. We promise you'll come away with invaluable insights on why regular home inspections are not just a good idea—they're essential.

As we celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary and reflect on our entrepreneurial ventures, we'll also arm you with practical advice for maintaining your property investments. Whether you're a homeowner or a landlord, our real-life anecdotes and expert tips will help you safeguard your assets and avoid unexpected surprises. Don't miss out on these crucial lessons learned from years of experience in real estate and property management!

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Should you be worried if your dream house fell out of contract due to a prior inspection? Join us on the Standing Out in Ohio podcast as Laura and I, Jim, tackle this pressing question. We break down why inspection reports can be deal-breakers for some buyers but mere blips on the radar for others. From minor foundation cracks to unusual sensitivities to chemicals, we cover the gamut of reasons behind these decisions and share practical advice on how to maintain your home to prevent such situations. Plus, we discuss the benefits of a pre-listing inspection to smooth out any bumps in the road before they become deal-breakers.

In this episode, we recount a recent experience where a seemingly good house fell out of contract over minor and common issues. We share our observations on how different buyers have varying thresholds for what they consider deal-breaking. Tune in to hear our insights on why the previous buyer's concerns might not be a reason for you to worry, and how to approach these scenarios with confidence and a level head. Whether you're buying or selling, our experiences and tips will help you navigate the home inspection process like a pro.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

What if society isn't progressing, but regressing? Inspired by the band Devo and the satirical film Idiocracy, we explore the unsettling concept of De-Evolution. Laura and I delve into the provocative idea that our collective intelligence and education might be on the decline. We discuss the importance of continual learning and how it can counteract this troubling trend. It’s a thought-provoking conversation that invites you to question the state of human progress and the role education plays in it.

But that’s not all—we also highlight a real-life cautionary tale from a recent home inspection. A couple was unknowingly exposing themselves to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide due to a malfunctioning detector and a faulty gas water heater. We discuss the critical importance of understanding and maintaining safety devices in your home. Tune in to hear more about this alarming incident and our vital advice on how to avoid such hazardous situations.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Are you wasting your money on unnecessary inspections? Join us as we challenge the odd advice of hiring multiple specialized contractors for a single property review. Jim and Laura break down a real-life scenario where an agent suggested this impractical and costly approach, and they illuminate how a professional home inspection from companies like Habitation Investigation presents a far more effective solution. Think of home inspectors as the general practitioners of the real estate world—they have the expertise to identify issues and recommend specialists, saving you both time and money.

By tuning in, you'll understand why a comprehensive home inspection is such a valuable investment in your real estate journey. You'll not only gain insights into the ROI of home inspections but also learn how these evaluations provide peace of mind and informed decision-making. Whether you're buying, selling, or advising on property, this episode promises to arm you with the knowledge to safeguard your investment efficiently. Don't miss out on this essential discussion that could save you thousands and protect your biggest asset: Your life and your home.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Ever wonder if skipping that home inspection is worth the risk in today’s fast-paced real estate market? Join us on Standing Out in Ohio as we share the latest updates on our house build, with the drywall up and countertops arriving earlier than expected. We also clear up any misconceptions about our retirement plans and share exciting news about our expansion into southeast Ohio. Our discussion dives deep into the risks of waiving home inspections, featuring insights from a real estate attorney on the surge in lawsuits against agents who advise against them. 

In this episode, we emphasize why home inspections are crucial, discussing the limitations on liability for home inspectors in Ohio and how real estate agents face greater risks. We reveal how negative experiences can sabotage an agent’s reputation, stressing the importance of always recommending inspections to clients. Additionally, we hint at an ongoing roofing insurance controversy in Ohio, pointing to practices affecting homeowners. Tune in for a comprehensive look at these pressing issues and stay informed about the ever-evolving real estate landscape. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and subscribe on Spotify or Google Podcasts for the latest episodes!

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Is it possible to thrive in a real estate market where 10,000 agents are competing for fewer than 3,000 homes? Tune in to find out how you can not only survive but excel! In this episode of the Standing Out in Ohio podcast, we uncover powerful strategies for boosting your real estate business in the ultra-competitive Central Ohio market. Discover how selling higher-value properties, increasing transaction frequency with existing clients, and offering additional services can give you the edge you need. We also discuss the importance of expanding geographically to tap into new client bases and diversifying your service offerings with home staging, deep cleaning, and maintenance tasks for a fuller market capture.

But that's not all—standing out takes more than just the basics. We explore unique ways real estate agents can differentiate themselves to become a one-stop shop for their clients. From free moving vans and tax services to credit repair and loan processing, offering these additional services can substantially boost your value proposition. We also emphasize the core business of selling homes and the critical role of home inspections, even for new builds, to enhance your service portfolio. Finally, learn why expanding into new geographical areas can be a game-changer for reaching a broader audience. Don’t miss these actionable insights designed to help you stand out and succeed in the real estate market.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Can you trust that your brand-new home is truly flawless? Think again. Join us on the Standing Out in Ohio podcast as Laura and I, Jim Troth, unravel the myth of the perfect new construction home. This episode promises to challenge your assumptions, revealing the hidden pitfalls often overlooked in new builds. From unreliable subcontractors to shocking inspection findings, we share our firsthand experiences that underscore the necessity of thorough home inspections, regardless of a home's age.

We recount a recent pre-drywall inspection where our inspector discovered standing water in the basement and dangerous electrical setups, highlighting the unpredictable nature of subcontractor work. Imagine finding beer cans hidden in the attic by workers or a hazardous extension cord in a waterlogged basement. These stories serve as cautionary tales and a wake-up call: never skip a home inspection, even on new properties. Tune in for a compelling discussion on ensuring the safety and quality of your new home, and learn why even new houses can harbor significant issues.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...