The Inspection Insider
You finish an inspection, everyone’s happy…
And then you disappear to the next inspection. Two weeks later, that agent can’t remember which inspector handled that “clean report with the sketchy venting.”
This tiny follow-up fixes that: 1 photo + 1 line that feels personal, takes 60 seconds, and quietly makes you the inspector they bring up next time.
Let’s get started!
⏩ What to do
Send the agent one helpful photo from the inspection (nothing alarming, nothing “gotcha”) plus one line of context that makes you memorable and useful.
Step 1
Pick one “agent-friendly” photo from the inspection:
A clean-but-important note (missing downspout extension, loose handrail, reversed bathroom fan venting, attic hatch insulation, etc.)
Something that’s easy to fix and easy to explain
Bonus points if it helps the agent look proactive
Step 2
Write one line that adds value (not fear):
“Quick win,” “easy fix,” “worth noting,” “simple upgrade,” etc.
Step 3
Add one easy next step that doesn’t create work for them:
“Want me to send a one-liner you can forward to the client?”
“If you want, I’ll include a simple DIY note for your client.”
“I can flag 2–3 ‘quick wins’ like this on future inspections.”
💻How to do it
Text framework
Line 1: Context
Where/what the photo is.
Line 2: Value
Why it matters in plain English (calm, not catastrophic).
Line 3: Easy next step
A simple offer or question that invites a reply.
Email framework
Subject formula
“1 photo from [Street Name] (quick win)”
or
“Small thing I noticed at [Street Name]”
3-line body structure
Photo + location
1-line value
1 easy next step
Example (for your brain, not your clipboard):
“Garage step at [Street Name] — handrail is loose (photo).”
“Easy tighten/replace now = safer + fewer ‘after-move-in’ surprises.”
“Want me to send a 1-sentence note you can forward to the buyers?”
💲Why this works
Reason #1: It makes you distinct, not just “another inspector.”
Agents remember images way longer than they remember “great inspection, thanks!” Your photo becomes a mental bookmark: “Oh yeah—this inspector catches the helpful stuff and explains it well.”
Reason #2: It creates a “forwardable moment.”
A calm, useful photo + one line is easy for an agent to forward to clients (or mention to another agent). That’s how introductions happen without anyone feeling like they’re “referring.”
📈Do this today
Create a note on your phone called “1 Photo Follow-Up.”
After your next inspection, send one photo + three lines to the agent before 6pm—and end with a question that’s easy to answer:
“Want a one-liner you can forward?”
“Should I flag 2 quick wins like this on the next one?”
One message. One reply. One more time you’re remembered.
🛠️Pro Tip
Build a “safe list” of 10 repeatable photo categories you can use every week (handrails, downspouts, dryer vent, bath fan venting, water shutoff labeling, furnace filter size, exterior grading, GFCI locations, attic hatch insulation, loose toilet).
When you’re tired, you won’t have to think—you’ll just pick one.
🔗 Bookmark This:
InterNACHI’s Home Inspection Image Gallery (great material for inspection reports, blog post and online content.
⏭️ COMING NEXT WEEK
Next week’s play: The “Negotiation-Ready 2-Sentence Summary” Agents Use to Win Repairs (Without Sounding Dramatic)
Two lines that turn a messy inspection report into a clean ask: what matters, what to request, and how to frame it so the listing side takes it seriously.
Ron Henderson, CMI
Certified Master Inspector
Questions? Comments? Drop me a line at: [email protected]
P.S. If you’re a Realtor Check out The Grind Works 👇🏼
Disclaimer: The content in The Inspection Insider is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, professional, engineering, or safety advice, and it is not a substitute for professional judgment. Inspection practices, requirements, and standards vary by location and association—always follow your local laws/regulations, standards of practice, and manufacturer documentation. Any examples, scripts, or suggestions should be adapted to your business and used at your discretion.
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