I hate it... I have my list of inspectors that I recommend based on the quality of the work they've done in the past. I already get so many solicitation phones calls from lenders, etc. I just don't need another one. For me this is cold calling at its worst. But if you do it, you need to have a truly unique value proposition and get it across quickly (like inspections on Saturdays).

don't waste your time calling agents..... if you do pre-listing inspections, mail postcards to areas with great turnover.... you'll turn-off agents by calling and begging...

I have my list of go to inspectors and they are worth waiting for.  It's always the clients choice.  I don't like phone soliciting.

Michael- you might talk to the office managers first and see if they would let you come in and do a presentation at an office meeting - and see what the value proposition is that you can offer - inspections on Saturdays or Sundays - inspections after work - and also have a list of raving fans that you can use as a reference. That is a lot of inspections you are going to be doing!

Michael I would stay with my current sphere as far as contacting. 

Most people who call with a sales call would not be getting my business. I would rather meet them, talk in person and be able to aks questions to know if they were a good fit for my clients and myself.

Good for you taking Bold.  KW has a lot to offer.  I can't imagine myself calling and begging for biz.  But, do let us know how it works.

I think it's really tricky...and different than calling a home owner.  Most real estate agents have established relationships w/ inspectors they know and trust.  This is especially true of anyone who has been in the biz for a while.  And, remember, it's a small circle of biz...you may end up making a lot of enemies and losing respect.  This is different than calling the public as there are way more home buyers than realtors.

I agree w/ Sally that you need to focus on buyer agents (and it's not always so easy to figure out who they are).  I would, however, question if this is the most effective way to market to real estate agents.  Remember the 80/20 rule...very few agents are doing sustantial business.  Try to figure out how is and target them (and prob not by phone call).  Ask the team leader if you can get a list of who the top 10% (or top 2%) of agents are.  even better if top 2% among buyers.  Target them. (I was lucky enough to get the top 200 agents for the county.  It's from 2013, but still it's a huge help.

First make sure that you are contacting agents who work largely with buyers and not sellers.  For us, a phone call would not be the most effective way for an inspector to get business. I am not a KW coach...but ...I would substitute the word call for contact. I would contact the managers or in KW, - team leaders and ask if you could give a 10 minute presentation on.....(condition in your market...top 10 things to do to prepare for inspection etc.) Bring mini cupcakes, a brochure with your business card. More efficient  in reach and targeting your market...just a thought. Tell team leaders you are taking the KW coaching..they will be impressed ...we are !

Hi Michael -- it wouldn't be my style to do something along those lines.  It seems kinda random.  I might call those agents who have used and been satisfied with my service and ask if they have the need for my service to consider me.   I'm not a big fan of the cold call.

Looking forward to reading other "answers".  

I'd try to expand my contact with Realtors - local association functions, perhaps join as an affilliate and get involved that way. Great, low-key way to meet agents and brokers.

I think that would be great.  I had to find home inspectors that would meet my buyer needs.

Michael Thornton I don't think cold calling other agents will work. You may want to try setting up appointments with other brokers to give a presentation at their weekly/monthly meetings.

Smart inspectors make calls and set up meetings with agents on a regular basis. The personal contacts are always very important for building relationships.

It would not work for me.  I only recommend folks who have been referred to me by people I trust implicitly or with whom I have had experience.  With that said, I suppose if you make enough cold calls, you will luck out and hit someone who may give you a shot. 

Are you calling folks you know and worked with before?

Are you call those who were on the other side of the transaction?

Be aware, many agents will respond very bitterly for the GIGANTIC inconvenience you have imposed on them by making such a call. They respond they NEVER makes such call because they don't like receiving them. Make sure you know how you will protect yourself from these caustic individuals.

Here is what I want to hear when you call me. What is the result, outcome, benefit or solution you are offering? Sorry, Charlie, "I'll do a good job" will not get a favorable response.

Start with a BENEFIT. A deeply discounted, abbreviated, pre-inspection prior to going on the market. Or a one-time discount.

Imagine the sound of a phone hanging up.  Put together a list of items a seller can do to get their home ready for inspection.  Give it to as many agents as you can, to give to their seller.  Provide something of value, don't badger for referrals.

If an inspector is worth their salt the business will come.  I have no problem in someone calling but I wold prefer a visit for some face to face talk.  It does make a difference

Hi Michael - You've got a lot of content from over the years that you could package as "What to Expect When You Inspect." Make that available to agents through their team leaders or brokers, and offer to do a 1-hour class or Q&A. For KW, try to attend an ALC meeting (these are the top agents in each market center) and see how you can contribute your expertise and resources.

I am with Nina- I don't like to be solicited- I don't do it in my business and I don't want it done to me.  If you are going to I would hit up newer agents- I have been in long enough that I have my tried and true trusted contacts.

A better suggestion would be to ask your current agents to pass your name onto their friends in the biz.  I doubt I would try someone that called me directly- but if another agent told me about someone I would put them on a backup list in case my normal people were not available.

Rather than that exercise; perhaps sharing a coffee with a few of your current agent-clients to ask them to refer you to their peers might be more effective.

Good luck.

They are welcome to call

I think you should focus more on the newer agents.   Seasoned agents have their favorites, and I know I would always be loyal! 

We all have lists of inspectors. Also, I don't like phone solicitations which is why I don't do cold calling (I have to practice what I preach).

However, I am always collecting postcards, flyers, etc, from tradeshows from home inspectors, etc, and if I like what I see I may work them into the rotation.

I do not like solicitations.  I have a list of inspectors that I work with that have done quality work, are reputable and reliable and my clients have been happy with their work.  In my opinion, cold calling is a waste of time.  Would you use a dentist that called you out of the blue to do a root canal on you?  Probably not.  Purchasing real estate is a big investment of a lifetime.  We want to make sure we have reputable team behind us helping our clients.  After all, our reputation is on the line, too.

No. Please don't.