Месяц: Август 2009

How appraisers and home inspectors are protected with errors and omissions insurance

How Appraisers and Home Inspectors are Protected with Errors and Omissions Insurance

Home Appraisers and Home Inspectors are important and necessary experts in real estate transactions, but their roles are quite different. Appraisers determine the value of a property, and this information is also used in the estimation of homeowners insurance and real estate taxes. Appraisers inspect a home, its property, amenities and upgrades, and also research other local properties and their values to determine what a home is worth.

Home Inspectors are not Appraisers. Home Inspectors look for defects in a home, or problems which could lead to future repairs for the homeowner. They look for structural problems, in addition to electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling issues that indicate immediate repair needs, or potential future problems. Both fields are vulnerable to law suits, and need to be covered by Appraiser E&O Insurance and Home Inspector E&O Insurance to protect their businesses.

If a lender or buyer has a financial loss that they believe was caused by negligence on the part of the Appraiser, they can sue. Appraiser E&O insurance will protect Appraisers from large financial losses from settlements and legal fees. Even if the Appraiser is not at fault, they can be held responsible. They are especially vulnerable in a volatile economy when values plummet, and attempts are made by owners to regain losses from decreased property values.

Home Inspector E&O insurance is critical for protecting Inspectors because of the nature of their business. If something goes wrong in a home, the homeowner may quickly blame a Home Inspector for not recognizing the potential problem. Home Inspectors may not have been able to foresee a fault in a home despite a thorough inspection, but still be sued by the homeowner. Errors and Omissions insurance can protect the Home Inspector business and its employees from monetary loss.

If an Appraiser or Home Inspector is held responsible for mistakes or oversights, it is essential protection to have coverage with Errors and Omissions insurance. It is even a requirement in some states to have this type of insurance for Home Inspectors and Appraisers, and it guards the business, its owners, employees and subcontractors from losses.

How logistic and transportation companies can differentiate themselves and improve profitability

How Logistic And Transportation Companies Can Differentiate Themselves And Improve Profitability

In today’s competitive environment, Logistic Companies can no longer simply rely on door-to-door delivery and warehousing services in order to rise above the competition.  Today, the more successful logistic and transportation organizations are differentiating themselves by offering services following the delivery, such as in-home and in-store product assembly and display set-up.  And not only are these services adding value to the offerings these companies already provide, but they are also adding revenue to the bottom-line as they are able to build these charges, along with an added percentage, into their overall cost structure. 

The benefits of a partnership between a 3rd party logistics (3PL) or transportation organization and a provider of assembly and set-up services may be obvious, but the question then becomes how do you select such a company?  The answer to this question is not so clear.  Specific questions you need to ask include:

1.  Does the company provide services nationally and in Canada? 

2.  Does the company employ all it’s workers as W-2 employees?  This will result in a more committed and dedicated worker than utilizing independent contractors for employees.

3.  Does the company have staying power?  Have they been in business for 25 years or more, or are they simply a “Johnny-come-lately”?

4.  Does the company have existing relationships with major retailers and other organizations?  This also demonstrates stability and experience.

5.  Does the company employ numerous field managers located throughout the country?  This becomes important for accountability as well as local contacts. 

6.  Does the company employ individuals who have been extensively trained and have had complete background checks?

7.  Does the company provide detailed reporting of the services they provide, along with having digital photograph capability?

So there you have it.  In summary, today’s most successful logistic organizations are differentiating themselves by offering services following the delivery, such as in-home and in-store product assembly and display set-up.  Not only are these services adding value to the offerings these companies already provide, but they are also adding revenue to the bottom-line.  Don’t be left behind in today’s competitive logistic environment. Look for a company with whom you can partner with confidence.

If you would like to be introduced to an organization that can provide these services, check out:

http://www.natlmktg.com/home.htm