Week 17 – Cracks, Confidence, and the Joy of Saying “I Didn’t Find Much”

The week I realized a clean house can still feel like a win:

When I first started inspecting homes, I was *excited* to find stuff wrong. It felt like I was earning my keep. Cracked tile? Victory. Worn-out breaker? Jackpot. In my mind, the value came from the size of the defect list. I thought the buyers were paying for a big scary report—and if the report wasn’t scary, had I even done my job?

Now? I’ve completely flipped. These days, I *hope* there’s very little wrong. Because what I’ve learned is that buyers aren’t paying me for drama—they’re paying for peace of mind. And nothing delivers that quite like a walkthrough where they say, “That’s it?” and I get to smile and say, “I know. That’s what I was saying.”

What I used to fear (and what I’ve learned to embrace):

At first, I was afraid of easy inspections. I worried I was missing something. I’d over-document or hedge my language. But now, with solid systems, a clear inspection process, and tons of photos and video proof, I’ve got confidence on my side.

Curt once told me he’s inspected over 25,000 homes and has *never* found one that was totally perfect. But it’s not about perfection—it’s about being thorough, documenting everything that’s working, and clearly explaining the things that aren’t. That mindset has changed everything.

The homes I love inspecting—and the ones that still make me sweat:

Give me a newer build with easy attic access, wide open crawlspaces, and a modern panel? Chef’s kiss. Clean layouts and newer systems make for a smooth process. The buyers are usually relaxed, and I get to confirm that the home is solid with just a few tune-ups.

The ones that get my heart rate up? Old DIY renovations. Homes that have had “uncles” work on the electrical. Or properties that look good from the curb but have terrifying crawlspaces. I’ve learned to stay professional and non-alarmist—but I still feel the tension of knowing this report could be a deal-breaker for someone.

What makes those moments easier now:

I walk the client through every system. I show them photos and videos. I explain not just *what’s wrong*, but *how serious it is* and *what to do next*. And when there’s not much to show, I still walk them through *what I checked* and *why it matters*. That transparency builds trust—and helps me sleep at night.

I don’t worry about someone coming back later saying, “You missed something.” I’ve got photo and video evidence of every major system, labeled and timestamped. I don’t need to be perfect—I need to be thorough. And I am.

The coaching that made this shift possible:

Curt told me early on, “Clients want someone calm, clear, and confident. Not a doomsayer. Not a cowboy.” That’s stuck with me. Every time I finish an inspection and say, “I’ve got great news—not much was wrong,” I feel more like a guide than a technician. That’s what clients remember.

Next up: using this insight in every walkthrough

I’m leaning into that confidence—especially during the summary with the client. I’m learning to narrate the findings like a story, not a warning. That emotional tone shift? It changes everything. It turns buyers from anxious to assured.

What I’ll keep doing every time:

Document like a pro. Walk them through everything, no matter how small. Smile when there’s not much to say—and make that part of the value. Because peace of mind *is* the product. And I’m proud to deliver it.

→ Coming up next: Week 18: I Got a Referral from a Referral — That Felt Amazing

← Catch the mindset shift that changed my whole rhythm: Week 16: What My Franchise Coach Told Me That Changed My Focus

Curious what it’s like to build your own home inspection franchise from the ground up?