The Lofty Lender Podcast: Insights from Home Inspector Liz Diaz

Welcome back to another episode of The Lofty Lender! Today, we are thrilled to have Liz Diaz, a highly respected home inspector, join us. With years of experience, Liz is known for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to communicate complex issues clearly. Her commitment to educating homeowners goes beyond inspections, aiming to help them maintain their properties and prevent future issues. Outside of work, Liz is a dedicated community member and an avid volunteer. Let’s dive into the conversation and explore Liz’s journey and insights in the home inspection and roofing industries.

The Dynamic World of Home Inspections and Roofing

Liz Diaz’s journey in the home inspection business is inspiring. Currently, she is seeing an increase in new construction home inspections, highlighting the importance of inspecting even newly built homes. She emphasizes that no house is perfect, and her role is to ensure that potential homeowners are aware of any issues before making a purchase. In the roofing, siding, and gutters sector, her business has been bustling, especially after recent storms in Iowa caused significant damage.

From Roofing to Home Inspections

Liz’s transition from owning a roofing company to becoming a home inspector was driven by her own experiences. After a disappointing inspection on her own home, she decided to be the change she wanted to see. She trained online and apprenticed under a seasoned inspector, learning the ropes of the industry. Iowa doesn’t require inspectors to be licensed or certified, which motivated Liz to ensure her clients receive thorough and accurate inspections.

A Day in the Life of Liz Diaz

A typical day for Liz starts early at 4:30 AM. She balances her professional responsibilities with family life, ensuring she has everything planned out before the day begins. Her tasks vary daily, from conducting home inspections to meeting with insurance adjusters to assess storm damage. Flexibility and efficiency are key to her routine.

Challenges and Rewards in Home Inspections

One of the most challenging aspects of Liz’s job is delivering factual, sometimes disappointing news to excited home buyers. She has built strong relationships with contractors to help clients navigate any issues found during inspections. Liz strives to remove emotions from the equation, providing clear information and solutions to her clients.

Education and Mentorship

Liz’s passion for education is evident. She continually learns from her mentor and builds relationships with contractors to enhance her knowledge. She emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in the construction industry, given the varied building styles and technologies used over the years.

Balancing Family and Work

Balancing family life with a demanding career is challenging, but Liz manages it with the help of a supportive team. Sometimes, her son accompanies her to work, learning about the industry firsthand. She emphasizes the importance of scheduling time for herself to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Embracing Technology in Home Inspections

Advancements in smart technology have impacted the home inspection process. For instance, smart thermostats can pose challenges if locked, preventing inspectors from testing them. Liz has developed a seller prep list to ensure smoother inspections, highlighting the importance of communication and preparation.

Liz’s Goals and Future Plans

Liz’s goals for this year focus on education. She conducts first-time home buyer classes and is developing a class to help real estate agents navigate issues found during inspections. On a personal level, Liz aims to take more time for herself, enhancing her overall energy and productivity.

Conclusion

Liz Diaz’s dedication to her clients and her community is truly inspiring. Her journey from roofing to home inspections, combined with her commitment to education and continuous learning, makes her a valuable asset to the industry. If you want to learn more about Liz or schedule an inspection, you can reach her on social media or through her website, The Genuine Inspector.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Lofty Lender. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with others. Your support helps us bring more exciting guests each week. Stay curious, and we’ll see you next week!

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The Impact of AI on the Real Estate Industry: A Deep Dive

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The Lofty Lender: A Conversation with Chuck West, Head Honcho of Midwest Family Lending