Episode 4: From Licensed To Legit - Mentorship, Momentum, and Mastery

Episode 4: From Licensed To Legit - Mentorship, Momentum, and Mastery

From Licensed to Legit Getting licensed is one thing. Becoming a seasoned inspector is something else entirely. In this episode, Brad and Michael sit down with Forrest Simpson — one of the first inspectors Brad worked with through his Alabama ride-along program — to talk about what it actually takes to grow from a newly licensed inspector into a confident, capable professional. The conversation centers on mentorship, repetition, and the kind of real-world experience you only get when the schedule fills up and expectations are high. We talk about the reality of moving from a light workload into a packed schedule, why knowing what to inspect isn’t the same as knowing how you want to inspect it, and how mentorship can accelerate growth if you’re willing to put in the hard work. The discussion also covers large-scale inspections, time management, agent relationships, client communication, and why reviews aren’t just a number but the byproduct of relationships and consistent effort. From starting with no track record to building real momentum, this episode highlights the learning curve most inspectors face early on — and why persistence, humility, and repetition matter more than early confidence. If you’re new to home inspection or in the early stages of building your inspection business, this is a grounded conversation about how that growth actually happens. https://linktr.ee/duesouthbrad [https://linktr.ee/duesouthbrad] #HomeInspection #InspectionBusiness #Mentorship #RealEstate #Entrepreneurship

Episode 4: From Licensed To Legit - Mentorship, Momentum, and Mastery

From Licensed to Legit Getting licensed is one thing. Becoming a seasoned inspector is something else entirely. In this episode, Brad and Michael sit down with Forrest Simpson — one of the first inspectors Brad worked with through his Alabama ride-along program — to talk about what it actually takes to grow from a newly licensed inspector into a confident, capable professional. The conversation centers on mentorship, repetition, and the kind of real-world experience you only get when the schedule fills up and expectations are high. We talk about the reality of moving from a light workload into a packed schedule, why knowing what to inspect isn’t the same as knowing how you want to inspect it, and how mentorship can accelerate growth if you’re willing to put in the hard work. The discussion also covers large-scale inspections, time management, agent relationships, client communication, and why reviews aren’t just a number but the byproduct of relationships and consistent effort. From starting with no track record to building real momentum, this episode highlights the learning curve most inspectors face early on — and why persistence, humility, and repetition matter more than early confidence. If you’re new to home inspection or in the early stages of building your inspection business, this is a grounded conversation about how that growth actually happens. https://linktr.ee/duesouthbrad [https://linktr.ee/duesouthbrad] #HomeInspection #InspectionBusiness #Mentorship #RealEstate #Entrepreneurship

Episode 3: Old Houses – Character, Charm, and a Lot of Baggage

Old Houses: Character, Charm, and a Lot of Baggage Old houses have a lot of character, but they can also come with a lot of baggage. In this episode, we talk about what it’s really like dealing with older homes and why they’re often harder to inspect, maintain, and live with than people expect. Many buyers fall in love with the charm and history without fully understanding the realities that come with non-standard construction, outdated systems, and decades of adjustments that don’t align with modern expectations. We cover common issues found in older homes, including foundations, plumbing, electrical systems, insulation concerns, and ongoing maintenance. We also discuss how well-intentioned repairs or upgrades can create new problems when modern improvements clash with older materials and building methods. From obsolete electrical panels to structural changes that affect doors, windows, and floors, this episode focuses on what people don’t always think about until they’re already in it. This is a candid, occasionally sarcastic conversation about why older houses are appealing, why they’re challenging, and why understanding the nuances matters just as much as appreciating the character. https://linktr.ee/duesouthbrad [https://linktr.ee/duesouthbrad] #OldHouses #HomeInspection #OlderHomes #HomeMaintenance #RealEstate

Episode 3: Old Houses – Character, Charm, and a Lot of Baggage

Old houses have a lot of character, but they can also come with a lot of baggage. In this episode, we talk about what it’s really like dealing with older homes and why they’re often harder to inspect, maintain, and understand than people expect. While many buyers are drawn to the charm, history, and uniqueness of older houses, those same qualities often come with non-standard construction, outdated systems, and long-term adjustments that don’t fit modern assumptions. We cover common issues found in older homes, including foundations, plumbing, electrical systems, insulation concerns, and maintenance challenges. Using real-world examples, we discuss how well-intentioned repairs or upgrades can sometimes create new problems, especially when modern improvements collide with older materials and methods. This episode is equal parts informative and candid, focusing on the realities of older homes rather than the sales pitch. If you’re considering buying, owning, or working on an older house, this conversation helps explain why understanding the nuances matters just as much as appreciating the character.

Episode 2: 11-Month Warranty Inspections – Catching Issues Before the Clock Runs Out

In this episode, Brad and Michael dig into 11-month warranty inspections—what they are, why they matter, and why so many homeowners misunderstand how builder warranties actually work. Drawing from Brad’s extensive experience performing these inspections and Michael’s background as a builder, the conversation breaks down what typically comes up near the end of a one-year warranty period and why waiting until the last minute without a plan can create unnecessary frustration. The conversation stays practical and experience-based, focusing on how 11-month inspections typically play out in the real world. Brad walks through the patterns he sees with homeowners approaching the end of their warranty period, while Michael adds perspective from the builder side—how warranty requests are evaluated, where friction usually starts, and why expectations, documentation, and timing matter more than most people realize. Along the way, they unpack the fine print that most people never read—warranty documents, NAHB guidelines, and the standards many builders rely on when determining what’s considered acceptable or within spec. The goal isn’t to take sides, but to help homeowners better understand the process so expectations are clearer and conversations with builders are more productive. If you’re approaching the end of your first year in a new home—or just want a clearer picture of how builder warranties really work—this episode offers practical context and real-world perspective.