Simone Cartwright is Owner and Chief Inspector of Abundant Home Inspection Services based out of Mt. Airy, Philadelphia. Simone is a recent member of the Association, joining the organization in January of this year. She has become a very active member, though, and currently serves on the Association’s Affiliate Member Forum and has donated prizes to many REALTOR ® Happy Hours. Simone also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity’s “Women Build”, building homes for families, as well as, assisting in teaching the “Women Build” construction classes.

Please share with us your background and your career track.

As a Public Insurance Adjuster, I aided families by identifying damages to their homes caused by unforeseen events such as, storms, plumbing leaks and fires. Also, as a property investor I work with contractors in my family renovating and restoring properties.

The knowledge and understanding of building structures, restoration and reconstruction costs gained through these experiences, in addition to, my desire to help families understand the conditions of properties before they buy, prompted my decision to become a home inspector.

How do you define excellence in customer service?

There is a quote I love by former ITT CEO Harold Geneen that exemplifies my view on customer service, “It is an immutable law in business that words are words, explanations are explanations, promises are promises but only performance is reality.” Basically, say what you are going to do. Then do what you say. And if you don’t know the answer, say so. Then go find out.

What advice relating to the home inspection process would you give to a new real estate agent entering the business?

Find someone who is passionate about their work, is experienced, has an excellent reputation and will take just as good care of your clients as you, if not better.

What are the most common problems you encounter during a typical home inspection?

The range of issues a home has is usually related to lack of maintenance. For example, failure to maintain proper water drainage away from the home, flashing and caulking problems, lack of maintenance of the heating and hot water systems that can lead to potentially life threatening situations and decrease the appliance life cycle.

At the end of a busy day, how do you prepare yourself for the next challenge?

Prayer, food, a shower and a massage.