A field inspector examines properties and sends written and photographic reports to lenders, insurance companies and other interested parties. Inspectors could see whether anyone is occupying a property, assess damage, evaluate the property for a potential mortgage or check its condition after a foreclosure. This job offers schedule flexibility since it is usually contract work.
A field inspector plans their route and travels to the locations, where they document conditions by taking photos and writing notes. They may check to see if the utilities are on and if there has been damage or repair to the property.
After the visit, the field inspector makes a report and submits that and the photos to their employer over an app or through an internet site. Sometimes the field inspection also includes basic winterizing or preservation tasks, like changing locks, boarding windows, draining water heaters or shutting off water. Home inspectors or contractors usually finish any more specialized repair or technical inspections.
Depending on the employer and their expertise, field inspectors might conduct different types of investigations, including:
Drive-by inspections: Verify occupancy and check for obvious external damage
Loan inspections: Check property conditions before banks approve a mortgage for the property
Delinquent mortgage: Determine occupancy at an address if the mortgage is unpaid
Walk-through interior inspections: Assess and document the interior of bank-owned properties
Verification of improvements: Check improvements like roof repair or structural repair to see if homeowners are eligible for loan modifications
Foreclosure inspections: Check house condition and whether property has been left in the house after a foreclosure
Moving inspections: Document property condition at rental residences before occupants move in or after they move out
Rental property inspections: Check for pests, subleasing or illegal activities at occupied rental properties
You can become a field inspector by following these three steps:
You need at least a high school diploma or GED to be a field inspector. In addition to this education, you also need to have reliable transportation to get to inspection sites, a smartphone or camera to take pictures and record sites and internet to upload reports. Most employers also require a valid driver's license and a clean background check.
You can find field inspector jobs with companies that contract out their services to banks, like home inspection or mortgage service companies. You might also find positions working for an insurance company or bank directly. Finding a job also depends on how many inspections your area needs and how many other contract inspectors the company employs.
Most field inspectors are independent contractors, so they may not have the guarantee of full-time or steady work. You may find it helpful to work for more than one home inspection company if you do not have a full workload.
The company that employs you provides on-the-job training, where you learn what to look for, how to complete an inspection and what the different types of inspection are. Some companies also require certifications or training courses in addition to the initial training, which they often provide.
These are the skills required to be a field inspector:
Attention to detail: A field inspector notices small signs to figure out whether buildings are occupied or damaged.
Communication: A field inspector occasionally contacts occupants to verify certain things, so communication skills help them speak with and get information from a wide variety of people.
Writing: Some banks or companies ask field inspectors to complete written reports, they should be able to write accurately and concisely.
Independence: A field inspector travels alone, so they need to be able to complete tasks without supervision.
Time management: Some inspections have specific deadlines, so they should be able prioritize their tasks to get urgent work done quickly.
Research: To look through property records and find updated information, field inspectors need good research skills.
Physical abilities: To inspect roofs, crawlspaces and other structures, a field inspector should be physically fit.
Adaptability: A field inspector quickly adapts to new regulations from their company and changes in work orders or requests.