Home

Name: Mid Jersey Inspections

Type of business: Home inspections

Address: 10 Hazel Ave., Edison

Telephone: (732) 906-4100

Web site: MidJerseyinspections.com

Number of employees: 2

Founded: 2006

Top officers: Rafi Footerman, owner/inspector

How would you describe your business?

''Our job is to provide our clients with a comprehensive, fair, independent, objective evaluation of the property so they can understand and take care of their valuable investment. Their interests are our interests before, during, and after the inspection,'' said Rafi Footerman, owner of Mid Jersey Inspections.

''The inspection provides an invaluable learning and discovery experience during which their questions can be answered on the spot. They gain insight into maintenance and energy conservation tailored specifically to their home. We encourage our clients to accompany us during the inspection. In addition, all of our clients are offered free telephone consultation after the inspection.

''We offer a complete suite of services including: Home inspections for buyers and sellers, radon and pest inspections. Additionally we have expertise in mold inspections and mold sampling. Today this is a concern for many people. While it is something to be aware of and address when necessary, it should not be something to fear.''

What makes your business special?

''In addition to being a licensed New Jersey home inspector, I have been a realtor for over 20 years. As such, I have experience in all facets of real estate transactions. This is very helpful in guiding and advising my clients. I also have a unique ability to effectively communicate my findings to my clients. For instance, I once had a woman ask me if she could tape me to show my explanation to her husband as she was sure she wouldn't be able to communicate what I had said to him. When we were finished taping, she realized she did understand everything I said and could relate it to her husband. My clients often tell me they are comfortable with the process and through it can make better decisions.''

How has your business changed?

''With the changing market, we have been performing more inspections for the sellers of the property. The owners want to fully understand the condition of their property so they can maximize their net when selling. This is especially true for sellers who are relocating out of state and for those who have owned their home for more than 15 years. Recent weather conditions also influenced those contemplating selling their home. After the last two heavy rains, calls for mold inspections jumped dramatically.''

What was your most important deal?

''My most important inspection is the one I am doing at that moment. Whether it is big or small, it is the most important inspection for my client, so it has to be for me as well.''

What changes do you expect in your business in the next 10 years?

''I expect the housing market to continue to pick up. Additionally, as technology and building practices change, it will be important to stay informed.''

What is the most important thing you've learned in your business?

''People don't expect you to know everything. Telling someone you want to research an unusual item further only makes them feel more comfortable that you are looking out for their best interests. By definition, home inspectors are generalists. We have to know about every aspect in a building from structure to electrical, plumbing to HVAC. In New Jersey homes range from new to hundreds of years old and there are many homes with odd, unusual, and rarely seen items.

What advice would you give to someone considering your line of work?

''This is a tough time to start, but if you really want to be a home inspector, study. When I earned my license, I took a 300-hour course including 10 textbooks with thousands of pages. After passing the exam, I performed 50 mentored inspections before I earned a penny. Today, the required coursework is only 160 hours and 16 mentored inspections. This is not sufficient. In addition to the course work and after the examination, my advice is to find a qualified inspector to mentor you for at least six months.''

Is there anything else you would rather be doing?

''I love what I do. I am fortunate my work affords me the flexibility to spend time coaching my son's sports teams, playing with my 23-month-old daughter and having Shabbat dinner with my wife and our family.''