Preparation and Paperwork

• 1). Buy insurance through a company that offers coverage to inspectors for any errors or ommissions in their work.
  
  
• 2). Apply at the local city or county office for a permit or license to perform mortgage field inspections, if one is required in your area.
  
  
• 3). Log on to Govspot.com, and apply for your state's Department of Revenue tax ID number. Call (800) 429-4833, and apply for a federal tax ID number.
  
  
• 4). Join an organization like the Society of Field Inspectors (SOFI) to network with other mortgage field inspectors. Get involved in such an organization to help yourself develop skills to perform mortgage field inspections.
  
  

Perform a Practice Inspection

• 1). Choose your home or a friend's residence. Take a picture of the front of the house, and include the entire house in the picture. Perform this same procedure on the sides of the house and the back of the house. Take pictures of structures on the property e.g. sheds, garages, fences, buildings and pools. Make sure your digital camera is saving the pictures.
  
  
• 2). Measure the width and the length of the house with the measuring wheel. For example, start at the right front side of the house and roll the wheel to the end of the left side of the house. Write down the width of the house on the mortgage inspection form. Measure the length of the house using the wheel from the left to the end of the house. Write down the length of the house on the mortgage inspection form. Calculate the square footage by multiplying the width times the length.
  
  
• 3). Draw a diagram of the house using your clipboard. Make a sketch of all the structures on the property. Look around the house to see if there is any noticeable damage to the home. Check the structures for damage, too.
  
  
• 4). Using the inspection report sheet, check off items if they are in good condition. However, note on the inspection report where you see any damage to the house or structures. Take a picture of the damage. Review all items on the report.
  
  
• 5). Submit the report and pictures to the inspection company, following their instructions. Each company will have different methods for submitting reports.