Best Jim Troth Podcasts (2025)

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Site Prep Nightmares 16:42

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4d ago16:42

16:42

Send us a text Trust your instincts and never skip the inspection - this crucial advice could have saved one Ohio family significant headaches with their new manufactured home. Their story begins with excitement about upgrading to a newer home on land they already owned, but quickly turns troubling when the installation company prevents them from v…

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When Site Prep Goes Wrong: A Homeowner's Nightmare 16:42

4d ago16:42

16:42

We share our experience inspecting a newly delivered manufactured home with serious foundation issues that could have been prevented with proper oversight and quality control. • Manufactured homes are solidly built in factory conditions but require proper site preparation • A homeowner called us to inspect their two-week-old manufactured home after…

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Do not abdicate the reading of your home inspection report 13:26

19d ago13:26

13:26

Our company recently helped an older woman who bought a house in Ohio to be near her daughter undergoing chemotherapy but discovered mold issues that were clearly noted in the inspection report she never read. The situation highlights the dangers of relying solely on real estate agents to interpret inspection findings, especially when health concer…

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The Danger of Ignoring Your Home Inspection Report 14:03

19d ago14:03

14:03

Send us a text What happens when you trust someone else to read your home inspection report? One homeowner's devastating story reveals the dangers of delegating this critical responsibility. Meet an older woman who moved to Ohio to support her daughter through chemotherapy treatments. She did the responsible thing by hiring Habitation Investigation…

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The Hidden Costs and Benefits of Building on Your Own Land vs. Developer Communities 14:10

23d ago14:10

14:10

Deciding whether to build your dream home on your own land or buy into a developer's community represents one of the biggest choices in the homeownership journey. After navigating this process ourselves, we're pulling back the curtain on the surprising realities that most people discover too late. Financial considerations extend far beyond the obvi…

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Build or Buy? 14:02

1M ago14:02

14:02

Send us a text Ever wonder if building your dream home from scratch is worth the hassle, or if finding that perfect existing property makes more sense? We tackle this crucial homebuying crossroads with hard-earned wisdom and practical insights. The housing market in Ohio mirrors challenges seen nationwide – inventory shortages, construction delays,…

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Build or Buy: The Great Housing Dilemma 14:02

1M ago14:02

14:02

The housing shortage has turned what should be an exciting milestone into a stressful decision. Should you settle for what's available on the market or create exactly what you want from scratch? After navigating this journey ourselves, we break down the crucial factors that will help you make this life-changing choice. Speed versus control sits at …

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Seller Meltdowns: When Home Inspections Run Long 13:55

1M ago13:55

13:55

Send us a text Ever wonder what happens when the delicate dance between home buyers, sellers, and inspectors goes sideways? We dive into a revealing situation that unfolded during a recent inspection that perfectly illustrates the emotional complexities of real estate transactions. When a seller erupted in anger because our inspection ran just 15 m…

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Toxic Houses: Hidden Dangers Homeowners Face 22:33

1M ago22:33

22:33

Send us a text What happens when your dream home becomes a health nightmare? In this eye-opening discussion, Jim and Laura share three shocking stories of Ohio homeowners facing potentially life-threatening situations in their own homes. The first tale reveals how one family's new HVAC system created toxic gas resembling mustard gas when improperly…

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Beyond Negotiation: How Your Inspection Report Becomes Your Home's Maintenance Bible 20:19

2M ago20:19

20:19

Your home inspection report is a goldmine of critical information, but are you using it properly? Despite investing in professional inspections, many homebuyers never even read their reports, missing out on valuable insights that could save them thousands of dollars and countless headaches. Think of your inspection report as a multi-purpose tool. D…

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Every Home Buyer Needs an Inspection (Even for New Builds) 20:49

2M ago20:49

20:49

Would you spend $289,000 on a house only to discover it needs $323,000 in repairs? That's exactly what happened to one family whose child became seriously ill after moving into their seemingly beautiful "flipped" home. Their nightmare scenario perfectly illustrates why home inspections are non-negotiable in the buying process. Laura and Jim tackle …

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Finding the Right Real Estate Agent 17:09

2M ago17:09

17:09

Wondering whether to buy or rent? Struggling to find a trustworthy real estate agent? In this revealing conversation, Jim and Laura share hard-earned wisdom about the home buying journey that could save you decades of regret. The hosts begin with a sobering story about an elderly woman forced to move after 30 years of renting—having essentially pai…

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Should You Buy a Home 10:28

2M ago10:28

10:28

Jim and Laura Troth with the first episode of Adventures in Home Buying discuss the decision to buy a home. This discussion regarding home buying mentions the economic and personal aspects of becoming a homeowner. Jim shares a story of a women who rented the same home for 30 years and when the landlord decided to sell this renter has zero say and z…

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The Great Buyer Pushback: How Market Dynamics Are Shifting in Ohio and Beyond 21:17

2M ago21:17

21:17

Send us a text The real estate market is experiencing a significant shift with 71% of active agents making no sales in the last 18 months, creating both challenges and opportunities for those who can adapt to changing conditions. • 71% of active real estate agents have made zero sales in the past 18 months • The "Great Pushback" shows buyers refusi…

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Mold Nightmares in New Construction 17:36

2M ago17:36

17:36

Send us a text Imagine you've just paid a deposit on your dream home—a brand new construction that should be perfect in every way. Now imagine the horror of discovering "mold curtains" hanging like Spanish moss in your basement before you've even moved in. This nightmarish scenario is exactly what happened to recent clients who reached out to Envir…

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Would $800 Have Saved $323,000? 21:12

2M ago21:12

21:12

Send us a text A seemingly perfect house becomes a nightmare in this jaw-dropping story of buyer's remorse that serves as a powerful warning for anyone considering waiving home inspections. We examine a case where homeowners discovered their recently purchased property contained extensive black mold, structural damage, and numerous hidden issues th…

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Digging Deeper: What Every Rural Property Buyer Needs to Know About Mineral Rights 14:02

2M ago14:02

14:02

Send us a text Ever wondered who actually owns what's beneath your feet? In our latest episode, we dive into the world of mineral rights - a concept that can dramatically impact rural property owners but is often misunderstood or overlooked during the buying process. When we purchased our land about four years ago, understanding mineral rights beca…

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Country Living: The Hidden Costs & Savings 16:55

3M ago16:55

16:55

Send us a text The rural exodus is real. As more families flee city living for country tranquility, they're encountering unfamiliar territory: well water and septic systems. This candid conversation tackles everything you need to know about the financial realities of rural utilities. We dive deep into the numbers that matter. That initial sticker s…

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Why Your House Needs Check-ups More Than Your Car Does 15:55

3M ago15:55

15:55

Send us a text Home maintenance inspections are crucial for catching small problems before they become expensive disasters, just like regular car maintenance prevents breakdowns despite houses having far more components than vehicles. • Regular maintenance inspections recommended every 2-3 years, coinciding with EPA's radon testing recommendations …

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From Clueless to Closing: How Agents Should Guide Their Clients 12:30

3M ago12:30

12:30

Send us a text The real estate transaction process breaks down when agents fail to prepare their clients properly, especially regarding inspection expectations and appropriate repair requests. • Frustration with agents who don't explain inspection processes to clients, especially those from different cultures • Language barriers require extra effor…

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Inspection Waiving Regrets: The Hidden Costs of Skipping Due Diligence 15:26

4M ago15:26

15:26

Send us a text Skipping home inspections might seem like a smart move to strengthen your offer in a competitive market, but this short-sighted decision frequently returns to haunt homeowners years later. Jim and Laura dive deep into the concerning trend of inspection waivers and the painful consequences many homeowners now face when trying to sell …

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Inspect Before You Lease 16:31

4M ago16:31

16:31

Send us a text Jim and Laura discuss the critical importance of property inspections even for leased commercial spaces, highlighting a case study of a children's workout facility with dangerous mold conditions. • Laura conducted air quality testing at a commercial property where children worked out and found dangerous mold levels • The landlord ini…

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Clean Air, Healthy Home 27:33

4M ago27:33

27:33

Send us a text Your home should be a sanctuary, but what if the air you're breathing is silently making you sick? In this eye-opening episode, Jim and Laura ("the office goddess") dive deep into the invisible threats lurking in your indoor air and provide practical solutions for creating a healthier home environment. Did you know we spend roughly 9…

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When Technology Outpaces Expectations: The Future of Home Inspections 14:40

4M ago14:40

14:40

Send us a text Modern radon monitors equipped with cellular connectivity can deliver test results automatically without requiring physical retrieval, creating confusion for those unfamiliar with this technology. We explain how a misunderstanding occurred when a real estate agent assumed we entered a property without permission. • Advanced radon mon…

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Behind the Scenes with Jim and Laura when not working 13:46

5M ago13:46

13:46

Send us a text Jim and Laura from Standing Out in Ohio podcast take a break from real estate topics to share what they do when they're not working their irregular and demanding schedules. They reveal their passion projects and hobbies that help them maintain balance while running their successful Ohio-based business. • Laura has planted over 50 fru…

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The Three-Peat: Habitation Investigation Wins Best in Midwest Again 18:03

5M ago18:03

18:03

Send us a text Award-winning excellence doesn't happen by accident. After receiving the news that Habitation Investigation had earned the prestigious "Best in the Midwest" award for the third consecutive year, we decided to peel back the curtain and share what makes our home inspection company different from the competition. This episode explores t…

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Navigating New Construction: What Every Buyer Should Know About Home Inspections 15:21

5M ago15:21

15:21

Send us a text Most homebuyers assume newly constructed homes don't need professional inspections. After all, they're brand new and subject to county inspections, right? This dangerous misconception could cost you thousands down the road. In this revealing discussion, we unpack why even fresh-from-the-builder homes need multiple professional inspec…

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Squirrel Damage & $20,000 Regrets 11:40

5M ago11:40

11:40

Send us a text Nobody wants to shell out $20,000 to repair damage that could have been prevented with a simple home maintenance inspection. Yet, that's exactly what happened to one Ohio couple who discovered their attic had been devastated by squirrels, leaks, and chewed electrical wires – a disaster that began with a small, easily fixable entry po…

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Decoding Indoor Air Quality: Radon, Mold, and What Really Makes You Sick 14:43

6M ago14:43

14:43

Send us a text Indoor air quality affects our health in ways we don't immediately recognize, with radon and mold being the most common but widely misunderstood threats in our homes. Professional testing and proper remediation protocols are essential for addressing these silent dangers that can cause serious health issues over time. • Radon is an od…

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The Forgotten Maintenance That Could Save Your Health And Home 15:38

6M ago15:38

15:38

Send us a text We investigate a case where a homeowner was feeling ill in specific areas of her home, tracing the problem to hidden moisture issues causing mold growth that had developed since her home purchase two years prior. • Importance of starting with a full home inspection before specialized testing like mold or VOC tests • Disconnected down…

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Sewer Scope Challenges: What Home Inspectors Can and Cannot Do 17:52

6M ago17:52

17:52

Send us a text Sewer scope inspections can be thwarted by inaccessible clean-outs, requiring plumbers rather than home inspectors to create proper access points. We explore why clean-outs are essential, what prevents inspectors from completing scopes, and who's responsible for ensuring access before home purchases. • Every home should have at least…

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Data-Driven Real Estate: Targeting Your Ideal Clients 20:16

7M ago20:16

20:16

Send us a text Jim dives into the latest National Association of Realtors Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers, revealing critical data points to help real estate professionals target their marketing efforts more effectively. Highlights From the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers The demographic trends show significant shifts in buyer age and preferen…

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Confronting Hidden Home Hazards 11:59

7M ago11:59

11:59

Send us a text Can you imagine living in a home with hidden health hazards lurking in its very foundation? Join me, Jim, and Laura, our office goddess, as we unveil the shocking discoveries from an Ohio home inspection that reveals troubling environmental risks. From the toxic threats of hexavalent chromium and formaldehyde to arsenic and lead cont…

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Navigating Real Estate Ethics: Protecting Client Privacy Amid Pressure Tactics 8:03

7M ago8:03

8:03

Send us a text Can a past business relationship justify bending state laws? Join Laura and me, Jim, as we tackle this provocative question head-on in our latest Standing Out in Ohio podcast episode. This week, we unravel a complex and all-too-common scenario in the real estate world—an insistent buyer's agent demanding a confidential report without…

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Become a Savvy Agent with Essential Home Inspection Knowledge 16:02

7M ago16:02

16:02

Send us a text This episode discusses the critical importance of understanding home inspections for both buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. Jim and Laura highlight common misconceptions agents make, the role of confidentiality in reports, and the expectations for all parties involved. • Importance of agents understanding home inspectio…

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Join us as an inspector! Locally Driven Success in the Inspection Industry 10:47

8M ago10:47

10:47

Send us a text Winning the Consumer's Choice Award for home inspections in Columbus has been a remarkable journey for us, and there's so much we've learned along the way. Laura and I, Jim, talk about the systems and consistent service that have been our backbone, emphasizing the freedom we've found as a locally owned business without the constraint…

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Uncovering Hidden Health Hazards and Costly Mistakes in Your Home 14:24

8M ago14:24

14:24

Send us a text Could the air in your home be making you sick? Join us on the Standing Out in Ohio podcast as we promise to unveil the hidden dangers lurking in your home that you might not even know about. Imagine being the eighth company called to solve a mysterious odor forcing a family to abandon their home, only to discover the culprit was a ne…

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Insights into the ESA Process for Property Transactions 16:06

8M ago16:06

16:06

Send us a text This episode focuses on the critical importance of Phase One Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) for real estate investors and banks. We explore how these inspections help uncover potential environmental risks associated with properties, safeguarding investments and ensuring compliance. • Importance of Phase One Environmental Site …

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Residential or commercial Inspector: Navigating Licensing and Regulations for Success 13:16

8M ago13:16

13:16

Send us a text Unlock the secrets of commercial and residential property inspections in Ohio with Jim and Laura, your go-to experts, as they dissect the complexities of state regulations. Have you ever wondered why a home inspector's license is essential for your duplex but not your bustling five-unit apartment building? Together, we'll tackle this…

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The Importance of Home Inspections for a Healthier Living Environment 17:26

9M ago17:26

17:26

Send us a text Unlock information for maintaining a healthy home environment and protect your loved ones from unseen hazards. Have you ever wondered if your home's air could be silently impacting your health? Join us as we share an intriguing story of our environmental home inspection journey, revealing startling findings that go beyond the surface…

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Uncovering Real Estate Inspection Ethics: Protecting Your Home-Buying Journey 25:56

9M ago25:56

25:56

Send us a text Real estate transactions hinge on the quality of home inspections, as illustrated by a recent emergency case where critical issues were uncovered just in time. Agents must prioritize ethical recommendations and transparent communication to safeguard their clients’ interests and ensure long-term success in their careers. • Highlightin…

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Fighting Electrician Scams: Protecting Your Home and Spirit, Holiday Shopping Fun 19:55

9M ago19:55

19:55

Send us a text Can Christmas shopping with adult children actually be fun? Laura and I think so! Picture this: margaritas in hand, laughter shared over gift ideas, and the joy of plotting a holiday surprise together. But while the season is all about spreading cheer, it’s also crucial to keep an eye on ethical behavior in all aspects of life, inclu…

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Uncovering Hidden Home Hazards: The Importance of Regular Inspections 17:39

9M ago17:39

17:39

Send us a text Ever wondered how a slight mishap in your home could lead to serious health issues? Join Laura, our office goddess, and me as we uncover the surprising connection between a disconnected sump pump pipe and a homeowner's unexplained health problems. This episode promises to enlighten you on the crucial role of thorough home inspections…

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Mastering Customer Reviews: Navigating Feedback and Standing Out in a Competitive Market 28:24

10M ago28:24

28:24

Send us a text Unlock the secrets to mastering reviews and setting your business apart from the crowd. Join us on the Standing Out in Ohio podcast as we promise to transform your approach to year-end planning with strategic insights for real estate professionals and entrepreneurs. Discover how understanding your numbers, particularly in marketing, …

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Mastering Real Estate Transactions: Managing Expectations and Preparing for Home Inspections 20:00

10M ago20:00

20:00

Send us a text What if navigating the complexities of real estate transactions could be as straightforward as brewing your morning coffee? This episode promises to equip you with the essential skills to manage expectations effectively, whether you’re a buyer or a seller dealing with home inspections. Through engaging anecdotes, we illuminate how un…

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The Art of Hiring: Navigating Challenges and Strategies in the Home Inspection Industry 27:46

10M ago27:46

27:46

Send us a text Can hiring a home inspector really be as random as flipping a coin? Join us as we tackle the perplexing challenges and strategies of recruiting the right talent in the home inspection industry. Whether you're weighing the benefits of hiring newcomers versus seasoned professionals, we bring personal anecdotes and proven methods to lig…

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The journey of Selling Our Family Home After 22 Years 14:30

10M ago14:30

14:30

Send us a text What happens when you decide to uproot your life and sell a home filled with over two decades of cherished memories? Join us on a heartfelt journey as we recount the emotional rollercoaster of selling our beloved family home of 22 years. From the early days when our daughters were tiny tots, to making the decision to move on, this ep…

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Navigating Condo Associations: Avoiding Financial Surprises and Protecting Your Investment 15:32

11M ago15:32

15:32

Send us a text What if you moved into a condo with a perfectly good roof, only to face a hefty assessment fee for its replacement just a short time later? On this episode of the Standing Out in Ohio podcast, join Jim Troth and Laura, our office goddess, as we tackle the perplexing world of condo association decisions and their financial implication…

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Handling Home Inspection Drama: Lessons Regarding Furnace Age 14:02

11M ago14:02

14:02

Send us a text Ever found yourself caught in the crossfire of a home inspection gone due to seller opinions? Join Laura Troth and me, Jim Troth, as we unravel the tale of a home seller whose explosive reaction over a furnace's manufacture date led to unexpected drama. You’ll learn how something as seemingly trivial as the date on a furnace can igni…

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Staying Calm and the Importance of Home Inspections in Real Estate Transactions 20:32

11M ago20:32

20:32

Send us a text Ever wondered how staying calm and composed can impact a real estate transaction? Discover the crucial strategies for managing stress as a professional that can transform your client relationships. We share a fascinating real-life scenario where an agent's unnecessary panic nearly skewed a client's perception during a home inspection…