Why Over 10,000 Homebuyers Have Chosen Us
1. Our Google Reviews Make us Blush 🥰
2. We go above and beyond other home inspection companies
US | THEM |
|---|---|
| We only schedule two inspections per day per inspector | 3-4 inspections per day per inspector |
| We walk the roof when it’s accessible and safe | Only take pictures |
| We’re on-call to answer your post move-in questions | No post move-in support |
| We have a dedicated person who answers the phone | The inspector hopefully calls you back the next day, if at all |
| We operate every accessible window | One per room |
| We test every accessible outlet | One per room |
3. The home inspection pays for itself
- Usually, the defects we discover cost substantially more to repair than the cost of the home inspection.
- Our inspections have saved our clients millions of dollars in repairs that the seller made.
- Our reports are easy to use to boost your negotiating power
4. Education-Based, Not Ego-Driven Inspections
- Your inspection is about YOU.
- We educate you to help you buy the home you fell in love with.
- All the technical information you want with none of the condescension you don’t
- Our job is to insure that you have the information you need about the house you’ve fallen in love with.
- It’s not about us showing off everything we’ve learned over the years.
- We’re happy to interact with you as much (or as little) as you want
5. What Concerns You, Matters to Us
- We can tailor our interactions and inspection narrative to your level of interest and expertise
- Your concerns are valid to us – no matter how big or small – so share them with us and we will address them.
6. Big and Small - We’ve Inspected It All
- We’ve completed over 10,000 inspections!
- We’ve got experience with residential properties – from pre-drywall inspections on new construction to homes that are hundreds of years old (and everything in between)
- From studios to luxury condominiums and from bungalows to mansions
- We’ve inspected working barns, condo buildings, bars, restaurants, churches, and preschools. We’ve got experience with many types of commercial properties.
7. Unicorns
- Rachel Oslund is the General Manager and a Certified Master Inspector®
- Kate Johnson is our head inspector and a Certified Master Inspector®
- We are members of the Human Trafficking Task Force of Howard County
- We are members of the Women’s Council of Realtors
- We are members of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance
8. On-Call 12 hours a Day 7 Days a Week
- Online scheduling – including immediate pricing
- Office hours 12 hours a day/7 days a week
- Inspections 7 days a week
- We’ll handle everything – we perform most inspections you want and schedule the ones we don’t
- Flexible communication with your inspector – by video-chat, phone, or email – we’re available
9. Unbiased and Objective
- At the inspection and in your report we uncover and deliver facts – with a little perspective, but no opinions.
- We all have differing comfort levels with home maintenance and repairs. We can’t tell you if we would buy the property. We CAN give you all the facts you need so that you can move forward confidently.
- We don’t perform any repairs. We are paid to do inspections.
10. Our Qualifications
- 10,000+ inspections in Maryland and DC since 2006
- We are Licensed and our insurance exceeds the standards of Maryland and Washington DC
- Two Certified Master Inspectors
- Members of InterNACHI and ASHI
- Trained and certified in specialty services such as water, mold, radon, asbestos, and lead paint testing (XRF/dust wipe/soil)
- Some of the certifications we hold are:
- First Time Home Buyer Friendly
- Safe Workplace Inspector
- Meth House Hazards
- Moisture Intrusion Inspector
- Mold Inspector
- Multi-Unit Housing Inspector
- Plumbing Inspector
- Residential Property Inspector
- Structure and Foundation Inspector
- Electrical Inspector
- Exterior Inspector
- Roof Inspector
- 11th Month Warranty Inspections
- New Construction Inspector
- Annual Home Maintenance Inspections
- Deck Inspector
- HVAC Inspector
- COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
- Certified Master Inspector
11. It’s important to us to be contributing members of the community.
- We are members of the communities we serve, and we inspect for our clients as if they were members of our families.
- Because we honor our word, we hold our heads high when we see our clients out in the community
- Members of Howard County Association of Realtors®, Carroll County Association of Realtors®, Anne Arundel County of Realtors®, Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors®
- Members of Women’s Council of Realtors®
- Members of LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance
- Members of American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists
- Provide continuing education to consumers, real estate agents, and home inspectors
- Rachel is serving her second term as a Director on the Howard County Association of Realtors® Board of Directors
- Chair of Education Committee
- Member of Fair Housing Committee
- Member of Realtor Political Action Committee
- Fair Housing liaison to the HCAR Board of Directors
- Past Chair of YPN and Affiliates Committees
- Past Membership Director, WCR Howard County
- Member of Human Trafficking Task Force
- Graduate of Maryland Realtors® Leadership Academy
~Kathy Dawson, Realtor
Meet the Team
Rachel Oslund, General Manager
Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #30200
Rachel has worked as a home inspector for over a decade, and she loves educating herself and our clients through her work. She started inspecting because her Dad, who became an inspector when he got out of the Army, told her she’d love it, and she did! They worked together for over a decade until he retired. Outside of work, Rachel loves going on bike rides with her husband and taking…
Jennifer Shipe
Client Care Manager
Jennifer is like the air traffic controller for the whole LodeStar Team! Her nearly twenty years in the real estate industry have given her the ability to empathize with clients – she really gets how exciting and sometimes stressful buying a home can be. She’s married with four children – two have flown the coop and two are still at home, along with three dogs and sometimes fish, rabbits, or a…
John Kraft
Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #33775
John is an Odenton native who always dreamt of being a home inspector, but he wasn’t ready to leave his job in the landscaping design field to follow his dream. When he finally did, he found that inspecting is a perfect fit for him. He loves figuring houses out and then being able to educate people about them. His interest in construction and what makes houses work started when…
Derick Wolf
Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #34432
Derick is drawn to work that makes a difference for people and gives him a high level of responsibility and accountability. He was behind a desk in Information Systems for a long time, but missed working with his hands and using his knowledge of residential construction. He jumped away from the desk with both feet – almost literally…
Scott Reed
With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Scott Reed’s journey to becoming a home inspector was a natural progression. Growing up on a farm in central Pennsylvania, Scott developed a keen interest and proficiency in carpentry at a young age. This led him to roles in premanufactured roof truss assembly, storage shed building, and trailer reflooring…
Ian Collado
With years of construction and property management experience under his belt, Ian’s decision to change his career path to home inspection was a natural one. Possessing a deep understanding of building systems and a strong desire to learn how to fix or build things himself, Ian has always had an appreciation for safety and efficiency. When the COVID-19 pandemic opened the door for a career change…
Rachel Oslund, General Manager
Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #30200
Rachel has worked as a home inspector for over a decade, and she loves educating herself and our clients through her work. She started inspecting because her Dad, who became an inspector when he got out of the Army, told her she’d love it, and she did! They worked together for over a decade until he retired. Outside of work, Rachel loves going on bike rides with her husband and taking their three rescue dogs on hikes in the woods. When she’s not inspecting, you’ll find her answering questions about homes and inspections at home buyer and seller seminars and teaching continuing education classes for Realtors around Maryland. She also serves on the Howard County Association of Realtors Board of Directors where she is the Chair of the Education Committee, and is the Maryland Governor’s Appointee to the Commission of Appraisers and Home Inspectors. She stays up to date on issues that impact buyers, sellers and homeowners, through her membership in the Anne Arundel County Association of Realtors, Carroll County Realtors, Howard County Association of Realtors, Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors, Maryland Realtors, National Association of Realtors and Women’s Council of Realtors. Rachel has taken the How to Perform Residential Electrical Inspections and COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for Home Inspectors and Contractors and how to inspect Stucco and Eifs, and How to Inspect Mobile Homes.
“The excellent customer service started well before the actual inspection with Jennifer’s professionalism and ability to answer every question we had quickly! Then at the inspection, Rachel was incredibly personable, professional, and explanatory throughout the process. I appreciated the whole experience. Thanks Lodestar!”
Michelle Jaeger
Kate Johnson, Head Inspector
Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #32243
Kate is our Head Inspector and Trainer. Her early life gave much hands-on learning as the oldest child of an Air Force dad, she learned from him and then was expected to help maintain the family home while he was deployed. This transitioned into early jobs that exposed her to many construction building blocks- tiling, framing, windows and deck building. Before becoming a home inspector, she was a licensed private investigator for over twenty years. Her inquisitive nature made investigating a perfect career, and being an inspector takes advantage of her natural curiosity. She’s always looking for clues about how homes operate and if everything is working as it is supposed to. Kate and her husband have two adult children, greyhound rescue dogs, and two cats. She serves as a swim meet official and is a leader in her community and on our team. Clients love her attention to detail and her skill in empowering them to understand the systems of the homes. Kate prefers to take classes in person rather than online but has taken some classes through InterNACHI. They include How to Perform Roof Inspections, 25 standards Every Inspector Should Know, Advanced Radon Measurement Service Provider, How to Inspect the Exterior, How to Perform Residential Electrical Inspections, and COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for Home Inspectors and Contractors. She has also participated in foundation issues and plumbing inspection training and How to Inspect Stucco and EIFS, and How to Inspect Mobile Homes
“The home buyer inspection went well. The Inspector Kate was very thorough and detailed. She was patient and made sure I understood the mechanics of the house. She was very specific about any issues (no matter how minor) that the property had. I left feeling well informed. A good experience all around and very professional.”
Kim Edmonds
Jennifer Shipe
Client Care Manager
Jennifer is like the air traffic controller for the whole LodeStar Team! Her nearly twenty years in the real estate industry have given her the ability to empathize with clients – she really gets how exciting and sometimes stressful buying a home can be. She’s married with four children – two have flown the coop and two are still at home, along with three dogs and sometimes fish, rabbits, or a guinea pig or two. Her innate ability to multi-task and keep everything organized and running like a well-oiled machine is the secret to her family’s success and ours. When she’s not on the phone or computer, you can find Jennifer at Zumba class, at the beach with her family, or scrapbooking with her best friends. When you call, text, or email us, she’s almost always the first person you’ll talk with – she loves working with people and we love working with her.
“When I called, Jennifer was very professional and warming, prompt and informative. I am new home owner and new to the inspection process. She didn’t make me feel small for not knowing certain things. They were able to schedule my inspection for the very next day. My inspector, John, was beyond amazing. He was kind, very thorough and gave helpful advice for extra safety for me, my son and new home. I will be using LodeStar for every purchase in the future. I would recommend this company without question.”
Victoria Lee
Bill True
Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #33442
Bill specializes in rental inspections. Property Managers and individual investors count on Bill’s calm, easy-going demeanor and construction knowledge to get them into compliance with the various rental laws in the City and the County. When he’s not inspecting, you will find him working out at the gym with his wife or reveling in the hustle and bustle of life with three daughters! He retired after 28 years in the printing press industry and discovered that retirement was just not for him. He’d always been a DIY’er, and with his free time in “retirement” he found himself completing home improvement projects of his own and helping friends and family renovate their homes. Soon after the county inspector gave the deck he’d built the thumbs-up, his daughter suggested he become a home inspector. During the inspection on her new home, she realized that she had stumbled across the perfect second career for her Dad. He loved the idea and got in action immediately. He breezed through inspector training and the national exam, got his license, and hasn’t slowed down since. He’s True-ly an asset to our team and everyone for whom he inspects!
“Quick, convenient and communicative! Would recommend.”
Timothy Beck
Dave Basham
Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #33857
Dave’s background is as a contractor, builder, rehabber, and DIY’er. He loves it! A pinched nerve cut that career short and had him wondering what was next – and where his skills might benefit the community most. His son was training to be a home inspector when Dave got the “inspection bug”, too. And boy are we lucky he did! He loves learning new things and is committed to being a contribution to everyone he meets. Dave loves doing family stuff with his wife and son and daughter – fishing is one of his favorite things to do. He leads a volunteer organization that teaches kids the ins and outs of fishing – and he excels at teaching and making learning fun. He brings that same educational spirit to his home inspections, which makes him great to work with.
“Dave was a great help and answered all of my questions! He was thorough in his report and made sure I understood each part. As a first time home buyer he really helped me to feel at ease throughout the process. Highly recommend!”
Emily Beer
John Kraft
Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #33775
John is an Odenton native who always dreamt of being a home inspector, but he wasn’t ready to leave his job in the landscaping design field to follow his dream. When he finally did, he found that inspecting is a perfect fit for him. He loves figuring houses out and then being able to educate people about them. His interest in construction and what makes houses work started when he became a volunteer firefighter in the early 2000’s – he’s volunteered over 24,000 hours in his capacity as a firefighter! Being a home inspector has helped his fire department when they’ve been on scene fighting a fire; and his extensive firefighter training has been useful to him and our team when inspecting. When he’s not inspecting or at the firehouse, you can find John at concerts throughout MD and DC, hiking, and running (which he’s not fond of, but committed to doing). John has completed InterNACHI training in How to Inspect Decks, How to Perform Roof Inspections, How to Inspect for Moisture Intrusion, Structural Issues for Home Inspectors, How to Perform Tree Inspections, Inspecting Portable Fire Extinguishers, How to Inspect the Attic, Insulation, Ventilation, and Interior, Safe Practices for Home Inspectors, How to Perform Residential Electrical Inspections, How to Inspect Fireplaces, Stoves, and Chimneys, How to Perform Garage Inspections, COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for Home Inspectors and Contractors, How to Inspect Stucco and EIFS, How to Inspect Mobile Homes – his commitment to training and education is clear.
“Our inspector, John K. was professional, thorough, knowledgeable, and courteous. John went above and beyond during the inspection and provided an incredibly detailed and well documented inspection report. Lodestar also provided an exhaustive “new homeowners manual” detailing many of the systems found in the home. Additionally, Lodestar was clear in all communications and coordinated effectively with several subcontractors for some specialized inspections. Highly recommended and professional service.”
Matthew Gagle
Derick Wolf
Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #34432
Derick is drawn to work that makes a difference for people and gives him a high level of responsibility and accountability. He was behind a desk in Information Systems for a long time, but missed working with his hands and using his knowledge of residential construction. He jumped away from the desk with both feet – almost literally! He owned and operated a pool maintenance company and then got right into home inspecting. His family keeps him busy – he and his wife have fun keeping up with their two sons and energetic dog. They love going to Ravens games and just hanging out together.
Tucker Chason
Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #34369
Tucker is a North Carolina native with a degree in renewable energy and residential construction. He’s been in Maryland for nearly a decade – working with Solar City (which became Tesla) installing solar panels on residential homes and then building commercial solar farms for Whiting-Turner. He’s very detail-oriented, finds joy and excitement in learning new things and sharing what he’s learned with others, and compassion and respect for each person he meets. Tucker and his wife live with their two cats and enjoy going to restaurants in the city, camping at state parks, and going on road trips. He will make you feel at home with his extensive background in construction and his southern hospitality.
Scott Reed
With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Scott Reed’s journey to becoming a home inspector was a natural progression. Growing up on a farm in central Pennsylvania, Scott developed a keen interest and proficiency in carpentry at a young age. This led him to roles in premanufactured roof truss assembly, storage shed building, and trailer reflooring.
Over the years, Scott expanded his skillset, working as a materials salesman, consultant, and designer for contractors across residential and agricultural projects. Gaining valuable behind-the-scenes knowledge of building product manufacturing and design, Scott honed his ability to understand the unique needs of each client and project.
Currently residing in Hampstead, Maryland with his girlfriend and three children, Scott is an avid Penn State Nittany Lions fan and model train collector.
Ian Collado
With years of construction and property management experience under his belt, Ian’s decision to change his career path to home inspection was a natural one. Possessing a deep understanding of building systems and a strong desire to learn how to fix or build things himself, Ian has always had an appreciation for safety and efficiency. When the COVID-19 pandemic opened the door for a career change, Ian pursued his home inspection certification with enthusiasm, gaining numerous additional inspection certifications along the way.
Born in Mexico and with a large extended family in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain and the Canary Islands, Ian is a native Spanish speaker, able to communicate clearly with a diverse array of clients. In his free time, Ian loves taking his boat out for bass and rockfish fishing with his black lab, Lydia, going to concerts, and spending quality time with his family. An avid ice hockey player for over 20 years, Ian is also a passionate LA Kings fan.
Service Area Map
Service Areas
Howard County
Columbia, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Fulton, Highland, Ilchester, Jessup, North Laurel, Savage, Scaggsville, Clarksville, Cooksville, Daniels, Dayton, Dorsey, Glenelg, Glenwood, Granite, Guilford, Hanover, Isaacsville, Lisbon, Marriottsville, Simpsonville, West Friendship, Woodbine, Woodstock
Anne Arundel County
Annapolis, Annapolis Neck, Arden on the Severn, Arnold, Brooklyn Park, Cape Saint, Claire, Crofton, Crownsville, Deale, Edgewater, Ferndale, Fort Meade, Friendship, Galesville, Gambrills, Glen Burnie, Herald Harbor, Jessup, Lake Shore, Linthicum, Maryland City, Mayo, Naval Academy, Odenton, Parole, Pasadena, Pumphrey, Riva, Riviera Beach, Selby-on-the-Bay, Severn, Severna Park, Shady Side, South Gate,Beverly Beach, Bristol, Chestnut Hill Cove, Churchton, Davidsonville, Fairhaven, Germantown, Gibson Island, Green Haven, Hanover, Harmans, Harundale, Harwood, Hillsmere Shores, Jacobsville, Londontowne, Lothian, Millersville, Orchard Beach, Owensville, Riverdale, Russett, Sherwood Forest, Sudley, Tracys Landing, Waysons Corner, West River, Winchester-on-the-Severn, Woodland Beach
Carroll County
Westminster (county seat), Taneytown, Woodstock, Manchester, Mount Airy, New Windsor, Union Bridge, Hampstead, Sykesville, Eldersburg, Alesia, Carrollton, Carrolltowne, Detour, Finksburg, Frizzelburg, Gamber, Gaither, Greenmount, Harney, Henryton, Jasontown, Keymar, Lineboro, Linwood, Louisville, Marriottsville, Mayberry, Middleburg, Millers, Patapsco, Pleasant Valley, Silver Run, Union Mills, Uniontown, Woodbine
Baltimore County
Arbutus, Baltimore Highlands, Bowleys, Quarters, Carney, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Dundalk, Edgemere, Essex, Garrison, Hampton, Kingsville, Lansdowne, Lochearn, Lutherville, Mays Chapel, Middle River, Milford Mill, Overlea, Owings Mills, Parkville, Perry Hall, Pikesville, Randallstown, Reisterstown, Rosedale, Rossville, Timonium, Towson (county seat), White Marsh, Woodlawn, Baldwin, Boring, Bradshaw, Brooklandville, Butler, Chase, Fork, Fort Howard, Germantown, Glen Arm, Glencoe, Glyndon, Halethorpe, Hereford, Hunt Valley, Hydes, Jacksonville, Long Green, Maryland Line, Monkton, Nottingham, Oella, Parkton, Phoenix, Ruxton, Sparks, Sparrows Point, Stevenson, Turners Station, Upper Falls, Upperco, White Hall
Montgomery County
Gaithersburg, Rockville, Takoma Park, Barnesville, Brookeville, Chevy Chase, Chevy Chase View, Chevy Chase Village, Garrett Park, Glen Echo, Kensington, Laytonsville, Poolesville, Somerset, Washington Grove, Oakmont, Drummond, Ashton-Sandy Spring, Aspen Hill, Bethesda, Brookmont, Burtonsville, Cabin John, Calverton, Clarksburg, Cloverly, Colesville, Damascus, Darnestown, Fairland, Forest Glen, Four Corners, Germantown, Glenmont, Hillandale, Kemp Mill, Layhill, Leisure World, Montgomery Village, North Bethesda, North Potomac, Olney, Potomac, Redland, Silver Spring, South Kensington, Travilah, White Oak, Wheaton, Ashton, Beallsville, Boyds, Derwood, Dickerson, Hyattstown, Sandy Spring
Prince George's County
Bowie, College Park, District Heights, Glenarden, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Laurel, Mount Rainier, New Carrollton, Seat Pleasant, Berwyn Heights, Bladensburg, Brentwood, Capitol Heights, Cheverly, Colmar Manor, Cottage City, Eagle Harbor, Edmonston, Fairmount Heights, Forest Heights, Landover Hills, Morningside, North Brentwood, Riverdale Park, University Park, Upper Marlboro, Accokeek, Adelphi, Andrews AFB, Aquasco, Baden, Beltsville, Brandywine, Brock Hall, Calverton, Camp Springs, Cedarville, Chillum, Clinton, Coral Hills, Croom, East Riverdale, Fairwood, Forestville, Fort Washington, Friendly, Glassmanor, Glenn Dale, Hillandale, Hillcrest Heights, Kettering, Konterra, Lake Arbor, Landover, Langley Park, Lanham, Largo, Marlboro Meadows, Marlboro Village, Marlow Heights, Marlton, Melwood, Mitchellville, National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Peppermill Village, Queen Anne, Queenland, Rosaryville, Seabrook, Silver Hill, South Laurel, Springdale, Suitland, Summerfield, Temple Hills, Walker Mill, West Laurel, Westphalia, Woodlawn, Woodmore, Ardmore, Avondale, Berwyn, Carmody Hills, Carole, Highlands, Cedar Heights, Chapel Oaks, Cheltenham, Collington, Danville, Green Meadows, Indian Creek Village, Kentland, Lewisdale, Meadows, Montpelier, Muirkirk, North College Park, Palmer Park, Piscataway, Raljon, Rogers Heights, South Bowie, Tantallon, Tuxedo, Vansville, West Hyattsville, White Hall, Woodyard
Frederick County
Harford County
Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Bel Air, Abingdon, Aldino, Benson, Berkley, Cardiff, Castleton, Churchville, Clayton, Constant Friendship, Creswell, Dublin, Darlington, Emmorton, Fairview, Forest Hill, Fountain Green, Glenwood, Hess, Hickory, Hopewell Village, Joppa, Kalmia, Level, Madonna, Norrisville, Shawsville, Street, Taylor, Whiteford, Glenville, Aberdeen, Proving Ground, Bel Air North, Bel Air South, Darlington, Edgewood, Fallston, Jarrettsville, Joppatowne, Perryman, Pleasant Hills, Pylesville, Riverside
Washington DC
Lead-Free • Dust Swipes • Visual • XRF
11TH
COVID
DECK
ELECTRICAL
EXTERIOR
HOME
HONOR
INTER
MULTI
moisture intrusion inspector
RES
ROOF i
SAFE
STRUCTURE
