Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Jackson.
Hi Natasha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey of entrepreneurship has been over a span of twenty years. I am a former real estate investor and salon owner that converted to being a HQS (Housing Quality Standards) Inspector. HQS inspectors inspect to ensure the property is safe and habitable under the Housing Choice Voucher program (known as Section 8). I wanted to help people get into affordable housing. I was able to see the impact by becoming a Housing Specialist/Counselor and Family Stabilization Coordinator. I learned to provide tools and tips for families and individuals regarding housing. Many people do not know the process of renting or purchasing a home. It is powerful to speak to landlords and tenants.
I had to make decisions pertaining to my life and goals. I decided to move forward in the housing industry beginning as a Housing Counselor and Housing Specialist. I worked in Washington, DC at a non-profit and was given the opportunity to become a Section 8 inspector. I received training and the HQS certification in New York. I had the opportunity to become an inspector and it was life changing. I was able to relocate to Florida. I became an Inspection Manager. I learned to conduct virtual inspections in Houston remotely.
I have a passion for housing, education, and business, I started my business in hopes of changing communities. I want landlords to understand their responsibilities. I want tenants to understand that their rental history is their housing resume. In addition, I want housing authorities to prepare landlords to become part of the Housing Choice Voucher program with more knowledge and education. I want to provide more tenants with information to grow and expand their knowledge about renting and homeownership. I am working on my goals daily to help people understand the importance of affordable housing and programs designed to improve lives. My goal is to educate and continue to be a resource.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth as a woman in a male dominated industry. Women are still breaking into HQS inspections. The challenges in this field are often due to people not understanding the Housing Choice Voucher Program. There is a stigma associated with Section 8. People still judge without a clear understanding of the program. The Housing Choice Voucher program helps seniors, veterans, disabled, and the working class. HQS inspectors play a large part in helping provide safe, habitable units for individuals and families. My industry requires communicating with people daily about the program and importance of inspections for Section 8 units. It has been challenging through the years as an owner, manager and as an inspector. I appreciate the lessons. It has made me stronger. I enjoy sharing knowledge and teaching the community that all people deserve safe and habitable housing. As a woman with experience in this industry, I continue to move through the challenges and get excited about the progress (regardless of the size of the wins).
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Quality Standards Inspections Services is an HQS (Housing Quality Standards) woman founded company that specializes in Section 8 inspections, pre-inspections, and consulting services. We are certified HQS inspectors that provide inspections, training, and consulting services. We work with landlords, property investors, and much more, We understand the guidelines and can assist property management companies and real estate investors for preparation for Section 8 inspections.
We are different than most agencies. We have over thirty years of combined experience. In addition, we offer to train and contract with women in an industry that women are not easily hired or contracted. I am proud that our brand is focused on inspections, training, and education. Our services are professional. We offer pre-inspections and consulting services to help landlords prepare to become Section 8 landlords and to remain in compliance with knowledge and awareness. We are different because we focus on workshops and training. Tenants and landlords at times do not know their responsibilities under the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8). We help to ease the process and provide a clear understanding about the inspection process.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Perseverance is the key to success. You have to keep going regardless of obstacles. Passion and purpose will keep you motivated.
Pricing:
- Pre-inspection for one bedroom is $50 and up.
- Pre-inspection for two bedroom is $65 and up
- Pre-inspection for three bedroom is $75 and up
- Pre-inspection for four bedroom $100 and up
- Consulting services is $50 and up depending upon hourly, weekly, monthly, or one time fee.
Contact Info:
- Email: qsinspectionservices@gmail.com
- Website: qualitystandardsinspectionservices.com
- Instagram: qsinspectionservices
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QSInspectionServices
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ServicesQs
Image Credits
Quality Standards Inspection Services
