“Promise silver, deliver gold,” says Leon Mann, owner of Home Advantage Inspections, LLC. "Inspections are a science, but explaining them is an art.”

This philosophy has been the foundation of his business—setting his team apart in an industry where clear communication is just as critical as technical expertise. Since his last feature in Chicago Real Producers, Leon’s company has experienced substantial growth, expanding its team to serve a wider geographic area.  

"We've added inspectors to cover more ground," he says. "Now, we can serve clients farther west and south without having to refer them elsewhere." This strategic expansion ensures that more homebuyers and agents can benefit from the high level of service Leon’s company provides.

Along with its growth in numbers, Home Advantage Inspections has placed a strong emphasis on inspectors’ continuous education and advanced certifications. Every inspector is encouraged to become licensed for radon testing in Illinois and to obtain mold certification, ensuring they can offer clients comprehensive evaluations. 

"We're always looking for ways to improve client experience," Leon explains. "That means giving our team the tools and training they need to provide thorough, knowledgeable inspections."

Leon understands that a good inspector must be more than technically proficient—they must also be an effective communicator. 

"We look for people who have construction experience combined with some form of customer service expertise, such as working in restaurants. "[That’s important because] It's one thing to know buildings, but it's another to connect with people and make them feel secure in their investment."

This dedication to both technical expertise and client service is what has solidified Home Advantage Inspections as a trusted resource for REALTORS® and their clients. Leon and his team often go above and beyond to support agents—from answering last-minute questions on walkthroughs to providing same-day inspections when needed. 

"We know agents have a tough job," Leon says. "Sometimes they need answers right away. We try to be available and responsive so they can better serve their clients."

Technological advancements have also played a role in the company’s growth. 

"When I started, I thought using my phone with a QWERTY keyboard was cutting-edge," Leon jokes. "Now, we use infrared thermal imaging, moisture detectors, and gas leak detectors to provide more detailed reports." 

These tools have improved the level of detail in their inspections, giving clients a clearer picture of their potential home. Additionally, digital reporting systems and streamlined scheduling have enhanced efficiency, making the process smoother for both inspectors and clients. Leon’s team is also committed to educating their clients and partners, helping them to understand that quality inspections take time.

“One aspect of our industry that we wish both agents and clients had a deeper understanding of is the level of detail and effort required for a thorough home inspection,” says Leon. “While we acknowledge the desire for efficiency, we believe that quality should never be compromised.” 

“Our team approaches each inspection as if we were buying the property ourselves, considering potential concerns as if our own families would be living there,” he adds. “This level of dedication results in a longer inspection process compared to some other companies, as we

examine tens of thousands of elements within the property.”

This is their “deliver gold” mindset and approach at work: Leon and his team advocate for, and strongly believe, that agents and clients alike benefit when they understand and appreciate the importance of thoroughness versus a quick turnaround.

Away from the business, Leon is deeply invested in his family: his wife, Rachael, and their three children. Their two daughters, Devyn and Makenzie, currently live in Florida—one is studying at Lynn University, and the other is working at the Breakers in Palm Beach. Their son, Hunter, a junior in high school, is spending much time seriously considering his future options. 

"We [our family] talk all the time. Thank God for cell phones," Leon says. "When we get together, the time is always full of laughter."

Also, Leon’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond inspections. 

"We’ve gotten into rehabbing and real estate investing," he shares. "Housing, home maintenance—it’s all connected, and I love being involved in different aspects of the industry."

As Home Advantage Inspections looks ahead, Mann envisions a future where his team continues to grow, not just in size but in value.

 "A lot of our guys have families," he says. "The flexibility of this industry allows them to be present for their kids, and I want to keep fostering that. At the same time, I want to see them continue growing as professionals, learning about mold inspections, radon testing, sewer scopes, and more."

For Leon, the meaning of success has evolved from being about numbers to being about impact. "When I started almost twenty years ago, I had a number in mind. Now, success feels more like a measure of how many people we've helped," he says. "I love seeing how we’ve grown, how we’ve improved, and how we continue to make a difference."