For Michael Claus, a clear inspection report is only part of the job. The real value, he says, comes after the paperwork is done—when the conversation begins. “The conversation after I perform the inspection is probably the most important product that I produce,” Michael explains. “During that conversation, I am able to give clients clarity and offer context to help them truly understand the condition of the property.”

Owner of Louisiana Realty Inspections, LLC, Michael has carved out a niche in the crowded world of property inspections—one rooted in experience, structure, and calm communication. A licensed Home Inspector (LHI11246), Michael has spent the past four years inspecting residential and commercial buildings across southern Louisiana. But his time in the real estate world began much earlier. “I’ve been licensed as a realtor since 2003, and a broker since 2005,” he says. “Working with clients over the past 22 years, I’ve gained a unique insight into the experience they are going through in their purchase contract during the DDI period.”

Michael knows that the Due Diligence Inspection phase of a home purchase can be one of the most stressful moments for a buyer. It’s when the property is picked apart, and doubt often creeps in. His job, he says, is to reduce that anxiety—through precision and communication. “My role at this point is that of a messenger,” he says. “They’re relying on me to answer their questions without interjecting emotion or bias.”

With a background in both construction and commercial property management, Michael brings a depth of technical understanding to every inspection. But what sets him apart is how he packages that information for the people depending on it. “I’m able to thoroughly describe the condition of the property they are investing in… in an objective manner. This is critical!”

Michael operates his business solo, relying on finely tuned systems, top-tier software, and years of field experience. “I’ve been fortunate to be able to develop systems and processes, and use industry leading software to manage my entire business on my own.” That structure doesn’t just make life easier for him—it makes the experience more efficient for everyone involved. “I truly believe that my experience in the industry has allowed me to focus on things that are important, and not clutter my thoughts and time with things that don’t matter.

“My business model in working with realtors revolves around saving them time and reducing their liability,” Michael says. From scheduling to accessing properties through ShowingTime to generating repair requests from his inspection reports, Michael aims to streamline what can often be a chaotic process. “The repair request feature in my software allows the buyer’s realtor to generate an addendum directly from my report,” he explains. “This can avoid misunderstandings between buyers and sellers during the repair request process.”

Michael even offers a layer of assurance few inspectors can match. “All of my home inspections include the InterNACHI buy-back guarantee,” he says. “If I inspect a client’s home and they discover a defect I missed… InterNACHI will buy the home back for 100% of the purchase price.”

Behind the process and precision is a lifelong passion. Michael grew up in Baton Rouge, the son of two architects, builders, brokers, and developers. “All my life, I would go with my mom and dad to construction sites,” he recalls. That early exposure led him to manage his family’s commercial property management firm for 17 years before transitioning fully into inspections in 2021. “It’s been a perfect fit for me,” he says simply. “Construction has always been my true love.”

Michael is now based in Mandeville/Covington with his wife Sarah, and their children, Caroline and Bo, are transitioning to life at LSU in Baton Rouge. “My life with my family brings me more pride and joy than anything. I would have never made it this far without their love and support.

Asked to sum up the essence of his work, Michael offers a simple phrase: “The information you want, the protection you need.” And for many of his clients, that’s exactly what he delivers.