Austin Gray: Building a First-Class Inspection Empire in Northeast Florida

Austin Gray: Building a First-Class Inspection Empire in Northeast Florida

The Real Estate Excellence Podcast is Northeast Florida's authority for connecting buyers, sellers, and agents with elite professionals in every corner of the industry. In this episode, we catch up with Austin Gray, owner of Gray Home Inspections and Gray Pest Control. Since his first appearance in Episode 9, Austin has doubled the size of his company, added pest control services, and launched an insurance division. This article uses insights from the full episode transcript at tracyhayespodcast.com/190.

From Plumbing Trenches to Entrepreneurial Leadership

Born and raised in Jacksonville and a graduate of Fleming Island High School, Austin Gray’s career began humbly. He studied architecture under his father, worked in HVAC and plumbing, and even bartended at night while laying the groundwork for his future company. He later trained under a seasoned home inspector before launching Gray Home Inspections.

Austin’s operation now includes over 35 employees across three businesses. What sets him apart is his relentless commitment to systems, customer care, and agent relationships. “Our number one focus is the customer. After that, we want to make sure we’re in good graces with our Realtors. They’re an extension of our business,” Austin says.

Direct Quotes from the Episode

"During Q4 last year, when rates hit 8%, it was the hardest time in my life as a business owner. But it forced me to go deeper, fix the holes, and hold people accountable."

"We’re doing about 1,500 inspections this year alone. Our pest control service was born because clients kept asking, 'Who’s your pest guy?' Now we are."

"What I really wanted was to be a respected member of the community. That was the vision."

Hyper-Local Insight: Jacksonville to St. Augustine

Austin’s companies serve all of Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, and the Beaches. In areas like Palencia and St. Johns Golf, his team frequently treats for mosquitoes and rodents, where moisture-heavy landscapes invite pests. Pest control isn’t an add-on in Florida. It’s essential.

His home inspection business also plays a key role in navigating insurance hurdles, particularly in older homes across Jacksonville and the historic districts of St. Augustine. Wind mitigations, four-points, sewer scopes, and termite bonds are standard offerings.

Three Real Stories from the Field

1. Sewer Scope Saves $40K: Austin’s team identified a major sewer issue before closing. The repair estimate? $40,000. The buyer walked. Austin’s inspection saved them a nightmare.

2. From Inspector to Pest Pro: One of Austin’s inspectors expressed interest in pest control. Instead of losing the employee, Austin transitioned him into a new role—an example of internal mobility in a smart company culture.

3. The Accountability Wake-Up Call: When the market cooled in Q4, Austin realized his culture lacked structure. “I wasn’t getting a paycheck. That’s when I knew things had to change.” He implemented weekly check-ins and follow-up systems for agent retention.

FAQs About Northeast Florida Real Estate & Inspections

Q: Why are termite bonds important in Florida?
A: Florida has some of the highest termite colony densities in the country. Bonds protect buyers from expensive structural damage and can be a deal-maker in competitive listings.

Q: Are four-point inspections required?
A: Yes, especially for homes over 30 years old. These inspections focus on roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical—critical for securing homeowner's insurance.

Q: What’s the benefit of bundling inspection and pest control?
A: Savings and simplicity. Gray Inspections offers discounted pest control and termite bonds for customers, avoiding costly third-party add-ons.

Q: Is pest control seasonal in NE Florida?
A: Not really. With our year-round warmth, pest control is a monthly must in areas like St. Johns County and the Beaches.

Ready for Inspection Excellence?

If you’re buying, selling, or listing in Northeast Florida, contact Gray Home Inspections and Gray Pest Control. From sewer scopes to mosquito suppression, their comprehensive service and deep market knowledge make them a trusted ally for agents and buyers alike.

Follow Austin:
Instagram (Home Inspections): https://www.instagram.com/gray_home_inspections/
Instagram (Pest Control): https://www.instagram.com/gray_pest_control/
Facebook (Home Inspections): https://www.facebook.com/grayinspects
Facebook (Pest Control): https://www.facebook.com/graypestcontrol

Full episode: https://www.tracyhayespodcast.com/190
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateExcellence
Internal REE episode: https://www.tracyhayespodcast.com/186
Top Agents: https://topjacksonvilleagents.com
https://topstaugustineagents.com

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