Why the Right Leadership Matters in Third-Party CRE Inspections
- cmrpartners
- Mar 28
- 2 min read

When selecting a third-party CRE inspection firm, one of the most critical questions a lender should ask is: Who is leading the organization? A firm led by a licensed, experienced professional—such as a General Contractor, Building Contractor, or Architect—provides a distinct advantage in protecting financial institutions and borrowers from risks that can compromise a project’s success.
Experience Matters in CRE Inspections
“The FFEIC has made some very strong suggestions regarding the qualifications of a third-party inspector for monitoring your CRE Projects. One of the most significant is using a licensed and experienced professional,” says Stephanie Goins, Senior Vice President at CMR Partners.
“A licensed individual with deep experience is so important to have in your financial institution’s court as they speak the same language as the General Contractor and therefore can provide a unique protection to the lender and the borrower.”
A firm led by a true industry expert ensures that inspections go beyond just taking photos. A knowledgeable leader can spot red flags, ensure accurate reporting, and provide valuable insights when change orders, payment applications, or scheduling issues arise
Direct Access to Leadership
Another critical factor is accessibility. Can a lender pick up the phone and speak directly with the experienced professional running the firm? At CMR Partners, the answer is always yes.
“Without this type of leader, a lot of nuances on a project go unnoticed, and money games will not be caught,” Goins explains. “In the event of change orders and schedule issues, an experienced leader can assist the borrower in the proper evaluation and keep the project moving along.”
At CMR Partners, every project benefits from leadership with decades of experience in construction, engineering, and architecture. Lenders and borrowers alike gain peace of mind knowing that the person overseeing their inspections has firsthand knowledge of complex construction projects and a track record of risk mitigation.
Choosing the Right Firm
If you're working with a third-party inspection firm, take a moment to evaluate the qualifications of its leadership. Ask yourself:
✅ Is the firm led by a licensed construction professional or architect?
✅ Does the leadership team have experience across diverse construction sectors?
✅ Can you contact the firm’s leadership directly for insights and support?
CMR Partners sets itself apart by ensuring that every inspection is backed by a leadership team with extensive construction and architectural experience. That expertise is what makes the difference in safeguarding lender investments and keeping projects on track.
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