About Us

Why Over 10,000 Homebuyers Have Chosen Us

1. Our Google Reviews Make us Blush 🥰
  • See why – check out our Google Reviews Here
  • Facebook Reviews Here
2. We go above and beyond other home inspection companies

US

THEM

We only schedule two inspections per day per inspector3-4 inspections per day per inspector
We walk the roof when it’s accessible and safeOnly take pictures
We’re on-call to answer your post move-in questionsNo post move-in support
We have a dedicated person who answers the phoneThe inspector hopefully calls you back the next day, if at all
We operate every accessible windowOne per room
We test every accessible outletOne per room
3. The home inspection pays for itself
  • Usually, the defects we discover cost substantially more to repair than the cost of the home inspection.
  • Our inspections have saved our clients millions of dollars in repairs that the seller made.
  • Our reports are easy to use to boost your negotiating power
4. Education-Based, Not Ego-Driven Inspections
  • Your inspection is about YOU.
  • We educate you to help you buy the home you fell in love with.
  • All the technical information you want with none of the condescension you don’t
  • Our job is to insure that you have the information you need about the house you’ve fallen in love with.
  • It’s not about us showing off everything we’ve learned over the years.
  • We’re happy to interact with you as much (or as little) as you want
5. What Concerns You, Matters to Us
  • We can tailor our interactions and inspection narrative to your level of interest and expertise
  • Your concerns are valid to us – no matter how big or small – so share them with us and we will address them.
6. Big and Small - We’ve Inspected It All
  • We’ve completed over 10,000 inspections!
  • We’ve got experience with residential properties – from pre-drywall inspections on new construction to homes that are hundreds of years old (and everything in between)
  • From studios to luxury condominiums and from bungalows to mansions
  • We’ve inspected working barns, condo buildings, bars, restaurants, churches, and preschools. We’ve got experience with many types of commercial properties.
7. Unicorns
We are a women-led company – and we mention that because most people have never met a female home inspector. And we’ve got two!!! (Most home inspectors are men – and that’s great! We just want to brag a bit about our uniqueness.) 😀

  • Rachel Oslund is the General Manager and a Certified Master Inspector®
  • Kate Johnson is our head inspector and a Certified Master Inspector®
  • We are members of the Human Trafficking Task Force of Howard County
  • We are members of the Women’s Council of Realtors
  • We are members of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance
8. On-Call 12 hours a Day 7 Days a Week
  • Online scheduling – including immediate pricing
  • Office hours 12 hours a day/7 days a week
  • Inspections 7 days a week
  • We’ll handle everything – we perform most inspections you want and schedule the ones we don’t
  • Flexible communication with your inspector – by video-chat, phone, or email – we’re available
9. Unbiased and Objective
  • At the inspection and in your report we uncover and deliver facts – with a little perspective, but no opinions.
  • We all have differing comfort levels with home maintenance and repairs. We can’t tell you if we would buy the property. We CAN give you all the facts you need so that you can move forward confidently.
  • We don’t perform any repairs. We are paid to do inspections.
10. Our Qualifications
  • 10,000+ inspections in Maryland and DC since 2006
  • We are Licensed and our insurance exceeds the standards of Maryland and Washington DC
  • Two Certified Master Inspectors
  • Members of InterNACHI and ASHI
  • Trained and certified in specialty services such as water, mold, radon, asbestos, and lead paint testing (XRF/dust wipe/soil)
  • Some of the certifications we hold are:
    • First Time Home Buyer Friendly
    • Safe Workplace Inspector
    • Meth House Hazards
    • Moisture Intrusion Inspector
    • Mold Inspector
    • Multi-Unit Housing Inspector
    • Plumbing Inspector
    • Residential Property Inspector
    • Structure and Foundation Inspector
    • Electrical Inspector
    • Exterior Inspector
    • Roof Inspector
    • 11th Month Warranty Inspections
    • New Construction Inspector
    • Annual Home Maintenance Inspections
    • Deck Inspector
    • HVAC Inspector
    • COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
    • Certified Master Inspector
11. It’s important to us to be contributing members of the community.
  • We are members of the communities we serve, and we inspect for our clients as if they were members of our families.
  • Because we honor our word, we hold our heads high when we see our clients out in the community
  • Members of Howard County Association of Realtors®, Carroll County Association of Realtors®, Anne Arundel County of Realtors®, Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors®
  • Members of Women’s Council of Realtors®
  • Members of LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance
  • Members of American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists
  • Provide continuing education to consumers, real estate agents, and home inspectors
  • Rachel is serving her second term as a Director on the Howard County Association of Realtors® Board of Directors
    • Chair of Education Committee
    • Member of Fair Housing Committee
    • Member of Realtor Political Action Committee
    • Fair Housing liaison to the HCAR Board of Directors
    • Past Chair of YPN and Affiliates Committees
    • Past Membership Director, WCR Howard County
    • Member of Human Trafficking Task Force
    • Graduate of Maryland Realtors® Leadership Academy
My husband and I are purchasing our first home. Our Agent provided us with a list of Inspection companies they use and we chose LodeStar, which was the BEST decision we have made so far in this process. Derick Wolf, our inspector was extremely thorough with the inspection and spent a considerable amount of time explaining his findings, which unfortunately led us to pull our offer. While the results of the inspection were not what we envisioned, they helped us make the best decision for us! I could not be more pleased with LodeStar and Derick Wolf. We are continuing our search and when we find a new home, we will be contacting LodeStar and requesting Derick again.
Jennifer Ray
Jennifer Ray
23:57 25 Mar 24
LodeStar was quick to schedule and did a great job with the inspection walking my buyer through every detail and made sure she understood everything as we went. Great service and will definitely use again.
Cynthia Fisher
Cynthia Fisher
20:10 25 Mar 24
My husband and I are purchasing our first home. Our Agent provided us with a list of Inspection companies they use and we chose LodeStar, which was the BEST...
Jennifer R.
Jennifer R.
17:00 25 Mar 24
Rachel was amazing in so many ways: ready to accommodate our very tight schedule, very thorough in her inspection and wonderfully pleasant! What more could one expect?
Jean Andrews
Jean Andrews
13:34 25 Mar 24
The inspector was absolutely amazing. You can clearly tell she is very knowledgeable and experienced.
Brittney Hernandez
Brittney Hernandez
13:57 17 Mar 24
Derick did an inspection of a new construction condo I am purchasing. He was thorough and clearly explained issues that were identified during the...
L B.
L B.
06:29 08 Mar 24
We had a really great inspection experience working with Dave Basham and LodeStar. Dave was incredibly knowledgeable and thorough, and provided us with clear, detailed, and informative explanations. Dave was also very patient and helpful with our questions, and we appreciate this a lot. We are also really satisfied with the report and clear action items. Thank you, Dave and LodeStar - we are incredibly grateful!
Vashti Irani
Vashti Irani
18:23 07 Mar 24
We had a really great inspection experience working with Dave Basham and LodeStar. Dave was incredibly knowledgeable and thorough, and provided us with...
Vashti I.
Vashti I.
10:21 07 Mar 24
The Lodestar Inspection staff were fantastic to work with during our new home inspection. We were on a tight deadline, and the staff worked diligently to get us scheduled a date that was convenient for us and supportive of busy work schedules. We had Dave Basham as an our inspector. He simply fantastic to work with during the visit. Extremely thorough, knowledgeable and patient. He is truly an asset because of his vast background in the inspection and construction fields. We worked closely with Dave during the exam, and each of our questions were answered in straightforward, easy to understand terms. He also provided professional insights that were well supportive. Lodestar has made what can be a very difficult process not only manageable but enjoyable.
Andrew Vaccaro
Andrew Vaccaro
23:44 06 Mar 24
This company and their team have been wonderful to deal with all throughout the inspection process. The inspection itself was very well done, thorough and well documented. Pricing is fair and all the staff were terrific!!
Sylvia Zborowski
Sylvia Zborowski
22:38 29 Feb 24
I had the pleasure of working with Rachel and Jennifer at LodeStar, and I must express my utmost satisfaction with their exceptional service. From the beginning of our collaboration, their responsiveness set the tone for a seamless and efficient experience.Rachel and Jennifer demonstrated a level of professionalism that is truly second to none. Their prompt and thorough communication was instrumental in making the entire process smooth and stress-free. Any queries or concerns were met with swift and detailed responses, showcasing their commitment to providing excellent service.Not only were they highly responsive, but their overall service delivery exceeded my expectations. Their attention to detail, dedication to client satisfaction, and proactive approach to problem-solving were truly commendable. It is evident that Rachel and Jennifer prioritize their clients' needs and go above and beyond to ensure a positive and memorable experience.Working with Rachel and Jennifer at LodeStar has been a pleasure, and I would highly recommend their services to anyone seeking top-notch professionalism, responsiveness, and an overall outstanding level of service. They are a true asset to the industry, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with them again in the future.
Cleaveland Smith
Cleaveland Smith
03:54 23 Feb 24
Professional, thorough, knowledgeable and able to explain technical items in lay terms. David was very respectful and patient. My client said it was money well spent. Then we got the report with a magical report creator built right in! Thank you LodeStar, Thank you David!
Susan Levi
Susan Levi
02:51 20 Feb 24
Lodestar is the best! one stop shop for all of your inspection needs. Inspector Kate never disappoints. My clients were impressed and very happy with the...
Robyn P.
Robyn P.
05:51 17 Feb 24
I recently had the pleasure of working with Kate from Lodestar Inspections and I have to say, she exceeded all of my expectations. Kate was extremely knowledgeable, professional, and thorough throughout the entire inspection process. She answered all of my questions and walked me through each step of the inspection, ensuring that I had a clear understanding of the findings. Her attention to detail was impressive and she took the time to explain everything in a way that was easy to understand. Kate's excellent communication skills and friendly demeanor made the entire experience stress-free and enjoyable. I highly recommend Kate and Lodestar Inspections to anyone in need of a home inspection. Thank you, Kate, for your exceptional service!
Michael Wade
Michael Wade
21:58 15 Feb 24
I have been using LodeStar for years. I think this company is very precise and reliable. I would always recommend.
OneWay DriverAcademy
OneWay DriverAcademy
17:04 08 Feb 24
John was incredibly knowledgeable and thorough. As a first-time homebuyer, his inspection made me feel much more secure, confident and better informed about the home I was buying and the process overall. Highly recommend!
Adriane Brown
Adriane Brown
22:45 06 Feb 24
Had the house inspected by Derrick, he was very patient and thorough with everything. Answered every concern with detail. Would highly recommend.
NAB
NAB
23:22 05 Feb 24
My fiancé and I are buying our first home! John was our inspector and he was absolutely amazing! 100/10 definitely recommend!
Ally Blankenship
Ally Blankenship
18:44 26 Jan 24
Our inspector Derick was very thorough, honest and professional with us during our home inspection! Would definitely recommend this company to anyone.
madison hands
madison hands
20:29 14 Jan 24
Such a very professional and customer driven company! Keep up the amazing job.
Debbie McDonald
Debbie McDonald
19:49 14 Jan 24
Our inspector went above and beyond, with explaining the ins and outs of our home, what he was inspecting and why. All in all, made us feel extremely comfortable confidently maintaining our home into the future, and moving forward with our house sale process. Highly recommend!
Michelle Berg
Michelle Berg
03:02 09 Jan 24
Excellent service Ms. Katie explained everything so efficiently. She is awesome!!!
Shirley Gibson-Bey
Shirley Gibson-Bey
22:10 08 Jan 24
I attended an inspection yesterday that was done by Kate from LodeStar. She was extremely professional, Knowledgeable and detail oriented about explaining the things that were an issue and could potentially be an issue in the future. This gave me a clear picture of the status of the current property and what kind of things to be prepared for if I continue to purchase the property. I was extremely happy with her service. The main point of having an inspection is to have a clear picture of what kind of home you will be getting into and it is always great to know the reality upfront before having any surprises and shocks. I would recommend LodeStar to other clients and ask for Kate 🙂 She was awesome!
Bee Rukh
Bee Rukh
20:44 02 Jan 24
John was extremely professional and knowledgeable with many years of experience. He went through the entire house with understandable explanations. I am so glad he was the one representing the inspection so I could decide how to proceed. Thank you to John.
Ernestine Williams
Ernestine Williams
22:03 22 Dec 23
Easy to schedule, thorough inspection, quick reporting. Will recommend to clients
From Here Realty
From Here Realty
21:36 03 Dec 23
This was my first home inspection and I can say it went well. The inspector was very thorough and went over everything in detail. Very helpful in explaining things to me that I had no idea about.
Jennifer Barbour
Jennifer Barbour
17:59 20 Nov 23
LodeStar Inspection Services, LLC was great to work with. I had a tight timeframe to get my home inspection completed and they not only met my needs, but...
Tricia K.
Tricia K.
09:18 19 Nov 23
Very detail oriented and explained everything with insight. It was my first time working with Kate and she was very professional and as all the inspectors at Lodestar, she pointed things out that both I and the client would not have thought about. Great value!!
Christopher Tucker
Christopher Tucker
20:58 18 Nov 23
Very thorough and will definitely use their services in the future...
Charles Turpin
Charles Turpin
15:34 06 Nov 23
LodeStar Team,I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation for conducting the home inspection on my client's property. The detailed information provided was not only insightful but also presented in a manner that was easy to comprehend. This greatly assisted my client in making an informed decision about the property.A special thanks to Rachel and her team for their efficiency in scheduling the inspection on such short notice.
Roxanne Little
Roxanne Little
16:26 31 Oct 23
Dealing with LodeStar Inspection Services, LLC was exceptional!!!! They are professional, diligent, detailed, and easy to understand. We dealt with John Kraft who is especially exemplary.
harry schilling
harry schilling
16:43 26 Oct 23
Thorough inspection and he was very knowledgeable and gave good home maintenance tips for first-time buyers
Kelsey Hood
Kelsey Hood
18:50 23 Oct 23
LodeStar is my good to for Home Inspections . They always do a great Job .
Tracy Wallace
Tracy Wallace
21:38 21 Oct 23
The inspector was very thorough and took time to explain to me the things that he found and explain how they could effect the overall condition of the house
Didier F.
Didier F.
16:14 11 Oct 23
Always a thorough, informative inspection with Lodestar. Our client, who could not attend, felt the report was so thorough and easy to follow that he felt he saw everything through John, the inspector's, eyes.
Shawn Basford
Shawn Basford
19:42 10 Oct 23
The inspector was very thorough and detailed. He explained everything he saw in detail and the report was easy to understand. The service was timely and professional.
Malinda Williams
Malinda Williams
16:55 08 Oct 23
Great service! The inspector was very thorough and explained any concerns she had. She also gave suggestions for preventive measures.
Marie Champion-Sonnier
Marie Champion-Sonnier
16:37 05 Oct 23
I met with John and he was beyond awesome. His demeanor and professionalism are stellar. His job knowledge is out of this world! He went over every inch of the house I plan on purchasing. Questions, he loves them and I had plenty, he answered each one!! Slowly and simply. Thank you LodeStar and thank you John!
Melissa Whitson
Melissa Whitson
20:59 04 Oct 23
Kate is very detail oriented. Great experience. Would highly recommend.
Jason Stewart
Jason Stewart
20:40 19 Sep 23
LodeStar Inspection Services, LLC is great. My wife and I are first time homebuyers and we had an inspection on our hands and LodeStar was recommended to us by our agent. Our inspector, John, was amazing. He was super personable, professional, he even taught us a lot when taking "laps" (to use his term) around the house. We found him funny and knowledgeable. He was quick and thorough. The overall company is on point - they are responsive, quick with results (e.g., our inspection report was written and submitted the same day --almost 2.5 hours after it was done), and we felt that it was a good value. We already said to ourselves that we would have them do our inspection again down the line. They also provide other great services and so home inspection is just one of them.
John Hart
John Hart
22:40 14 Sep 23
I have used Lodestar, and Kate specifically, for two home inspections now. Kate is extremely thorough and knowledgeable. She ensured I understood everything...
Kelly B.
Kelly B.
18:26 08 Sep 23
My inspector Tucker was terrific! So helpful, answered a LOT of questions from me, very professional and knowledgeable. Gave me a LOT of information and tips about managing my home in the future!
Wanda Prather
Wanda Prather
18:45 26 Aug 23
Kate was great and knowledgeable!! Thank you Rachel for Lodestar Inspection!!
Alisha Gibson
Alisha Gibson
12:52 14 Aug 23
Rachel and her team are awesome!
Jack Owen
Jack Owen
16:54 10 Aug 23
The whole LodeStar team is the best! Jennifer was so helpful when it came to ensuring I was able to fit into the schedule and meet my deadline per my contract and she was so informative about the process. John went above and Beyond during his inspection and walked me around the entire property and also gave me first time home buyer tips and tricks to ensure I protect my investment. He also had my report to me same day. The entire team is phenomenal!!
David B
David B
23:02 06 Aug 23
As a first-time home buyer, John helped me to enter home ownership with eyes wide open about what it takes to own a home and what I'm specifically getting into with my new place.
Josh Land
Josh Land
16:18 03 Aug 23
I did a walk and talk, pre-inspection walk through with Tucker for a house I ended up purchasing. Tucker was incredibly knowledgeable about every aspect of the house, has an obvious in-depth knowledge of all the utilities and common house issues, and has done his training. The service was top notch. I felt like his priority was to make sure the job was completed in full, and it was not rushed at any point. I would use LodeStar, and Tucker in particular, for any future inspection needs.
David Ghostlaw
David Ghostlaw
14:45 31 Jul 23
I don't do a lot of reviews but LodeStar deserves one, and a good one. I had a great home inspection and a very detailed and easy to understand report from...
Paul F.
Paul F.
13:55 14 Jul 23
We had an amazing experience with lodestar. From the online booking to the quick turn around time on our inspection report. You can tell that John is truly passionate about what he does. He really takes the time to walk you through every little detail of your home. As a realtor I will continue to recommend lodestar to my buyers. Thank you Rachel and John!
Sarah Thompson
Sarah Thompson
13:55 04 Jul 23
We had an amazing experience with lodestar. From the online booking to the quick turn around time on our inspection report. You can tell that John is truly...
Sarah T.
Sarah T.
07:01 04 Jul 23
Professional, responsive, thoughtful, and upfront. John helped us get to know our new home carefully and with clear and thorough communication.
Zachary Smith
Zachary Smith
11:15 23 Jun 23
excellent service and great staff
Saima C.
Saima C.
11:24 21 Jun 23
Everyone on the team is wonderful and helpful. Quick responses. John was great and a good communicator for our transaction. I love the repair request builder! Thanks everyone.
Jason Duckworth
Jason Duckworth
14:16 13 Jun 23
Our inspector was very good. She was very informative and explained everything that she came across. I would recommend LodeStar.
Cheryl Lynn
Cheryl Lynn
03:13 30 May 23
Professional and responsive client service. Plus knowledgable inspectors!
Megan Evans
Megan Evans
12:21 06 May 23
I had a house I wanted to purchase inspected. In addition to the house, I added a sewer inspection. The inspector was friendly and professional. He explained things found and answered all the questions I had. The reports were well written and supported. I would highly recommend LodeStar Inspection Services.
Athena Simpson
Athena Simpson
12:34 01 May 23
Inspector was amazing, taught me alot, being that i was a first time homeowner.
Kamal Biggs
Kamal Biggs
13:30 15 Apr 23
Derick does a great job! Extremely thorough with great Communication skills so the client leaves wellInformed but not daunted by home ownership. A pleasure to work with Derick and Lodestar. John Morgan, Monument Sotheby’s
John Morgan
John Morgan
15:25 13 Apr 23
As first time homebuyers, we were not sure what to expect going into a home inspection. Kate made us feel very comfortable and relieved that we found a safe and secure home. She spent time explaining things we would not have known to ask, left room for us to ask questions, worked efficiently but not rushed, and was overall respectful and pleasant to work with. She also left us with a “home owner’s manual” that will certainly be useful over the years. Kate also delivered our home inspection report by email less than 12 hours after the inspection. In addition, the receptionist Jennifer was very easy to talk to and she accommodated our schedule change with no issue. It was refreshing to talk to a very kind and professional person on the phone. We are very happy we used LodeStar Inspections and would highly recommend them.
Laura Vigilancia
Laura Vigilancia
15:29 30 Mar 23
Tucker, was great he was very thorough and really gave very descriptive, useful tips to my clients about home ownership.
Danny Camerini
Danny Camerini
21:02 28 Mar 23
Lodestar offers a next level inspection experience. They’ve been wonderful!
Lauren Reagle
Lauren Reagle
16:06 18 Mar 23
Excellent inspection - efficient and thorough. Kate answered all my questions and taught me a lot during the visit.
Randall S.
Randall S.
06:31 08 Mar 23
Empowered and educated is exactly how I felt. Kate was the ultimate professional. She was thorough and patiently answered all of my questions. This was money well spent. I can't tell you what a peace of mind this gave me.
Lynette Yarbrough
Lynette Yarbrough
15:41 27 Feb 23
Empowered and educated is exactly how I felt. Kate was the ultimate professional. She was thorough and patiently answered all of my questions. This was...
Lynette Y.
Lynette Y.
07:42 27 Feb 23
Lodestar did an excellent Inspection on the property, and gave the client all of the information needed to make a sound decision on the purchase of the property.
Charles Fitzhugh
Charles Fitzhugh
13:19 21 Feb 23
My experience as a realtor in Maryland has been great with Lodestar. There office representatives and technician are thorough and professional.
Ben & Kelly Miller
Ben & Kelly Miller
16:47 12 Feb 23
We recently used LodeStar during our home buying process. From the moment we engaged their services, they were quick, professional, courteous and overall awesome. The home buying process can lead to late-night, last minute changes. Jennifer Shipe was there every step of the way to make sure things were done to match our changing status. Beyond that, our inspector, John Kraft, was absolutely exceptional. I have never encountered a more thorough, friendly, or genuinely compassionate individual. He made sure every single question, thought, and concern we had was addressed and went above and beyond to make sure the inspection was everything we could have possibly needed. We cannot recommend John or LodeStar enough!
Abbey Beichler
Abbey Beichler
18:27 08 Feb 23
The inspection was very thorough, website was very easy to navigate, and John was very professional and pointed out things to pay attention to especiall...
Matt W.
Matt W.
11:01 02 Feb 23
What can I say other than fantastic! Drone work, quick response, on time inspection and less than a 24 hour turn around time and very thorough report. My number one recommendations for inspectors to my clients!
I had my home inspection done with Lodestar for my new construction home. John was my inspector, he was great! Knowledgeable, informative and detailed. I...
Jhinelle T.
Jhinelle T.
10:05 23 Dec 22
Inspector was knowledgeable, professional, informative, and friendly. I have had several experiences with home inspectors, Lodestar is far and away the best I have experienced.
Chris
Chris
00:15 11 Dec 22
The best inspection company ever!!
Heather H.
Heather H.
13:46 30 Nov 22
I don't say much but just to let the world! know that lodestar inspection is a great company to work with. It was my first time working with them and I'll...
Keith P.
Keith P.
07:51 28 Nov 22
Tucker Chason perform my home inspection, AWESOME. He was professional, courtesy and very informatiive.
Randy Bell
Randy Bell
19:36 12 Nov 22
John was our inspector he took the time to make sire my client was comfortable, made himself available last minute to help us fulfill a 3 day contingency period and even texted be back on a Sunday while he was on a the fire truck to ensure he was responsive in a timely manner (he is a firefighter as well). He sent the report same night like he said he would
Alishia Potter
Alishia Potter
03:15 10 Nov 22
Tucker was friendly and personable. Very thorough and detailed. This is my sixth house purchase so I have a good sense of how these inspections should go. I only had a few questions and mostly tried to let him do his thing. When I did ask him questions, he stopped, listened and gave a thorough explanation. If you are a first time home buyer, I would ask for Tucker.
Gary Finfrock
Gary Finfrock
14:39 06 Nov 22
John at Loadstar was amazing for first time home buyers! We know nothing and I am not one to trust, but John took the time to explain anything I had questions on and the report you get after is comprehensive. It made us feel safe and like someone was watching out for us!!
Erica B
Erica B
08:55 03 Nov 22
Our home inspection was very informative and our inspector was patient and thorough. My husband and I felt very comfortable the entire time. I have used Lodestar in the past and will continue to use them when needed.
R Sanders
R Sanders
13:32 27 Oct 22
Excellent and thorough inspection with a helpful inspector. Scheduling was quick and easy
Jonathon Smith
Jonathon Smith
21:02 21 Oct 22
Lodestar was easy to work with and did a very thorough inspection.
Donna Ericsson
Donna Ericsson
11:26 15 Oct 22
I trust this team entirely! From easy online scheduling, terrific customer service, prompt appointments, thorough (and educational) reporting- this team is who I recommend to family and clients alike. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Megan McGaughey
Megan McGaughey
14:05 09 Oct 22
David was very thorough in completing the inspection and writing a detailed report for my clients. David was very informative and responsive to any questions or concerns. Thank you David for an amazing inspection.
Christine Basham
Christine Basham
02:02 04 Oct 22
Amazing work from the entire team at LodeStar! Superb customer service started with Jennifer who makes scheduling a breeze. She was always so prompt to respond and more than willing to accommodate our requests/questions. Our inspector, John, was knowledgeable and offered great perspective throughout the inspection. He talked to us in terms that we could easily understand and was very candid about his findings. LodeStar made us more knowledgeable about purchasing a home. Although the inspection is over, it is comforting to know that I can still reach out to them for any questions or follow up items I may need. Kuddos to the entire team!
Ashley Franta
Ashley Franta
12:22 14 Sep 22
It is a great company to work with. I can always count on a professional well done job!
Reina Moran
Reina Moran
02:21 06 Sep 22
Jennifer from Lodestar quickly added a termite inspection to my clients inspections as we needed it for FHA compliance. We were on the last day of our contingency and she really pulled through for us. It's always a great experience with Lodestar and I appreciate how on top of it they are for my clients needs. As a Realtor this is so important! Thank you Lodestar!
Elizabeth sothoron
Elizabeth sothoron
12:50 05 Sep 22
John the inspector was great, super friendly, super detailed and takes his time to explain every bit of information
ohwobete okeezi
ohwobete okeezi
00:33 04 Sep 22
Property Inspection. I have used this company on many occasions. They are extremely thorough, efficient and knowledgeable. I highly recommend them!
Karen Elliott-White
Karen Elliott-White
15:09 31 Aug 22
As a real estate agent I only want the BEST for my clients. That is why I highly recommend Lode Star as one of my preferred inspection companies.I even post them to my social media platforms. #LodeStar Derrick always does an excellent job.
PAULA AMAKER
PAULA AMAKER
16:55 25 Aug 22
Worth the money spent. Kate is the real deal
Ngozi Nwankwo
Ngozi Nwankwo
00:10 25 Aug 22
My experience with LodeStar was great! They were able to schedule and conduct my inspection in a matter of days, the inspection itself was extremely...
Ryan B.
Ryan B.
03:05 18 Aug 22
As everyone else has said, we have had an excellent experience with our inspector Derrick! He is very knowledgeable in his field and let us know what we...
Isis R.
Isis R.
23:13 16 Aug 22
Kate was so incredible with our inspection! She was kind, helpful, informative and communicative. She explained things in a way that I could understand and...
Simoneil S.
Simoneil S.
19:49 18 Jul 22
My clients and I enjoy using Lode Star. They always have inspection appointments available within 48 hours, offer an array of services, and approach inspections with the aim to educate and empower the new buyers. They include a roof inspection with the general inspection. 😄
Jamie Koehler
Jamie Koehler
20:06 06 May 22
A++ Service. Clients love them
Thomas A Altvater
Thomas A Altvater
17:44 19 Dec 21
Wow....Just WOW!! My first few minutes of working with Lodestar just setting my appointment was stellar. Jennifer Shipe was the most delightful, professional and efficient young lady who helped me on the phone. Kate, who serviced the inspection was so friendly, knowledgeable, transparent and professional. Lodestar will be my go-to for inspections for me an my clients. Thank you again!!
Mark Gaskins
Mark Gaskins
16:47 08 Dec 21
Professional - knowledgeable, patient. Kate flowed through the house and kept stopping and asking if my client understood the issue, and did he have any other questions. Didn't feel rushed - she knows here construction and systems. Thanks!
Anthony Carr
Anthony Carr
15:22 17 Sep 21
Outstanding service. Thorough reports. Professional/personable inspectors.
Dianne White Jensen
Dianne White Jensen
19:12 20 Aug 21
True professionals work here. The entire team is very knowledgeable and work with the clients. They not only inspect a home, they show and teach the home buyer things about the house. I would and do highly recommend any of the inspectors!

~Kathy Dawson, Realtor
Kathy Dawson
Kathy Dawson
21:45 06 May 21
Lodestar is responsive, thorough and smart with great and easy-to-read reports!
Ellie Shorb
Ellie Shorb
14:19 09 Dec 20
Professional, Timely, Engaging with All Parties to Ensure Smooth Coordination and Access, Detailed Reporting with a Super Repair Addendum Feature which is Extremely Useful, not to mention in my 8 years as a full time Realtor, they are the only inspection company where we've had the pleasure and experience of Female Inspector! You are in Good Company w/ LodeStar!
These are the best home inspection service in the area! I wouldn't dream of using another service. Professional, always on time (or early), and fantastic to work with!
Denise Reap
Denise Reap
14:46 29 Jul 20
Professional, expert, timely, thorough and a pleasure to work with...this is the only company I use for my clients!
Lisa Chamberlain
Lisa Chamberlain
14:24 22 Jul 20
LodeStar came highly recommended to me and I can see why. They are thorough, professional and friendly. They had the report to me when they said they would and the report is the best I have ever seen because it was laid out well, clear and easy to understand. I like how the table of contents and the summary page makes my job easy instead of scrolling through pages to find what I need. Their customer service was on point and everything was handled like I was their only customer.
Roxanne Whitaker
Roxanne Whitaker
12:59 06 Jul 20
Just had another outstanding inspection experience with Lodestar Inspections!
Steve Lenet
Steve Lenet
00:46 07 Jun 20
Lodestar inspections has been my go-to recommended home inspection company since I joined the Real Estate business several years ago and for good reason. The staff treats everyone like family, always quick to answer any questions I or my clients have, they even go the extra mile when it comes to making everyone comfortable during the actual inspection including bringing waters and chairs for us to sit in which is very convenient in vacant properties. I use them for my personal home purchases and the reports never disappoint, not only are they thorough with detail, they include pictures, and everything is worded so that your Real Estate Agent can just copy from the report when requesting repairs for you. The inspector will also walk through everything with you making sure you know your home well not just the major issues they find, they show my clients where the electric panel is, the shut off for the water, the hose bib shut offs, and more. I have never had a client have anything negative to say about their inspection experience when I use Lodestar and I plan on recommending them for the entire time I’m in Real Estate.
Jamie Shipe
Jamie Shipe
15:50 14 Jan 20
I have worked with and recommended her to my boss and his son. I have that much faith in her. At the Home Shows, I have seen other home inspection and home improvement specialists go to her for answers to home inspection or home improvement questions. The respect of her peers proves her knowledge.
Dan McDowell
Dan McDowell
04:32 26 Aug 19
Expert, thorough, accessible, accountable, simply heads and shoulders above the rest! Only group I recommend!
Amy Menrad
Amy Menrad
13:43 08 Oct 18
I already know they will be spectacular. Same great leadership, same great people.
Keely Rich
Keely Rich
15:00 27 Sep 18
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family on the sofa

Meet the Team

Rachel Oslund

Rachel Oslund, General Manager

Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #30200

Rachel has worked as a home inspector for over a decade, and she loves educating herself and our clients through her work. She started inspecting because her Dad, who became an inspector when he got out of the Army, told her she’d love it, and she did! They worked together for over a decade until he retired. Outside of work, Rachel loves going on bike rides with her husband and taking…

Kate Johnson

Kate Johnson, Head Inspector

Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #32243

Kate is our Head Inspector and Trainer. Her early life gave much hands-on learning as the oldest child of an Air Force dad, she learned from him and then was expected to help maintain the family home while he was deployed. This transitioned into early jobs that exposed her to many construction building blocks- tiling, framing, windows and deck building. Before becoming…

Jennifer Shipe

Jennifer Shipe

Client Care Manager

Jennifer is like the air traffic controller for the whole LodeStar Team! Her nearly twenty years in the real estate industry have given her the ability to empathize with clients – she really gets how exciting and sometimes stressful buying a home can be. She’s married with four children – two have flown the coop and two are still at home, along with three dogs and sometimes fish, rabbits, or a…

Bill True

Bill True

Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #33442

Bill specializes in rental inspections. Property Managers and individual investors count on Bill’s calm, easy-going demeanor and construction knowledge to get them into compliance with the various rental laws in the City and the County. When he’s not inspecting, you will find him working out at the gym with his wife or reveling in the hustle and bustle of life with three daughters!…

Dave Basham

Dave Basham

Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #33857

Dave’s background is as a contractor, builder, rehabber, and DIY’er. He loves it! A pinched nerve cut that career short and had him wondering what was next – and where his skills might benefit the community most. His son was training to be a home inspector when Dave got the “inspection bug”, too. And boy are we lucky he did! He loves learning new things and is committed to being…

John Kraft

John Kraft

Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #33775

John is an Odenton native who always dreamt of being a home inspector, but he wasn’t ready to leave his job in the landscaping design field to follow his dream. When he finally did, he found that inspecting is a perfect fit for him. He loves figuring houses out and then being able to educate people about them. His interest in construction and what makes houses work started when…

Derick Wolf

Derick Wolf

Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #34432

Derick is drawn to work that makes a difference for people and gives him a high level of responsibility and accountability. He was behind a desk in Information Systems for a long time, but missed working with his hands and using his knowledge of residential construction. He jumped away from the desk with both feet – almost literally… 

Tucker Chason

Tucker Chason

Maryland Licensed Home Inspector, #34369

Tucker is a North Carolina native with a degree in renewable energy and residential construction. He’s been in Maryland for nearly a decade – working with Solar City (which became Tesla) installing solar panels on residential homes and then building commercial solar farms for Whiting-Turner. He’s very detail-oriented, finds joy and…

Service Area Map

map of service areas in Maryland and Washington D.C.

Service Areas

Howard County

Columbia, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Fulton, Highland, Ilchester, Jessup, North Laurel, Savage, Scaggsville, Clarksville, Cooksville, Daniels, Dayton, Dorsey, Glenelg, Glenwood, Granite, Guilford, Hanover, Isaacsville, Lisbon, Marriottsville, Simpsonville, West Friendship, Woodbine, Woodstock

Anne Arundel County

Annapolis, Annapolis Neck, Arden on the Severn, Arnold, Brooklyn Park, Cape Saint, Claire, Crofton, Crownsville, Deale, Edgewater, Ferndale, Fort Meade, Friendship, Galesville, Gambrills, Glen Burnie, Herald Harbor, Jessup, Lake Shore, Linthicum, Maryland City, Mayo, Naval Academy, Odenton, Parole, Pasadena, Pumphrey, Riva, Riviera Beach, Selby-on-the-Bay, Severn, Severna Park, Shady Side, South Gate,Beverly Beach, Bristol, Chestnut Hill Cove, Churchton, Davidsonville, Fairhaven, Germantown, Gibson Island, Green Haven, Hanover, Harmans, Harundale, Harwood, Hillsmere Shores, Jacobsville, Londontowne, Lothian, Millersville, Orchard Beach, Owensville, Riverdale, Russett, Sherwood Forest, Sudley, Tracys Landing, Waysons Corner, West River, Winchester-on-the-Severn, Woodland Beach

Carroll County

Westminster (county seat), Taneytown, Woodstock, Manchester, Mount Airy, New Windsor, Union Bridge, Hampstead, Sykesville, Eldersburg, Alesia, Carrollton, Carrolltowne, Detour, Finksburg, Frizzelburg, Gamber, Gaither, Greenmount, Harney, Henryton, Jasontown, Keymar, Lineboro, Linwood, Louisville, Marriottsville, Mayberry, Middleburg, Millers, Patapsco, Pleasant Valley, Silver Run, Union Mills, Uniontown, Woodbine

Baltimore County

Arbutus, Baltimore Highlands, Bowleys, Quarters, Carney, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Dundalk, Edgemere, Essex, Garrison, Hampton, Kingsville, Lansdowne, Lochearn, Lutherville, Mays Chapel, Middle River, Milford Mill, Overlea, Owings Mills, Parkville, Perry Hall, Pikesville, Randallstown, Reisterstown, Rosedale, Rossville, Timonium, Towson (county seat), White Marsh, Woodlawn, Baldwin, Boring, Bradshaw, Brooklandville, Butler, Chase, Fork, Fort Howard, Germantown, Glen Arm, Glencoe, Glyndon, Halethorpe, Hereford, Hunt Valley, Hydes, Jacksonville, Long Green, Maryland Line, Monkton, Nottingham, Oella, Parkton, Phoenix, Ruxton, Sparks, Sparrows Point, Stevenson, Turners Station, Upper Falls, Upperco, White Hall

Montgomery County

Gaithersburg, Rockville, Takoma Park, Barnesville, Brookeville, Chevy Chase, Chevy Chase View, Chevy Chase Village, Garrett Park, Glen Echo, Kensington, Laytonsville, Poolesville, Somerset, Washington Grove, Oakmont, Drummond, Ashton-Sandy Spring, Aspen Hill, Bethesda, Brookmont, Burtonsville, Cabin John, Calverton, Clarksburg, Cloverly, Colesville, Damascus, Darnestown, Fairland, Forest Glen, Four Corners, Germantown, Glenmont, Hillandale, Kemp Mill, Layhill, Leisure World, Montgomery Village, North Bethesda, North Potomac, Olney, Potomac, Redland, Silver Spring, South Kensington, Travilah, White Oak, Wheaton, Ashton, Beallsville, Boyds, Derwood, Dickerson, Hyattstown, Sandy Spring

Prince George's County

Bowie, College Park, District Heights, Glenarden, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Laurel, Mount Rainier, New Carrollton, Seat Pleasant, Berwyn Heights, Bladensburg, Brentwood, Capitol Heights, Cheverly, Colmar Manor, Cottage City, Eagle Harbor, Edmonston, Fairmount Heights, Forest Heights, Landover Hills, Morningside, North Brentwood, Riverdale Park, University Park, Upper Marlboro, Accokeek, Adelphi, Andrews AFB, Aquasco, Baden, Beltsville, Brandywine, Brock Hall, Calverton, Camp Springs, Cedarville, Chillum, Clinton, Coral Hills, Croom, East Riverdale, Fairwood, Forestville, Fort Washington, Friendly, Glassmanor, Glenn Dale, Hillandale, Hillcrest Heights, Kettering, Konterra, Lake Arbor, Landover, Langley Park, Lanham, Largo, Marlboro Meadows, Marlboro Village, Marlow Heights, Marlton, Melwood, Mitchellville, National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Peppermill Village, Queen Anne, Queenland, Rosaryville, Seabrook, Silver Hill, South Laurel, Springdale, Suitland, Summerfield, Temple Hills, Walker Mill, West Laurel, Westphalia, Woodlawn, Woodmore, Ardmore, Avondale, Berwyn, Carmody Hills, Carole, Highlands, Cedar Heights, Chapel Oaks, Cheltenham, Collington, Danville, Green Meadows, Indian Creek Village, Kentland, Lewisdale, Meadows, Montpelier, Muirkirk, North College Park, Palmer Park, Piscataway, Raljon, Rogers Heights, South Bowie, Tantallon, Tuxedo, Vansville, West Hyattsville, White Hall, Woodyard

Frederick County
Brunswick, Burkittsville, Emmitsburg, Frederick, Middletown, Mount Airy, Myersville, New Market, Rosemont, Thurmont, Walkersville, Woodsboro
Harford County

Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Bel Air, Abingdon, Aldino, Benson, Berkley, Cardiff, Castleton, Churchville, Clayton, Constant Friendship, Creswell, Dublin, Darlington, Emmorton, Fairview, Forest Hill, Fountain Green, Glenwood, Hess, Hickory, Hopewell Village, Joppa, Kalmia, Level, Madonna, Norrisville, Shawsville, Street, Taylor, Whiteford, Glenville, Aberdeen, Proving Ground, Bel Air North, Bel Air South, Darlington, Edgewood, Fallston, Jarrettsville, Joppatowne, Perryman, Pleasant Hills, Pylesville, Riverside

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LodeStar@LodeStarInspections.com

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