Home Inspection vs Appraisal: What’s the Difference?

IL License Number: 450.012721 Expires 11/30/26

InterNACHI ID: NACHI24090429

Jim is a versatile and results-driven professional with extensive experience in woodworking, home inspection, and retail management. With a strong background in custom cabinet design at Riverside Woodworking and over three decades of leadership at Fareway Grocery Stores, he has honed skills in employee training, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. As a certified home inspector with a radon license, Jim has demonstrated a keen eye for detail, ensuring safety and quality in residential assessments. His commitment to community service is evident through his roles on the Fulton Zoning Board and Habitat for Humanity. With a foundation in engineering studies from Iowa State University, Jim brings technical expertise and problem-solving skills to every role he undertakes. Outside of his professional endeavors, Jim loves to travel, spend time with family, and enjoys the nostalgic smell of sawdust from his wood shop.

Christiana, also known as Chris, is a dynamic and creative professional with a strong background in marketing, hospitality, and operational leadership. With experience spanning major brands like The Walt Disney Company, Restoration Hardware, and Chick-fil-A, she has developed expertise in social media management, team development, and customer experience enhancement. Her ability to galvanize teams, improve morale, and drive business growth has been a hallmark of her career.

As a graduate of Oakland University in Rochester, MI, with a degree in Communication, Christiana brings a strategic eye for detail in content creation, event planning, and workforce optimization, combining analytical skills with a people-first approach to deliver excellence in every endeavor.

When she's not visiting real estate offices or meeting with new and longtime partners of About Your Property Inspection, Christiana enjoys spending time with her husband and young son. Family time is especially important to her. As a family of sports fans, they look forward to cheering on their favorite teams and creating new traditions together.

Ashley has been an essential part of the About Your Property Inspection team since 2006! As David and Julie's daughter, she truly puts the "family" into "family operated," ensuring things run smoothly behind the scenes by handling everything from marketing to bookkeeping with care and precision.

While the inspection team is in the field, Ashley keeps the business organized and on track. Her attention to detail shines through in all she does, whether crunching numbers or tapping into her creative side through journaling with fountain pens, crocheting, or sketching.

At home, Ashley loves spending time outdoors with her family, their two dogs, and three horses. As a dedicated wife and mom, she understands the importance of a safe, well-managed home, an insight that fuels her commitment to supporting the team and the clients they serve. You might not see her during your inspection, but Ashley’s work is a big part of what keeps the process smooth, efficient, and reliable.

IL License Number: 450.012465 Expires 11/30/26

InterNACHI ID: NACHI20022121

Jake was raised in Carpentersville, IL and grew up around several family members in the building trades. Jake developed an appreciation for homes from the tradesmen in his family, working with a moving company or just driving through the neighborhood delivering Chinese food (many of which he has now inspected). After high school, Jake attended the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. After college, it became clear that a typical desk job was not going to make him happy. After spending 3 years in the world of trade shows it was time for a change. Property inspection seemed like a solid fit considering his background and experience. Jake has proven to be a great addition to the AYPI team and is hoping to help us expand to new territories for our clients.

Jake enjoys spending his free time with his wife, family, and friends. Whether he is at the lake, on the golf course, working in the garage, or snowmobiling up north, he values making the most of every season. Jake is proud to call Northern Illinois home and looks forward to continuing to serve the communities he grew up in.

Julie Novalinski has been an integral part of About Your Property Inspection since it’s beginning. Julie is a CPA and holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration. She previously worked in corporate America for many years in the Accounting field. Since moving into a full-time position at AYPI in 2015 she has been able to apply her experience to building the family business. She is responsible for managing the marketing and financial side of the company.

Julie and Dave have three kids, Ashley, George and David, Jr. She loves spending time with her family, gardening and volunteering at the Association of Horizon, Inc. summer camp.

IL License Number: 450.003415 Expires 11/30/26

InterNACHI ID: NACHI14101324

As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and a licensed Illinois Property Inspector since 2006, David founded About Your Property Inspection, Inc. on principles of discipline, integrity, and a keen eye for detail. His background as a U.S. Marine instilled in him a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to service, building a reputation for thoroughness and reliability.

David is incredibly proud to lead a multi-inspector company synonymous with great inspections, a testament to the knowledge and quality of its dedicated staff. As a Certified Master Inspector and a Certified Commercial Property Inspector, alongside his memberships in InterNACHI and the CCPIA, he constantly strives to exceed expectations in the property inspection industry. He is also a proud member of the Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce and very invested in the local community.

Outside of work, David and his wife, Julie, are passionate about health and wellness, in addition to transforming their property through native restoration and sustainable gardening. His three children and two grandchildren are at the heart of everything he does.