Today we’d like to introduce you to Ion Santesteban.
Hi Ion, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Pamplona, Spain, and completed my business degree in 2009—just as the 2008 recession began to take a heavy toll on Europe. After a few years of limited professional growth at home, I decided to move to the United States in search of new personal and professional opportunities.
The transition wasn’t easy. Navigating a new culture while mastering a second language felt like a steep hill to climb. However, those challenges built my confidence. I worked across various sectors, from the service industry to public relations and management, which eventually led me to the construction world. My interest was sparked while assisting my wife, an architect, on various remodeling projects.
I officially began my career in home inspection in 2019. Coming from Spain, where construction methods differ significantly, I was intrigued by building techniques here. This curiosity, combined with my naturally detail-oriented mindset, showed me the vital importance of quality craftsmanship. In 2022, I launched Monarch Property Inspections, where I apply that same “detail-first” philosophy to every home I evaluate.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth. Navigating a language barrier is a unique challenge—it’s difficult to convey your true message, or even feel like yourself, when you aren’t speaking your native tongue. My best advice? Immerse yourself. Don’t let the fear of being misunderstood keep you on the sidelines. Don’t let a language gap stand in the way of what you’re capable of achieving.
Another challenge was navigating the uncertainty of my career path and questioning how I would stand out in a market as competitive as the one here. This led me to explore various fields before naturally finding my niche as a professional inspector. By leaning into my strengths and following what truly motivated me, I was able to build a career I am proud of.
As you know, we’re big fans of Monarch Property Inspections. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
I founded Monarch Property Inspections to help people really ‘read’ their homes. Whether it’s an older home or a brand-new build, we provide forensic-level inspections that go way beyond a simple checklist. My goal is to provide clients with the full story of a property through detailed digital reports delivered the same day, ensuring they can make confident decisions without the wait.
What sets you apart from others?
Actually, where the language barrier was once an obstacle, being fluent in both English and Spanish has become one of my greatest strengths. It allows me to bridge the communication gap that sometimes exists in real estate.
Beyond the language, I have a unique perspective on building; my wife is an architect, so I have a deeper understanding of a home’s systems than your average inspector. I don’t just hand you a daunting report and walk away; I walk through the property with you to make sure you truly understand the decision you’re making. I help you distinguish between a major structural defect and a simple cosmetic fix, tailoring that advice to your specific goals. If this is your ‘forever home,’ certain details matter more; if it’s an investment property, the priorities shift. My goal is to give you the confidence and clarity to know exactly what you’re buying.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
Monarch Property Inspections isn’t just a checkbox in your home-buying process—we’re your long-term property partners. We provide the data you need to negotiate harder and sleep better. When you choose Monarch, you aren’t just buying an inspection; you’re buying peace of mind.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Don’t wait for the right conditions; build them. I graduated into a global recession in Spain and eventually landed in a country where I didn’t speak the language. I quickly learned that being ‘willing to learn’ isn’t a passive trait—it’s a survival skill. I had to learn the way homes are built here. As an outsider, I developed an unbiased, detail-obsessed eye that sees things most overlook.
Pricing:
- based on the property’s square footage and additional services
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monarchpropertyinspections.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monarch-property-inspections-85280a3aa
