2006 Home Inspection Outlook: Good New President Emphasizes the American Society of Home Inspectors' Difference
According to recent studies, home sales are expected to remain strong in 2006, back to levels seen in 2004. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) reminders prospective buyers that a professional home inspection is the best way to protect their investment.
Des Plaines, IL (PRWEB) March 11, 2006
Despite the housing cool down in 2005, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) expect 2006 to be the second best year in history for housing sales, comparable to the performances of 2004*.
In fact, according to the Homeownership Alliance, 10 million Americans will enter the housing market by 2013. Of those 10 million, an estimated 77 percent will work with a home inspector. ASHI’s newly elected President, Joe Corsetto of Shelterworks, Inc. in Dover, N. J., emphasizes the importance of obtaining a home inspection from a qualified professional.
“Working with an ASHI Inspector is a homebuyer’s best assurance of an inspector’s qualifications and professionalism,” said Corsetto. “ASHI is the oldest and most respected non-profit, professional organization of home inspectors in North America. Our membership is the most stringent in the industry, and our Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics are the industry standard.”
To become a full Member of ASHI, inspectors must pass two written examinations, including the National Home Inspectors Examination, perform at least 250 fee-paid inspections and have his or her reports reviewed as a part of the initial membership process. Once Membership has been established, ASHI Inspectors are required to meet continuing education requirements in technical fields related to home inspection.
The ASHI Difference
While the majority of homeowners are on the right track with obtaining a home inspection for buying, selling and maintenance purposes, the difference in quality, and therefore, the protection of a homeowners’ financial interests, can best be realized when the inspection is performed by an experienced, professional home inspector.
“Customers deserve an honest, unbiased and fair evaluation of the condition of the home they are purchasing.” shared Corsetto. “Only an ASHI Inspector can deliver The ASHI Experience, an inspection that emphasizes customer safety and education.”
Homebuyers and sellers are strongly encouraged to participate in the inspection process to learn more about the condition of their home and how to identify minor issues before they become major problems. To aid in these efforts, ASHI’s Web site www. ASHI. org offers a narrated virtual home inspection tour that provides an overview of the 10 main areas of the home that should be inspected in accordance with ASHI’s Standards of Practice.
“This is a partnership,” emphasized Corsetto. “Our goal is to build a lasting relationship with homeowners, from the buying or selling point to their 3-5 year maintenance inspections, remodeling and renovation projects and beyond.”
Is Your Home A Good Candidate for A Home Inspection?
In addition to pre-purchase, pre-listing or ongoing maintenance inspections there are other times when homeowners would benefit from a home inspection. Corsetto urges homeowners to ask themselves the following questions to determine whether a home inspection is needed:
1. Was the home inspected when purchased? If not, an inspection is warranted regardless of how long you’ve been in the home, even if it was new construction.
2. Have you been in the home for at least three to five years? If the answer is “yes,” a home inspection is a good idea, since homes and home systems age and deteriorate, even with proper ongoing maintenance.
3. Are you planning on doing any major remodeling or renovation work? Whether it’s a do-it-yourself project or a contractor will be involved, now is a good time to determine whether there are any problem areas requiring attention that may have been overlooked. Certain problems may complicate or derail the project.
4. Have you recently undergone a major remodel or renovation? It never hurts to have an objective opinion about the work that has been done to ensure that there are no remaining issues.
5. Are you an older homeowner planning to remain in your home as you age? Elderly homeowners may have more difficulty addressing ongoing maintenance concerns or inspecting hard-to-reach areas. ASHI suggests that a professional home inspector be brought in to point out maintenance or safety issues and recommend when to hire outside help for specific problems.
6. Are you a first-time homeowner who doesn’t know the first thing about maintaining your home? Especially if a home inspection was not performed during the purchasing process, or the buyer was not present, a professional home inspection can be an invaluable educational tool for the new homeowner.
7. Do you have small children or a baby on the way? New parents have special concerns about safety in the home, and a home inspector can help point out any problem areas that could cause harm to a growing family.
For More Information
Celebrating 30 years, and 6,000 members strong, ASHI is the oldest and most respected non-profit, professional organization of home inspectors in North America. Its Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics are the industry standard. Its mission is to meet the needs of its membership and promote excellence and exemplary practice within the profession. For more information, visit www. ASHI. org or call 800-743-2744. While online, experience ASHI’s Audio/Virtual Home Inspection tool, an interactive overview of the 10 main areas of the home that are part of an ASHI Inspection.
Editor’s Note: A photo of Mr. Corsetto is also available and interview requests may be obtained by contacting Lisa Gunggoll or Christiana Brenner of Manning Selvage & Lee at 312-861-5200.
About NAR: The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. For more information visit www. Realtor. org.
About NAHB: NAHB is a Washington, DC-based trade association representing more than 220,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. For more information visit www. NAHB. org.
About The Homeownership Alliance: The Homeownership alliance is an organization dedicated to preserving; protecting and promoting expanded homeownership opportunities for all Americans. For more information visit www. homeownershipalliance. com
*Information based on a Dec. 12, 2005, NAR press release referencing its outlook on the housing market for 2006 and NAHB's Jan. 4, 2006, housing market activity article.
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