Editor’s Note: This is a side by side comparison of the Scope of Practice documents of several home inspector associations: AII, ASHI, NACHI, NAHI. Author Michael O’Handley offers several caveats: the comparison was completed in 2006, with the associations making minor changes since. Also, the comparison is based on O’Handley’s interpretation of the documents, which…
Read More
The unique roles of a home inspector and agent in a real estate transaction are each clearly defined. But there can be times when one professional steps on the other’s toes. Take fees for instance.
Read More
94
Can an inspector be sued for just about anything? The answer is, unfortunately, yes.
It’s a fact of life that a home inspector is likely to find some issues with the house he or she is inspecting. Inspectors know that even new construction has problems! If it’s an inspector’s job to report issues to potential buyers…
Read More
Editor’s Note: Yes, E&O prices have dropped; now here are a few tips on getting the most for your money. Inspectors E&O Insurance Prices Drop, Time to Learn How to Shop by David Brauner, Senior Broker OREP By now you have probably seen firsthand that prices for most home inspector errors and omissions insurance (E&O)…
Read More
Editor’s Note: Setting fees can be agonizing for some small-business professionals. Here, a handful of seasoned inspectors discuss how their fees are set and how they figure the true “cost of doing business.” Inspectors: How to Establish Fees by David Brauner, Editor WRE According to a recent online discussion, most of the inspectors who do…
Read More
Inspector’s E&O Insurance: Market Softens- Prices Drop – $1,250! By David Brauner, Senior Broker OREP (www.orep.org) Instead of the now familiar direction to “shop ‘till you drop,” new insurance conditions suggest instead that inspectors should shop because they’ve dropped. We’re talking about rates for errors and omissions insurance of course. The market is finally softening…
Read More
Editor’s Note: Low-level exposure to carbon monoxide can cause chronic health conditions from cardiovascular disease to an illness similar to Parkinson’s. It’s easy and inexpensive for appraisers and inspectors to stay safe in other people’s homes (and in their own). Some inspectors also include CO testing in their reports to add value to their service.…
Read More
Low E&O Rates & Great Service…and Yes, We Answer the Phone Appraisers/Agents E&O Min. Prem. $483 Inspectors E&O Min. Prem. $1,250 Golden Rule Our mission at OREP is to be the best insurance resource for real estate professionals; to follow the Golden Rule by treating all who contact us for help as we would expect…
Read More
Marketing for Home Inspectors Complied by Cary Barker, Assit. Editor Whether you are new to the industry or consider yourself a pro, everyone can use help getting his/her name in front of clients. Networking “Try open houses. You might connect with a Realtor who may use you. You may also meet the homeowner and get…
Read More
Beware: Inspecting for Hantavirus By Rich Parker As inspectors (and appraisers) we face potentially dangerous situations daily, from a simple broken step on a front porch that might cause us to trip and fall, to a backyard hole, obscured by overgrown grass or weeds, that can cause an ankle sprain, to breathing mold, to a...…
Read More
