Is your home inspector really qualified?

Licensing of home inspectors only sets a minimum standard. Much like being up to code, any less would be illegal. Imaginary people, children, psychics (who claim to "sense" if a house is OK) and even pets can be home inspectors. Other home inspection associations have no entrance requirements and worse, encourage their candidates to go out and perform actual inspections for poor, unsuspecting consumers as the only way to achieve full membership. NACHI finds this practice unconscionable. That is why NACHI front-ends its membership requirements. We turn down more than 1/2 the inspectors who want to join because they can't pass our exam or fulfill our membership requirements.

NACHI inspectors:

Have to pass NACHI's Online Inspector Examination every year with a score of 80 or better. (This general, not association-specific exam is open and free to all).
Have to complete NACHI's online Ethics Obstacle Course. (This open book Ethics course is open and free to all).
Have to take NACHI's online Standards of Practice Quiz (This open book Standards of Practice quiz is open and free to all).
Have to sign and submit an Affidavit.
Have to adhere to NACHI's Standards of Practice.
Have to abide by NACHI's Code of Ethics.
Have to continue learning (24 hours/year) as per NACHI's Continuing Education Policy.
Have to maintain a member Online Continuing Education Log (free) as per NACHI's Continuing Education Policy.
Have to (if never performed a home inspection for a fee) submit 4 mock inspections to NACHI's Report Review Committee (free) before performing their first home inspection for a client.
Have to (within 10 days after joining) login to NACHIs educational message board.
Have to (within 30 days after joining) complete NACHI's comprehensive online Standards of Practice course (free).
Have to (within 45 days after joining) complete NACHI's comprehensive online Electrical course (free) including all the quizzes within and pass its final exam.
Have to (within 60 days after joining) complete NACHI's comprehensive online Roofing course (free) including all the quizzes within and pass its final exam.
Have to (within first 3 months of membership) apply for a membership photo I.D. (free).
Have to re-take and pass NACHI's Online Inspector Examination again, every year (free).
Have to attend at least one chapter meetings or educational seminars every two years (reasonable exceptions apply).
Have access to Inspector's Quarterly, delivered to their doorstep.
Have access to NACHI's free visual aid inspection frames to help them learn.
Have access to NACHI's free library for improving their inspection skills.
Have access to NACHI's message board for exchanging information and tips.
Have access to NACHI's What's New section so they can keep up with the industry.
Have access to NACHI's specific-topic advisory boards.
Have access to Dear NACHI for detailed advice.
Have access to a time-tested Agreement which keeps them (and you) away from lawsuits.
Have access to NACHI's Report Review/Mentoring service.
Have to submit passport photos for their membership I.D.
Have access to NACHI's free online inspection courses.
Have to have mock inspections reviewed before performing their first fee paid inspection.
Have to carry E&O insurance (if their state requires it).
Have access to a real estate agent hold harmless clause.
Have access to NACHI University.
Have access to The NACHI Mall.
Have a consumer hot-line for their clients.
Have access to an Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Service.
Have access to a Client Satisfaction Survey.
And coming in 2006: Have to complete NACHI's Occupant Hazard Recognition Primer.

So the next time you need to refer your clients to home inspectors, make sure they are members of NACHI and never use a candidate or associate of any association. NACHI, America's elite home inspection association.

Look for the consumer certification verification seal.

3 Deadly Mistakes every Home Buyer should avoid! or http://www.nachi.org/3mistakes.htm

Why pay a little more for a NACHI certified inspector?

UPDATE: NACHI protects consumers by raising bar again.

Inspection excellence through education.

Find a certified Inspector.

REALTORs should also print "What Really Matters" and include copies of this article in their buyer's packets.

REALTORs should read about the advantages of prelisting inspections.

REALTORs can receive the world's greatest mouse pad with a gel wrist rest for FREE.

REALTORs can install the inspector search icon on their desktop .

REALTORs can also order their free issue of REAL Property Times.