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Massachusetts house inspectors on top

Email|Link|Comments (4) Posted by Kim Blanton January 8, 2008 09:17 AM

Home assessments are in disarray. Mortgage loans are hard to find. But Massachusetts (albeit shrinking) population of homebuyers don't have to worry about their home inspectors.

Massachusetts ranked fifth, out of 32 states, for its high-quality state regulation of home inspectors, concluded a new report by the American Society of Home Inspector.

The states were ranked based on regulations regarding 13 criteria, including the experience required of inspectors, and their examinations and practice standards. Massachusetts fell short on one key standard: education.

The state requires only a high school diploma. Other states require inspectors pass certification tests or pursue continuing education.

Yet, out of 123 points possible, Massachusetts scored 102. Others in the top five were: Louisiana, New Jersey, Arizona and Texas.

The bottom five: South Carolina, Montana, North Dakota, Georgia and California.

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4 comments so far...

The relationship between real estate agents and home inspectors needs to be explained to the buying public.

Posted by ihina January 8, 08 07:44 PM

? Their is none?

Buyers' agents, those working for buyers, can make recommendations of home inspectors. Most of the time, however, buyers go with recommendations made by friends and family.

A seller's agent cannot make a recommendation.

If you are suggesting there may be a conflict of interest ... perhaps. Yes, it's in each agent's best interest to have the home inspector find no problems.

But, if buyers uses home inspectors recommended by someone they know or trust, there's absolutely no conflict.

You can find a list of inspectors on the ASHI site or go online. All inspectors are licensed in Massachusetts and all have gone through an arduous apprentice program.

Posted by John K January 9, 08 01:27 PM

You can find inspectors at www.nachi.org as well.

Posted by inspectormike January 9, 08 05:23 PM

Not all inspectors had to go through the "arduous apprentice program" Only those breaking into the field after licensing became mandated in 2001 have to go through this training. A lot of inspectors out there have no real experience because under the grandfather law anyone who ever did an inspection could apply for the license, so be careful who you hire.

Posted by John B January 15, 08 08:32 AM