Certified Home Inspectors Help Inform Buyers and Sellers

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In today’s mixed housing market, the importance of a thorough inspection and report from a properly certified home inspector is critical for both buyers and sellers.

“Home inspections from a certified inspector provide consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions.”

As North America continues to recover from the crash in housing prices, the direction of property values seems to fluctuate on a monthly basis, and vary from region to region. There are promising signs of stability in the U.S. housing market, according to the June 2012 edition of the United States President’s Housing Scorecard, such as increased home equity and a rise in previously owned home sales in May 2012. In July 2012, home values rose overall for the first time in four years. In an increasing number of regions, the housing market crash has ceased, with expectations on house prices remaining above 2009 projections.

These positive indicators, combined with extremely low interest rates, are encouraging for many would-be home buyers. This also gives hope to homeowners looking to sell their homes. As more buyers take tentative steps toward making a home purchase, it has never been more important for buyers and sellers to rely on the expertise of a properly certified home inspector.

“Proper inspection of a home, as outlined in the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, provides buyers with a detailed report of the visual physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. Their report should identify the need for major repairs and possible safety issues,” said Jeff Arnold, executive director of ASHI. “Home inspections from a certified inspector provide consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions.”

For buyers looking to live in their homes for a longer period of time, the details provided in a home inspection are the most reliable way to avoid homes that require major repairs. These inspections provide important checklists for those selling their homes as well.

“A home inspection from a properly certified inspector is an essential planning tool for those looking to put their house on the market. Certification from an accredited, independent certifying organization provides assurance that the inspector’s assessment is valid and provides the information needed to consider the costs of repairs and the subsequent effect on the property value,” said Claude Lawrenson, chair of the Canadian based National Home Inspector Certification Council. “An inspection helps sellers identify and address any potential ‘deal-breaker’ issues with their homes. It also gives the property an added indicator of quality, which can give both buyers and sellers an added level of confidence in the value of the home.”

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agrees, and recommends home inspections as a standard step prior to making a home purchase. HUD also points out the difference between home inspections and appraisals, which are intended to simply estimate the value of a house and ensure that it meets the standards of a mortgage lender.

Home inspectors with credentials from a proper certifying agency have demonstrated that they have the experience and skills to provide a reliable, thorough inspection. Certified home inspectors can be found throughout the U.S. and Canada by visiting the Institute for Credentialing Excellence’s accredited program directory.

About the Institute for Credentialing Excellence and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies

Established in 1977, Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) (formerly the National Organization for Competency Assurance) is the leading international membership organization representing the credentialing community. ICE fulfills its mission through the delivery of education and training programs, in setting quality standards for credentialing, and by providing accreditation services through its accreditation division, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The ICE membership is composed of credentialing organizations, testing companies, and individual professional development consultants. ICE and NCCA are based in Washington, DC. For further information, please visit www.credentialingexcellence.org.