5 Things to Look for in a Professional Home Inspector

1. Licensed - You want to be sure that your potential home inspector is licensed. These inspectors are often licensed by the state or agency to which serve. For an example, generally a person performing an inspection for a home buyer and seller in the State of Texas is licensed as an inspector by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). TREC certifies that an individual seeking to become a home inspector has a sufficient number of hours inside and outside the classroom, and the aptitude by which to pass the exam.
2. Loyalty - You want to work with an inspector that is loyal, trustworthy, and one that posses integrity. How do I find an inspector with these qualities?
   • Check References
   • Referrals
   • Perform a background check
3. Experience - The inspector must be experienced. Experienced inspectors bring to an inspection a wealth of knowledge that permits him or her to be thorough and accurate. In addition, it often useful if the inspector has a background in other aspects of real estate, such as engineering and construction. This additional experience can prove valuable to a home buyer or seller.
4. Professional Affiliations - Some of the better real estate inspectors are a part of professional organizations such as Houston Association of Real Inspectors (HAREI), National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), the California Real Estate Inspections Association (CREIA), etc. A professional affiliation gives inspectors credibility and ensures that he or she is following industries best practices.
5. Affordable - Although the cost associated with an inspection is an important factor, it should not be the only factor. Luckily for you, the consumer, there are thousands of quality inspections companies out there that you can choose from with reasonable prices. In fact, the average real estate inspection cost between $300 and $500.

Clarence Wolfe III
President  OTBINTERACTIVE.com