CREIA Explains Common Myths & Realities about Home Inspections.

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- In an ongoing series during its 30th anniversary year, the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) cautions home buyers and sellers, as well as all individuals involved in real estate transactions, that there are myths and misconceptions associated with retaining a professional home inspector. CREIA presents Part Two of the series "Myths & Realities about Home Inspections." An additional listing of common myths can be found online at www.CREIA.org.

Myth:       All home inspectors' credentials are the same, as long
            as they are certified.

REALITY:    Consumers and REALTORS(R) need to be cautious about
            recent upsurges in Internet-only based home inspector
            organizations that purport to recommend "certified"
            inspectors and refer "online approved and tested"
            inspectors. There is no licensing of home inspectors in
            California. This non-licensing situation has allowed
            online marketeers an inroad to offer "certifications" to
            any individual wanting to appear credentialed as a home
            inspector. The consumer needs to be wary of such "online
            approved" home inspectors. The real estate inspection
            profession is a demanding profession that requires a broad
            base of knowledge in all areas of home construction,
            maintenance and safety issues. It is imperative that
            consumers and real estate professionals ask for
            information as to the type of organization providing the
            claimed "certification."

Myth:       An inspection report isn't needed as long as a qualified
            person just tells you about the property.

REALITY:    A qualified professional inspector will report
            findings in a written document. A written inspection
            report is the finished product of every home inspection,
            and is required by the California Business and Professions
            Code and the CREIA Standards of Practice. Although an
            inspector may provide insight into his or her report
            language with verbal onsite comments or follow-up
            explanations; one should only rely on the language and
            finding of the written report. For a professional home
            inspector, the written report is the formal, final, and
            factual declaration of what was discovered about the
            property on the day of the inspection. This is the
            standard centerpiece of the home inspection profession.
            What is written overshadows what anyone might claim to
            have said. This also includes oral comments by others who
            challenge a professional inspector's report but refuse
            themselves to put it in writing. There are several
            variations of professional inspection reports used in
            California which include field-generated checklist style
            of report (with follow-up typed compilation or action
            list); reference book (tear sheet checklists corresponding
            to items in a reference book); checklist style; written
            narrative report or other hybrid versions. Many
            inspectors also use digital photographs to illustrate
            their findings.

Make sure you retain the services of a qualified inspector who is trained and experienced in home inspection. It is also very important that your inspector be a member of a professional association such as CREIA to ensure continued education. Since 1976, CREIA, a non-profit voluntary membership organization has been providing education, training, and support services to the real estate inspection industry and to the public. Inspectors must adhere to CREIA's Code of Ethics and follow the Standards of Practice developed by the association. These Standards of Practice have been recognized by the State of California, and are considered the source for Home Inspector Standard of Care by the real estate and legal communities.

CREIA requires its members to successfully pass a written test of property systems and complete 30 hours of education each year. Members can accumulate credits through various sources of education including monthly chapter meetings, conferences, and other approved activities. CREIA keeps records to ensure that members are complying with the requirements. Educational topics cover a variety of technical subjects including updates and advances that affect property inspection and the business of real estate inspection.

CREIA is dedicated to consumer protection and education. To locate a qualified CREIA inspector near you, call CREIA at [phone], or visit the CREIA website at www.CREIA.org.