CREIA Explains Common Myths & Realties 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 the services of a professional home inspector. CREIA presents Part Five of the continuing series "Myths & Realities about Home Inspections". An additional listing of common myths can be found online at www.CREIA.org.

Myth:      A "walk through" at closing is the same as a home
           inspection.

REALITY:   Homebuyers should not confuse a final "walk through" with
           a home inspection performed to a recognized standard of
           practice. As opposed to a home inspection, a buyer's "walk
           through" inspection should take place just a few days prior
           to escrow closing, while a professional home inspection may
           be done many weeks or even months before the close of a
           transaction.

           A "walk through" provides an opportunity for the buyer to
           verify that anything the home inspector recommended and the
           seller agreed to do was actually done. It also is a time
           for the buyer to make sure nothing else has changed since
           the original offer was made, and a full inspection
           conducted. A "walk through" is not a substitute for a
           professional home inspection.

           A professional inspector is a third party objective and
           independent investigator who visually inspects and reports
           on the condition of a home. As a trained generalist, he or
           she identifies and examines the major systems and multitude
           of components of the dwelling. The inspector investigates
           the condition of the building and systematically operates
           or tests plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems
           and components of the home. In their work, the home
           inspector is addressing health and safety issues, and may
           make recommendations on repair options and maintenance.

Myth:      If you are not buying or selling a home, you don't need an
           inspection.

REALITY:   Homeowners should consider having their homes inspected
           on an annual basis. It is important for both the safety of
           occupants and for the value of the home that homeowners be
           informed on the status of their dwelling's systems and
           components. A home that has not been recently inspected may
           have undiscovered, minor or major maintenance items that
           could lead to a significant financial expense to correct or
           replace if not discovered. Constant upkeep not only makes a
           home more livable, but also makes it less expensive to
           repair when the time comes to sell.

           Because of the wide range of seasonal climates, unusual
           weather and seismic occurrences, a professional home
           inspection can help provide a wealth of information to a
           homeowner anxious to ensure that their valuable home is
           well maintained. In addition to market value, health and
           safety of the family are the primary reasons for an annual
           checkup. An annual professional inspection report would
           serve as a reminder of maintenance upkeep and provide a
           record of what services have been done. If minor problems
           are noted on the report, the homeowner has the opportunity
           to fix them before they develop into a major expense.

           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
           qualifications and continued education. Since 1976, CREIA,
           a non-profit voluntary membership organization has been
           providing education, training, and support services to the
           real estate inspection profession and to the public. CREIA
           inspectors must adhere to CREIA's Code of Ethics and follow
           the Standards of Practice developed and maintained 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 building systems and components and complete 30
           hours of continuing education each year. CREIA members can
           accumulate education credit through various sources
           including monthly chapter meetings, educational conferences
           and seminars, 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 providing
           professional real estate inspection services.

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.