According to the Vermont Secretary of State, home inspectors in Vermont are governed by two appointees. These advisors are professional inspectors with at least five years of experience. They collaborate with the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) about industry-related concerns, such as training. Before home inspectors, known as property inspectors in Vermont, are licensed, they’re…
DetailsDelaware recently instituted new requirements that govern the home inspection industry. The path to licensure appears to be slightly different from the requirements in other states. The Division of Professional Regulation offers two primary options, including a type of on-the-job training and formal education. If you’re thinking about a career switch to home inspections, here’s…
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Plenty of new home inspectors open a new business every year, but not all of them succeed. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), the earliest years are the most precarious. But that doesn’t have to spell doom for your home inspection business. What separates those who thrive from those who hang on for…
DetailsIf you’re like many people, you probably think home inspectors need a background in construction or a related field. It does help, but it’s by no means necessary. Certified home inspectors come from many different backgrounds. Although the industry is rather male dominated, women are staking their claim and coming up quickly through the ranks.…
DetailsThere’s no single path to becoming a home inspector. Every state is slightly different. Fortunately, Illinois makes it simple. From learning about the industry to stepping out with your new license, each gain is a step toward a brand new career. Here’s how it’s done. Choose the Right Home Inspection Education Program According to Illinois…
DetailsYou’ll find plenty of outdated 2-prong outlets and inoperable 3-way switches throughout your career as a certified home inspector. However, some wiring defects are cause for immediate concern and quick intervention. What merits an ASAP fix? Here are 5 electrical issues that shouldn’t wait. #1: Overlamping at Light Fixtures While not technically a wiring defect,…
DetailsVoice-activated smart home hubs have moved past the trendy stage and are settling into the mainstream. They can dim the lights, play your favorite song and order a pizza when you don’t feel like making dinner. Now that Amazon Echo’s Alexa is a familiar voice around the house, Google has thrown its hat into the…
DetailsLeads are the bread and butter of the home inspection industry, but they’re not always easy to find, and some sources can disappear quickly. Locating leads can be particularly difficult for inspectors who are just starting out in the home inspection business. Finding leads before they’re snagged by competitors means getting creative in your search.…
DetailsClosing day is the pinnacle of one of the most stressful events a home buyer can face. For weeks if not months, they’ve negotiated terms, provided documents, submitted to untold financial checks and weathered one surprise after another. As their certified home inspector, you have the power to make the final walk-through a little less…
DetailsReal estate agents have the potential to drive a lot of business to home inspectors. It’s a longstanding tradition to bring along goodies when inspectors visit agents, but there’s a fine line between goodies and an ethical and legal dilemma. How can you treat agents with kindness and avoid an unwitting RESPA snag? Here’s what…
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