ASHI is the Oldest Home Inspection Group in the U.S.

There are many home inspection associations a home inspector can join, but the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has been around the longest.

Almost every home buyer who is represented by a real estate agent is told over and over to get a home inspection. The suggestion is included in Buyer Broker Representation agreements, disclosures and advisories, and many purchase contracts contain a provision that addresses home inspections. Buyers can't escape the fact that they've been warned to have the home professionally inspected.

The problem that arises is how to hire a professional home inspector. In many states, inspectors are not licensed. Anybody can hang out a shingle, print up a few business cards and call herself a home inspector. Be aware that hiring an ASHI home inspector is not going to give you an absolute assurance of quality. But membership in an association is a step in the right direction . . . read more about the American Society of Home Inspectors.

More Articles by Elizabeth Weintraub:

• Avoid Hiring a Bad Home Inspector
  
• Your Essential Home Inspection Checklist
  
• Get Ready for a Home Inspection

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_{At the time of writing, Elizabeth Weintraub, DRE # 00697006, is a Broker-Associate at Lyon Real Estate in Sacramento, California.}