Recently, and just on a whim, I started checking out different people on the 'net' - including other home inspectors.   What I found out was, at best, a disturbing trend.   Because of this noticable trend, I feel compelled to post a cautionary message to those REALTORS in Tennessee who will listen and take steps to protect themselves and their clients since I consider we are all partners working toward a common goal.

When checking out your potential home inspection company, you can check with the State of Tennessee using the 'Business Information Search' located at: http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/soscorp/ .

In order to check on your potential home inspectors' licensure you can access the license verification tool for the State of Tennessee at: http://licsrch.state.tn.us/.

Ask for a copy of their insurance binder so you may due your due diligence and be assured the potential home inspector is covered by the stautory insurance requirements in the State of Tennessee.  Some inspectors have been known to cancel their inssurance coverage one they get licensed although the State says they must be covered.

You may want to check with the county and/or city in which the home inspection business has the business address to be sure they are actually legally doing business in accordance with city/county ordinance.  In Sevier County, Tennessee it is a simple matter of going to the following website and doing a business search: https://sevier-tn.mygovonline.com/clerk/biztax/ .

Always remember: Your home inspector may be a friend or known aquaintence but either way, that is no reason to do anything that may cause others to question your integrity. If your home inspector is not doing all they can to comply with satutory requirements, you really should question if they are complying with the Standards of Practice mandated by the State of Tennessee.  If your home inspector isn't complying, your home inspector isn't playing 'by the rules', and that could come back to you in the long run.  If they say "My lawyer/CPA said I didn't have to", ask who their lawyer/CPA is, and get the statement in writing on the giver's stationary.  Trust me - it won't happen. Don't use them until they can show proof of compliance - in short - demand excellence. 

Protect yourself, protect your family, protect your client, and always, always, protect your integrity.

Do YOUR due diligence - check out you home inspectors - regularly. 

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) are multi-layered exterior wall systems that are used on both commercial buildings and homes. EIFS were introduced in the U.S. almost 30 years ago and were first used on commercial buildings and then later on homes. EIFS typically consist of an insulation board made of polystyrene foam (which is secured to the exterior wall surface with an adhesive and/or mechanical attachments), a water-resistant base coat applied on top of the insulation and reinforced with fiberglass mesh, and a finish coat typically using acrylic co-polymer technology. This type of system is often referred to as artificial stucco.

EIFS System Components

The Potential Problem with EIFS...

The potential problem with EIFS is that moisture can get trapped behind the highly water resistant material with no way out. This can cause the framing to rot and foster the growth of mold between the exterior and interior walls. Damp and rotting wood is also a prime target for subterranean termites. It should be stated that the potential for these conditions exist with any type of exterior siding product be it brick veneer, wood, or vinyl siding. The potential for this condition with EIFS however can be exacerbated by its superior water resistance. Once moisture gets in, regardless of its origin, it usually has no escape.

The main locations where water tends to infiltrate into the framing structure of a building using an EIFS is around doors and windows, where the roof connects to the EIFS (roof flashing), and below extended exterior deck connections. Also, any moisture from within the home trying to find a path out will likely be thwarted by the EIFS.

The EIFS industry has been plagued by class action, and individual lawsuits (particularly in humid climates). The public's confidence in the products have been shaken to say the least. The lawsuits contend that the problem is with the nature of the product and the manufacturers contend that sloppy installation and poor maintenance are the culprits.

Regardless of who is "right", its clear that homes with EIFS require special scrutiny during inspection.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, D.C. 20207

Table of Contents

About the Commission

Introduction

Sources Of Fire
Supplemental Home Heating Equipment
Cooking Equipment
Cigarette Lighters and Matches

Materials That Burn
Upholstered Furniture
Mattresses and Bedding
Wearing Apparel
Flammable Liquids

Early Warning and Escape
Smoke Detectors
Escape Plan

Contact Information

This publication is in the public domain and it may be reproduced in whole or in part without permission. We encourage photocopying or reprinting this information.

About the Commission

This Home Fire Safety Checklist was developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an independent regulatory agency of the U.S. Government.

The Commission has four statutory missions:

• to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products;
• to assist consumers in evaluating the comparative safety of consumer products;
• to develop uniform safety standards for consumer products and minimize conflicting state and local regulations; and
• to promote research and investigation into the causes and prevention of product-related deaths, injuries and illnesses.

It has jurisdiction over more than 15,000 consumer products used in the home, school and in public places. Among the products not subject to the Commission's authority are food, drugs, automobiles, tobacco, and fire arms. The Commission administers five safety laws: The Consumer Product Safety Act, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, and the Refrigerator Act.

CPSC began operation on May 14, 1973. It is headed by three Commissioners appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.

On October 29, 1973, the Commission instituted a toll-free Hotline to make it easier for consumers to report product-related injuries or potentially hazardous products, and to get information on recalled products seven days a week, 24 hours a day. You may call the Commission's Hotline from anywhere in the continental U.S. by dialing 1-800-638-2772. A teletypewriter for the hearing impaired is also available (including Alaska and Hawaii) on a special Hotline number 1-800-638-8270. To order publications, write to the Office of Information and Public Affairs, Washington. DC 20207.

Introduction

The United States has one of the highest fire death and injury rates in the world. Fire -- in the form of flames and smoke -- is the second leading cause of accidental death in the home.

More than 4,000 people die each year in home fires. Every year, there are more than 500,000 residential fires serious enough to be reported to fire departments. More than 90 percent of residential fire deaths and injuries result from fires in one and two family houses and apartments. Property losses exceed 4 billion dollars annually, and the long term emotional damage to victims and their loved ones is incalculable.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has targeted the principal consumer products associated with fires, namely home heating devices, upholstered furniture, bedding, cigarette lighters, matches, and wearing apparel. The Commission is participating in a special Congressionally authorized study of cigarette-ignited fires, which cause more deaths than any other kind of fire. The Commission continues to push for extensive use of smoke detectors. With the help of concerned consumers, the number or residential fires has declined about 30 percent since 1980.

The CPSC is fulfilling its role to make products inherently more fire safe. We recognize that much more can be done to cut down on the needlessly high and tragic fire toll by an alert and informed public. Many of the injuries associated with flammable products result from hazards that are overlooked. Fire experts agree that one key to fewer fires is a greater awareness of how accidents can be prevented. By spotting these hazards and taking some simple precautions, many fires and fire-related injuries can be prevented.

Use this checklist as a safety guide to spot possible fire safety problems which may be present in your home. It is a first step in reducing the risk of fire. Check YES or NO to answer each question. If you check NO to any question, the potential hazard should be corrected to avoid the risk of injury or death.

How safe is your home from fire?

PRODUCT SAFETY, IT'S NO ACCIDENT!

Sources of Fire

Supplemental Home Heating

The use of supplemental room heaters, such as wood and coal burning stoves, kerosene heaters, gas space heaters and electrical heaters, has decreased, along with the number of residential fires.

Even though there has been a decrease in fires associated with supplemental heaters, it is important to remember that about 120,000 residential fires still occur annually with the use of these heaters, or about 22 percent of all residential fires. These fires kill more than 600 people. Annually there are thousands of contact burn injuries and hundreds of carbon monoxide poisonings.

Wood Stoves

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.

Recommendations:

• Do not use wood burning stoves and fireplaces unless they are properly installed and meet building codes.
• Follow the label instructions on the stove which recommends an inspection twice monthly. Have chimneys inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep. Creosote is an unavoidable product of wood burning stoves. Creosote builds up in chimney flues and can cause a chimney fire. To cut down on creosote buildup, avoid smoldering fires.
• Use a code-specified or listed floor protector. It should extend 18 inches beyond the stove on all sides. This will reduce the possibility of the floor being ignited.
• Follow the instructions on the stove label for proper location of the stove from combustible walls.
• Never burn trash in a stove because this could over heat the stove. Gasoline and other flammable liquids should never be used to start wood stove fires. Gasoline will ignite and explode. Use coal only if designated as appropriate by the manufacturer.

Kerosene Heaters

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.

Recommendations:

• Check with your local fire marshal regarding local and state codes and regulations for using a kerosene heater.
• NEVER USE GASOLINE. Even small amounts of gasoline mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of fire.
• Use properly labeled containers. It reduces the likelihood of mistaking gasoline for kerosene.
• Place heater so it will not be knocked over or trap you in case of fire.
• Use l-K kerosene because.grades other than l-K contain much more sulfur and will increase sulfur dioxide emissions, posing a possible health problem. If you buy kerosene from a gasoline station make sure you and/or the attendant are using the kerosene pump, not the gasoline pump.
• Never fill the heater while it is operating. Always refuel the heater outdoors to prevent spillage on floors and rugs which could later result in fire ignition.
• Keep the room in which the heater operates ventilated (e.g. door open or the window ajar). This will prevent an indoor air pollution problem and minimize health problems. Kerosene heaters are not usually vented.
• Keep flammable liquids and fabrics away from an open flame.
• Never try to move the heater or try to smother the flames with a rug or a blanket if a flare-up occurs. Activate the manual shut-off switch and call the fire department. Moving the heater may increase the height of the flames and cause leakage resulting in personal injury.

Gas-Fired Space Heaters

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.

Recommendations:

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding where and how to use gas space heaters. Unvented heaters should not be used in small enclosed areas, especially bedrooms because of the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Do not use a propane heater (LP) which has a gas cylinder stored in the body of the heater. Its use is prohibited in most states and localities in the United States.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for lighting the pilot. Gas vapors may accumulate and ignite explosively, burning your hand or face.
• Light matches, if needed for lighting the pilot, before turning on the gas to prevent gas buildup.
• Do not operate a vented style heater unvented. It could allow combustion products, including carbon monoxide, to reach dangerous levels which will result in illness and death.

Portable Electric Heaters

The Commission estimates that half the deaths and one-third of the injuries resulting from electric heater fires occurred at night when family members were asleep and the heater unattended. The Commission is also concerned about the use of power or extension cords which can be too small to supply the amount of current required by the typical portable electric heater.

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.

Recommendations:

• Operate heater away from combustible materials. Do not place heaters where towels or the like could fall on the appliance and trigger a fire.
• Avoid using extension cords unless absolutely necessary. If you must use an extension cord with your electric heater, make sure it is marked with a power rating at least as high as that of the heater itself. Keep the cord stretched out. Do not permit the cord to become buried under carpeting or rugs. Do not place anything on top of the cord.
• Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture or the like. Never use heaters to dry wearing apparel or shoes.

Cooking Equipment

Cooking equipment is estimated to be associated with more than 100,000 fires annually, and almost 400 deaths, and 5,000 injuries. Gas cooking equipment accounts for about 30,000 fires, and electric cooking equipment for about 55,000 fires.

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.

Recommendations:

• Never place or store pot holders, plastic utensils, towels and other non-cooking equipment on or near the range because these items can be ignited.
• Roll up or fasten long loose sleeves with pins or elastic bands while cooking. Do not reach across a range while cooking. Long loose sleeves are more likely to catch on fire than are short sleeves. Long loose sleeves are also more apt to catch on pot handles, overturning pots and pans and cause scalds.

• Do not place candy or cookies over top of ranges. This will reduce the attraction kids may have for climbing on cooking equipment, thus reducing the possiblity of their clothing catching fire.
• Keep constant vigilance on any cooking that is require above the"keep warm" setting.

Cigarette Lighters and Matches

Each year more than 200 deaths are associated with fires statreted by cigarette lighters. About two thirds of these result from children playing with lighters. Most of the victims are under five years old.

You should be able to answer "yes" to the safety statements below.

Recommendations:

• Keep lighters and matches out of sight and out of the reach of children. Children as young as two years old are capable of lighting cigarette lighters and matches.
• Never encourage or allow a child to play with a lighter or to think of it as a toy. Do not use it as a source of amusement for a child. Once their curiosity is aroused, children may seek out a lighter and try to light it.
• Always check to see that cigarettes are extinguished before emptying ashtrays. Stubs that are still burning can ignite trash.

Materials That Burn

Your home is filled with materials and products that will burn if ignited. Upholstered furniture, clothing, drapery fabrics, and liquids such as gasoline and volatile solvents are involved in many injury-causing fires each year. Most of these fires could be prevented.

Upholstered Furniture

In 1989, there were 18,600 residential fires associated with upholstered furniture; about 900 people lost their lives. About one half of these fires were caused by smoking materials. Property losses amounted to over $ 100 million from fires started by cigarette ignition of upholstered furniture.

You should be able to respond "yes" to the safety statements below.

Recommendations:

• Look for furniture designed to reduce the likelihood of furniture fire from cigarettes. Much of the furniture manufactured today has significantly greater resistance to ignition by cigarettes than upholstered furniture manufactured 10 to 15 years ago. This is particularly true of furniture manufactured to comply with the requirements of the Upholstered Furniture Action Council's (UFAC) Voluntary Action Program. Such upholstered furniture may be identified by the gold colored tag on the furniture item. The legend on the front of the tag in red letters states "Important Consumer Safety Information from UFAC."
• Always check the furniture where smokers have been sitting for improperly discarded smoking materials. Ashes and lighted cigarettes can fall unnoticed behind or between cushions or under furniture.
• Do not place or leave ashtrays on the arms of chairs where they can be knocked off.

• Look for fabrics made predominantly from thermo-plastic fibers (nylon, polyester, acrylic, olefin) because they resist ignition by burning cigarettes better than cellulosic fabrics (rayon or cotton). In general, the higher the thermoplastic content, the greater the resistance to cigarette ignition.

Mattresses and Bedding

Smoldering fires in mattresses and bedding materials caused by cigarettes are a major cause of deaths in residential fires. In 1989 over 35,000 mattress/bedding fires caused about 700 deaths.

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.

Recommendations:

• DO NOT smoke in bed. Smoking in bed is a major cause of accidental fire deaths in homes.
• Locate heaters or other fire sources three feet from the bed to prevent the bed catching on fire.
• Consider replacing your old mattress with a new one if you are a smoker. Mattresses manufactured since 1973 are required to resist cigarette ignition.

Wearing Apparel

Most fibers used in clothing can burn, some more quickly than others. A significant number of clothing fires occur in the over 65 age group principally from nightwear (robes, pajamas, nightgowns). In 1989 about 200 clothing fire deaths were reported; about three fourths occurred in the 65 and older age group. The severity of apparel burns is high. Hospital stays average over one month.

Small open flames, including matches, cigarette lighters, and candles are the major sources of clothing ignition. These are followed by ranges, open fires and space heaters. The most commonly worn garments that are associated with clothing ignition injuries are pajamas, nightgowns, robes, shirts/blouses, pants/slacks and dresses.

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following statements.

Recommendations:

• Consider purchasing fabrics such as 100% polyester, nylon, wool and silk that are difficult to ignite and tend to self extinguish.
• Consider the flammability of certain fabrics containing cotton, cotton/polyester blends, rayon, and acrylic. These are relatively easy to ignite and burn rapidly.
• Look at fabric construction. It also affects ignitability. Tight weaves or knits and fabrics without a fuzzy or napped surface are less likely to ignite and burn rapidly than open knits or weaves, or fabrics with brushed or piled surfaces.
• Consider purchasing garments that can be removed without having to pull them over the head. Clothes that are easily removed can help prevent serious burns. If a garment can be quickly stripped off when it catches fire, injury will be far less severe or avoided altogether.
• Follow manufacturer's care and cleaning instructions on products labeled "flame resistant" to ensure that their flame resistant properties are maintained.

Flammable Liquids

One of the major causes of household fires is flammable liquids. These include gasoline, acetone benzene, lacquer thinner, alcohol, turpentine, contact cements, paint thinner, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid. The most dangerous of all is gasoline.

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.

Recommendation:

• Take extra precautions in storing and using flammable liquids, such as gasoline, paint thinners, etc. They produce invisible explosive vapors that can ignite by a small spark at considerable distances from the flammable substance. Store outside the house.

Early Warning and Escape

Even when you have complied with every item in this Home Fire Safety Checklist, you still need to have a plan for early warning and escape in case a fire does occur.

Many fire deaths and fire injuries are actually caused by smoke and gases. Victims inhale smoke and poisonous gases that rise ahead of the flames. Survival depends on being warned as early as possible and having an escape plan.

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following statements.

Smoke Detectors

Make sure detectors are placed either on the ceiling or 6-12 inches below the ceiling on the wall. Locate smoke detectors away from air vents or registers; high air flow or "dead" spots are to be avoided.

Recommendations:

• Purchase a smoke detector if you do not have one. Smoke detectors are inexpensive and are required by law in many localities. Check local codes and regulations before you buy your smoke detector because some codes require specific types of detectors. They provide an early warning which is critical because the longer the delay, the deadlier the consequences.
• Read the instructions that come with the detector for advice on the best place to install it. As a minimum detectors should be located near bedrooms and one on every floor.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper maintenance. Smoke detectors can save lives, but only if properly installed and maintained.
• Never disconnect a detector. Consider relocating the detector rather than disconnecting it if it is subject to nuisance alarms, e.g. from cooking.
• Replace the battery annually, or when a "chirping" sound is heard.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions about cleaning your detector. Excessive dust, grease or other material in the detector may cause it to operate abnormally. Vacuum the grill work of your detector.

Escape Plan

Planning ahead, rehearsing, thinking, and acting clearly are keys to surviving a fire. How prepare are you?

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following statements.

Recommendations:

Establish advanced family planning for escape. It is an important partner with smoke detectors and it will prepare you for a fire emergency.

Include small children as a part of the discussion and rehearsal. It is especially important to make sure they understand that they must escape; they can't hide from fire under a bed or in a closet.

Your life and that of your family can be saved by foresight, planning, discussing and rehearsal.

PRODUCT SAFETY, IT'S NO ACCIDENT!

U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20207
Web site: http://www.cpsc.gov/
Toll-free hotline: 1-800-638-2772

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is a federa1 agency that helps
keep families and children safe in and around their homes.

For more information, call the CPSC's toll-free hotline 1-800-638-2772
or visit its website at http://www.cpsc.gov/.

To report a product hazard or a product related injury, write to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207. In the United States, call the toll free hotline: 800-638-CPSC (2772). A teletypewriter for the deaf is available on the following numbers: National (including Alaska and Hawaii) 800-638-8270. CPSC news releases, Public Calendar and other information can be obtained via the Internet from the agency's Web Site: http://www.cpsc.gov/ Agency staff may be contacted by e-mail: E-mail Address: info@cpsc.gov.

This document is in the public domain. It may be reproduced in part or in whole by an individual or organization without permission. If it is reproduced, however, the Commission would appreciate knowing how it is used. Write the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Office of Information and Public Affairs, Washington, D.C. 20207.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent regulatory agency charged with reducing unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products. CPSC is headed by three Commissioners appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.

PRODUCT SAFETY, IT'S NO ACCIDENT.

I'm not sure by who - but I was emailed this link and thought it prudent to pass it on to everyone who cares to stay informed on the issues.

 www.bribewatch.org

I'm always interested to know what's going on when it comes to backroom dealings and deals done without integrity.  I suppose that's why we're so interested in the proceedings in the Knox County government, the Sevier County government and how these associated issues affect the surrounding communities. 

We as citizens should always work hard to stay informed so we can make informed decisions.  Unfortunately the statement "They're gonna do what they wanna do anyway" seems to permeate those who either don't, won't or refuse to become involved in the political process.

I hope that all of those who see this post will become involved in the political proces irrespective of their political affiliation. 

Recently I had the opportunity to give an informative talk to a group of folks concerning home inspections.  During the Q&A session, one individual made the observation that they didn't feel like home inspection services offered any advantage during either the buying or selling process of the real estate transaction. 

When I asked for clarification as to their reasoning, they smugly informed me that they felt like the codes inspections made during the construction process were all the inspection they needed.  Being the kind soul I am, I successfully resisted the urge to laugh out loud.  However, when I asked where they had their residence, they joyfully informed me they lived in Sevier County. 

At that point I again felt the irresistable urge to laugh out loud and, mustering the most professionally concerned look I could, I asked them if they lived in the city or in the county. 

"Oh, no," they said, "we wouldn't want to pay city taxes, we live in the county." 

Everyone in the room turned and stared. 

You should have seen the faces of our knowledgable county dwellers when someone in the crowd politely  informed them that Sevier County doesn't have a codes enforcement department. 

So...why are home inspections important?  To protect consumers from the contractors, builders, land developers who come in, build as cheap and as quickly as possible, sell for a huge markup, and move on to the next job.  Honestly, I have seen NEW construction that needed a TON of work, older construction that were DIY nightmares, homes with 'upgrades' that destroyed homes' structural integrity, and numerous homes that were, at best firetraps waiting to claim a victim.

While in the State of Tennessee, home inspections are not required by  law, for your clients' protection, please, suggest they invest in a home inspection  - the home inspection contingency is perhaps the most important contingency when it comes to offering protection.

Thanks-

Doug

Recently I was called to do an inspection on a property being used as a 2-unit apartment.  These units consisted of one upper and one lower.  The landscaping was consistent with many properties in the county and location in which it was situated (leveled for the structure but not a great deal of thought put into drainage planning for prevention of errosion and/or water infiltration into the structure). 

The lower unit was simply beautiful.  Wood floors and nice paint although the whole structure was in need of simple maintenance attention and security attention (windows with no locking mechanisms).

That being said, I was astounded at the condition of the upper unit.  This unit looked like an animal had been living there.  Youn talk about filth!  This made me want to go back out to my truck and put on the playtex gloves - you know - the elbow high kind.  I am still amazed that people actually live like that.  Not that I don't come upon this pretty often when inspecting a rental, but ... get this...this person (or persons) had left food in the refrigerator without there being any power.  Talk about rank!! 

Now, as an inspector, I don't normally address cosmetic defects or general cleanliness issues, however, because of the potential for health issues to arise from the conditions I encountered in this case, I felt the responssibility to my client, the buyer, to include a comment on the overall condition in regard to general cleanliness and sanitation.

So...here's my question and suggestion: Why don't sellers (especially those selling rental units) opt for a pre-listing inspection instead of getting upset when the inspector comes in and begins listing items?  It seems to me that in order to streamline the selling process, gain a better selling price, and avoid last minute suprise contingencies that could make a deal fall apart, a pre-listing inspection would be the prudent method of inspection.

What do you think?

For all of you who attended this trade show, I'm sure it was fun.  For all of us who manned a booth it was indeed an experience.  Sam Morris and myself manned the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI)booth and had a great time getting aquainted and meeting all of you who dropped by.  Sam, who lives in Morristown, his wife Dianna and his mother, RoseMary were representing not only NACHI but Top to Bottom Inspections.  I was in attendance representing NACHI and House Whisperers Property Inspections. 

It was refreshing for me to be able to promote NACHI and our own businesses and have complete harmony in so doing.  Sam will be contacting the lucky winners - thank you all for participating.

Douglas D. Moore

If you intend to be at the Expo Center in Knoxville, please look for me at the NACHI Booth. 

I believe the expo will be a great time to network, to meet one another, share ideas and establish new relationships.  The Expo Center is located off of I-275 in Knoxville on Clinton Highway just North of the Clinton Highway and Merchants Road interchange.  Going North get off at Merchants Road and turn left (right turn if coming South), (7/10 of a mile) at Clinton Highway, turn right. The Expo Center is about 500 yards on the LEFT.

More information can be seen at: www.kaarmls.com

I look forward to seeing you there!

Douglas Moore

"You can never walk where Jesus walks by refusing to get out of the boat."

The following is some info I use to describe the advantages of sellers' inspections in an effort to help REALTORS succeed in getting to the closing table.   

As a REALTOR, and with the understanding that the buyer always has the option to get their own inspection, why would you not be interested in exporing seller inspections as a viable marketing tool?

 *****************************************************************************************

Seller Inspections: Streamlining Real Estate Transactions.

by Nick Gromicko

Former REALTOR and Founder of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI)  

Seller inspections (sometimes referred to as pre-listing inspections) are becoming more popular because they virtually eliminate all the pitfalls and hassles associated with waiting to do the inspections until a buyer is found.  In many ways, waiting to schedule inspections until after a home goes under agreement, is too late.  Seller inspections are arranged and paid for by the seller, usually just before the home goes on the market.  The seller is the inspector's client.  The inspector works for the seller and generates a report for the seller.  The seller then typically makes multiple copies of the report and shares them with potential buyers that tour the home for sale.  Seller inspections are a benefit to all parties in a real estate transaction.  They are a win-win-win-win.  Home inspectors should consider offering seller inspections and marketing this service to local listing agents.   Advantages to the home inspector:

• Seller inspections allow the inspector to catch inspection jobs upstream, ahead of real estate transactions and the competition.
• Seller inspections are easier to schedule and are not under the time constraints of sales agreement's inspection contingencies.
• Working for sellers is typically less stressful than working for buyers about to make the purchase of their lifetimes. 
• Sellers can alert the inspector to problems that should be included in the report, answer questions about their homes, and provide seller's disclosure statements.
• Repairs of problems found during seller inspections often necessitate the need for re-inspections by the inspector.
• Seller inspections put a sample copy of the inspector's product, the report, in the hands of many potential buyers who will need a local inspector soon.
• Seller inspections put a sample copy of the inspector's product, the report, in the hands of many local buyer's agents that tour the home.
• The inspector is credited, in part, with the smoothness of the real estate transaction by buyer, seller and agents on both sides.
• The liability of the inspector is reduced by putting more time between the date of the inspection and the move-in date of the buyers.
• The liability of the inspector is reduced because the inspector's clients are not buying the properties inspected, but rather moving out of them.
• The buyer might insist on hiring the seller's inspector to produce a fresh report since the seller's inspector is already familiar with the home.
• Seller inspections provide inspectors opportunities to showoff their services to listing agents.
• Seller inspections provide examples to the listing agent of each home, which might encourage those agents to have other listings pre-inspected by the inspector.
• Most sellers are local buyers and so many sellers hire the inspector again to inspect the homes they are moving to.

Advantages to the seller:

• The seller can choose a certified NACHI inspector rather than be at the mercy of the buyer's choice of inspector.
• The seller can schedule the inspections at the seller's convenience.
• It might alert the seller of any items of immediate personal concern, such as radon gas or active termite infestation.
• The seller can assist the inspector during the inspection, something normally not done during a buyer's inspection.
• The seller can have the inspector correct any misstatements in the inspection report before it is generated.
• The report can help the seller realistically price the home if problems exist.
• The report can help the seller substantiate a higher asking price if problems don't exist or have been corrected.
• A seller inspection reveals problems ahead of time which:
  • might make the home show better.
  • gives the seller time to make repairs and shop for competitive contractors.
  • permits the seller to attach repair estimates or paid invoices to the inspection report.
  • removes over-inflated buyer procured estimates from the negotiation table.
• The report might alert the seller to any immediate safety issues found, before agents and visitors tour the home.
• The report provides a third-party, unbiased opinion to offer to potential buyers.
• A seller inspection permits a clean home inspection report to be used as a marketing tool.
• A seller inspection is the ultimate gesture in forthrightness on the part of the seller.
• The report might relieve a prospective buyer's unfounded suspicions, before they walk away.
• A seller inspection lightens negotiations and 11th-hour renegotiations.
• The report might encourage the buyer to waive the inspection contingency.
• The deal is less likely to fall apart the way they often do when a buyer's inspection unexpectedly reveals a problem, last minute.
• The report provides full-disclosure protection from future legal claims.

Advantages to the real estate agent:

• Agents can recommend certified NACHI inspectors as opposed to being at the mercy of buyer's choices in inspectors.
• Sellers can schedule the inspections at seller's convenience with little effort on the part of agents.
• Sellers can assist inspectors during the inspections, something normally not done during buyer's inspections.
• Sellers can have inspectors correct any misstatements in the reports before they are generated.
• Reports help sellers see their homes through the eyes of a critical, third-party, thus making sellers more realistic about asking price.
• Agents are alerted to any immediate safety issues found, before other agents and potential buyers tour the home.
• Repairs made ahead of time might make homes show better.
• The reports provide third-party, unbiased opinions to offer to potential buyers.
• Clean reports can be used as marketing tools to help sell the homes.
• Reports might relieve prospective buyer's unfounded suspicions, before they walk away.
• Seller inspections eliminate buyer's remorse that sometimes occurs just after an inspection.
• Seller inspections reduce the need for negotiations and 11th-hour renegotiations.
• Seller inspections relieve the agent of having to hurriedly procure repair estimates or schedule repairs.
• The reports might encourage buyers to waive their inspection contingencies.
• Deals are less likely to fall apart the way they often do when buyer's inspections unexpectedly reveal problems, last minute. 
• Reports provide full-disclosure protection from future legal claims.

Advantages to the home buyer:

• The inspection is done already.
• The inspection is paid for by the seller.
• The report provides a more accurate, third-party view of the condition of the home prior to making an offer.
• A seller inspection eliminates surprise defects.
• Problems are corrected or at least acknowledged prior to making an offer on the home.
• A seller inspection reduces the need for negotiations and 11th-hour renegotiations.
• The report might assist in acquiring financing.
• A seller inspection allows the buyer to sweeten the offer without increasing the offering price by waiving inspections.

Your professional in the Knoxville, Tennessee area offering these inspections is: 

House Whisperers Property Inspections

Ph: (865) 951-6368