Well, hello Lania....

Sorry to bust in here, not being an agent and all.  I'd just like to comment on the subject of professionalism, or rather, what constitutes professionalism.  In any profession, there are those who are still 'wet behind the ears', in a real and quantifiable sense.  Then there is the overall perception of what professionalism means.  Home Inspectors, by and large, are drawn from blue collar ranks.  I believe that would constitute the majority, regardless of affiliation.  A second group has the added benefit of formal education, possessing degrees as well as years of experience in construction and/or home inspections.  A third group are generally graduates of 'home inspector academies', tend to be much younger, with limited hands-on experience.  I shudder to think about a fourth group.  If I were an agent, I would be looking for inspectors within the second group first, followed closely by those in the first group with years of construction experience.  The only advantage one would gain with the second group is that the average inspector in this group is perhaps a better communicator on average, an important element of 'professionalism.'  I believe also that many very good inspectors within the first group tend to be more defensive about their professional status.

Now, to address the actual question you asked:  Admittedly, one will find more of groups 1 and 2 in ASHI. NACHI will run the gamut.  There will be more of group 3 in NAHI or one of the other national associations, some of which are set up as nothing more than adjuncts of certain franchise operations.

To agents making choices:  It may be tempting, but I would advise staying away from the guy who says he can do it all in an hour or hour 1/2, and print you a report in the driveway as well.  I can assure you that report will not be thorough enough in the vast majority of cases.  If that time is doubled, and the report is rendered on-site, ok.  I'm certain, Lania, that you, as the wife of an experienced inspector, are well aware of everything stated above.  The info and observations are meant for the edification of other agents who may be wondering, confused about whom to choose, or who thinks the guy providing them with quickie driveway inspections is the cat's pajamas.  I hope I'm being pretty clear this morning, as I'm typing this hurriedly so I can get out the door and on the way.

Have a great day!