HUD Articles

The practice of Real Estate differs in many ways from State to State. In Michigan we have several components involved during the course of a transaction. But the main ingredients are Buyers Agent, Seller's Agent, Loan Officer, Inspector and Appraiser. There's also clients too of course, but which one of the aforementioned professionals has a limited liability and does not have a license? In the State of Michigan, that answer would be the home inspector! Surprised, yes... many buyers are. You pay a home inspector, they may or may not give you a written report but at the end of the report, their liability is very limited. Up to a cost of what you paid for their inspection and that is all.

We have many people who do inspections that are licensed builders, and they may be more or less qualified than home inspectors but when it comes down to it, you may base your whole buying decision on what an inspector says. Your Realtor's opinions are also valuable here if you are getting good advice in this all important part of the process.

NASHI and ASHI are Associations that home inspectors belong to, but they are not licensing bodies. (North American Society of Home Inspectors and American Society of Home Inspectors.)

While we cannot change that, it is a good thing to be aware of. Ask your inspectors how long they have been in business. Ask the questions that you want to in order to feel good about their knowledge and carry on!