Home Inspections Integral Part of Real Estate Process

According to the results of the first-ever Home Inspection Industry Study, seventy-seven (77%) percent of all recent home buyers obtained a home inspection prior to the purchase of their homes. Among these home buyers, ninety-seven (97%) percent believe that the home inspection was a good value for the price they paid.

In the survey, conducted by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) in conjunction with the National Association of Realtors (NAR), findings indicate that home inspectors, professionals hired to inspect homes bought and sold, have become an integral part of the real estate process.

"It's clear from this survey that home inspections are utilized more now than ever before," said ASHI President John Ghent of the study that surveyed 1,000 home buyers and 900 real estate agents. "We're also happy to hear that consumers are more confident buying or selling a home when they involve home inspection professionals."

He noted that on a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being "strongly disagree" and 5 being "strongly agree") home buyers scored a 4.51, indicating that a home inspection increases their confidence in their purchase.

Ghent also discussed the implications of the survey results, saying that this will help both ASHI and NAR develop programs that support the professional goals of their members.

Key Findings
The study surveyed home buyers and real estate agents via an omnibus poll, the results of which were projectable at two standard deviations (a 95% confidence interval). The poll was also divided regionally between the Midwest, Northeast, South, and West. Key findings included:

• Nearly all realtors (99%) recommend that the buyer get a home inspection, with 92% saying they ALWAYS make this recommendation, and an additional 7% saying they OFTEN do so.
• The West Region had the highest likelihood (81%) of a home buyer getting a home inspection prior to the purchase of a home. These and other results, as well as additional information on the methodology employed in the study, are available from ASHI.

About ASHI
Formed in 1976, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is the oldest, most respected, and largest professional organization of home inspectors in North America. Its mission is to promote excellence and exemplary practice within the profession. ASHI's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics are the recognized guidelines for the home inspection profession.

About NAR
The National Association of Realtors is America's largest trade association representing nearly 760,000 members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. Membership is composed of residential and commercial Realtors who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.