Home Inspection Increases Buyer Confidence

Results indicate adults are more likely to purchase a distressed property, including foreclosures and short sales, following a professional home inspection. 

• 88 percent of respondents say home inspections increase their confidence about the condition of any property.

• More than four in five adults think foreclosures and short sales can be good deals.

• 84 percent of respondents say they would be more likely to purchase a distressed (foreclosed or short sale) property after a home inspection deemed it in good condition.

• Consumers are uncertain of the services traditionally included in a home inspection.

• The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is the Gold Standard of Home Inspectors. 

According to a survey released by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 85 percent of those surveyed believe distressed properties, such as foreclosures and short sales, can be good deals. More than four out of five (84 percent) respondents state they would be more likely to purchase a foreclosed or short sale property if a home inspector found it to be in good condition. This boost in confidence delivered by a home inspection conducted by an ASHI-Certified Inspector (ACI) may be an additional factor to help increase sales of these distressed properties, depleting surplus of inventory and spurring the recovery of the housing market.

The online survey[1]was recently conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of ASHI to better understand current consumer perceptions about the value of a home inspection. Almost nine in 10 (88 percent) adults say a home inspection increases their confidence about the condition of a property. Eighty-four percent of adults believe home inspections are a necessity, not a luxury. 

"It is encouraging to learn having a home inspection increases homebuyer confidence," said Marvin Goldstein, ASHI president. "We look forward to prospective buyers acting on the security brought by home inspections to breathe even more life into the recovering housing market."

Interestingly, while homeowners are aware of the importance of a home inspection, more than one in four (28 percent) mistakenly believes the purpose of an inspection is to verify that a home complies with local building codes. More than one in 10 (12 percent) confused a home inspection with an appraisal. 

"ASHI is focused on raising consumer awareness about the value and components of a home inspection," said Goldstein. "We will continue to take active steps to clarify for homeowners and homebuyers alike what should be expected during an inspection conducted by an ACI, and set high standards for our members to help ensure their customers are well-informed and satisfied."

ASHI Certified Inspectors subscribe to the ASHI Standards of Practice, which visually examines the condition of the home's roof, attic and insulation, foundation, basement and structural components, as well as interior plumbing and electrical systems. For a complete list of what's included in a home inspection, please visit www.ASHI.org. 

ASHI is the only home inspection association accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) for its Certified Inspector Program. Because not all home inspectors are required to be state-licensed, ASHI-Certification is a badge of professionalism and on-the-job experience consumers should look for when hiring an inspector.

• The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is the industry recognized nonprofit public-benefit organization of real estate inspectors.
• The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), founded in 1976, is North America's oldest and most respected professional society of home inspectors. ASHI's goals have always been to build customer awareness of the importance of a quality home inspection and enhance the professionalism of home inspectors.
• ASHI's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice are recognized by the California Business & Professions Codes and are considered the standard of care by the real estate industry and legal profession.

About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
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Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.