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the answer: |
| Questions |
| 1) |
What is a Home Inspector? |
| 2) |
What are the requirements to become a Home Inspector? |
| 3) |
How long is the course? |
| 4) |
Is there a test? |
| 5) |
What materials are included with the course? |
| 6) |
What is required to maintain a license? |
| 7) |
How do I start my own business? |
| 8) |
Is AREA recognized with any professional organizations? |
| 9) |
What is the cost of the course? |
| 10) |
Can I be a Real Estate Agent, Appraiser and Home Inspector? |
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| Answers |
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| 1) |
What is a Home Inspector? |
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A home inspector performs a very important service. They inspect existing homes using professional standards as a measure to accurately report the condition of the home to those involved in the real estate transaction. They do not evaluate the home for cost or value, which is more the function of an appraiser. They do however, report objectively, in writing, the condition of all resident home systems as they appear and operate at the time of the inspection. |
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| 2) |
What are the requirements to become a Home Inspector? |
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CA does not currently have any licensing/certification/registration requirements. Changes are expected to happen in the future. The state recommends that Home Inspectors consider the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of ASHI or CREIA when determining whether an inspection meets the required standard of care. It is also prohibited by the Business and Professions code section 7195-7199 for a Home Inspector to not do any repairing on properties that they have inspected in the previous 12 months. |
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| 3) |
How long is the course? |
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There are two courses you can choose from the fast track which is 60 hrs and the Master Curriculum which is 120 hr. |
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| 4) |
Is there a test? |
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There are several unit exams for the online course designed to test your knowledge of course material, but there is no required state exam. |
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| 5) |
What materials are included with the course? |
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Students who enroll in the online course will receive electronic versions of a pre-inspection agreement, field worksheet, and narrative report that can be utilized in their own business, along with additional support material. You will also receive a discounted membership for your first year with HIF (Housing Inspection Foundation) and a free year membership with NACHI (National Association of Home Inspectors). As well as demo copies of HomeGauge and InspectVue which are two home inspection reporting programs. You also will get a completion certificate mailed to you upon your course completion. |
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| 6) |
What is required to maintain a license? |
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Because there are not any state requirements on Home Inspection there is no license. You will only need to stay up to date with a business license. |
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| 7) |
How do I start my own business? |
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With this course you will review business formation, marketing, and report writing which should assist you with the necessary information for getting your business started. You will need to obtain an business license in the county you live in, please click here for more information. |
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| 8) |
Is AREA recognized with any professional organizations? |
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AREA’s courses are recognized for a free one year membership in the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) obtaining full benefits, and discounted membership your first year with the Housing Inspection Foundation (HIF). HIF is also a recognized professional body with the state of California which fulfills the professional qualifications. |
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| 9) |
What is the cost of the course? |
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Prices vary on the Home Inspection courses. We offer a 120 hour and 60 hour course. As well as several continuing education courses. |
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| 10) |
Can I be a Real Estate Agent, Appraiser and Home Inspector? |
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Definitely, this course will give you a complete understanding of what to look for with regards to the quality of a home to better assist your clients and prepare a higher quality report. |
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