J. Philip's Westchester Real Estate Blog: New York Home Inspectors Must be Licensed

J. Philip Faranda is based in Briarcliff Manor, NY. His market covers Westchester & the Hudson Valley. In addition to owning his growing brokerage, he ranks in the top 10 out of over 7000 agents in the EAMLS for closed transactions each year since 2007. He has appeared on ABC World News, quoted in the NY Times, AOL, AP & many other media. He is also a Vice President for the Empire Access MLS. You can reach him at (914) 723-8900.

New York Home Inspectors Must be Licensed

It has been New York law since 2005 that home inspectors be licensed by the Department of State. The reasons are fairly numerous, but they include the following:

  • Consumer protection. Licensure is a starting point for vetting people to hire for the job.  
  • Oversight. The population of inspectors is no longer murky, either. 
  • Peace of Mind. This can be misleading, as licensed inspectors can still stink. 
  • Professional Standards. Making them statutory protects the consumer.
In short, it is all about the consumer. I have great respect for ASHI and professional trade organizations with their own guidelines, but licensure gives consumer protection teeth. I should add that since the law went into effect I have had very few problems with any home inspectors. I could count on one hand the number of companies I would be reticent to work with, and that is more due to alarmist communication than competence. 

To look up whether or not a home inspector is licensed, check them out on the New York Department of State Website

Home Inspectors don't have an easy job

______________________________________________________________________________

Subscribe to J. Philip's Real Estate Blog by Email

Active Rain members-Feed your mind.  

In 2012, I Will Sell a Home for US Veteran Facing Hardship Pro Bono

  • We Are Westchester County & Metro New York Real Estate. Reach Phil at (914) 723-8900.
  • J. Philip Faranda, Broker-owner, J. Philip Real Estate, LLC. Vice President, Empire Access Multiple Listing Service. 
  • I am one of New York's premier short sale REALTORS, serving Westchester, the Hudson Valley & Metropolitan New York.
  • Free MLS Search! Register for a Free Listingbook account and search the MLS like an agent. 
  • I am hiring agents. We offer outstanding support, marketing resources, and pasta. 
All content/images, unless noted, are the property of J. Philip Faranda & may not be used without permission
7 commentsJ Philip Faranda, Broker-Owner • July 24 2010 09:44PM

Comments

It does pay to have the Inspector licensed it gives the buyer's peace of mind.

Posted by Pat Champion (Coldwell Banker Camelot Realty) over 1 year ago

It does pay to have the Inspector licensed it gives the buyer's peace of mind.

Posted by Pat Champion (Coldwell Banker Camelot Realty) over 1 year ago

good post! Thanks for sharing. It's the same here in CA, which I am very thankful for. All the best!

Posted by Dom Naidoo | Santa Monica real estate expert (Westside Properties) over 1 year ago

I was thinking about taking the Home Inspector course at Realty Institute. All information I can gather would be better. I am a license agent in CT and NY and eventually want to start doing more work in the White Plains/Westchester area.

Posted by Matthew Mitchell - New Haven Real Estate Agent (Buyer's Capital Real Estate) over 1 year ago

Philip, I feel a little more comfortable when they have to be licensed.  Still, we've had a few go off the deep end. 

Posted by Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company Realtors) over 1 year ago

Yes, I hear you in terms of communication - making sure they are clear but not creating  a panic.  I recently met a great inspector in the area and I know some realtors who are working w/ him, so maybe at some pt I'll introduce you guys.

Posted by Debbie Gartner - Westchester Flooring -Hardwood Floors Carpet Tile Refinish - (Floor Coverings International Westchester NY & Stamford CT) over 1 year ago

It is the same here in Massachusetts. It makes perfect sense that something as important as an inspection should be done by a licensed professional.

Posted by Bill Gassett Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate (RE/MAX Executive Realty) over 1 year ago

Participate



(optional)
What does the graphic say?