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What actually happens during a home inspection? It depends who you ask. Home inspectors are called upon every day to look at properties, but what do their moms, clients and the rest of the world think they do? “What is a Home Inspector?” is a funny video that answers that question from a variety of perspectives.

People often have different ideas about how a home inspector’s job gets done. Whether helping keep people safe from electrical fires, pointing out signs of water damage or confirming that a certain home is a wise investment, this profession is full of hard-working professionals. This entertaining, meme-inspired video takes a comedic look at what they do and don’t do!   

McKissock, the creator of the video series, is a trusted resource for state-specific, state-approved, engineering, land surveying and home inspection courses, regulation information and compliance. This video is aimed at home inspection professionals who can laugh at the different perceptions of their career; check it out at http://youtu.be/JTS4X-k94Ds.

“Home inspectors deserve a lot of respect for the hard work they do every day to help us stay safe and warm. But they also deserve a good laugh,” says Annie Creek, Business Development Manager for McKissock. “We love this series of videos because, no matter the career, we all have inside jokes about what we do – and won’t ever do!”

In many states, home inspectors are required to hold a state license and keep up their continuing education. Because rules and regulations vary across the country, it can be confusing to know what the home inspector requirements are for license renewal, including how long it will take, what forms are needed and the related fees. McKissock serves as a comprehensive resource about continuing education requirements and more. For license- and education-related questions, contact 1-800-328-2008.

For busy home inspectors who need a reminder for license renewal (because they are too busy saving cats and babies or inspecting cellars as you will see in the video), McKissock offers a free reminder service that will notify you when your license renewal date is approaching. Visit http://reminder.mckedu.com to sign up.

“Professionals have enough on their plate, so we provide reminders, coursework and compliance information and serve as an ally,” adds Creek. “We have a deep understanding of the lives of people who spend a lot of time in the field and don’t want to be concerned about license deadlines and paperwork.”

McKissock has affiliations directly with many associations to better assist professionals in receiving their continuing education credits. For those with a home inspector job, McKissock has met the standards and requirements of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA).

From the McKissock website, state-licensed professionals have access to all they need to fulfill state requirements. We offer governing agency information and mandatory topics needed for license renewal; visit today and you can begin taking required coursework immediately. McKissock offers customizable packages or individual professional engineer, land surveying and home inspector courses. For more information, visit www.mckissock.com and search for your specific profession and location.

Rarely Discussed Tips for Buying that First House

1. Tips on Buying Your First Wisconsin Home Tips on Buying Your First WI Home Getting that first...
2. Tips for Buying a Wisconsin Short Sale Tips for Buying Your First Short Sale A short sale...
3. Bad Choices People Make When Buying a Home Bad Choices People Make When They Buy a Home All...
4. Tips for Picking the Right Wisconsin Home Tips for Picking the Right Home Finding the home that...
5. Tips for Purchasing a Foreclosure Tips for Purchasing a Foreclosure The housing slump that has...

Homeowners looking for the most return on their investment when remodeling should consider exterior replacement projects. According to the 2013 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, Realtors® rated exterior projects among the most valuable home improvement projects.

“Realtors know that curb appeal projects offer great bang for your buck, because a home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see,” says National Association of Realtors (NAR) President Gary Thomas. “Projects such as siding, window and door replacements can recoup more than 70 percent of their cost at resale.”

Investors continue to snatch up properties: Investors still snap up properties, but they’ve changed their strategy, which also constrains inventories. Now they’re holding onto properties and turning them into rentals instead of rehabbing and flipping them for profit. The result: fewer homes on the market.

McKissock, a leader in continuing education, reveals its top-ranking land surveyor and home inspector courses, with ethics/standards and water rights coming out on top. McKissock determined these rankings by looking at its five-star rating system, which allows all class attendees to provide feedback on the courses. Read the most recent course reviews and rankings at www.mckissock.com.

McKissock is a trusted resource for the most up-to-date regulation and compliance information. An approved education provider in almost every state, McKissock offers required state-specific courses that home inspection and land surveying professionals need to keep their licenses current.

“We take student input seriously and actively use our rating system and comments sections to improve course material or make other changes,” says Annie Creek, Business Development Manager at McKissock. “Customer satisfaction is a hallmark of our business and we appreciate the feedback. We are proud of how many courses rank highly and strive for five stars every time.”

These results are purely based on user-generated star ratings, not taking into consideration the number of people who have taken the course or their availability.

Top home inspection courses include:

1. American Society of Home Inspectors  (ASHI) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice – 4.60 stars
2. Home Inspection Safety – 4.54 stars 
3. Attic Ventilation – 4.54 stars
4. Residential Cooling Systems and Heating Pump Inspections – 4.43 stars
5. Basic Principles of a Residential Electrical Inspection – 4.37 stars
   

Top land surveying courses include:

1. Water Rights – 4.51 stars
2. Utilities - Public and Otherwise – 4.42 stars
3. Disputes Between Adjoining Landowners – 4.41 stars
4. National Flood Insurance Program: Regulatory Basics for Land Development – 4.41 stars
5. Boundaries and Monuments – 4.40 stars

In order to stay compliant with each state board, not all courses are available in every state. However, people who would like to take courses purely for informational purposes may still do so. Feel free to contact Annie Creek at McKissock at annie.creek@mckissock.com if you have any requests or questions.

To highlight the land surveying profession in an entertaining way, McKissock also recently released a meme-inspired video called “What is a Land Surveyor?”. The video takes a humorous look at what people think land surveyors do versus what they actually do on a daily basis.

To learn more about McKissock, visit www.mckissock.com. On the site, you can select a state for information on approved land surveying, engineering and home inspection courses. McKissock offers customizable packages, individual courses, correspondence books (for states that accept them), and a free license renewal reminder service.

How to Purchase a Home in 2013

As this new year begins many people are setting goals, making resolutions and generally planning for a better year. If you are one of the people considering a home purchase in the upcoming year there is some sound advice to follow in order to make the process smoother and ensure that you get in to a home that truly makes you happy.

Be Realistic About Your Finances

If you are currently renting a nice place for $650 a month then it would seem unreasonable to think that you could afford a home with a loan payment of $1,000. WHY, you may ask? Because the expense of owning a home goes well beyond the monthly payment. There are other things like mowing the lawn, keeping the furnace and air conditioner maintained, repainting every few years, updating the bathroom, replacing an appliance or two, and the list goes on. Understanding the expense for these items will help you set your budget accordingly and hopefully prevent you from getting in to a home that you cannot afford.

Talk to an Experienced Mortgage Broker

After determining how much you can comfortably afford for a home, it is time to chat with a mortgage broker. The broker can look over your finances, your credit history, employment history and the length of time you have lived at your current address and determine the best loan for your needs. A broker can also get offer from multiple lenders in order to get the best rate for your mortgage.

It is wise to let the broker know how much you are comfortable paying each month so that they can use this information to establish a price range for your home. Most people can financially afford more than they are willing to pay. Having the right budget amount will help when you begin looking at homes.

Talk to an Experienced Real Estate Agent

Now that you are firm in the amount you can afford monthly for a payment and you have an approval from a mortgage lender it is time to talk to an experienced real estate agent. A good agent will sit down with you and listen to your wishes in order to decide which homes could meet your needs. Using the price range provided by the mortgage lender, the agent can focus on homes that fall in your budget and prevent wasting time on homes that are too expensive. An agent can also focus on other parameters such as a specific school zone, homes with particular features, size of the home and other things that are important to you.

Don’t put it off any longer. Sit down with a calculator and decide how much you can afford. Then make the decision to make 2013 the year that you become a homeowner!

Related posts:

1. Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before Looking for a WI Home 
   
   
2. Using FHA 203K Loan to Purchase a Fixer-Upper
   
   
3. 4 Tips to Determine How Much Mortgage You Can Afford
   
   
4. Keep Your Home Purchase on Track
   
   
5. Tips on Buying Your First Wisconsin Home

Rock Realty Client Testimonials

"Approx 4 years ago.. I was having some financial strain. I wasn't able to keep up with a first and second mortgage alone as a single mom.

Through friends and family, I was introduced to Mike and Matt.

I didn't want to have to go through the foreclosure process, because I knew that I would be able to pull through the mess I was in within a few years and I didn't want to have that looming over me.

Matt and Mike were able to take over and help me with a short sale. They worked with me directly. They both came to my home, sat down, helped me understand this delicate process (which remains total Greek to me), and they were extremely efficient. My bank worked with me and these gentlemen, and withing approx 3 months, my home was sold in a short sale.

I remain amazed at their abilities and their continued efforts to help me.

Now, 3 years later, I'm looking to purchase... I have looked them up again... and they are helping me find a home that I'm looking for within my specifications and they also have resources to assist with lending.

Couldn't ask for more!!

Thanks so much my friends!! you do an awesome job... Keep up the great work!"

Kari B.(Cross Plains, WI)
Rock Realty Seller & Buyer Client

Thanks for the kind words Kari! We look forward to finding you the home perfect for you!

Bad Choices People Make When They Buy a Home

Although home prices have not returned to the average of $196,000 like it was last year, it is getting close. When comparing home prices at different tiers, Madison is staying ahead of the rest of the state in all three tiers.  The following charts are from Zillow.  This first chart points out two facts.  First, the average price for a home in Wisconsin in the upper tier is around $232,000.  However, for Madison the price is approximately $295,000.  This points to the continued growth in the Madison area.  Secondly, while the average price in this tier only increased 0.2% for the state of Wisconsin, in Madison the price improved by 1.6% 

The SMART Way to Buy Your First Short Sale

Buying a short sale in Madison Wisconsin is quite common right now. The impact of the financial recession has resulted in numerous foreclosures and has left some people with no option but to sell their home for less than the mortgage balance. Buying a Madison area Wisconsin short sale will require a bit of patience and a smart plan.

Understanding the Short Sale

Obviously, the best reason to buy a short sale is for the savings. Most of these properties are discounted as much as 20% off the market price. Buyers can save a considerable amount of money by negotiating the right deal with a motivated seller. However, a good price should only be one consideration. There are other things for the buyer to be aware of such as:

* In order to get a contract on a short sale, it is best to be the first person to contact the seller or selling agent. Being first puts you in more control of the transaction.

* Just because a property is being offered as a short sale does not make it a great deal. Some properties may need extensive work before they can be deemed a safe living environment.

* Banks typically frown on ridiculous low offers. A successful short sale will require you to offer a reasonable amount. This is where an agent can really come in handy.

* Based on the current number of short sales, banks are swamped with these requests. The process for moving the offer through the chain of command does not always progress in an orderly fashion. This requires the buyer to be flexible about a closing date.

All of this means that buying a short sale requires a solid plan; a plan that will get you in front of the right seller, with the right offer.

Putting Together a Good Plan

Follow this outline to help you develop a plan for buying your first short sale.

1. First and foremost, you need to meet with a real estate agent that has experience in short sale transactions. This will save you lots of time and trouble throughout the process. The agent can have a conversation with you to determine the type of house you need and look for possible short sale targets.

2. Determine a plan for responding when a short sale becomes available. Decide with your agent how the information will be communicated to you and how soon you can look over the home.

3. Set up a meeting with a local mortgage lender. Getting the financing secured ahead of time will help get your offer approved. A lender that is familiar with short sale transactions would also be beneficial since the closing may happen at any time and the lender will need to be prepared.

Understand that a short sale which seems like a good deal will likely draw attention from several buyers. The person that responds the quickest, with the best offer and the best plan in place, will likely win the bidding war.

Inexpensive Ways to Boost Your Home’s Value

Although mortgage rates are still at an all-time low, there are lots of homes on the market for potential buyers to choose. This makes competition tougher for sellers. If you are in the market to sell a property, it might be wise to take some time and spend a few dollars on simple things that will yield great results.

Choose the Right Agent

Sometimes the most important thing for a home seller is the most overlooked. Get a real estate agent that is good for you. There are numerous agents available, all with various personalities, strengths and weaknesses. Here are some tips for finding an agent that you are comfortable with and can help move your property.

* Visit a few open houses: This will give you a chance to see the agent interact with other interested buyers. You can gauge their professionalism, demeanor and overall knowledge of the market.

* Ask your friends and family members for a referral: This can be an easy way to find a Realtor®, but use a bit of caution. An agent that has lots of experience selling country homes with acreage may not be the best choice to sell your suburban 3 bedroom home. Make sure to check out their other sold listings and see how many are comparable to your place.

* Do an online search: Check out agents online. Look for their website and do a little research. Is their site professional looking? Is it updated with current listings? How well do they explain the homes they are trying to sell now? Are there lots of pictures? Once you have found someone you like, give them a call and do a brief interview over the phone.

Paint

One of the quickest and cheapest ways to alter a room's appearance is by simply adding a fresh coat of paint. Most any able bodied person can work a roller and a brush. Choose a color that is a bit neutral but also bright so that it will make the room livelier.

Clean up and Streamline

Obviously, you want the home as clean as possible. Take extra care to clean the bathrooms and kitchen. Also spend some time organizing and getting rid of clutter. Remove any excess wall hangings. This will make the room feel more open and larger. Making a home inviting and spacious will attract more buyers.

Improve the Curb Appeal

Like painting, this will likely involve more sweat than money. If you have shrubs make sure they are trimmed and neat. Give the lawn a fresh cut. Put a new welcome pad by the front door. Also, include some type of attractive plant near the front door. Since this area will likely be prominent in pictures that are trying to sell the home you want it to look inviting.

Bridging Outdoor Areas with Inside Areas

Use decorative plants around the patio and deck as well as inside the home. Use comfortable furniture outside that has soft cushions. This makes the home feel bigger with more usable space outside that can be used in a number of situations.

Changes in Popularity of Features in New Homes

The national economy runs through cycles similar to the fashion industry. Things that seem irresistible and trendy this year may be old news by the time next year rolls around. As a result of the economic down turn from the past few years most home builders are turning their attention to items that are practical instead of luxurious.

Sunrooms

As a whole, sunrooms are declining in popularity. According to Rose Quint, a representative of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) “Builders are focusing on features that add immediate value and make a home more practical.” For example, most builders are choosing to add linen closets and walk-in closets in place of a sunroom.

Separate Living Room

Most builders feel that a formal living room will not be very prevalent in new construction for the upcoming year. Families would prefer to have one giant open area that encompasses the living room, dining room and kitchen.

Media Room

Along with the living room, the media room will also likely disappear. The extra cost of the equipment, along with heating and cooling another room that is used sparingly, is just not appealing at this time. What is more likely to appear in new homes is a hidden away station that holds all of the DVD players, cable controls and charging stations for cell phones, tablets, and other media devices.

Two Story Family Room and Foyer

Since builders are approaching new homes with more practicality, it makes sense to cut down on unused space. While a family room may be bigger in new homes to include the dining and kitchen areas, it is unlikely to be two stories tall. The same goes for the elegant foyers that stretch toward the sky with large windows. Both of these features of a home may be lovely in appearance, but they each have a lot of space that is not used by a family of four or more.

Whirlpool Bathtubs

A large tub designed for relaxation and luxury is less likely to part of a new construction in the upcoming year. A separate tub laid out in a classic style is more useful and can be used to make a fashion statement while also having an everyday use.

Luxury Bathroom

Large bathrooms that include walk-in showers and multiple shower heads, as well as lots of floor space, will be harder to find in a new house. Instead, the shower will be smaller, with a single head, and the kitchen will likely include a double sink.

Outdoor Kitchen

The outdoor kitchen will probably disappear from lots of new homes. While it can be a nice place to gather with friends or family for a birthday party or to watch a football game, it also requires having an extra appliance or two. Most families would rather prepare the food inside and simply transport it to the patio and save on the cost of the additional appliances.

VA Mortgage Program Has Good News for Veterans and Their Families

Photo credit: Tony Fischer Photography via photopin cc

Many years ago the United States decided it was a good idea to offer housing benefits for our veterans that were not attainable to other classes of people. The men and women who sacrificed time away from their families and risked their lives in defense of our country deserved the chance to buy a home with attractive features. As time has marched on and the needs of veterans have changed, the VA Mortgage program has made some changes to appeal to even more qualified borrowers.

Spouses of Deceased Veterans

Before the new law, spouses of deceased veterans could only apply for a VA mortgage if the veteran passed away during active duty defending our country or if the veteran passed away due to a disability sustained during duty. However, if the spouse can show that the veteran suffered from a disability sustained during duty for a minimum of 10 years prior to their death, the spouse can now apply for the VA mortgage.

Funding Fee for Certain VA Loans Waived

People in the military are no stranger to paper work. With every VA loan that is approved there is a fee associated with the loan. This funding fee provides money for the new crop of loans, avoiding the use of taxpayer's money.

If a veteran learns that they are eligible for disability pay due to their physical exam prior to discharge then they are allowed to waive the funding fee from the VA mortgage. Previously, a veteran had to receive actual disability pay on a regular basis before the fee could be removed.

Beyond Fixed Rate Loans

Fixed rate mortgages are great for people who are reasonably confident that they will stay in a certain home for many years. Having the mortgage payment set in stone offers stability for the homeowner. However, there are some people, such as veterans and active duty personnel, which may be on the move in a few years. For these people, getting an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) can make sense. They save money by getting a slightly lower interest rate that is fixed for 3 or 5 years. The new law makes it possible for eligible borrowers to apply for an ARM through the VA mortgage plan.

More Flexibility for Military Families and Individual Parents

For as long as the VA mortgage program has been around, one of the main requirements to the loan has been the veteran's occupancy. A VA loan states that the veteran must live in the home as their primary residence after the loan is completed. The veteran is given some time to move in to the new home, but the requirement is there. For military families in which both spouses are active duty, this can be impossible. Even harder for families that have only one parent who is serving in the military.

The Camp Lejeune act makes it possible for the children of the veteran to meet the requirement of occupancy. This means that dependents can live in the home purchased by their parent or parents through the VA mortgage while the parents sacrifice their time away from loved ones serving our country.

McKissock, a leader in continuing education, has compiled the top criteria that land surveying, home inspection and engineer professionals consider when selecting continuing education courses required by states and industry associations.

“We invite everyone to use these criteria to scrutinize their education choices,” says Annie Creek, Market Research and Compliance Specialist at McKissock. “The licensed professionals we work with are required to take courses, but have the freedom to select their education partners. Hopefully we can help shed some light on how continuing education can be enjoyable.”

According to ongoing research among licensed professionals, the following criteria top the list.

1. Price – The cost of courses is clearly a top priority. Take the time to compare courses, look into discounted course packages and ask about price matching.
2. Relevance – Review home inspection, engineering and land surveying courses with a lens of relevancy. In addition to what’s required, select courses that will make your job easier or better. Education providers should strive to offer classes, webinars and resources that apply directly to your daily tasks.
3. Acceptance – Most of the time, professionals seeking continuing education need to meet strict requirements for their state or industry associations. It’s critical to ensure that the courses you take meet their standards and requirements.
4. Access – Busy professionals require extra coursework to be quick and easy to find and complete. Consider courses that can be taken on-the-fly at any time.
5. Expertise – Don’t be afraid to ask about instructors’ and course authors’ experience in their respective industries. The best courses are almost always written and taught by subject matter experts who have real-world experience.

McKissock is a trusted resource for state-specific, state-approved home inspector, engineer and land surveying courses, regulation information and compliance. McKissock also serves as a resource to stay on top of license renewals. To help remove the potential of license lapse or expiration, McKissock offers a free reminder service that will notify you when your license renewal date is pending. Visit http://reminder.mckedu.com to sign up.

Visit www.mckissock.com and select a state for information on approved land surveying, engineering and home inspection courses. McKissock offers customizable packages, individual courses and affordable webinars.

The end of the year is sneaking up and McKissock, a leader in continuing education for state-licensed professionals, is issuing a reminder to home inspectors, land surveyors and professional engineers to renew their licenses. While renewal dates differ by state and association, a large portion of licenses expire at the end of the calendar year. McKissock is a trusted resource for state-specific, state-approved land surveying, engineering and home inspection courses, regulation information and compliance.

License lapses and expirations are more than just a hassle – they can be a costly mistake. To help remove the potential of license lapse or expiration, McKissock recently set up a free reminder service that will notify you when your license renewal date is pending. Visit http://reminder.mckedu.com to sign up. 

“When professionals are out and about, they aren’t always focused on deadlines and licenses,” says Annie Creek, Market Research and Compliance Specialist at McKissock. “We are the go-to resource for reminders, coursework and compliance information so home inspectors, land surveyors, and engineers don’t miss a beat.”

Rules and regulations vary by state and industry, so it can be confusing to know what is required for license renewal, such as processing time, applicable forms and related fees. However, McKissock serves as a comprehensive resource about continuing education requirements and more. If you have any questions, contact 1-800-328-2008.

“It’s important to plan ahead and ensure you have the time to meet state and association renewal requirements,” adds Creek. “However, McKissock offers a wide variety of home inspection, land surveying and engineering courses that can be taken immediately so you can get back to work.”

McKissock also has affiliations directly with associations to help professionals understand requirements and receive continuing education credits, including: the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. (NAHI), and California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA).

From the McKissock website, state-licensed professionals have access to all they need to fulfill state requirements, including governing agency information, and can begin taking required coursework immediately. McKissock offers customizable packages, individual courses and affordable webinars.  For more information, visit http://www.mckissock.com.

McKissock, a leader in continuing education for real estate-related professionals, has outlined five ways to keep home inspectors on the job. Rookies and veterans alike have the same things to consider as the industry changes; this list is applicable for anyone who needs to keep their income flowing. McKissock is a trusted resource for state-specific, state-approved home inspection courses, regulation information and compliance.

The following tips are important home inspector requirements:

1. Don’t Compromise Safety. Although obvious, there are safety precautions that every home inspector should never ignore. It may be as simple as ensuring that you have the correct safety clothing and equipment, but this is the foundation of the home inspection profession. 

2. Make sure your license and insurances are up to date. It’s absolutely critical to have a current license and insurance. Even if your state does not require licensing, insurance should be a “must have.” Know your renewal date and schedule continuing education classes early enough so you are not in fear of a license lapse. 

3. Know Local Laws and Legislation. Each state and local jurisdiction has their own laws that pertain to the home inspection industry and they do tend to change. Make it your responsibility to understand local laws and ensure you are not putting your license and career in jeopardy.  

4. Practice Practical and Successful Reporting. How home inspectors take notes, document findings and present results to clients is of paramount importance. There are always ways to improve these reports and increase the potential for repeat business. In addition, all records need to be maintained as required by state regulations.

5. Stay on Top of New Trends.  Whether it is the increase in green building practices, the usage of dangerous construction practices or materials, or any other new construction trends, it’s a home inspector’s duty to know about the latest-and-greatest materials and techniques.

“Home inspectors are busy professionals who provide an important service,” says Annie Creek, New Market and Compliance Specialist at McKissock. “We are committed to helping home inspectors deliver up-to-date knowledge to their customers and have the confidence that they are complying with their state or association’s regulations.”

Some areas that McKissock’s Home Inspection courses cover include:

• Attic Ventilation
• Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice
• Construction Details and Trends
• Electrical Systems
• Exterior: Walls, Windows, Roof and Foundation
• FHA 203K Inspections
• Foundation and Footing
• Home Energy Inspection
• Home Inspection Safety
• HVAC Ductwork
• Plumbing Cross Connections
• Pools and Spas
• Pre-Drywall and Drywall
• Radon Detection and Mitigation
• Reactive Chinese Drywall
• Reporting
• Residential Cooling Systems and Heating Pumps

From the McKissock website, home inspectors have access to all they need to fulfill state requirements, including governing agency information, and can begin taking required coursework immediately. McKissock offers customizable packages, individual courses and affordable webinars.  For more information, visit http://www.mckissock.com.

McKissock, a leader in continuing education for real estate-related professionals, now has more state-specific, state-approved home inspector courses and land surveyor education. From the McKissock website, they have access to all they need to fulfill state requirements, including governing agency information, and can begin taking required coursework immediately. McKissock offers customizable packages, individual courses and webinars that are easy to access and affordable.

In addition to understanding the requirements of state regulatory boards, McKissock has affiliations or communicates directly with associations to help professionals receive continuing education credits. Those associations include: the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. (NAHI), International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) and California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA).

“McKissock’s courses are dependable, accessible, low-cost and compliant, which is the formula for success for busy professionals,” says Annie Creek, New Market and Compliance Specialist at McKissock. “Since each state has different requirements, it’s reassuring to know that McKissock can verify what’s necessary to keep your license from lapsing.”

The state-specific core Home Inspection courses include:

• Connecticut
  • Connecticut Home Inspection Laws and Legislation
    
    
• Illinois
  • Electrical Service Inspections
  • Exterior Pre-Drywall Inspection
  • Foundation and Footing Construction Inspection
  • Interior Pre-Drywall Inspection
  • Plumbing Cross Connections
• New Jersey
  • Obey the Law: Standards of Practice for New Jersey Home Inspectors

• Nevada
  • Nevada Home Inspection Safety for IOS (Inspector of Structures)
  • Nevada Home Inspector Law

(Note to Nevada professionals: To renew an active certificate, a certified inspector must complete 20 hours of approved education, including, without limitation: (a) At least 3 hours of instruction on issues relating to the safety of any inhabitants of a structure being inspected and the inspector conducting the inspection; AND (b) At least 2 hours of instruction on the provisions of this chapter (laws) and chapter 645D or NRS.)

The state-specific core Land Surveying courses include:

• Alabama
  • Alabama Standards of Practice
• Arkansas
  • Standards of Practice for Arkansas Land Surveyors
• Florida
  • Florida Minimum Technical Standards and Ethics
• Idaho
  •  Idaho Minimum Standards of Practice
• Illinois
  • Standards of Professional Conduct for Illinois Land Surveyors
• Louisiana
  • Minimum Standards for Property Boundary Surveys in Louisiana
  • Professional Ethics for Louisiana Land Surveyors and Engineers
• Missouri
  • Missouri Minimum Standards
• Mississippi
  • Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Mississippi Land Surveyors and Engineers
• Montana
  • Montana Ethics for Land Surveyors
• North Carolina
  • Standards of Conduct for Land Surveyors and Professional Engineers in North Carolina
• North Dakota
  • Rules of Professional Conduct for North Dakota Land Surveyors and Engineers
• Nebraska
  • Standards for Nebraska Land Surveyors
• New Mexico
  • New Mexico Ethics and Professional Conduct for Land Surveyors and Engineers
• Ohio
  • Standards and Code of Ethics for Ohio Land Surveyors 
• Oregon
  • Rules of Professional Conduct for Land Surveyors and Engineers in Oregon
• South Carolina
  • Rules of Professional Conduct for South Carolina Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
• Wyoming
  • Code of Ethics for Wyoming Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors  

McKissock is an education company that educates, empowers and enriches professionals in real estate, appraisal, home inspection, land surveying and engineering. McKissock gives specialists a place to go to access relevant, easy-to-use and high-quality courses that provide the hours and information necessary to meet state compliance and regulation requirements. Founded in 1990, McKissock offers more than 100 courses and serves thousands of professionals daily. The company is focused on providing a superior customer experience that will help professionals move their career forward. To learn more, visit www.mckissock.com.