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.
requirements (4)
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.
Understanding Specific Requirements of Appraisal for FHA Loans in Wisconsin
The all-time low mortgage rates combined with affordable home prices have generated a huge growth in business for FHA mortgages. People considering their first home need to understand the specific appraisal requirements for FHA loans in Wisconsin.
Basics of FHA Appraisal
In a nutshell, an FHA appraisal is a conventional appraisal with additional requirements. The goal is to identify any potential repairs that would need to be completed within the next 24 months and have those items addressed before the loan is closed.
It is important to note that an appraiser does not review a home to the depth of a home inspector. A home inspection is still a good idea for a home, especially if it is 5+ years old.
FHA Appraisal Caveats
Only appraisers listed on the FHA approved roster are allowed to inspect homes and complete the evaluation. Before an appraiser is assigned to review a home a FHA case number will be assigned to the loan. The appraisal is valid for the next 90 days. The lender or borrower may change during that time period without the need for a new appraisal.
Any home that has undergone a conventional appraisal within the last 90 days will still need a FHA case number. In addition, the home must be re-inspected to verify FHA specific items. Here is a list of the items:
- Confirm no existence of drainage or water damage
- Ensure water pressure is adequate for the home without any leaks
- Any exterior and interior lead-based paint must be inspected to identify peeling, chipping or cracking
- Identify exterior access for each bedroom
- Insure the minimum 18” egress and ingress from the lot line to the building
- Test the heater to ensure proper working condition as well as air conditioner
- Ensure electrical outlets are in every room and in working order
- Test the fan/hood over the oven for proper working condition
- Ensure screens are present on roof vents and no more than three layers of roof material
- Determine that the electric box has at least 60 amp
- Properly note existing wiring that is exposed as well as cover plates missing from electrical boxes
- Do a brief inspection of crawl space and attic
Any issue found on the interior portion of the home needs to be either repaired or replaced. On the exterior part of the home any issue needs to be repaired or removed.
Specific Areas of Importance
Of the items mentioned above three seem to get the most attention; water problems or drainage issues, lead-based paint and the ingress/egress points. Concerning the ingress/egress points, common problems occur with homes that have a garage touching the lot line. This prevents the homeowner from accessing the exterior wall of the garage in order to paint. If this is the case the neighbor may be asked for an easement in order to grant the homeowner access.
Consultant Required for 203(k) mortgage
Buyers that are approved for a FHA 203(k) mortgage need to understand that the appraiser will be working with a consultant. The consultant must be approved by FHA. This individual will inspect the home and determine the necessary repairs and improvements and formulate an estimated cost. The appraiser will inspect the home and ensure that the consultant has properly identified all necessary repairs in order to conform to the FHA guidelines.
This communication is provided to you for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon by you. Rock Realty is not a mortgage lender and so you should contact a lender directly to learn more about its mortgage products and your eligibility for such products.
Qualifying for VA Mortgage
For Wisconsin residents that have previously served our country in the armed forces or in the reserves, the VA mortgage is a great way to purchase a home. This loan is offered to qualified veterans with no money down and no mortgage insurance, making it very affordable. And the rules for determining who is eligible are quite liberal as well.
Minimum Service Times
People who have served in the Coast Guard, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Army can be considered eligible for a VA loan if they have been discharged and met at least one of the following service times
- At least 181 days of military service during peacetime
- At least 90 days of military service during wartime.
This rule is slightly different for people that enlisted past September 7, 1980 as well as any officer whose service began past October 16, 1981. For these people they must have completed 24 months of service.
Current Enlisted Military
People that are currently enlisted in full duty for one of the branches of the armed forces can also use the VA mortgage. After the person has completed 90 days of active service they can apply for a loan.
Service Time for Reserves
Wisconsin residents who have served in the various reserve branches can also be eligible for a VA mortgage. This applies to any of the Reserve components established with the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, or Navy as well as the Air National Guard, Coast Guard Reserves and Army National Guard. For these people they must serve at least 6 years in their chosen Reserve before they are eligible for the VA certificate.
Benefits for Spouses
The spouses of veterans who perished in wartime may also be eligible to apply for a VA mortgage loan. The person would have to meet the other requirements regarding credit and income in order to be approved for the mortgage.
Other Exceptions
There quite a few exceptions for veterans who were not able to complete the minimum service requirements. If you fall in to one of these categories then you may also be eligible for a Wisconsin VA loan.
- Any person that became disabled during service and received a discharge due to the disability
- People who were discharged after completing only 20 months of a 2 year agreement may be eligible if their discharge was at the convenience of the federal government.
- Discharged due to a personal hardship and have completed either the 181 days in peace or 90 days in war
- Discharged due to a pre-existing medical issue and the person completed either the 181 days in peace or 90 days in war
As you can see from the previous listing, several different people that have served in the military can be eligible for a VA mortgage. With rates so low, it is a great time to buy a home in Wisconsin and enjoy low payments for years to come.
This communication is provided to you for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon by you. Rock Realty is not a mortgage lender and so you should contact a VA lender directly to learn more about its mortgage products and your eligibility for such products.
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