Originally Posted By: gromicko This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
(September 23, 2004) – In the wake of news that the number of home inspectors in Massachusetts is falling, the state’s REALTOR? association is surveying members to see if it really is an issue that should be addressed.
The Boston Business Journal recently reported that the number of licensed home inspectors has declined nearly 30 percent since 2001, when the state legislature enacted legislation requiring home inspectors be licensed, carry errors and omissions insurance, and fulfill continuing education requirements, says John Dulczewski, director of communications and professional development for the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS?.
MAR hadn't heard anything from its members about a decrease in the number of home inspectors prior to the publication of the article and is asking members whether their customers or clients have had difficulty in finding a home inspector. That will determine if it's an issue that should be looked at more closely, he says.
Members can contact MAR at 800/725-6272 or submit their input using a form on the association's Web site.
Originally Posted By: Guest This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
That’s all a good news.
Fewer inspectors means only that the scum has been filtered off the top of the pond, leaving the professionals that apply themselves to learning, and excellence to actually go out and do a good job.
If the bar is raised to a point where an inspector actually has to know something and there aren't a bunch of newbie fly by night whores to dilute the market with 185.00 dollar inspections, then the market will bear a better price for the committed individuals that have the drive, ethics and knowledge to be effective inspectors.
Originally Posted By: Guest This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It was a bad word to choose because it groups new guys into that pool of price cutters that won’t be able to stay in business for long, but screw things up while they do manage to scratch out a living. I realize that all new guys don’t fit that category. Anyway, the jist of the post is the MA law weeds out the weak and leaves a neater, tidier playing field for the strong.
To define newbie.Someone who has the bare minimum of knowledge, tools, resources to get by in the business. Or even less than the bare minimum. Some folks are newbies their whole life.
Originally Posted By: jfarsetta This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Chad,
Excuse me if I'm off base here, but with less than 3 years in this bisuness, it seems to me that most legislation would consider YOU to be a newbie. And, how would you have liked it, it because you came to this business with NO knowledge (you're a mechanic, no?), someone decided that you didnt deserve a shot in this profession?
-- Joe Farsetta
Illigitimi Non Carborundum
"Dont let the bastards grind you down..."
Originally Posted By: Guest This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Joe,
I wouldn't have liked it. The law would have imposed additional challenges to my HI business, but I'd have complied and worked it into my business plan. Things are the way they are because there was a problem with the way things were. The fix isn't perfect, but every law is a work in progress.
Originally Posted By: jfarsetta This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It would have been difficult to work anything into your business plan, if you were out of business. In the case of NJ, that was the outcome for many HIs. You bitch that this isnt a “member driven” org, or that decisions were made arbitrarily. Not true.
How would you have liked to be part of Garden State ASHI, and found yourself screwed by "seasoned" inspectors? Let's not sugar coat it. It sucked.
And, for all our sniping at each other, I recognize that you asre intelligent, and are probably working hard at this profession. I would never support legislation that would have made it difficult for you to get licensed. Everyone deserved the chance to re-invent themselves. The indentured servitude route to becoming licensed was another brainchild of those looking to fatten their pocketbooks.
So, here you are and here I am. On pretty much the same side of the fence. You deserved the opportunity to ply your craft... Some legislation does not bode well for the new inspector. It has little to do with "scum", as legislation does nothing to get rid of the scum. To the contrary, in many instances, it guarantees them a licensed profession, and keeps away the competition.
-- Joe Farsetta
Illigitimi Non Carborundum
"Dont let the bastards grind you down..."
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi to all,
Taking the E&O point aside, Massachusetts currently has only 618 license holders in a stste with a population of about 8 million, as many of you may be aware the Commonwealth requires that a new inspector perform 25 inspections under the direct supervision of a full license holder and a further 100 under the indirect supervision of a full license holder.
What this means in real terms is that unless a new inspector is prepared to go work for an existing license holder, they are not going to get a license, very few of my students have been ableto secure a possition with any Ma inspection company.
Also there is much anecdotal evidence that supports the feeling that the current Ma licensing board is doing all in there power to limit the numbers ofnew inspectors entering the field.