19-Year Veteran to Lead Respected Non-Profit for Professional Home Inspectors as 29th President

• Kurt Salomon named 2011 ASHI president.

• ASHI names 2011 president-elect, vice president, treasurer and secretary.

DES PLAINES, Illinois, (January 25, 2011) – The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) introduces Kurt Salomon as its newest president at ASHI’s annual InspectionWorld conference, the premier conference and exhibition for the home inspection industry,  held this year in Atlanta, January 25-28.

Salomon, who owns Advocate Inspections, a home inspection company serving Salt Lake, Summit, Davis and Utah Counties in Utah, joined ASHI in 1993 and founded the Utah chapter in 1997.  After serving as the chapter president through 2000, Salomon served on ASHI’s Board of Directors from 2001- 2003 and council speaker from 2005-2006. Prior to becoming the association’s 29th president, Salomon served as the national 2007 secretary, 2009 vice president and 2010 president-elect. He has inspected more than 5,000 homes over the past 19 years, and also was one of the original authors for the National Home Inspector Examination, the test used in many of the states that license home inspectors, as well as one of the requirements to achieve ASHI Certified Inspector status.

In his role as president, Salomon will continue to support and promote ASHI’s commitment to expanding education offerings to its members. This initiative will commence by making some of this year’s InspectionWorld state-approved presentations available to the chapters to use at their meetings and seminars.

“The major reasons home inspectors join and retain their membership in ASHI is because of our core values, education and camaraderie. We are, and will remain, the gold standard of home inspection associations, and I am honored to be representing ASHI as this year’s president,” Salomon said.

[Read More at ASHI.org]

• Nearly 90 percent of all U.S. homeowners surveyed believe homeinspections are a necessity, not a luxury.
• A home inspection conducted by an ASHI Certified Inspector examinesthe physical structure and systems of a house.
• ASHI is the only professional organization of home inspectors that has completed NCCA certification process.

DES PLAINES, Ill, (February 22, 2011) –  Nearly three in four (72 percent) U.S. homeowners agree the home inspection they had when they purchased their current primary residence helped them avoid potential problems with their home, according to a survey released today by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).  Also, almost two in three (64 percent) noted, in the long run, they saved a lot of money as result of their home inspection. As the housing market begins to recover, ASHI encourages homeowners and buyers to hire a certified home inspector and to get a home inspection to help further protect their investment.

The survey¹ was recently conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of ASHI to gauge current consumer perceptions about the purpose and value of a home inspection. Results revealed 88 percent of all homeowners believe home inspections are a necessity, not a luxury.

“ASHI’s goals have always been to build customer awareness of the importance of a home inspection and to enhance the professionalism of home inspectors,” said Kurt Salomon, ASHI president. “It is encouraging to know consumers are listening and understand the significance of protecting their largest single investment, their home.”

While it is clear homeowners who had an inspection understand the value it serves, many still incorrectly believe certain components are included in a standard home inspection. For example, septic systems, electrical wiring and plumbing behind drywall and swimming pools are commonly mistaken as items that are included when, in fact, they typically are not.

[Read More at ASHI.org]

Continues to Offer High-Quality Home Inspection-related Education Programs

DES PLAINES, Ill., (March 10, 2011) ASHI Education, Inc. (AEI) is pleased to announce it now wholly owns The ASHI School®. The school was established in 2009 as a joint venture between ASHI Education, Inc. and Casey, O’Malley & Associates. Dedicated to upholding its mission of ‘Learn by Doing,’ The ASHI School features more live in-field home?inspection-related training than any other home inspection school in the nation.

Under sole management of ASHI Education, Inc., The ASHI School? provides a full range of high-quality education programs offered to anyone affiliated with, or interested in, the home inspection industry and related professions.

“Our hands-on training provides aspiring home inspectors with the tools and experience they need to build a successful career,” said The ASHI School Director Barton Robertson. “It also serves as a resource for existing ASHI members to continue their home inspection education.”

[Read More at ASHI.org]

• April is National Home Inspection month.

• ASHI inspectors subscribe to a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
• ASHI adds two ancillary standards for pre-drywall and swimming pools/spas inspections.

DES PLAINES, Ill, (March 29, 2011) — Whether you are planning to take advantage of the buyer’s market this Spring, are looking to sell or rent or expecting to stay in your current home for years to come, now is a great time to schedule a home inspection. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), April is National Home Inspection Month and the association is reminding consumers about the importance of hiring a certified home inspector…

Most people only think about home inspections when they are buying a home. However, a professional home inspection also educates sellers and homeowners on the current condition of their home, minimizing any unpleasant surprises in the future. It is vital homeowners schedule a routine inspection every three to five years to stay ahead of maintenance needs and to avoid costly repairs.

“All home inspectors are not alike, however. Buyers, sellers and homeowners should be mindful when choosing their inspector — it is important to inspect the inspector,” said Kurt Salomon, ASHI president. “ASHI Certified Inspectors are committed to standards of practice and stay up-to-date on the latest home protection issues through continuing education.”

Every April is deemed National Home Inspection Month because nationwide, about half of the year’s home sales occur between April and August, according to the National Association of Realtors®, a Washington, D.C.-based trade group. As the weather improves, it is an ideal time for home sellers to prepare for the upcoming home buying season by scheduling a home inspection. And, buyers need to start thinking about having their new homes professionally inspected before they commit.

[Read More at ASHI.org]