Laws are changing all the time behind the scenes in the real estate world. While they affect home buyers and sellers, they’re not always kept in the loop about changes. That’s why we are going to explain the new licensing for Virginia home inspectors and what that could mean to you as a home buyer. Trust us, this new legislation is a good thing for you as a home buyer. It will help you be assured that you’re getting the highest quality home inspection when you purchase a home, no matter whom you choose to inspect it.

Currently, the state of Virginia has voluntary certification for home inspectors, which means that you may get different levels of education and expertise from different home inspectors. All of that is going to change effective July 1, 2017. Now the state requires licenses for all home inspectors. There will be specific education requirements, which are still pending at the state level. Everyone who is voluntarily certified prior to the mandatory certification will be automatically licensed by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

What does this mean for you as a buyer? This is really beneficial to home buyers. Regulating the home inspector industry will help give more consistent results from inspector to inspector. Everyone will be required to take the same 16 credits of education biannually so everyone will be 100% up-to-speed on the latest and greatest developments in the home inspection world. With the changing landscape of technological improvements in home systems like HVAC, home security, appliances and more, that continuing education is going to be increasingly important as home inspectors learn how to assess new developments in technology.

This also means your home inspector will have to carry $250,000 in general liability insurance. More insurance offers more peace of mind for you as the home buyer. All home inspectors will be required to have a high school diploma or the equivalent and pass the National Home Inspector Examination, ensuring a standard of knowledge across the board for all home inspectors. This means you will get a more consistent product when you purchase a home inspection as a buyer. A home inspector will have to complete a minimum number of home inspections under supervision from a certified home inspector, which means they will have the benefit of hands-on learning from another certified professional.

Working with licensed professionals helps protect customers and the industry alike. This standardization of home inspection will ensure more buyers get a standard of safety in their home inspections. Have peace of mind that each and every home inspector has to have the same amount of education and receives the same knowledge each year. This will keep the industry thriving with licensed, insured professionals who are truly dedicated to maintaining a high standard of home inspections for customers.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the new year, let us help. Contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

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