Naples Real Estate News 06/11/08

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

Floridians with home, car, boat or business insurance policies will continue to pay a 1 percent surcharge for two more years. State officials are still trying to recoup losses suffered during the 2005 hurricane season and keep the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund in the black.

HOME INSPECTORS

What should homebuyers expect from a home inspector? Members of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) created a Client Bill of Rights that, according to the Ethic Committee chairman, turns their Code of Ethics rules into "a commitment" to clients.

ASHI Client Bill of Rights

  • To be assured the inspector is objective in his or her reporting and will not knowingly understate or overstate the significance of reported conditions.
  • To be assured the inspector’s opinion is based on genuine conviction within the scope of his or her education and experience.
  • To be assured the inspector stays current with the industry body of knowledge through continuing education.
  • To be assured the inspector will not disclose inspection results or client information without client approval.
  • To be assured the inspector has not accepted any form of compensation for recommending contractors, services or products.
  • To be assured the inspector will not offer to repair or replace for compensation any component covered by the ASHI Standards of Practice for one year after the inspection.
  • To be assured future referrals to the inspector from real estate agents are not dependent on the inspection findings or the sale of the property.
  • To be assured the home inspector has no financial interest in the transaction.
  • To be assured the inspector is not receiving compensation for the inspection from any other party.
  • To be assured the inspector did not compensate the real estate agent or other party for the referral to the client.

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