Jason Bird, Publicis Dialogue account executive, escorted ASHI President Mike Casey to the New York City offices of publishers of a variety of consumer magazines. This is the fourth annual NCY media tour arranged by Publicis, ASHI's public relations consultants. Based on the interest shown during the interviews, it will generate at least if not more of the positive publicity realized by previous tours. (Photo:Mike Casey and Jason Bird at “This Old House Magazine”)Mike Casey was interviewed by editors and feature writers for Popular Mechanics, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, Woman's Day Home Remodeling, National Mortgage News, and This Old House to name a few of the magazines.
As a result of the tour, an article by Casey appeared on the Popular Mechanics Web site June 10, 2002.
According to Casey, most interviewers were interested in learning about ASHI Membership requirements, how consumers can find ASHI Members, what an inspection includes, the SOP and COE, the difference between an appraisal and a home inspection, and the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agency's VC sheet/Enhanced Appraisal form.
He said he also discussed having "house wellness check inspections" every five years or so, and consulting a home inspector to inspect new homes, remodels, and feasibility of remodels.
Earlier Publicis arranged meetings in Chicago for Rob Paterkiewicz with Realtor Magazine and The Residential Specialist Magazine and wrote and distributed two press releases to real estate writers, syndicated columnists and select real estate trade publications:
1) “Credentials Are Key To Choosing A Home Inspector Where State Regulation is Lacking or Inconclusive; Nation’s Leading Home Inspector Society Sets the Standard”, and
2) “Exposure to Toxic Mold a Concern for Homeowners; ASHI Recommends Tips to Help Protect Homes, Families
In addition “Letters to the Editor” were written and distributed to states that have been identified as hot spots for upcoming home inspector regulation.
Recent media highlights also include numerous inquires from editors, writers and other press representatives, some of which are listed here.
• Melodie Miller, the publisher of the Broker-Agent Magazine in Las Vegas, requested the Exposure press release. She is planning to use the information in an upcoming edition of the magazine.
• Leslie McGeary, a producer at CNN Money, interviewed Mike Casey for a story about home buying tips.
• The standard “Letter to the Editor” was revised for Elizabeth Beechwood, an editor at the Anchorage Daily News, to fit the publication’s 225-word limit for letters.
• The Chicago Daily Southtown confirmed it is planning to print the “Letter to the Editor” it received.
• Melony Bildhauer at Hampton Roads Realtors Association asked for and received the “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder” article, the story that ran in the ASHI Reporter about preferred vendor programs.
• Jerry Linet, an editor at the Times Leader in Wilksbury, Pennsylvania, is writing a story about the new home inspection law in their state. He was provided with several local contacts.
• Tom Drodge at the Tulsa World received information on local regulations.
• Mauren Turner, an editor at the Valley Advocate in Massachusetts, requested information on licensing and regulation. She received contact information for ASHI Members Dan DeStefano and Skip Kelley.
• Harold Winieke, an editor at The Herald in Everett, Washington, received the information he re-quested on home inspection regulation in his state. He spoke with Mike Casey and Rob Paterkiewicz.
• Christina Hoffman at Realtor Magazine inquired about the number of states that currently regulate home inspectors.
• Publicis provided contact information for Pittsburgh area ASHI members to Phil Marcus. He is the host of a local radio show and would like to feature ASHI.