e011205 Can an inspector be on a preferred vendor list? Can an inspector advertise in a real estate publication?

Identifier: e011205

Date: 04/18/2002

Question :

1.) Does an ASHI Member violate the ASHI Code of Ethics by being named a "Preferred Vendor" on a real estate firm's Web page with a direct link from the page to the home inspection company's Web page? 

2.) Does an ASHI Member violate the ASHI Code of ethics by advertising in a realty agent/broker-specific publication? 

Response

1.) No, unless the inspector has control over the link, pays for the link or for being named a "Preferred Vendor", and/or the relationship between the inspection company and the real estate firm conflicts with the Code of Ethics such as a quid pro quo. 

2.) No, purchasing advertising is not, in and of itself, a violation. It is not improper to advertise in a publication unless the content of the advertising or the relationship of the inspector and sponsors of the publication violates the Code of Ethics. 

For both questions 1.) and 2.), see e010112, e010212, e010803, e010813, e010926, and e011129 for examples of some, not all, relationships contrary to ASHI Code of Ethics.