Conley Recommends “Secrets of the Happy Home Inspector”

I just finished reading one of the best home inspection books on the market today. It’s called, “Secrets of The Happy Home Inspector” by Wallace Conway, published by Someday Publishing.

Where most books on the subject of home inspections tend to dwell on the technical, Mr. Conway’s book takes it to the next level. He not only covers addressing an excellent inspection, he also covers the effect it has on the homebuyer, real estate agent, seller, etc. All the way down the line, the technical and emotional impact is addressed in a laid-back humorous manner.

Instead of sloughing through the tech stuff for the umpteenth time, which has been done by every other book published on the subject, I actually had a hard time putting the book down thanks to the subtle jokes and one liners Conway injects in between his points.

I particularly enjoyed such concepts as “managed expectations” as well as “you don’t refer home inspectors?” as being informative and well thought out. Making us think and consider alternatives to our everyday practices are what keep us on top of our game in this business.

You can find this book in the real estate section of your local book store or it can be ordered from the ASHI store on www.ashi.org. It’s well worth the cost.

—Mike Conley is an ASHI Member who chairs the Survey Committee. He
operates Straight Inspections in Anna Maria, Fla.

“Housing Policy for the 21st Century” from five housing associations

On October 14, 2004, the nation’s five leading housing and housing-finance trade associations released a consensus policy statement covering concerns ranging from tax policy and regulatory reform, to ways to strengthen the nation’s housing finance system. This report presents a housing policy that endeavors to fulfill the promises set forth half a century ago in the landmark Housing Act of 1949—the goal of a decent home and suitable living environment for every American family. The new policy was adopted by the American Bankers Association, America’s Community Bankers, the Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Realtors®. The statement is available on www.nahb.org.

Recall notices—go get them or have them come to you

Consumers and home inspectors alike can search for product recalls by using convenient links from www.ashi.org to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s database.

The CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Search the CPSC database for any products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard or can injure children by using either of two links, finding recalled products by type, or by company.

CPSC also offers five different free e-mail subscription lists. Subscribers can sign up for one or more of the following:

• All CPSC press releases and the CPSC Public Calendar
• All CPSC press releases
• Only CPSC press releases involving product recalls
• Only CPSC press releases involving product recalls that present a risk to children
• CPSC Public Calendar

Consumers can subscribe and unsubscribe using the CPSC Web form or by sending an e-mail. Go to: www.cpsc.gov/about/subscribe.html. For information about product recalls and other CPSC safety information, call CPSC’s Toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772 or use the links on www.ashi.org. Visit the main Web site at www.cpsc.gov.