Staying True to the Code of Ethics

by Edited by ASHI Staff July 1, 2011

The ASHI Code of Ethics Committee is charged with developing ethics education and awareness for ASHI members and answering Requests for Interpretation (RFI) of the Code of Ethics.

When serious questions arise about the intent and applicability of the revised code, members are encouraged to review previous requests and responses on the ASHI Members-Only website under Resources. If there has not been a request for an interpretation of a similar situation, a member may submit a question using the required RFI form, which can be found under Downloads/ASHI Forms & Documents. The committee continues to provide ASHI members with responses to their requests.

Advertising on a Realtor’s Website

Question
I have the opportunity to have my company featured on the website of Realtors in the Toledo area. I have the choice of competing with other companies for the business and if I get the business, I pay a flat fee of $35 to the company that created the website, not the Realtor. Or, I can be the only company on the Realtor’s website and pay $25 per month per Realtor to the website company, regardless of the number of leads I get and number of leads I close. Once again, the money for these leads goes to the website design company, not the realtor. I see this as a lead-generation program, just as any other form of advertising or marketing of my company. Can you give me your seal of approval for this program?
 
Response

If a home inspector is paying a marketing company for setting up and featuring home inspection services on a website and NOT paying a real estate licensee, it is no different from advertising in a newspaper or magazine that focuses on real estate. If the real estate licensees involved with the transaction do not receive any form of compensation, directly or indirectly, by the home inspector, there is no conflict. If an advertising fee is paid, regardless of whether or not the inspector gets the inspection job, and regardless of the outcome of the inspection, there is no conflict.

Operating Separate Companies

Question
I own and operate an inspection company, a certified pest control company and a licensed contracting firm. Currently, I have no advertising on my vehicle and now desire to letter my truck. I am wondering if there is a conflict or an implied conflict in advertising all three companies?
 
Response
There is no conflict advertising separate companies on your vehicle. However, accepting compensation for pest control and/or construction services as a result of findings during a home inspection is a conflict and violation of our CoE. To avoid a conflict of interest, pest control services and construction work should be avoided on any home inspected for up to one year from the date of the home inspection.

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Requests for Interpretation

Standards and Ethics Requests for Interpretation are online in a user-friendly format and are searchable. This makes it easier to find the information you’re looking for. Chances are, the question you have about the Standards or Ethics already has been answered and can be found online.

To look up your question, log in as a member on www.homeinspector.org. Go to Resources and then to Interpretations. If you wish to file a Request, the link to the necessary form can be found there.

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