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The Bay State housing market got a bounce in
September, with single-family home sales jumping
8.5 percent compared to a year earlier. It was the first
increase in monthly home sales, year-over-year, in 11
months, according to The Warren Group, publisher of
Banker & Tradesman.
Single-family home sales rose to 3,637 in September
from 3,352 in September 2007. Despite the monthly
increase, year-to-date sales are off by double-digit
percentages. A total of 30,983 homes were sold from
January through September, 14.3 percent lower than a
year earlier when 36,130 homes were sold.
The median home price in September sank 15.6
percent to $287,500 from $340,750 a year earlier. It
was the first time the median home price has dipped
below $300,000 since April 2003. The year-to-date
median home price fell 10 percent to $315,000 from
$350,000.
"A gain in the number of single-family home sales in
September is certainly encouraging news. Combined
with the decline in the median prices it indicates that
the market is moving again as homeowners are
becoming realistic about pricing," said Timothy
Warren, CEO of The Warren Group. "However,
significant problems remain for the real estate market
and we cannot be sure that the data we saw in
September will become a new trend that leads to a
recovery of the housing market. Foreclosures, tight
mortgage lending standards, job loss and a
recession are all going to exert downward pressure
on both median prices and the number of sales."
Sales of single-family homes in Massachusetts also
tumbled in the third quarter to the lowest sales pace
for the three-month period since 1991, while the
quarterly median home price hit a six-year low.
There were 12,476 single-family home sales from
July through September, a 6 percent decline from
13,279 during the same months in 2007. The median
home price for the third quarter fell 12.4 percent to
$311,000 from $355,000 in third quarter 2007 and
was the lowest price recorded for a third quarter since
2002.
Unlike single-family homes, condo sales continued to
decline in September, though not as steeply as in
prior months. September condo sales fell 9.6 percent
to 1,634 from 1,808 last year. Monthly condo sales
have been declining by double-digit percentages for
the last 11 months. Year-to-date condo sales plunged
24 percent to 16,008 from 21,062.
The decline in third-quarter condo sales was steeper
than single-family home sales. Condo sales retreated
15.8 percent to 6,169 sales from July through
September from 7,329 a year earlier.
Condo prices have experienced more moderate
declines than the single-family home sector. The
median condo price in September slid 4.7 percent to
$265,000 from $278,000. Year-to-date the median
condo price dipped 1.1 percent to $280,000 from
$283,000.
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ASAP Environmental
HEALTHY HOMES FOR BETTER LIVING
1 Arcadia St. Dorchester, MA 02122
inspections@asapenvironmental.com 800-349-7779 www.asapenvironmental.com
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Randy Pence and I have been working with
Congressional leaders to include home inspections
as an allowable expense in the 4 Billion Dollar CDBG
appropriation. Today, Randy and I are happy to report
that we attended "HUD's summit on Housing:
Partnering for Responsible Policy" in Washington and
HUD announced not only would home inspections
and appraisals be an allowable expense for home
purchases under the CDBG program, in addition, they
would not be subject to or count against the 10
percent upper limit for administrative fees.
What does that mean for ASHI inspectors around the
country?
Well, they should find the nearby state or local agency
receiving part of the 4 Billion dollars of CDBG funds at
the following Web site:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment
/gprograms/neighborhoodsp/.
By clicking on the map, members can contact their
local or state governmental authorities and inform
them of the advisability of including the cost of home
inspections in their plan for the use of their share of
the almost 4 billion dollars of allocated funds.
Time is of the essence: State and local authorities
must submit plans for spending their allocation for
purchase of foreclosed homes by December 1, 2008.
ASHI inspectors around the country should develop
and maintain good communications with these local
and state housing agencies so when they start
spending the money in January, they will have an
opportunity to obtain their share of the tens of
thousands of inspections that will be ordered over the
next two years.
At the HUD Housing summit, HUD Secretary Steve
Preston stated:
"It is imperative that we take a coordinated approach
to meeting our nation's critical housing issues, since
any solution will require active partnership at every
level. For these next two days, we are holding a
summit that will help us craft a common vision and
sustained partnership for the future. We will also give
and gain feedback and share experiences. There is
even room for some brainstorming."
Our National Housing Summit has four goals:
To present details of HUD's current and developing
policies and programs, including HUD's new
Neighborhood Stabilization Program;
To share successful state and local policies and
programs that are preventing foreclosures and
reducing the effects of property abandonment and
declining home values;
To cultivate public-private partnerships; and
To offer an open forum for discussion about best
practices.
The housing market is one of the cornerstones of our
economy. All eyes are on us; this is our time for
leadership, statesmanship, wisdom, and prudent
decisions that affect our economy and global
marketplace."
HUD has posted the Federal Register notice for the
Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). NSP is
the name HUD has chosen for the program
established by Title III of Division B of the recently
enacted Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
(HERA).
This means that the funds have been appropriated by
Congress, approved by the President and state and
local governments have informed of the amount of
funds they will receive as long as they submit an
acceptable plan by December 1, 2008.
Title III of Division B of HERA provided $3.92 billion in
emergency Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funding to support state and local efforts to
stabilize neighborhoods with high numbers of vacant
and foreclosed-upon homes.
The NSP Federal Register notice (URL)
summarizes "the allocation formula and allocation
amounts, the list of grantees, alternative
requirements, and the waivers of regulations granted
to grantees."
HUD has posted formula allocations for $3.9 billion in
emergency Community Development Block Grant
neighborhood stabilization funding provided under the
Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA).
To view state-by-state allocations for the
Neighborhood Stabilization Program, visit
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment
/programs/neighborhoodspg/.
For instance - Milwaukee got 9 million and
Wisconsin got 38 million dollars, various jurisdictions
in Arizona are getting over 115 million dollars, Illinois
is getting over 169 million, including over 55 million for
Chicago, and New Mexico is getting 19.6 million
dollars the Congressionally-mandated statewide
minimum.
ASHI members need to make contact with their state
or local housing officials now, because the state and
local housing officials only have until Dec. 1, 2008 to
submit their plans to HUD for approval as to how they
are going to spend this money.
They need to include home inspections in their budget
plan that they submit to HUD. HUD will start approving
the plans in December and the money can be spent
as soon as Jan. 1, 2009.
That's when you need to follow up with your state and
local housing officials to ensure you are considered
for inspections.
Sincerely,
Randy Pence, ASHI federal lobbyist and Marv Goldstein, ASHI director and Legislative Committee chair |
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FREA
E&O Insurance for Home Inspectors
800-882-4410 www.frea.com |
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Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center
Whether you are interested in purchasing a new home
or are looking to hire a professional to do
maintenance work on your current residence, a home
inspector serves a very important purpose. Home
inspectors are certified to perform various services,
including residential inspections for potential
homebuyers, preventative maintenance checks for
homeowners, home energy consultations, and more.
Although the average person may not consider it,
home inspectors face several occupational hazards.
Perhaps the greatest risk is the potential for asbestos
exposure. Approximately 35 million residences within
the U.S. were constructed using asbestos-containing
materials, including insulation, floor and ceiling tiles,
and roofing implements. When these asbestos-
containing materials are disturbed or damaged, the
tiny asbestos fibers may become airborne, putting
home inspectors at risk for inhalation. Asbestos
exposure has been conclusively linked to the eventual
development of mesothelioma, a deadly lung cancer
that has no known cure and a survival rate of less than
1%.
Home inspectors must adhere to safety guidelines
when they are on the job. This includes wearing
protective equipment, such as an approved NIOSH
breathing apparatus or eyewear, when inspecting a
structure that may contain asbestos-containing
materials. It is important to work with a home
inspector who is a certified member of the American
Society of Home Inspectors (www.ashi.org) to ensure
that they will follow appropriate safety rules in an effort
to protect all individuals involved in the inspection
process, including their employees and homeowners.
The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center is
the web's leading resource for information related to
asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, and
mesothelioma treatment options. For additional
information, please visit the Mesothelioma &
Asbestos Awareness Center at www.maacenter.org
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CORCORAN & HAVLIN INSURANCE GROUP
THE SUPERIOR HOME INSPECTOR ERRORS &
OMISSIONS INSURANCE PROGRAM!
Underwritten by AIG's Lexington Insurance Company - Rated A++ by A.M. Best Home Inspector E&O Coverage offers these features:
For a quote or more information, please call Debi
Drury (x244 or ddrury@chinsurance.com) or
Mike Curtis, Marketing Manager (x243) or visit
website at www.chinsurance.com
287 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA 02482 800-304-8242 Fax 781-235-7190 |
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New Hampshire joins Washington and Kansas as the
latest states to regulate inspectors, bringing the total
to 35. That's 70 percent of the 50 states. In the last 11
years alone, 31 states have passed legislation that
affects either the inspector or the inspection. Those
numbers could be put in the dictionary next to the
word "trend." It doesn't get any clearer than that.
ASHI members worked with legislators, other
inspector groups and stakeholders to guarantee the
New Hampshire licensing law would have a positive
impact on the profession and homebuyers. They
generally are pleased with the results.
According to the new law, beginning January 1, 2010,
applicants seeking home inspection licensure would
be required to meet the following minimum
requirements:
· Completion of at least 80 hours of board-approved
education
· Proof of passing a board-approved examination that is proctored by an independent and nationally recognized institution · Completion of high school or its equivalent · Be at least 18 years of age · Submit to the board a notarized criminal history records release form · Proof of holding general liability insurance Residents of the state who have been actively
engaged in home inspections for at least 12 months
preceding the effective date of the law should be
eligible for licensure without completing the
requirements set out above, but they must provide
proof of knowledge and equivalent experience to the
board, pay an initial fee and fulfill all other license
application requirements.
Licensed inspectors will have to complete 20 hours of
continuing education every two years to keep their
licenses.
By Bob Kociolek |
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CRACK-X
Got water in your basement?
Since 1985, CRACK-X has been a full service company specializing in residential and commercial foundation welding of cracks and other concrete repairs such as bulkheads, penetrations, cold joints, elevator pits, and slabs. We are committed to 100% customer satisfaction and back up all vertical wall crack repairs with an unconditional 10-year warranty. 25 Washington Avenue, Natick, MA 01760
877-272-2539 www.crackfx.com |
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B-Dry Systems
20 YEARS OF SOLVING WATER PROBLEMS
Written warranty for the full life of the structure. 800-320-2379
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InspectionWorld will take place on January 21-24,
2009 at the Disney's Contemporary Resort in Lake
Buena Vista, Florida.
InspectionWorld is the largest annual professional
gathering for Home Inspectors.
InspectionWorld speakers are your peers. They know
and understand the issues and challenges facing
you. And they deliver the real-world case studies and
presentations that will inform, assist and help you to
better succeed.
InspectionWorld is an exceptional value - three days
of education, networking and vendor access for less
than $200/day.
InspectionWorld education can earn you up to 20 ASHI
CEs, as well as apply to your state continuing
education hours.
InspectionWorld vendors are industry leaders,
providing you with the BEST available products and
services to enhance your business.
InspectionWorld Orlando will prepare you to face
professional challenges in a changing world. Shape
your future by taking advantage of quality continuing
education programs and networking opportunities at
this valuable must-attend event! As always,
InspectionWorld is sure to cover the entire spectrum
of what you need to succeed in building a first-rate
business.
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Vent Master
ATTIC VENTILATION SPECIALISTS
Inspectors, when you see signs of:
Recommend Vent Master For a FREE consultation, call Don Marcoux at Vent
Master
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with GE has announced a voluntary recall
of the following consumer product. Consumers
should stop using recalled products immediately
unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: GE®, GE Profile, Monogram® and
Kenmore® Wall Ovens
Manufacturer: GE Consumer & Industrial, of Louisville,
Ky.
Hazard: The extreme heat used in the self-clean cycle
can escape, if the wall oven door is removed and
incorrectly re-attached by the installer or the
consumer. This can pose a fire and burn hazard to
consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: GE is aware of 28 incidents of
minor property damage in which adjacent kitchen
cabinets have been damaged. No injuries have been
reported.
Description: This recall involves GE wall ovens sold
under the following brand names: GE®, GE Profile,
Monogram® and Kenmore®. The wall ovens were
sold in white, black, bisque and stainless steel. The
following model and serial numbers can be found
inside the oven on the left interior wall. For microwave
combination ovens, the serial number can be found
on the left interior wall of the microwave.
Brand: GE/Profile
Model: JCT915, JT912, JT915, JT952, JT955, JT965,
JT980*, JTP20, JTP25, JTP28, JTP48, JTP50, JTP86
Serial Number Begins With: TD, VD, ZD, AF, DF, FF,
GF, HF, LF, MF, RF, SF, TF, VF, ZF
Brand: Monogram
Model: ZET3058, ZET938, ZET958
Serial Number Begins With: TD, VD, ZD, AF, DF, FF,
GF, HF, LF, MF, RF, SF, TF, VF, ZF
Brand: Kenmore
Model: (All model numbers start with 911) 4771, 4775,
4781, 4904, 4905, 4923*
Serial Number Begins With: 2T, 2V, 2Z, 3A, 3D, 3F, 3G,
3H, 3L, 3M, 3R, 3S, 3T, 3V, 3Z
Sold at: Home builders and appliance stores
nationwide from October 2002 through December
2004 for between $900 and $3,600.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately inspect the
oven to make sure they do not have an incorrectly re-
attached wall oven door, which will not open into the
flat position. If the wall oven door is incorrectly re-
attached, consumers should not use the self-clean
cycle and call GE for a free repair. Consumers can
continue to use normal baking or broiling function in
the oven until the oven is repaired.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact
GE toll-free at (888) 569-1588 between 8 a.m. and 8
p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 9 a.m. and
3 p.m. Saturday ET, or visit the firm's Web site at
www.GEAppliances.com
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Peter Greifer Enterprises
ASBESTOS REMOVAL & MOLD REMEDIATION
Serving Eastern Massachusetts & Rhode Island 800-582-5288
401-946-4506 (Rhode Island) peter.greifer@verizon.net |
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The ASHI NE Chapter maintains a library of
educational books, video tapes and CD's for Chapter
members and candidates to utilize for personal and
business growth. Those who wish to sign materials
out may do so for a fee of $16 per item ($10 per
tape) which covers two-way shipping and handling.
Library materials may be used for a two week period,
beginning on the date of shipment. Those who fail to
return library materials on time will be assessed a
fine
of $1 / day. If the materials are not received back
within two months of date of shipping, you will be
charged the cost of replacement. To sign materials
out, there is a form that is posted on our web site
that is to be completed and sent to the executive
office. It is always recommended that you call the
executive office to check on the availability of an
item. Once this form is received, the executive office
will ship the items out with a postage paid return
envelope. The list of the materials that are currently
available in the chapter library is on the web site as
well.
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Rene Mugnier Associates
When in doubt, refer to a structural engineer
specializing in the investigation of homes and
commercial structural problems.
REHABILITATIONS & INVESTIGATIONS
777 Concord Ave., Ste. 201, Cambridge, MA 02138
617-547-7773 |
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The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Home
Inspectors holds meetings on a regular basis that are
open for home inspectors to attend. These board
meetings are usually held at 239 Causeway Street,
2nd Floor, Room 204 in Boston from 10:00 am to 3:00
pm.
The meeting date for the remainder of 2008 is as
follows:
November 12, 2008 You are encouraged to call the board office at 617-727-
4459 for any posssible changes in location and time
of these meetings.
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Atlas Watersystems
WE DON'T MAKE THE WATER.
WE MAKE THE WATER BETTER!! Residential & Commercial Water
Filtration & Purification Water Testing & Analysis
Radon & Arsenic Remediation Softeners * Filters * Purification 800-215-9966 www.atlaswater.com "Bringing Technology to Water"
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President
Lisa Alajajian-Giroux /
homequest1@comcast.net
Vice President
Mike Atwell /
m.atwell@rcn.com
Secretary Donald Bissex /
dbissex@comcast.net
Treasurer
Paul Kristenson /
absinspections@comcast.net
Directors
Paul Cornell / pcornell@inspecthouses.com Paul Rogoshewski / paul@harmonyhomeinspection.com Council of Representatives
Paul Kristenson / absinspections@comcast.net Lisa Alajajian / homequest1@comcast.net Bill Sutton / wsuttoninspector@hotmail.com Committee Chair
By- Laws: Mike Atwell / m.atwell@rcn.com Communications: Education: Bob Mulloy / rmulloy@verizon.net Legislative: Membership: Executive Director
Walter Perry /
wperry@choiceonemail.com
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We look forward to seeing you at our Annual Meeting on December 18th !
Sincerely,
ASHI New England
email:
clough@choiceonemail.com
phone:
800-248-2744
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