PA Confusion

[John McKenna]

Wow... PA is really confused.

http://www.mcall.com/business/local/...8.story?page=1

[James H. Bushart]

They were happy with a law that they thought mandated membership in ASHI. It turned out that inspectors had other options so....back to more legislation to limit them.

I hope there are some effective measures being taken behind the scenes.

[James H. Bushart]

Anyone know what size diaper ASHI member from Pennsylvania, Joe Kelly, wears?

[Erby Crofutt]

All the PA guys oughta get on there and leave some comments about the onesided article. Perhaps they'll do an article (one sided of course) with the INACHI view also, IF enough of the PA guys ask for it.

[Scott Gilligan, CMI]

I've left my comments.

[Joe Farsetta]

This was an e-mail I sent to the Editor, in charge of the Real Estate section of wherever this article was posted. her name was at the end of the article.

I have read the article in question, and must admit that it is quite one-sided. This is the same old dribble which has existed for years in Pennsylvania.

The real issue is one of control. PHIC is a "coalition" made of two inspection organizations; ASHI and NAHI. They have no authority and no legal standing to enact or require anything from anyone. It would be like your neighbor requiring you to turn over your personal information and tax returns for their review, in order to live on the block. You'd tell them to take a hike, and you'd be justified in doing so.

For the past several years (since enactment) they (PHIC) have continually bashed another organization; NACHI. NACHI (which is now InterNACHI) is a fully recognized home inspection association. With over 8500 members, it is the largest home inspection association in the US and the World. No kidding. It had, and has, more than enough members to meet the criteria of a national association. So what's the beef? Let me tell you.

Again, the issue at hand is purely one of control. It's that simple. PHIC fancies itself the voice of home inspectors throughout PA. This is nonsense. They fail to recognize NACHI because NACHI believes it has no obligation to recognize PHIC.

NACHI is correct. PHIC has no legal authority to request a thing, from anyone. How legitimate can ANY organization be that refuses to recognize FACTS? The facts indicate that NACHI has far more members than required for recognition. The fact is that NACHI requires passing its on-line exam prior to allowing anyone to become a member. ASHI and NAHI cannot claim this. PHIC refuses to recognizes what stares them in the face. All because NACHI refuses to bow to them. The facts are clear. I find it ironic that PHIC doesnt qualify under current PA law as a recognized HI association, yet they have the gall to judge any other org.

As to the NACHI exam, it IS recognized. In fact, NY State accepted it for licensing prior to enacting its own exam. Other states also recognize it. The fact that PHIC refuses to recognize this exam is meaningless, as PHIC has no authority over anything. The NHIE, or exam that PHIC pushes, was developed and owned by ASHI long ago. Since that time ASHI has spun it off. Membership in ASHI requires passing this specific exam, and recognizes no other. So, objectively, it is any wonder that PHIC rejects NACHI's exam? They are driven by ASHI members who have already passed this exam.

There is an old saying that rumor becomes fact, and fact becomes truth. Your article is evidence of this saying in action.

It's time for someone to write an objective article, and refrain from engaging those with an axe to grind or something to gain. The current licensing model has not been proven to be ineffective. As such, the sole need to change it is driven by some for other reasons.

What could those reasons be? Look at the RAMP program the PHIC and ASHI started in Pa some time ago, which reminds me of indentured servitude. Worse than that, it came at a heavy price. It's about money and control.

I have no dog in this hunt. I qualify to inspect in PA already. I do not inspect in PA, however. I do know the history. I serve as Director of Professional Development for InterNACHI. Want the truth? Ask me. Or ask any other NACHI member in PA who has been livng with this nonsense for the past few years.

I can also tell you of an untruthful campaign by PHIC to poison the real estate well in PA against NACHI inspectors. I can repeat this by showing you the same action in the City of Reading.

Want more? Call me anytime. My number is 303-591-9919.

[John McKenna]

Good letter Joe.