Real Esate Blog

It's sad to say the home buyers in GA are not being protected by the governer. GA is one of only a few states to refuse to license and regulate home inspectors. Anyone, even you, can immediately be a "Home Inspector" by simply declaring yourself to be one. No knowledge or experience required! Being "in the business" I see way to much of this and I am very frustrated. I do not get into politics in my business, but Gov Perdue deserves a swift kick in the *** for vetoing this bill. See e-mail from GAR.

Dear Phil Turner,

Despite our support, Governor Perdue vetoed the Home Inspector Licensing Bill (HB 1217) with the following explanation.

House Bill 1217 provides a regime to license Georgia's home inspectors. I am cognizant and respectful of the fact that the advocates for the legislation chose to use and were approved by the Georgia Occupational Regulation Review Council (GORRC). I have come to believe that GORRC review should be the initial threshold for the creation of a new licensing board. I am also aware that the private sector provides several, voluntary professional organizations to achieve the goals of the legislation. It is my preference that the market - not the State - regulate as many of our industries as possible. Thus, in order to not supplant the good work of the free market with taxpayer funds, I VETO House Bill 1217.

GAR President Van Johnson issued the following response:

"The Georgia Association of REALTORS is disappointed by the Governor's veto of the home inspector licensing bill. We have missed an opportunity to protect consumers making one of the most important purchases of their lives. With builder licensing beginning this July, home inspectors will be the only parties to serve consumers in a residential real estate transaction that will not be subject to state licensing. I am certain we will be supporting home inspector licensing in the future."

Thank you for your support on this issue and please contact GAR's Governmental Affairs Department with questions or concerns.