which organization?

[Michael A Clark]

I believe it would be wise to join NAHI, ASHI, or InterNachi. I am presently a member of our local state organization (West Virginia Association of Home Inspectors). Of these 3 "big dogs" which is most beneficial to join? They are all comparable in price, which seems rather expensive. The advantage I see by joining these organizations is being able to upload a cool logo to my website. A lot of you guys are members of 2 or all of them. Since I am on my 5th week without an inspections, the cost of joining is a major factor, I need to spend my money wisely. Any suggestions?

[Dominic Maricic]

Michael, when you purchase Home Inspector Pro you get a free year with InterNACHI. InterNACHI is great for online education, getting logos & brochures made for you and discounts from vendors. ASHI is great for live education at chapters and yearly conferences. They also have a name that's better known with agents. That's why a lot of guys belong to both. I don't know much about NAHI as I've been so involved with ASHI, NACHI, CREIA & AII that I haven't had time for another!

[Michael A Clark]

okay, thanks Dominic. I had purchased a reporting software program a few months prior to connecting with HIP to host my website, otherwise I would have went that route. I do like the InterNachi in that they provide and require the monthly tests. And I have had the experience of a few agents asking me if I'm a ASHI member, so I may lean toward that as I continue weighing the benefits of both. Thank you for your input.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

<<<Attempting not to be biased>>>

Thoroughly read through the "Code of Ethics" of all three associations.

If you are paying attention, you will see at least one that you should avoid at all costs.

(Assuming you are an ethical inspector).

[Michael A Clark]

good idea, Jeff...I'll check out what you're talking about. I'm pretty sure my Inspection ethics are considerably better than my dating ethics (before I was married, that is!!) 

[Stephen Stanczyk]

This is like asking if you should be a Democrat, Republican or Independent.  You will find that the organizations also act the same way.  The organizations trash each other left and right.  And that is what I have told my clients on the very rare occasion I have been asked which organizations I belong to.

There are some geographical areas that are served better by ASHI.  They have branded well in those areas and the used house sales people are used to the organization.  ASHI has some name recognition and has some fine local meetings / conventions for continuing education.  BUT you pay dearly for those classes.

NACHI is the biggest in membership and only a few years younger than ASHI and NAHI.  They offer the largest amount of continuing education of any organization.  Hundreds of hours on just about every subject and free to members.  Most states accept their online courses for CE credits.  The message board is great if you ignore the political threads.

I can't speak on NAHI.  They have little presence in my State.

The question you have to ask yourself is:  What will I get out of membership?  If your state licenses home inspectors, and requires continuing education, free is better than paying and variety is better than the same old courses.

[Michael A Clark]

Thanks for taking time to reply, Stephen. My state does require licensing, and continuing education credits, and they are very particular about how those credits are obtained. Few online credit courses are accepted, so that would also play a part in which organization to choose. I will just have to get into the "meat and potatoes" of each organization and see which best suits my needs. Hopefully my business will pick up enough over the next few months to justify joining several.

[David A. Andersen]

I keep coming back to NACHI because of the continued education my state requires.

I have more education than I need till retirement but the state will not accept it unless the provider jumps through the hoops to get in the list...

Just take a FREE NACHI course and it is automatically uploaded to the state.

I have been asked once in 15 years about if I was with ASHI.
That was from an Agent so new she has to keep a towel around her neck because she was so wet behind the ears!

ASHI would be my second pick.

[Michael A Clark]

thanks David. I don't remember if my state accepts NACHI courses or not. Like I mentioned, this state is pretty strict with accepting online CE credits. I bought some courses thru AHIT, because I know they are accepted here. I'll keep researching.

[Bruce Ramsey]

Each of the national associations maintains a website with Inspector Locator services. 

The fee to join ASHI was the cost of the national exam ($250), which adds to my creditability regardless of which association I do or do not belong to and the ASHI annual fee of $400.  Within 6 weeks of joining I had gotten 4 referrals directly from the ASHI website that I booked.  If I never attend a meeting, participate in anyway other than sending them a $400 check once a year, I make money by being a member just from referrals.  The number of booked referrals is approaching 1 a month year round.  I belong to ASHI for the referrals first, and the other benefits of membership second.

NACHI training is not accepted by my state for CE.  While being the best technicial inspector is a wonderful goal, and one I strife towards, the really hard thing for many inspectors to learn is you need to be a GREAT marketer first.  If you can't get the jobs, it doesnt matter if you are the best technically trained or not.  Don't get me wrong, I take at least double the required training per year.  But if your phone is not rining, it does not make a bit of difference. 

There are only two NAHI members in my entire state.  No meetings to attend and the cost to maintain membership would be about $1000 a year due to fees to get CE credits accepted by NAHI.  Maybe a great organization but I can't justify the cost compared to benefits recieved.

I was an officer in my statewide association for 6 years.  Zero referrals in all that time from the associations website or marketing.  But I got to know who the players are, am personal friends with several of the Licening Board members, and much better informed about legal matters regarding licensing in my state as a result.  Worth the $150 a year.

Review Dominics posts regarding website design and marketing.  Take your training but make sure marketing is at least as important in your daily business.

[Michael A Clark]

That's great stuff, Bruce! And a good answer to my question about the benefits of joining. When I search using "Home Inspector", the first sight that comes up is ASHI, followed by our state organization (WVAHI), then InterNachi, then some of my competition. Like yourself, I have more than enough CE credits, because I take the courses to learn more, not just to maintain credits. The referrals are a big deal, at least to me. I have been trying some various marketing strategies, which prompted me to get a decent website thru HIP. You're correct- I love the job, believe I do it well, and am more than qualified, but if that doesn't make the phone ring, it's all futile. I'm only into my second year professionally, but I was expecting to be busier by now, and I think being a member of one of the organizations may get a little work. These message boards are very informative and you guys are knowledgeable and professional, have a sense of humor, and your input is always appreciated.

[Gary Price]

Ohio does not have a licesning requirement as of yet so there is no specific requirements in regards to specific membership or CEU requirement.  All agents care about are if you are 'ASHI Certified'.  The other two organizations are considered irrelevant and are never mentioned.

[Michael A Clark]

i have the about the same experience with agents around here, Gary. I think that ASHI is just something they have heard of or are somewhat familiar with. I believe if the answer was "no, but I am (blank) certified, and hold a Certified Inspector's License through the State", it would hold a little weight with the realtor, for whatever that may be worth. I usually tell them which organizations I hold memberships in, and am pursuing others. Of course, if your state doesn't require certification, it would still be a notch for the inspector who held membership and/or certification. In my particular case, I think it may be wise to join ASHI and InterNachi for some various reasons.. mainly training, benefits of membership, and the required CE's offered that are accepted by my State.

[Tod Tobiasson]

InterNACHI is all about growing YOUR business. ASHI is all about ASHI.

I have been a member of both and can tell you that InterNACHI is working hard to get YOUR phone to ring, tons of referrals, Logo use from day one, ACE Hardware discount cards for your clients as well as the seller, DOE communications, Logo design assistance, Brochure design assistance, free education, the list goes on.

With ASHI you can't even use the logo without paying for it, and then only after a large number of inspections performed. Most of your time with ASHI will be filled with political discussions within ASHI's structure including rules handed down from boards, electing board members, electing higher office positions, etc. The kicker is as an associate member not only do you not have Logo use, you also don't have a vote.

[Gary Price]

I have had the pleasure of visiting InterNACHI discussion boards and was impressed with the information being delivered.  I cannot agree more with your statement in regards to politics and other inner workings of ASHI.  I, however, do not pay attention to those things and up to this point am not affected by any political or management moves within the org.

For me, it would take to much to try and educate the general public about the validity of another org.  Around here ASHI is king and thats all anyone cares about.  Yes, ASHI probably could be doing more to help its members but in reality being able to say I am ASHI certified is all my business needs.

[Michael A Clark]

I really do agree with both you guys (Tod and Gary). Especially for someone starting out, InterNachi is offering the most bang for the bucks. The continuing education is very impressive, and logo use was something that can nicely dress up a business card or website. I wouldn't be able to use ASHI logo for some time, though I think I do have about 50 or so inspections under my belt (I've been in business one year). ASHI may be the "king" of these organizations, but it seems InterNACHI is the "army", the one that's doing all the work for us, the inspectors. Having looked over both extensively, l have become an InterNACHI member, and may consider ASHI next year, if the business is doing well enough to afford it. The sole reason for joining ASHI would be to say "yes" to a real estate agent who asks if I belong, but joining InterNACHI seems to be giving the most immediate benefits, most importantly making my phone ring!! Thanks you guys for your input, it's nice to have "friends" in the same business with the same interests, but not competing against me!!

[Michael A Clark]

A karma for you, Todd. Joining InterNachi has already been EXTREMELY helpful and hasn't even been 30 days! Logo use, continuing education, and tons of free material about everything imaginable in Home Inspections!!! 

[Frank Newman]

Over a period of almost 5 years, I don't think I have ever been asked if I am an ASHI member.  InterNACHI provides all I need and is less expensive.