Local Home and Mold Inspector Elected as State Director of the California Real Estate Inspectors Association (CREIA).
Santa Rosa, CA (PRWEB) May 02, 2016 -- Steve Zivolich, a local home and mold inspector, has been elected as State Director of the California Real Estate Inspectors Association (CREIA). Mr. Zivolich and has been providing home and mold inspections for 17 years in the North Bay and Orange County with his family owned firm, Guaranteed Property and Mold Inspections, http://www.gpinspect.com.
The elected position of State Director provides a direct liaison between the general membership of certified home inspectors and the CREIA board of directors. The Director also serves as a member of the Policy and Oversight committee which is responsible for reviewing financial procedures and historical board decisions. In addition, the position completes an annual staff performance report, that is submitted to the board of directors.
Since 1976, CREIA, a non-profit organization has been providing education, training, and support services to the real estate inspection industry, as well as to the public in the State of California. Certified inspectors must adhere to CREIA’s Code of Ethics and follow the CREIA Standards of Practice developed by the association. CREIA requires its certified inspectors to successfully pass a written test of property systems and complete 30 hours of continuing education each year.
Home inspections began as a new consumer real estate service in the early 1970s, when buyers began hiring general building contractors to perform inspections on homes they wanted to buy. As the home inspection industry grew, it soon became apparent that the depth of knowledge required to properly evaluate a home's systems and components was beyond the capability of most general contractors. Slowly the term "Contractor's Inspection" was dropped in favor of "Home Inspector" as Certified Home Inspectors were now looked upon as industry experts to confirm the current condition a home's overall health. By the 1990s, mostly due to California real estate law and increasing consumer awareness, home inspections became "de-facto" and the majority of homes sold in today's market are inspected. Locating and scheduling home inspectors was generally in the realm of the real estate agent representing the buyer or seller, but as Certified Inspector associations like CREIA grew, more home buyers have begun seeking qualified CREIA home inspectors on their own.
Many real estate agents are still threatened by the home or mold inspection industry, but more experienced agents recognize the idea that a professionally performed inspection not only could be employed as a marketing tool, but may help shield them from potential litigation after the close of escrow for both the agent and their client.
The famous Easton vs. Strassberger lawsuit changed this idea from a theory to a fact. This landmark case occurred in 1984 when the court held that the duties of a real estate broker include "the affirmative duty to conduct a reasonably competent and diligent inspection of the residential property listed for sale and to disclose to prospective purchasers all facts materially affecting the value of the property that such investigation would reveal." Many real estate agents now recognize that it is prudent to refer CREIA independent experts to provide a complete and thorough inspection for their client.
This had the effect of a major increase in homes being checked by professional certified CREIA inspectors before the close of escrow and according to a 2009 NAR statistics close to 90% of all homes in California are now inspected. In some parts of the country the percentage of homes inspected are even higher.
“CREIA is truly dedicated to consumer protection and education,” stated Steve Zivolich, “When you choose a home or mold inspector, you should specify membership in CREIA. When choosing a home or mold inspector, let the final selection be your own. Don’t rely on others to make the choice for you. What you want is the most meticulous, detailed home and or mold inspector available—the one who will save you from costly surprises after the close of escrow, as well as protecting the health and safety of your family.”
Mr. Zivolich’s two year term as State Director begins on July1, 2016. He also serves on the National Microbial Certification Board, for the American Council for Accredited Certification.
Steve Zivolich, Guaranteed Property and Mold Inspections, Inc., http://www.gpinspect.com, +1 (707)239-2601, [email protected]
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