I've read through all the 22 comments. There is one that is pro SB 627 from John C. Cowherd, PLC. He makes two major points which need addressing. The first, the close relationships between inspectors and real estate agents will tend to influence the degree to which an inspector emphasizes a problem. This downplay does in fact happen. Since 80% of all home inspections are referrals from real estate agents, to be successful home inspectors must court them. They don't hide problems and are not ill-intentioned, they're just not alarmists and in fact shouldn't be. We are considererd "the Deal killers", but then we are retired, cater to the remainder 20% and don't have to make a living doing home inspections.

Also, the courtship is done in more ways than soft-peddling a problem. Agents have to be at the inspection to open the house in Virginia. Imagine waiting 4 hours for a home inspection to be completed; thus, the 1 to1 1/2 hour inspection. I can't do an inspection (and there are two of us) in less than 2 1/2 hours...usually 4. Of course, we encourage buyers to walk around with us and question, question, question. Again, I remind you, we are retired and can afford to do this which we believe is very important. The educational component of a home inspection not addressed in the new regulation should be, but is not practical.

John's point is valid, but not via SB 627. A law banning real estate agents from recommending home inspectors in any way, shape or form (example: a list of three) should be passed. Massachuset has one, but it is the only state to my knowledge and it isn't even that clear. 

John makes the point in support SB 627 to allow consumer actual damage protection. He is basically saying damage occurs because of the down play. Down play or emphasis is matter of opinion. It relies on grey interpretation. John's saying it is black and white. He's wrong.

Finally, he thinks we need to establish a professional standard for home inspectors. He obviously has never read the DPOR regulations which are greater for home inspectors than general contractors.