HouseMaster Franchise News

Home Inspection Expert Urges Home Sellers to Be Realistic and Proactive to Help Ensure a Successful Sale
BOUND BROOK, NJ--(Marketwire - Jan 26, 2012) - The National Association of Realtors® has stated that its index of pending home sales jumped 7.3 percent in November to a reading of 100.1. A reading of 100 is considered healthy. The last time the index was that high was in April 2010, one month before federal tax credits aimed at spurring home sales credit expired. While this rise in pending home sales is encouraging, unfortunately more home buyers are cancelling contracts prior to closing. One third of Realtors say they had at least one contract scuttled in November and October 2011, up from 18 percent in September 2011, according to the group...

How Does Your House Measure Up? BOUND BROOK, NJ--(Marketwire - Jun 1, 2011) - It is an inescapable fact for homeowners that at some point, their home will require periodic repairs and maintenance. However, some homes, depending on age, are more likely to need repairs or system replacements than others.

Recognizing this, HouseMaster, the first and oldest home inspection franchisors in North America, created an interactive online tool for homeowners illustrating the most common problems found in homes throughout North America. Sorted by the age of the home, the tool identifies the likelihood of a specific problem lurking in a home.

"Whether you live in a recently constructed house or a 35 year-old ranch, every homeowner will come across areas in and around their home that are cause for concern," said Kathleen Kuhn, president of HouseMaster...

HouseMaster suggests pre-inspections of a home are a necessity in today`s housing market May 11, 2011 // Franchising.com // BOUND BROOK, N.J. – With an increasing number of agents, home buyers and sellers across the country complaining too many appraisals are coming in low and scuttling deals, HouseMaster, the first and oldest home inspection franchise system, is suggesting that the pre-inspection of a home may be necessary in today`s housing market.

Appraisers take home condition into consideration and, while they do not offer a comprehensive home inspection, major conditions they see will reduce the appraised value of a home. And since the appraisal is not done until after the buyer has signed a contract and been pre-approved for the mortgage, it can be devastating to all parties to find out the bank won't make the loan...

HouseMaster Home Inspections Marks Month of Careful Home Buying With Four Helpful Tips BOUND BROOK, NJ--(Marketwire - March 14, 2011) - As existing home sales rose again in January and are outpacing last year's levels, HouseMaster, the nation's oldest home inspection franchisor, is reminding home buyers to protect their investment and employ a professional, licensed and insured home inspector.

Not only can a professional home inspection provide a bill of health for any home, it is particularly vital when the home in question is one of the hundreds of thousands of properties that have sat on the market for months. The large inventory of unsold homes is pushing prices to extremely attractive levels. According to the National Association of Realtors, the national median home price stands at $158,800, the lowest level since April 2002...

Buying Foreclosed Homes: Deal or No Deal? BOUND BROOK, NJ--(Marketwire - January 10, 2011) - When the real estate market is in flux, buying a foreclosed home can be one of the best deals around. And while now is a great time to buy a home, especially for first-time buyers, HouseMaster, the first and oldest home inspection franchise system in North America, is encouraging homebuyers to remain cautious of the many issues that lurk below the surface.

According to HouseMaster, not all foreclosures are a great buy and if consumers are not fully educated on the property or the process, a buyer could potentially make a poor investment decision.

"Properties in different stages of foreclosure represent opportunity but also danger for the unwary buyer," said Kathleen Kuhn, President of HouseMaster...

Recovering Real Estate Market Puts HouseMaster at Forefront of the Home Inspection Industry June 11, 2010 // Franchising.com // Bound Brook, NJ – With multiple factors indicating the real estate market is well on its way to recovery, HouseMaster, the first and oldest home inspection franchise system, is answering the growing demand for its services with plans to double the number of U.S. and Canadian locations in the next five years.

With rock bottom interest rates, federal homebuyer incentives and mortgage assistance expected to help drive home sales in 2010, the aggressive expansion initiative is designed to support HouseMaster's continued efforts to provide cautious consumers the confidence to make informed decisions about housing...

Reclaims Top Spot for Second Consecutive Year

BOUND BROOK, N.J. and SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 4 /CNW/ -- HouseMaster®, the first and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in North America, has been named the top rated franchisor in the home inspection category by Entrepreneur Magazine in its 31st Annual Franchise 500 Ranking. This marks HouseMaster's second consecutive year as the top rated home inspection franchise, the company ranked number one in the category in 2009 as well.

"Consecutive number one rankings, especially during a challenging real estate market and economy overall makes this recognition very significant for our franchise system," said Kathleen Kuhn, President of HouseMaster. "We value our relationships with our franchisees and credit our success to their hard work and dedication to customer service and on-going education...

Event Will Highlight Current Marketplace Advantages and Franchise Opportunities

September 14, 2009 // Franchising.com // Jacksonville, Fla. HouseMaster, the first and one of the largest home inspection organizations in North America, will hold a free franchise open house on Thursday, October 1, 2009, at the Homewood Suites Jacksonville Downtown-Southbank in Jacksonville, Fla. from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. The event will introduce attendees to the HouseMaster brand and provide an open forum to learn about franchise opportunities while highlighting current opportunities in the marketplace.

Kathleen Kuhn, President of HouseMaster, and Chuck Jones, HouseMaster's Vice President of Franchise Development, will be available to discuss franchising opportunities available at HouseMaster...

HouseMaster Urges First-Time Home Buyers to Choose a Qualified Home Inspector Now
To Meet $8,000 November 30th Tax Credit Deadline

Highlights Qualifications to Look For When Choosing a Home Inspection Company


Bound Brook, N.J. (September 3, 2009) HouseMaster, the first and one of the largest home inspection organizations in North America, urges first-time home buyers to be proactive in finding a qualified home inspector in order to meet the November 30, 2009 deadline for the $8,000 federal government tax credit. Identifying a qualified home inspector in advance helps to expedite the buying process since first-time home buyers must close on the home prior to the deadline. HouseMaster is pleased to offer buyers some guidance in evaluating and selecting the most qualified home inspection company...

August 21, 2009 // Franchising.com // Colorado Springs, Colo. - HouseMaster, the first and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in North America, is pleased to announce the opening of a new franchise in Colorado Springs, Colorado to be owned and operated by, Dan Parillo. Parillo's new franchise expands HouseMaster's presence into the Southern Colorado area.

"With over 30 years in the industry, we are not only delighted to have Dan on the HouseMaster team but also anticipate the Colorado Springs market to be very welcoming for Dan," said Kathleen Kuhn, President of HouseMaster. "Dan's experience in customer service, home remodeling, and buying and selling as well as his local market expertise make him an ideal addition to the HouseMaster family...

Bound Brook, N.J., /PRNewswire/ -- HouseMaster(R), the first and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in North America, has been named the top rated franchisor in the home inspection category by Entrepreneur Magazine in its 30th Annual Franchise 500 Ranking. This year also marks HouseMaster's 30th anniversary franchising in home inspections.

"Earning this ranking is a great honor and is highly reflective of our commitment to providing our franchisees with the most comprehensive training and support," said Kathleen Kuhn, President of HouseMaster. "We value our relationships with our franchisees and credit our success to their hard work and dedication to customer service, on-going education and to the brand."

Overall, HouseMaster ranked 154 in the Entrepreneur 500 list, claiming its place as the number one home inspection franchisor...

SALT LAKE CITY & BOUND BROOK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sopra Capital announced today its acquisition of HouseMaster, the oldest home inspection organization in the United States and Canada. Sopra Capital, LLC is a private equity and management firm focused on the acquisition and development of established franchise brands that are poised for growth. HouseMaster currently has over 395 franchised territories throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Founded in 1979 by Kenneth T. Austin, HouseMaster was the first home inspection franchise operation in the United States. Within a few years, HouseMaster expanded to 12 states. By 1993, there were 175 U.S. offices, and the company opened its first international office in the Winnipeg, Manitoba Province, of Canada...

June 11, 2008 // Franchising.com // BOUND BROOK, NJ - It's fitting that Father's Day falls within National Home Inspector Appreciation Month in June. The handiwork of many do-it-yourself dads has created some of the most interesting discoveries for home inspectors hired to root out structural flaws and other defects in homes.

"It's easy for homeowners to get in over their heads with home improvement projects," says Kathleen Kuhn, president and CEO of HouseMaster, the most experienced name in home inspections. "Many mistakes start with well-intentioned homeowners who put too much emphasis on home improvement rather than home maintenance."

The current trend in home improvement often stems from the desire to add value to a home...

March 19, 2008 // Franchising.com // Bound Brook, NJ - HouseMaster, the most experienced home inspection franchise in the industry, once again made the top 50 list on the prestigious Franchise Business Review (FBR) survey. The positive experiences of HouseMaster franchisees all across North America were reflected in this outstanding ranking. This year, HouseMaster broke into the top 20 on this elite top 50 list.

Each year, Franchise Business Review surveys thousands of franchisees to gauge their satisfaction. FBR evaluates key elements including training and support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, financial opportunity, and more.

President and CEO Kathleen Kuhn says, "The quality of our franchisees speaks volumes about our business culture...

January 08, 2008 // Franchising.com // BOUND BROOK, NJ - HouseMaster franchisee, Fran Harper, was recently honored with the 2007 HouseMaster Method Award, which recognizes franchisees who embody the highest standards of professionalism, customer service, and organizational efficiency as reflected by the HouseMaster brand.

HouseMaster president and CEO Kathleen Kuhn states, "This award recognizes the best that HouseMaster has to offer. Fran, and his daughter Deana, are great examples of the high caliber of professionals we have representing HouseMaster."

After 18 years in the business, Harper still enjoys helping people make important home buying and selling decisions. "When I bought my home in Michigan many, many years ago, I couldn't find anyone doing home inspections," says Harper...

BOUND BROOK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Most news reports point to the sub prime lending mess as the cause for the housing slump. But home sellers should know that plenty of people with good credit are simply cautious buyers, which can keep sales down.

In most areas it's a buyer's market, so people can be picky. "Most buyers in this market will try to re-negotiate based on the findings of their home inspection. If the seller is unwilling to make repairs or lower the price, they walk away," says Kathleen Kuhn, president and CEO of HouseMaster.

With approximately two million home inspections collectively performed by its franchise offices, HouseMaster noticed a number of conditions that are more likely to scare buyers away...