R ick Bunzel from Pacific Crest Inspections spoke to our group today about the new licensing requirements for Home Inspectors that goes into effect this July. Currently anybody can go print up some business cards and get into the home inspecting business, all that is required is a license from the State pertaining to Structural Pest inspecting, which is easy to get, and nothing is required for the non-pest related inspection of the home which is really what you are hiring an inspector for.

 As of July 2009, Home Inspectors will have to pass a state exam, and apply for a license at a cost of around $1,000 total. They will also have to complete 24 hours of Continuing Education per year to maintain that license. New inspectors will have to complete 120 hours of classroom instruction in board-approved course, and they will also need 30 hours of field training supervised by a licensed home inspector in good standing. Existing inspectors, if they have been actively performing inspections for at least two years and have completed at least 100 home inspections will be exempt from the 120 hour classroom and field training requirements.  A Structural Pest Inspectors License will no longer be required, and unfortunately Liability or Errors & Omissions insurance will not be a requirement either.

What this means to the home buying public is that by the end of 2009, when you hire an inspector, the pool of available inspectors will have shrunk a bit and the quality of inspector available will rise. Over the course of time, the quality of inspector we see will definitely be a more educated and involved inspector and one would assume we’d see fewer problems with inspections. This is a good change for everyone involved I think, and a change that most inspectors are embracing as it elevates and brings additional credibility to their profession. Rick Bunzel was a part of the Washington Home Inspectors Legislative Advisory Group and had a hand in crafting the new licensing requirements.

Y ou may have heard that in Governor Gregoire’s biennium budget for 2009-2011 does not include monies for the International Ferry run between Anacortes and Sydney B.C. The Governor wants to eliminate the run and in doing so eliminate about 1470 jobs, 1.3 million in annual tax collection by local jurisdictions, $30 million in Annual Payroll and $126 million in annual spending in the 5 northern counties. These numbers come from the Hovee Report, which is an independent report done that clearly demonstrates how vital this ferry run is to our local, and state economy.

The impact in Anacortes would be devastating. Local hoteliers and restaurants would take a significant hit as those that ride the ferry typically get here the night before since the ferry leaves at 8:00 AM, they spend the night, go out to eat, maybe shop a little or catch a movie and all these dollars would go away. There were over 131,000 passengers in 2006, and this number is expected to climb especially with the 2010 Olympics just around the corner. 

Please take ten minutes and read through the information at the Save Our Ferry website. Then take another few minutes and email your representatives and let them know that you think the International Ferry run is important. Sen. Haugen, Rep. Morris and Sen-elect Ranker are all against the elimination of this run but do need our support, so please be vocal and help keep this economic driver running in Anacortes.

S eattle Metropolitan magazine has a great article in the January 2009 issue on great short trips to take in the northwest. Kudos to some local businesses that were mentioned in it including, Anacortes Kayak Tours, Randy’s Pier 61, ABC Yacht Charters, Blue Heron House, Calico Cupboard, Cafe Adrift, the Museum of Northwest Art, the La Conner Country Inn and one of my local favorites Nell Thorn. Great job to these businesses for being top notch, representing our area well,  and getting the recognition for it in the article!

A nacortes High School Key Club members will be out and about picking up trees and wreaths on Saturday, Jan. 3. In exchange, they encourage you to donate canned food for the food bank or make a $5 donation to Key Club. Be sure to have your tree and wreaths out near the street by 8 a.m with the donation attached! Thank You Key Club!!!!!!

C heck out the newest art venue in downtown Anacortes; Anchor Art Space.  Jean Behnke, a sculptor and printmaker from Lopez Island opened the space on December 5th, and will exhibit a variety of arts as well as be available for classes and events.

T he snow just keeps on falling here in Anacortes, everything is white, quiet, and beautiful. Here is a look out on Skyline Marina.

Yes, we are open for business!

Here is a look west from Bayview to Mt. Erie.

And a shot from the Cap Sante Lookout over town.

T he annual lighted boat parade set for this weekend has been canceled due to poor weather, stay in and stay warm!