CHC Request for Qualifications (RFQ): Pre-Qualified Home Inspectors

Background

The Community Homebuyers Corporation (CHC) invites qualified and licensed home inspectors to apply for inclusion on the CHC Registry of Pre-Qualified Home Inspectors. The CHC Homeownership Assistance Program provides financial support, including forgivable second mortgages and settlement assistance, to low- to moderate-income, first-time homebuyers purchasing homes within the city limits of South Bend.

As part of its mission to help families achieve affordable, successful homeownership, CHC is creating a pool of pre-qualified home inspectors who will provide high-quality, independent inspections for program participants. These inspections help ensure that homes purchased through the program are safe, habitable, and unlikely to require foreseeable major repairs within the first five (5) years of ownership.

Inclusion in the CHC Registry positions inspectors as trusted, preferred professionals in the community, recognized for their expertise, reliability, and adherence to program standards. The registry ensures that CHC-approved applicants have access to qualified inspectors to evaluate homes prior to purchase, supporting both the safety and long-term success of CHC homebuyers.

Scope of Services

As a registered pre-qualified home inspector, inspectors are expected to:

▪ Conduct full home inspections consistent with the Indiana Home Inspector Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

▪ Complete a visual assessment for potential lead-based paint hazards consistent with HUD de minimis standards for all homes built before 1978.

▪ Identify and document conditions that pose immediate health, safety, or financial risks, including structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and environmental concerns.

▪ Use professional judgment to flag items that may result in major or costly repairs within the first five (5) years of ownership. Non-critical or recommended repairs should be documented separately.

▪ Provide a clear, written inspection report to both the borrower and the CHC Program Specialist within ten (10) business days of the inspection request. Reports should be understandable to non-professionals and include all relevant findings.

▪ Conduct any needed re-inspections and return the follow-up report within five (5) business days of the re-inspection request.

▪ Perform multiple inspections if the borrower is evaluating more than one property, while adhering to the timelines outlined above.

▪ Communicate professionally with the CHC Program Specialist and the borrower, addressing any questions or clarifications regarding inspection findings.

▪ Ensure all inspections comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including Indiana licensing requirements and HUD guidelines.

▪ Inspectors offering warranties or guarantees must provide written documentation of coverage as part of their RFQ submission. Copies should also be provided to borrowers upon request.

Payment Process

▪ CHC homebuyers are responsible for selecting and paying their home inspector directly.

▪ Inspectors will bill the borrower directly at their established rates. CHC does not manage or process payments.

▪ All fees, including travel/mileage, multiple inspection fees, cancellation, or rescheduling fees, must be clearly disclosed on the rate sheet, which must be submitted with the RFQ.

▪ Inspectors should provide itemized invoices to borrowers for clarity and transparency.

▪ Any fees for re-inspections or additional services are also billed directly to the borrower.

▪ CHC has no role in determining, collecting, or managing fees, and inspectors should communicate all costs directly to the borrower prior to the inspection.

Program Requirements and Submission Materials

To be considered for inclusion on the CHC Registry of Pre-Qualified Home Inspectors, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Hold an active Indiana Home Inspector License issued by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA).

• Maintain general liability insurance of at least $100,000 (Errors & Omissions insurance preferred).

• Demonstrate familiarity with HUD lead-based paint visual assessment standards for homes built before 1978.

• Provide at least three (3) professional references.

• Maintain professional standing and compliance throughout participation in the program; CHC reserves the right to verify credentials, documentation, and performance at any time.

Applicants must submit the following materials for consideration:

• Completed Inspector Qualifications Certification Form (Attached below).

• Copy of Indiana Home Inspector License.

• Proof of general liability insurance (and Errors & Omissions insurance, if applicable).

• Three (3) professional references.

• Current rate sheet, including inspection, re-inspection, and any additional service fees.

• Documentation of any warranties or guarantees, if offered.

• Any other documentation requested by CHC to verify qualifications or compliance.

CHC will review all submissions for compliance with program and licensing standards. Inspectors who meet these requirements will be added to the CHC Registry of Pre-Qualified Home Inspectors. Inclusion in the registry does not guarantee inspection assignments. Inspectors will remain on a rolling registry subject to renewal or removal for non-compliance or performance issues. CHC reserves the right to request updated materials at any time or terminate participation for cause.

Submission Instructions

All qualification materials must be submitted electronically or in hard copy to: Community Homebuyers Corporation (CHC) Attn: Tamina Ewing 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Suite 500 South Bend, IN 46601 Email: CHC@southbendin.gov