Recovering Real Estate Market Puts HouseMaster at Forefront of the Home Inspection Industry

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.

On the heels of a first quarter that saw revenues increase by 25 percent, HouseMaster, with 371 franchises throughout North America, is specifically targeting Florida, Illinois, Georgia, California and the Atlantic seaboard, among others, for franchise growth.

"As the first franchisor in the home inspection industry, we've long been the standard bearer for quality and integrity in both the home inspection and franchising industries," said Kathleen Kuhn, President and CEO of HouseMaster. "Having generated almost a half billion dollars in inspection fees and performed more than two million inspections, we are still raising the bar and look forward to maintaining our commitment to helping consumers make informed real estate decisions."

Founded in 1979 as the first home inspection franchise operation in the United States, HouseMaster provides home buyers and sellers an independent, third-party, professional evaluation of the condition of the major elements of a home. The guaranteed inspections enable potential homebuyers and sellers the opportunity to make educated real estate decisions and potentially negotiate repair needs. From interior systems such as plumbing and electrical to exterior components like the roof and siding, the HouseMaster home inspection includes the evaluation of all visible and accessible elements of the home. HouseMaster also conducts new construction, commercial property and foreclosure inspections, as well as energy audits, among other services.

"Buying a home can be a daunting experience. Not only can it be financially overwhelming, but first-time homebuyers may not be prepared for the extensive maintenance issues that come along with buying a home," Kuhn added. "We take great pride in being the premier name in home inspections and one stop resource for information on home inspections, home maintenance, and everything affecting the real estate market."

To augment the company's growth, HouseMaster is seeking single- and multi-unit franchisees, as well as existing independent home inspectors and real estate appraisers, interested in developing a solid business in a growing industry with an experienced leader. With a franchise fee of $39,500, the typical investment range to own a HouseMaster franchise is between $54,000 and $81,000.

"There has never been a better time to join the HouseMaster team," said Chuck Jones, Vice President of Franchise Development for HouseMaster, noting the company's low start-up costs, home-based business model and unsurpassed franchisee support. "With an increasing number of cities and towns requiring licensing to perform home inspections, many part-time inspectors are leaving the industry and opening the door for our franchisees to thrive."

About HouseMaster

Headquartered in Bound Brook, N.J., HouseMaster is the oldest and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in North America. With 371 franchise locations throughout the United States and Canada, HouseMaster is the most respected name in home inspections. For 30 years, HouseMaster has built upon a foundation of solid leadership and innovation with a continued focus on delivering the highest quality service experience to their customers and providing HouseMaster franchisees the tools and support necessary to do so. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.