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Tag: new homeowner

After the Home Inspection: When to Request a Repair

June 24, 2019

When housing markets are hot, buyers have to be flexible when it comes to minor defects in a house they want. Because a home might have multiple competitive offers, it’s important to know how to get yours accepted so you can move into your dream home ASAP. While it would be ideal if the seller offered to fix every issue your home inspector finds, that’s not often realistic. Instead, you need to know which items are potential deal-breakers and which repairs can safely be put off until after closing. We’ll show you when you should request repairs to a home you’re looking at buying, and when asking for a repair could needlessly sink the deal. Don’t Sweat Little IssuesBuying a house is a big investment, so it makes sense that you’d want everything perfect. However, that’s not a reasonable expectation. Unless you’re building your home, every house is a used house, and they’re all going to have idiosyncrasies and blemishes that you’ll have to compromise on. What kinds of things are we talking about? Here’s a handy list: 1. Cosmetic Problems: There might be a crack in a tile, some scratched paint or old carpet you’re not a huge fan

Read More »

The Most Important Features for Your Wish List When Searching for an Accessible Home

May 21, 2019

By Patrick Young of the blog AbleUSA.info House hunting isn’t always a straightforward process. From start to finish, there are so many factors to consider. When you’re looking for a home that is accessible, you have a few extra things to keep in mind. Some homes may already have accessibility features, while others may need some modifications. We’re here to help guide you through it all, from getting started to finding the perfect home and getting ready to move in. Getting StartedIf you’re a first-time house hunter, it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed by the process. Before you start searching in earnest, familiarize yourself with the steps involved. You need to set a budget and understand the costs, brainstorm about what you’re looking for, and get a feel for how long it all takes. Your overall budget will need to include a down payment, mortgage costs, and other expenses like closing costs. To qualify for a mortgage, it’s important to get a copy of your credit report and do as much as you can to improve your credit score. If you have outstanding debt, you need a plan to address it. This isn’t something that happens overnight; however, be

Read More »

5 Must-Ask Questions For Your Home Inspector After the Inspection

May 3, 2019

When you’re in the middle of buying a home, it’s easy to get lost in the process. One thing you shouldn’t overlook is the opportunity to get answers to essential questions from your home inspector. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve developed this list of must-ask home inspection questions to help you cover all your bases and completely understand your new home. 1. “Can I get an explanation?”Depending on how many issues your inspector finds, it’s common for their report to be 50 to 90 pages long, which can be daunting. While your inspector will make your report as easy to understand as possible, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you need it—after all, this is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so you want to be sure you understand the home’s issues before you buy. As soon as you receive the home inspection report, go through it carefully and mark any sections that you don’t completely understand. Then call your inspector and ask them to address your questions. 2. “Is this a big problem or a small one?”If your inspection report ends up on the longer side, don’t get overwhelmed. Most issues

Read More »

The 5 Best Housewarming Gifts to Give a New Homeowner

February 15, 2019

Nothing says “welcome to the neighborhood” or “congratulations on your new home” like a housewarming gift. Whether you want to drop by and introduce yourself to new neighbors or you’ve received a formal invitation to a housewarming party, this list will ensure you don’t arrive empty-handed. 1. Glass food storage containers This one is a little unconventional, but let us explain. Think of your own storage container collection. Unless you’ve culled it recently using some tried and true decluttering tricks, you’ve probably got a mismatched pile of lids and containers. Some are glass, some are plastic, some are long gone, but their lids remain. Wouldn’t YOU love a brand new set so you can start from scratch in your brand new home? We know we would! 2. A gift card to a nearby pizza restaurant Moving is an exhausting process and unpacking can be drawn out for weeks. Who has time to cook? A gift card to a local pizza restaurant that delivers to the neighborhood will never go amiss. Bonus idea: gather menus from your favorite local takeout restaurants, decorate a fun folder and present it along with the gift card. You’ll get to bond over great food and

Read More »

Top Five Problems Revealed During a Home Inspection

November 7, 2018

By Kenn GarderContent originally published in February of 2016. Purchasing a house is a major decision, and a home inspection report can be used to assist in the decision-making process. Here are some of the more common issues found during a home inspection. Poor Grading and DrainageWater should run away from any structure to help prevent moisture intrusion. If the soil around a house slopes toward the house, or if water pools around the perimeter of the foundation, that moisture can create hydronic pressure in the soil that can move the foundation, causing cracks and leaks that can lead to extensive damage and expensive repairs. If water wicks into the wood framing members, the wood will rot over time. This moisture also provides a haven for wood-destroying organisms (WDO) because it provides a water and food source. Erosion around the perimeter of a house may be caused by water spilling over gutters due to clogged downspouts or downspouts that terminate near the foundation. Downspout extensions or spill ways can be installed to keep water away from the foundation. Roof CoveringsThe roof of a house is designed to withstand most of what Mother Nature can dish out, whether it be rain,

Read More »

5 Home Inspection Myths You Shouldn’t Fall For

October 19, 2018

Ordering a home inspection is the most critical part of the buying process. Because of the crucial role your inspector plays, there are lots of misconceptions out there about his or her exact part in the transaction. We’re here to clear up some common myths and help you learn what to expect from that all-important inspection report. Myth #1: Your inspector can advise you on whether or not to buy the house.Truth: Your inspector is considered an impartial observer and should never advise you on whether or not to move forward with the sales process. An inspector’s role is to tell you about the condition of the home so that you can make your own educated decision. And if you think they can be coaxed into disclosing their opinion, think again. Even if you come right out and ask, “Would you buy this house?” a good inspector will stand firm and reiterate that they can only tell you what’s working and what’s not. This is actually for the best! You’ll want a third party looking at the home with fresh eyes, one whose only job is to educate you, not sway your opinion. Myth #2: Your home inspector will tear

Read More »

Do You Really Need a Home Inspection?

October 11, 2018

As a home inspector, there is no question that I am going to be biased toward people using the services of a competent home inspector, whenever they are in the process of buying or selling a property. However, people don’t have to take the word of a home inspector; all they need to do is ask a REALTOR®, a mortgage broker, a lawyer or even Mike Holmes. All of these professionals will come back with the same clear recommendation: You should always have your home inspected by a qualified home inspector. If you do a quick search on the Internet for “common mistakes by first-time home buyers,” you will find that not having a home inspection is always near the top of this list. Sadly, it’s not unusual to see first-time home buyers become overwhelmed with all of the various costs associated with purchasing their first home. Some will even look for creative ways to stretch their limited home-purchasing budget and choose not to hire a home inspector to try to save money. But that old saying, “penny wise, pound foolish,” certainly comes to mind. Another important point to consider as to why home buyers should hire the services of

Read More »

Benefits of a Pre-Listing Home Inspection

August 29, 2018

When you’re trying to sell your home, should you hire your own home inspector? It’s a good question, and it’s one many homeowners ask their real estate agents before putting their houses on the market. As it turns out, there are a lot of great reasons to get a pre-listing home inspection before a buyer makes an offer. We’ll tell you everything you need to know below for a smooth, hassle-free sale process. 1. You won’t be surprised. There are certain flaws about your home you’re already well aware of, but what about the things you know nothing about? When you order a pre-listing inspection, you get a top-to-bottom report of hundreds of features and systems in your home. If any problems are revealed, you’ll have a chance to repair them or build repairs into your asking price. This is especially good for DIYers, who can save a lot of money by completing simple repairs themselves. 2. You can price your home more accurately. Pricing is one of the toughest parts of selling your home, but a pre-listing inspection makes it easier. Once you have a full picture of your home’s strengths and weaknesses, you can be a lot more

Read More »

After the Home Inspection: When to Request a Repair

June 24, 2019

When housing markets are hot, buyers have to be flexible when it comes to minor defects in a house they want. Because a home might have multiple competitive offers, it’s important to know how to get yours accepted so you can move into your dream home ASAP. While it would be ideal if the seller offered to fix every issue your home inspector finds, that’s not often realistic. Instead, you need to know which items are potential deal-breakers and which repairs can safely be put off until after closing. We’ll show you when you should request repairs to a home you’re looking at buying, and when asking for a repair could needlessly sink the deal. Don’t Sweat Little IssuesBuying a house is a big investment, so it makes sense that you’d want everything perfect. However, that’s not a reasonable expectation. Unless you’re building your home, every house is a used house, and they’re all going to have idiosyncrasies and blemishes that you’ll have to compromise on. What kinds of things are we talking about? Here’s a handy list: 1. Cosmetic Problems: There might be a crack in a tile, some scratched paint or old carpet you’re not a huge fan

Read More »

The Most Important Features for Your Wish List When Searching for an Accessible Home

May 21, 2019

By Patrick Young of the blog AbleUSA.info House hunting isn’t always a straightforward process. From start to finish, there are so many factors to consider. When you’re looking for a home that is accessible, you have a few extra things to keep in mind. Some homes may already have accessibility features, while others may need some modifications. We’re here to help guide you through it all, from getting started to finding the perfect home and getting ready to move in. Getting StartedIf you’re a first-time house hunter, it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed by the process. Before you start searching in earnest, familiarize yourself with the steps involved. You need to set a budget and understand the costs, brainstorm about what you’re looking for, and get a feel for how long it all takes. Your overall budget will need to include a down payment, mortgage costs, and other expenses like closing costs. To qualify for a mortgage, it’s important to get a copy of your credit report and do as much as you can to improve your credit score. If you have outstanding debt, you need a plan to address it. This isn’t something that happens overnight; however, be

Read More »

5 Must-Ask Questions For Your Home Inspector After the Inspection

May 3, 2019

When you’re in the middle of buying a home, it’s easy to get lost in the process. One thing you shouldn’t overlook is the opportunity to get answers to essential questions from your home inspector. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve developed this list of must-ask home inspection questions to help you cover all your bases and completely understand your new home. 1. “Can I get an explanation?”Depending on how many issues your inspector finds, it’s common for their report to be 50 to 90 pages long, which can be daunting. While your inspector will make your report as easy to understand as possible, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you need it—after all, this is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so you want to be sure you understand the home’s issues before you buy. As soon as you receive the home inspection report, go through it carefully and mark any sections that you don’t completely understand. Then call your inspector and ask them to address your questions. 2. “Is this a big problem or a small one?”If your inspection report ends up on the longer side, don’t get overwhelmed. Most issues

Read More »

The 5 Best Housewarming Gifts to Give a New Homeowner

February 15, 2019

Nothing says “welcome to the neighborhood” or “congratulations on your new home” like a housewarming gift. Whether you want to drop by and introduce yourself to new neighbors or you’ve received a formal invitation to a housewarming party, this list will ensure you don’t arrive empty-handed. 1. Glass food storage containers This one is a little unconventional, but let us explain. Think of your own storage container collection. Unless you’ve culled it recently using some tried and true decluttering tricks, you’ve probably got a mismatched pile of lids and containers. Some are glass, some are plastic, some are long gone, but their lids remain. Wouldn’t YOU love a brand new set so you can start from scratch in your brand new home? We know we would! 2. A gift card to a nearby pizza restaurant Moving is an exhausting process and unpacking can be drawn out for weeks. Who has time to cook? A gift card to a local pizza restaurant that delivers to the neighborhood will never go amiss. Bonus idea: gather menus from your favorite local takeout restaurants, decorate a fun folder and present it along with the gift card. You’ll get to bond over great food and

Read More »

Top Five Problems Revealed During a Home Inspection

November 7, 2018

By Kenn GarderContent originally published in February of 2016. Purchasing a house is a major decision, and a home inspection report can be used to assist in the decision-making process. Here are some of the more common issues found during a home inspection. Poor Grading and DrainageWater should run away from any structure to help prevent moisture intrusion. If the soil around a house slopes toward the house, or if water pools around the perimeter of the foundation, that moisture can create hydronic pressure in the soil that can move the foundation, causing cracks and leaks that can lead to extensive damage and expensive repairs. If water wicks into the wood framing members, the wood will rot over time. This moisture also provides a haven for wood-destroying organisms (WDO) because it provides a water and food source. Erosion around the perimeter of a house may be caused by water spilling over gutters due to clogged downspouts or downspouts that terminate near the foundation. Downspout extensions or spill ways can be installed to keep water away from the foundation. Roof CoveringsThe roof of a house is designed to withstand most of what Mother Nature can dish out, whether it be rain,

Read More »

5 Home Inspection Myths You Shouldn’t Fall For

October 19, 2018

Ordering a home inspection is the most critical part of the buying process. Because of the crucial role your inspector plays, there are lots of misconceptions out there about his or her exact part in the transaction. We’re here to clear up some common myths and help you learn what to expect from that all-important inspection report. Myth #1: Your inspector can advise you on whether or not to buy the house.Truth: Your inspector is considered an impartial observer and should never advise you on whether or not to move forward with the sales process. An inspector’s role is to tell you about the condition of the home so that you can make your own educated decision. And if you think they can be coaxed into disclosing their opinion, think again. Even if you come right out and ask, “Would you buy this house?” a good inspector will stand firm and reiterate that they can only tell you what’s working and what’s not. This is actually for the best! You’ll want a third party looking at the home with fresh eyes, one whose only job is to educate you, not sway your opinion. Myth #2: Your home inspector will tear

Read More »

Do You Really Need a Home Inspection?

October 11, 2018

As a home inspector, there is no question that I am going to be biased toward people using the services of a competent home inspector, whenever they are in the process of buying or selling a property. However, people don’t have to take the word of a home inspector; all they need to do is ask a REALTOR®, a mortgage broker, a lawyer or even Mike Holmes. All of these professionals will come back with the same clear recommendation: You should always have your home inspected by a qualified home inspector. If you do a quick search on the Internet for “common mistakes by first-time home buyers,” you will find that not having a home inspection is always near the top of this list. Sadly, it’s not unusual to see first-time home buyers become overwhelmed with all of the various costs associated with purchasing their first home. Some will even look for creative ways to stretch their limited home-purchasing budget and choose not to hire a home inspector to try to save money. But that old saying, “penny wise, pound foolish,” certainly comes to mind. Another important point to consider as to why home buyers should hire the services of

Read More »

Benefits of a Pre-Listing Home Inspection

August 29, 2018

When you’re trying to sell your home, should you hire your own home inspector? It’s a good question, and it’s one many homeowners ask their real estate agents before putting their houses on the market. As it turns out, there are a lot of great reasons to get a pre-listing home inspection before a buyer makes an offer. We’ll tell you everything you need to know below for a smooth, hassle-free sale process. 1. You won’t be surprised. There are certain flaws about your home you’re already well aware of, but what about the things you know nothing about? When you order a pre-listing inspection, you get a top-to-bottom report of hundreds of features and systems in your home. If any problems are revealed, you’ll have a chance to repair them or build repairs into your asking price. This is especially good for DIYers, who can save a lot of money by completing simple repairs themselves. 2. You can price your home more accurately. Pricing is one of the toughest parts of selling your home, but a pre-listing inspection makes it easier. Once you have a full picture of your home’s strengths and weaknesses, you can be a lot more

Read More »