B4U Close Blog by Erby, the Central Kentucky Home Inspector in Lexington, Kentucky

Anti-Gravity "S" Trap - It just doesn't HOLD WATER!

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:04:28 -0600

Today just seems like a good day to share some of the plumbing foibles that I've ran across lately!

First up and freshest in my mind, because it was from a Lexington Kentucky Home Inspection I just did yesterday was Electricians & Rednecks should NOT do plumbing repairs!

And NOW, without further ado, I bring you

The Anti-Gravity "S" Trap!

My Smell Detector wasn't having to work hard on the day I walked into the Berea Kentucky Home Inspection with my client.

The purpose of the trap is to HOLD water to prevent sewer smells coming back up the drain pipe into the house.

That's right. This "trap" isn't going to stop any smells.

Nowadays, a "P" trap is used, and has been for quite awhile. You just know someone was smelling a lot of crap for a long time with this in the house.

For your elucidation (yes, sometimes I like to use those big words, but not in Kentucky home inspection reports)

here's a proper "P" trap and proper (though old and not used anymore) "S" trap configuration! The bottom pictures show you why they're called what they are BUT they should NOT be installed vertical.


P Trap	S Trap

P Trap (vertical for effect only)	S Trap (vertical for effect only)

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Erby Crofutt
KY Lic# HI-2041
B4 U Close Home Inspections & Radon Testing
Georgetown, KY
www.b4uclose.com
502-570-4054
859-797-3873
877-513-8235

B4 U Close Home Inspections serves Central, Northern & Eastern Kentucky real estate buyers & sellers
with Kentucky Licensed Home Inspections & Certified Kentucky Radon Testing
Appointments available 7 days a week - 7 AM to 9 PM.
Phones answered during same period.

Call NOW for your B4 U Close Home Inspection appointment!!

Why should you hire Erby to inspect your home? See what past clients have to say!!

Here's what one B4 U Close client says: (Clicki the line above to see others)

Thank You for the outstanding job you did on the inspection. We bought and sold 9 houses and this was the only inspection that was ever done properly. It was helpful and we will use it to do the repairs with a system, instead of the guess work we usually do. Thanks again

Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Electricians & Rednecks should NOT do plumbing repairs!

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:30:58 -0600

Sometimes, when this ole Lexington Kentucky Home Inspector is conducting a home inspection, I see things that just leave me speechless for quite awhile.

Here's one of those speechless Kentucky Home Inspector moments from yesterday.

For sure, electricians (electrical tape) and rednecks (duct tape) have no clue on how to hold plumbing pipes in place as designed.

When you get an electrician and a redneck on the same plumbing job, often in the same body, this is the kind of repair that results!

For more cockamamie home inspection photos, you can visit my B4 U Close Home Inspections Cockamamie Photo Album.

Yeah, I know it was a homeowner fix, not an electrician.

One of those Git Er Dun Good Nuff moments.

It's so much easier on me when I find the Git Er Dun Right stuff

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Seven Ways to Use a Home Inspection Report

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:11:28 -0600

Clients often ask me what to do with the inspection report after the inspection. Here's seven short succint answers to that question for both buyers and sellers of homes in Lexington Kentucky provided by James Bushart, a Missouri Home Inspector.

Erby

Via Jim Bushart (Home Inspection Services of Missouri):

In random order, I present to you seven different ways in which a home inspection report can be used by parties to a real estate transaction for advantage and benefit.

1. Buyers can consider the reported conditions of the home's systems to determine their ability to afford to maintain the property. A home with a 12 year old water heater, an 18 year old furnace and a 25 year old composite shingled roof is going to need some costly investments in the near future.

2. Buyers can sometimes use information regarding undisclosed defects to negotiate the seller's action to repair the defect(s) or adjust the asking price for the home.

3. Sellers can obtain a home inspection and use the report to disclose known defects to potential buyers.

4. Sellers can obtain a home inspection and use the report to identify and correct significant defects that could interfere with a buyer's desire to submit a contract to buy the property.

5. Buyers can use the inspection report as a "punch list" or "to do list" for maintaining the property after purchase.

6. Buyers/Sellers can use the report to communicate to contractors the nature of the defect(s) to obtain estimates for repair or to arrange for repairs or replacements.

7. Buyers can sometimes use the inspection report as a means to withdraw from the contracted agreement to purchase the home when certain types of undisclosed defects are reported.

Buyers and sellers should consider obtaining inspection reports only from professional full-time home inspectors. Inspection reports generated by builders or contractors are often used by them as marketing tools and a means to generate business for maintenance and repairs and do not always represent the actual conditions of the property.

James H. Bushart, CMI

www.missourihomeinspection.com

314-803-2167

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

How's the Neighborhood?

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:40:28 -0600

Buying a home in the Lexington, Kentucky area? Are yoiu asking "How do I find a good neighborhood that I want to live in?"

Please understand that some people, notably Lexington Kentucky Realtors, are hamstrung by the Fair Housing Act. They can't say anything that might be considered discriminatory.

Raine Carrow, a Realtor in the Hickory, Lenoir, or Morganton, NC area, offers this advice on checking out your proposed neighborhood!

===========================================================================

Via Raine Carraway - Realtor® Lenoir NC & Morganton North Carolina (Century 21 - American Homes):

I was talking to a friend from high school earlier. She's a recent college graduate and looking to relocate because of her new job. One of the things she was telling me is that she was frustrated because she will be buying in a state she's not very familiar with, and she doesn't understand why her agent can't just tell her where the "good" and "bad" neighborhoods are, or include a "more detailed" [I think she meant more opinionated] breakdown of the areas in which different homes were.

I've run into this same frustration before with clients, and sometimes it can be irritating as an agent that we can't just answer certain types of questions directly and tell them what we really think. One reason for this is the Fair Housing Act - we don't know why you're asking and cannot legally say anything that might be perceived as "steering" a clients towards or away from a certain area, or that may seem to be discriminatory.

Also, tastes are subjective, and even the "worst" neighborhoods have people who choose to live there, for one reason or another. Since I haven't lived in every neighborhood I show homes in, my idea of what a neighborhood is like may not be accurate, or may be based on one or more positive or negative experiences that really reflect the day-to-day reality of living there.

Since there's not much I can say about a neighborhood, good or bad, I try to help my clients find out the answers to their questions, and form their impression of the neighborhood for themselves.

My advice to clients, and anyone else comparing neighborhoods is this:

First of all, drive around the neighborhood. Some of the best times to do this are weekdays around 6pm when people are getting home from work, or earlier when the school buses are out, if the number or ages of children in the neighborhood is important to you. Weekends are also good, because families tend to be home, and you can check out neighborhood yard sales and have a chance to talk to some of the people who live in the area.

Pay attention to the condition and types of properties in the immediate vicinity. Are neighbors mowing their lawns, raking leaves, and maintaining their properties, or is there trash and many "run-down" looking homes and lots? Are there a lot of kids playing in the street? Does the property conform to its surroundings? If it’s the only single-family on a street of multi-families, or a stick built home surrounded by mobile homes, then the value of the single-family is negatively impacted by the properties around it.

If you are unable to drive around an area, then using "Street View" on Google Maps can at least give you an idea of what the street and neighboring homes look like, and how well the exteriors of the homes and yards are maintained, although you won't have the chance to speak with the neighbors face-to-face.

To ask people in an area about a particular neighborhood, some good choices would be online, community-centered, message boards like City-Data.com or Topix.

For crime statistics, call the local police station and ask about statistics for the neighborhood. Most are willing to help, and they can better explain why certain figures are higher or lower in different places in why. Some officers may also give you their personal opinions of which neighborhoods are safer to live in, but keep in mind it is an opinion.

To find out about sex offenders in the area, there are sites like Family Watchdog, which plots out the offenders' locations on a map, or law-enforcement run sites such as the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry and the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website.

Information on schools can be found at School Data Direct, the National Center for Education Statistics, or GreatSchools.net, and by searching for your city or county's public school website for links to specific schools and the programs they offer.

The EPA offers a website with information on environmental hazards and conditions by area.

Demographic information and area profiles can be found on many sites, including the US Census, ZIPskinny, and City-Data.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in the Hickory, Lenoir, or Morganton, NC area, or if you would like the direct website links or phone numbers for local police, schools, etc to check out the information for your neighborhood in Caldwell, Catawba, or eastern Burke County, please give me a call at (828) 430-1936.

Raine Carraway - REALTOR®

Century 21 American Homes

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Spooktacular - Trick or Treating

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:06:45 -0500

Spooktacular - Trick or Treating

It was a dark & spooky night

The clouds were red with

the setting sun.

The spooks were prowling

the area!

One brought food storage

with her!

Including cereal on top

of the refrigerator!

Fortunately, the super heroes
were also prowling the area
to keep us safe!

The spooks walked away
with about 3 pounds of candy
AND the superheroes carried
away almost 6 pounds
of candy.

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Thansgiving Help needed at the A.M.E.N. House in Georgetown

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:20:52 -0500

HELP...Needed for Thanksgiving at the AMEN House

Every year the A.M.E.N. House, a Scott County Kentucky charitable organization that serves over 400 families a month, give baskets containing "Fixin's for a Thanksgiving Meal" to several needy families. This year with the poor economy they have a greater need but fewer donations. They would like to hand out 150 baskets but at this point they only have the donations for about 50. The cost of each basket is between $20 to $25.

A recent Georgetown Chamber of Commerce event drew in funding for quite a few addtional baskets but NOT ENOUGH to meet the needs of the underprivileged in Scott County.

If you can help, by donating personally or collect food or donations from co-workers, please DO!

YOUR $25.00 bill (OK, you can write a check) wil provide one family with a decent Thanksgiving Meal!

The following is a list of items each basket will contain:

Turkey
Stuffing
Sweet Potatoes
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Peas
Green Beans
Corn
Some type of dessert

Any items can be dropped off at the A.M.E.N. House at 319 E. Main Street, Georgetown, KY between the hours of 9am to noon, Monday through Friday.

If you would like to send a check, please make it out to A.M.E.N. House and write "Thanksgiving Basket" in the memo section. The mailing address is:
A.M.E.N. House
P.O. Box 211
Georgetown, KY 40324

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Shop with a Cop - Georgetown, KY - Dec 19th, 2009

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:37:09 -0500

Help the Cops Help the Kids

The 2009 Shop with a Cop program will be held at a Georgetown Department Store on Saturday, December 19th, 2009 at 7:00 AM.

This event, conducted by the Royal Springs Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police gives underprivleged kids $125.00 to spend on Christmas. The children are accompanied by local law enforcement officers as their shopping companion.

Tax Exempt Donations provide the funding for the program. Donations can be made to
"Shop with a Cop",
401 Outlet Center Drive,
Suite #230,
Georgetown, KY 40324.

"Share the Joy" , a jont community holiday effort, helps choose the children for participation in the program.

The Family and Youth Services Centers at all Scott County Schools accept applications for children to participate in the program.

Visit the Lodge Website for more details of this charitable event.

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Halloween at Ward Hall, Georgetown, KY

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:28:54 -0500

Ward Hall, a historic mansion in Georgetown, KY is having a Haunted Plantation Tour for Halloween.

EXPERIENCE THE HORRORS AND HAUNTINGS OF A TIME GONE BY AT THE MID-1850'S HAUNTED PLANTATION. RELIVE EVERYTHING FROM SOUTHERN BELLES TO JACK THE RIPPER.

STORY TELLER AND AUTHOR KEVEN MCQUEEN WILL BE TELLING GHOSTLY STORIES OF KENTUCKY AND SIGNING COPIES OF HIS BOOK "THE KENTUCKY BOOK OF THE DEAD" ON THURSDAY EVENING.

CONCESSIONS/SOUVENIRS AVAILABLE ON THE GROUNDS EACH NIGHT.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 29TH STARTS AT 8PM
FRIDAY OCTOBER 30TH STARTS AT 8PM
SATURDAY OCTOBER 31ST STARTS AT 8PM

ADMISSION:
12 AND UP $8.00
UNDER 12 $5.00

NOTE: NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER AGE 10

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Kentucky Housing puts up $5 Million for First Time Home Buyers

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:56:39 -0500

Saw this online this morning and wanted to share it! More good news for first time home buyers but a short timeline to "git er done"!

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KENTUCKY HOUSING CORPORATION (KHC) HAS SET ASIDE $5 MILLION FOR THIS PROGRAM FOR NEW RESERVATIONS THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2009

First Home ADVANTAGE

LOAN AMOUNT
Up to $4,500 In $100 increments. Defer payment untilJuly 1, 2010.

WHAT IS IT?
Second mortgage with P&I payments deferred until July 1,
2010.

ELIGIBLE USES
Down payment and closing costs related to a home purchase.

BORROWER ELIGIBILITY
Must obtain a KHC first mortgage through an approved KHC lender and be a first-time home buyer.

INCOME AND PURCHASE PRICE LIMITS
Must meet KHC income and purchase price guidelines.

TERM AND RATE
After the initial deferral period, the loan will fully amortize over ten years, starting July 1, 2010, at the current first mortgage interest rate not to go below 6 percent.

UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES
Borrowers must have a 620 minimum credit score. Follow agency and KHC guidelines when applying for a second mortgage loan as down payment assistance. Must include the second mortgage loan obligation in the calculation of the borrower’s total housing expense, even though the payment is deferred until July 1, 2010.

DISCLOSURE
Borrower will receive a disclosure detailing information on the terms of the loan, the tax credit, and the option to repay KHC through the federal tax credit.

CLOSING DOCUMENTS
KHC will provide the note and mortgage for the second mortgage in the closing documents set with the first mortgage documents.

APPLICATION FEE
$50 KHC second mortgage fee charged at closing.

FEES
Processing fee to lender for second mortgage: $50.
For more information, contact
Kentucky Housing Corporation’s Homeownership Department toll-free in
Kentucky at (800) 633-8896 or (502) 564-7630, extension 291, or TTY 711.

HURRY! FIRST HOME ADVANTAGE PROGRAM ENDS ON NOVEMBER 30
====================

I hope it helps a few home buyers and stimulates the market like it was intended!

-

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Halloweeen Spooktacular - Downtown Georgetown, Kentucky

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:18:54 -0500

Spooktacular

The Downtown Georgetown Merchants will be hosting a Spooktacular Friday, October 30th, 2009 from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Come join in the fun.\

There will also be a Spooktaculary Block Party (3:00 PM - 7:00 PM) on South Hamilton featuring music, prizes, face painting, food, sales, etc, hosted by Sam's Hot Dog Stand, Granny's Goodies, Twisted Twigs, and The Montessori Experience. More good family fun!

Downtown Georgetwon Halloween Trick or Treating will be from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Saturday, October 31, 2009.

Come show off your costumes, play some tricks, and get some treats.

Join us in Downtown Georgetown, Kentucky for a great Halloween time!

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Kentucky Horse Park features John Lyons - America's Most Trusted Horseman

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:30:35 -0500

That's right. John Lyons is coming to the Kentucky Horse Park on January 16 - 17, 2010. It'll be the opening event for the Kentucky Horse Park's new Indoor Arena!

LEXINGTON, KY (October 27, 2009) The Kentucky Horse Park and the Center for Women in Racing announced today that they are partnering to bring world-renowned horse trainer, John Lyons, to a symposium extravaganza weekend in the new state-of-the-art Indoor Arena January 16-17, 2010.

"Circle of Champions 2010: A John Lyons Symposium" will be the first major event and trade show in the Indoor Arena in 2010, and will serve as a flagship event at the Kentucky Horse Park in anticipation of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in the fall. John Lyons will be working his magic as a horse whisperer with a variety of horses throughout the weekend representing the multi-breed, multi-discipline theme of the year.

"We are delighted to welcome John Lyons at our opening event in the new Indoor Arena next year," said John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park. "I have admired Mr. Lyons for years, and have marveled at his ability to work miracles with everything from backyard ponies to racing Thoroughbreds."

The weekend will include demonstrations from locally owned horses within the disciplines of reining, eventing, vaulting, jumping, driving and dressage. A demonstration of Thoroughbreds in transition from the racetrack will also be included under the direction of the co-sponsor, the Center for Women in Racing , a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women in the racing industry with retired racehorses in an aftercare facility in Paris, Kentucky.

Get your gear on and make plans to attend the opening event for the NEW INDOOR ARENA. The Kentucky Horse Park has made a LOT of improvements in preparation for the World Equestrian Games that are coming to Kentucky September 25 - October 10th, 2010.

The Kentucky Horse Park has stabling available for almost 2,000 horses and a resort style campground for event attendees.

Welcome to Central Kentucky, the Horse Capital of the World!

The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man's relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet that hosted nearly 900,000 visitors and campers, as well as 15,000 competition horses in more than 100 special events and horse shows in 2008. The park is home to the National Horse Center which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations. Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is The place to get close to horses. Open daily March 15 to October 31, and Wednesday through Sunday, November 1 to March 14.

CLick here for an Interactive map (yes, it's that big) of the Kentucky Horse Park.

If you're moving to the Central Kentucky area, please contact Erby - The Central Kentucky Home Inspector for your home inspection needs.

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

KREIA Announces 2010 Board of Directors

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:09:32 -0500

KREIA - Kentucky Real Estate Inspectors Association
Home Inspectors Helping Home Inspectors

The Kentucky Real Estate Inspectors Association (KREIA) (www.kreia.org ), formed to promote ethics and education in the Kentucky Home Inspection Industry, announces the election of the 2010 Board of Directors.

Electronic copies of KREIA Press Releases are available on line at: www.kreia.org

Frankfort, KY -- October 9, 2010 -- KREIA, the Kentucky Real Estate Inspectors Association, elected the 2010 Board of Directors at the KREIA Annual Meeting, held October 9, 2009 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel, Frankfort, KY. KREIA Members constitute approximately one third of the Kentucky licensed home inspectors.

Members of the 2010 Board of Directors, all Kentucky Licensed Home Inspectors, are:

Name	Position	Comlpany	Location
Jim Ball	President	Skyline Inspection Services	Carrolton, KY
Bud Wenk	Vice President	Z-Best Inspection Services	Hopkinsville, KY
Alex Lockstead	Secretary	Eaton Inspection Services	Burlington, KY
JR Bone	Treasurer	Right Start Home Inspections	Madisonville, KY
Jay Jackson	Vice President - Education	Safe At Home Inspections	Louisville, KY
Erby Crofutt	Director	B4U Close Home Inspections	Georgetown, KY
Michael Hesterberg	Director	LandAmerica Property Inspections	Cincinnati, OH
George Moberg	Director	After Hours Inspection Services	Lancaster, KY
Mike Patton	Director	AA Home Inspection	Alexandria, KY
Doug Smith	Director	Home Inspection Services	Louisville, KY
Frank Votolato	Directyor	Professional Real Estate Inspections	East Bernstadt, KY

The Kentucky Real Estate Inspectors Association, Inc. (KREIA) was formed to promote excellence within the Kentucky real estate inspection industry by:
         Providing its members with education and training opportunities to enhance their professionalism.
         Promoting Customer Service through recognized Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
         Promoting and maintain high standards of conduct for its members.

Home buyers and home sellers can locate a KREIA Home Inspector, in their area, on the KREIA website at www.kreia.org.

Select the “Inspector Locator” to find a KREIA Home Inspector in your area.

END OF RELEASE

Further information about the Kentucky Real Estate Inspectors Association, and this press release, can be obtained by contacting

Jim Ball
KREIA President
Skyline Inspection Services
Carrolton, KY
Phone #: 502-609-3075
E-Mail: jim_ball@bellsouth.net

Alex Lockstead
KREIA Secretary
Eaton Inspections, Inc.
Burlington, KY
Phone #: 859-466-5030
E-Mail: jim_ball@bellsouth.net

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Thrill of the Grill - Lexington, KY Oct 6th, 2009 Results

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:11:25 -0500

THRILL OF THE GRILL 2009 RESULTS

CONGRATULATIONS!

Kathy Hughes, Realtor Community Housing Foundation, has announced the Thrill of the Grill 2009 results.

HBAL Grill Team the "Tailgate Grillers" won Best Burger

LBAR Grill Team the "Grilltors Gone Wild in Margaritaville" won Crowd's Favorite Burger

Mortgage Bankers of the Bluegrass grill team "YA FIRED!" unofficially won Best Wigs for their Donald Trump hair!

Click here to check out the photos!

Thank you to all who came out and supported your Realtor Community Housing Foundation.

GRILL TEAMS:

HBAL

Team Name: Tailgate Grillers

Burger Name: UK Burger

Team Captain:

Rob Hundley, BACK Construction

Team:

Stephen Howard, Howard Properties

Todd Johnson, HBAL EVP

Ted Vimont, Vimont Builders

LBAR

Team Name: Grilltors Gone Wild in Margaritaville

Burger Name: Cheeseburger in Paradise

Team Captain:

Janice Mueller, RE/Max Creative

Team:

Becky Locknane, Milestone Realty Consultants

Jenny Mateyoke, Rector Hayden Realtors

Kellye Wells, RE/Max Creative

Starring as Jimmy Buffett:

Tom Sheeran, Sheeran Construction

MBA Bluegrass

Team Name: YA FIRED!

Burger Name: Money, Money, Money, Money, M-O-N-E-Y

Team Captain:

Jeff Sharp, Walden Mortgage

Team:

Chris Evans, Thoroughbred Lending

Diana Oliver, National City Mortgage

Tim Vaughan, First Liberty

Amanda Crouch, Bank of America

Roberta Wilson, Franklin American Mortgage

Brian Gardner, Gardner Law Office

Proceeds from Thrill of the Grill help the Realtor Community Housing Foundation to help low-income elderly home owners with home repairs, build ramps for people with disabilities, and help single-parent graduates of Virginia Place become first-time home owners.

For more information about the Realtor Community Housing Foundation please contact:

Kathy Hughes
Realtor Community Housing Foundation
2250 Regency Rd.
Lexington, KY 40503
859-276-2693
E-mail: RCHF@LBAR.com
Web site: www.RCHF-KY.org

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Thrill of the Grill - Lexington, KY Oct 6th, 2009 - 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:50:20 -0500

THRILL OF THE GRILL
LBAR - HBAL - MBA of the Bluegrass
held at
Housewarmings
2312 Palumbo Drive, Lexington, KY
October 6th, 2009
5:30 - 7:30 PM

Cost to attend is $25 per person
(pay before or at the door)
(Ticket includes mini-burgers, side dishes, desserts, two drink tickets
and a ticket to vote on your favorite burger)

Deadline to RSVP: Friday, October 2, 2009

Grill teams from:

Lexington Bluegrass Association of Realtors (LBAR),

Home Builders Association of Lexington (HBAL)

Mortgage Bankers Association of the Bluegrass

all compete in a grill competition for the best hamburger and your vote for crowd favorite!

The winning team will snag bragging rights for the year and the coveted Grill Challenge Trophy!

Join this fun networking event, support your team,

and help raise money for your Realtor Community Housing Foundation programs!

Proceeds go to the Realtor Community Housing Foundation to help low-income elderly home owners with home repairs, build ramps for people with disabilities, and help single-parent graduates of Virginia Place become first-time home owners.

Not a member of LBAR? Please e-mail RCHF@lbar.com for reservations.

LBAR Realtors can make reservations on the LBAR website.

For more details contact:

Kathy Hughes
Executive Director
Realtor-Community Housing Foundation
2250 Regency Road
Lexington, KY 40503
Ph: 859-276-2693
Fax: 859-277-0286
E-mail: RCHF@RCHF-KY.org

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

KREIA - Kentucky Inspector Education

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:51:03 -0500

KREIA'S FALL EDUCATION & EXPO
(KBHI # CE-1005)

October 9th & 10th, 2009 - Frankfort, KY

CLICK HERE for Agenda & Costs for the Fall 2009 KREIA Conference.

The Kentucky Real Estate Inspectors Association Inc. is pleased to announce that a Fall 2009 Continuing Education Conference will be held October 9th & 10th, 2009 in Frankfort, KY to provide KBHI (Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors) approved continuing education credits for renewing your Kentucky Home Inspector license.

You'll be able to get Kentucky state required & KBHI approved continuing education at this event.

Don't overlook the value of meeting informally with all the inspectors attending and discussing home inspection issues and business operations with them. Sometimes you learn almost as much in these informal discussions as you do in formal classes.

LOCATION: This conference will again be held at the Capital Plaza Hotel, 405 Wilkinson Blvd, Frankfort, KY.

Members With National Association Membership

One of the added values of KREIA that we haven't made much of in the past is that, not only can we get our required education for our Kentucky license, we can also satisfy our Continuing Education needs for our national organization memberships. As a testimony to the quality of KREIA's education, the National Home Inspector associations (such as iNACHI - ASHI - NAHI) and border states accept most, if not all, of KREIA's awarded CEs.

With the exception of the Kentucky Law class, Indiana approves these courses for license renewal.

KREIA is pleased to provide top quality education, with a mix of nationally & locally known speakers that will lead us in classes that range from the technical to how to operate our businesses more profitably.

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KREIA
Home Inspectors Helping Home Inspectors

KREIA Promotes Education and Professionalism for the Kentucky Home Inspector!

KREIA is recognized by the State of Kentucky as a Continuing Education Provider (KBHI CE-1005). KREIA provides quality economical educational opportunities to the home inspector in several formats.

KREIA has been instrumental in providing members of KREIA the ability to obtain quality local education that has been accepted by multiple National Associations in the past years (ASHI, NAHI, NACHI). KREIA looks to continue this level of cooperation with the National Associations to benefit all of Kentucky’s Licensed Home Inspectors. As a home inspector, your membership in KREIA will provide you with reduced fees for educational conferences and educational meetings.

All Home Inspectors in Kentucky are welcomed and encouraged to join KREIA not only for the education but also the active voice at the state level. KREIA continues to be active in activities that effect the Kentucky licensed home inspector.

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Festival of the Horse, Georgetown, KY October 1-4, 2009

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:11:21 -0500

It's that time of year again in Georgetown, KY. Horse parades, carnival, vendor booths, great food.

Come Join Us in Georgetown.

Here's more of what is was like in 2007.

Festival of the Horse
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary
October 1-4, 2009

The Georgetown Fire Department will kick off the festivities on Thursday evening, October 1st, with the 8th annual Fireman's Chili Cook-off. Join in the fun and sample many different chili's. A great family night out for four under $20. Proceeds go to Toys for Tots for Georgetown/Scott County.

The Festival of the Horse will take place on the streets of downtown Georgetown October 2-4, 2009. The Annual event will celebrate its' 30th anniversary in downtown this fall. The Festival of the Horse has promoted Scott County's horse heritage, the downtown community and the interaction between the two for the past 29 years. Family oriented activities and entertainment are featured. This signature Georgetown event attracts visitors from throughout the region and has become a beloved event for our local citizens

Click the title above for for full information, schedules, etc.

It's a great time. Come join us.

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Is your door leaking? BIG BUCKS!

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:35:15 -0500

Is your door leaking? Fix it now or it can cost you BIG BUCKS!

Water is the number one cause of unnoticed damage to your home. Have you checked closely to make sure your home is not being damaged.

The clues can be miniscule, the damage hidden without invasive inspection, but the cost of repairing long term damage can be HUGE!

On a recent inspection, I saw the following clues!

The first picture shows purple staining of the vinyl floor covering. The seconde shows the "minor" water damage on the door frame. No big deal, right!

The rim joist is shot. The end of the floor joist is damaged. The subfloor is shot. I couldn't reach the sill plate to see if it was shot to but given the conditon of the rim joist, I'd bet the sill plate will need replacement also. That leaves out any mold damage.

Due to the way the home is constructed (joists extend over the foundation wall and bricks built up to the floor , the flooring will need to be taken up to do the work.

Some other clues to look for:

Water stains in the wall next to or over the door.

Water stains in the wall next to, over, or under a window.

Purple stains around the toilet!

Check your house and fix the leak NOW before it becomes BIG BUCKS to fix the damage the water can cause.

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

New use for Christmas wrapping paper!

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:40:43 -0500

While performing home inspections in Central Kentucky, I sometimes see things I just have to share with others. A lot of them defy belief such as this one I found in an attic yesterday while doing a Lexington, KY home inspection.

Air conditioning duct work in attics need to be supported. Especially those made from duct board. If they are not supported, they come loose at the joints and all your conditioned air flows out into the attic.

Here's an example of a duct board duct that wasn't properly supported by the original installer. Apparently, it came loose and started blowing most of the conditoned air into the attic instead of the house.
Homeowner Solution - Christmas wrapping paper

A three pack no less. I wonder what will happen to the ductwork when Christmas rolls around, the stores are closed, and the owner still needs more wrapping paper! Any bets?

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Please feel free to call me should you have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of your home. I don't promise to know all the answers but I do know where to get the answers. Enjoy your home!

Erby Crofutt
B4U Close Home Inspections & Kentucky Radon Testing
Georgetown, KY
502-570-4054
KY Lic# : HI-2041

Serving Central, Northern & Eastern Kentucky with Kentucky Licensed Home Inspections and NEHA Certified Radon Measurement including Lexington, Georgetown, Richmond, Frankfort & Winchester.

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Wet Nasty Afternoon! Does this make it better?

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:49:45 -0500

YUCK!

A wet yucky crawl space to top off my last inspection of the week.

The sump pump was right at the entrance but it wasn't working. I got past it though only to find a lot more water that I didn't care to crawl through

But I soon made it much better by taking my grandson down to the lake for swimming and fishing. Before we started catching fish he had to show me how he could fly.

Then a fish or ten decided to bite his hook!

Yeah, he's contemplating having to take it off the hook. Grandpa has taught him how AND expects him to do it himself.

But you just know I had to outdo him, well OK, only on the fish, not the flying.

I hope y'alls weekend goes as well as my Friday evening. Even the thunderstorms held off until we were done fishing and back safe and dry

Harbor Village is a little lake, but has some great fishing & swimming.

YOU BET it maide my day a LOT better!

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Erby Crofutt
B4U Close Home Inspections & Kentucky Radon Testing
Georgetown, KY
502-570-4054
KY Lic# : HI-2041

Serving Central, Northern & Eastern Kentucky with Kentucky Licensed Home Inspections and NEHA Certified Radon Measurement including Lexington, Georgetown, Richmond, Frankfort & Winchester.

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Do You provide Preventive Maintenance for Your Home?

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 10:18:03 -0500

Prevention Is The Best Approach

Although we've heard it many times, nothing could be truer than the old cliche "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Preventive maintenance is the best way to keep your house in great shape. It also reduces the risk of unexpected repairs and improves the odds of selling your house at fair market value, when the time comes. Remember to conduct regular preventive maintenance checks to extend the longevity of your home and the installed systems and components.

REGULAR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE TASKS

EVERY MONTH :

Check that fire extinguisher(s) are fully charged. Re-charge if necessary.
Examine heating/cooling air filters and replace or clean as necessary.
Inspect and clean humidifiers and electronic air cleaners.
If the house has hot water heating, bleed radiator valves.
Clean gutters and downspouts. Ensure that downspouts are secure, and that the discharge of the downspouts is appropriate. Remove debris from window wells.
Carefully inspect the condition of shower enclosures. Repair or replace deteriorated grout and caulk. Ensure that water is not escaping the enclosure during showering. Check below all plumbing fixtures for evidence of leakage.
Repair or replace leaking faucets or shower heads.
Secure loose toilets, or repair flush mechanisms that become troublesome.

SPRING & FALL:

Examine the roof for evidence of damage to roof coverings, flashings and chimneys.
Look in the attic (if accessible) to ensure that roof vents are not obstructed. Check for evidence of leakage, condensation or vermin activity. Level out insulation if needed.
Trim back tree branches and shrubs to ensure that they are not in contact with the house.
Inspect the exterior walls and foundation for evidence of damage, cracking or movement. Watch for bird nests or other vermin or insect activity.
Survey the basement and/or crawl space walls for evidence of moisture seepage.
Look at overhead wires coming to the house. They should be secure and clear of trees or other obstructions.
Ensure that the grade of the land around the house encourages water to flow away from the foundation.
Inspect all driveways, walkways, decks, porches, and landscape components for evidence of deterioration, movement or safety hazards.
Clean windows and test their operation. Improve caulking and weather-stripping as necessary. Watch for evidence of rot in wood window frames. Paint and repair window sills and frames as necessary.
Test all ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices, as identified in the inspection report.
Shut off isolating valves for exterior hose bibs in the fall, if below freezing temperatures are anticipated.
Test the Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) Valve on water heaters.
Inspect for evidence of wood boring insect activity. Eliminate any wood/soil contact around the perimeter of the home.
Test the overhead garage door opener, to ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is responding properly. Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers and tracks on overhead doors.
Replace or clean exhaust hood filters.
Clean, inspect and/or service all appliances as per the manufacturer's recommendations.

ANNUALLY:

Replace smoke detector batteries.
Have the heating, cooling and water heater systems cleaned and serviced.
Have chimneys inspected and cleaned. Ensure that rain caps and vermin screens are secure.
Examine the electrical panels, wiring and electrical components for evidence of overheating. Ensure that all components are secure. Flip the breakers on and off to ensure that they are not sticky.
If the house utilizes a well, check and service the pump and holding tank. Have the water quality tested. If the property has a septic system, have the tank inspected (and pumped as needed).
If your home is in an area prone to wood destroying insects (termites, carpenter ants, etc.), have the home inspected by a licensed specialist. Preventive treatments may be recommended in some cases.

________________________________________

Please feel free to call me should you have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of your home. I don’t promise to know all the answers but I do know where to get the answers. Enjoy your home!

Erby Crofutt
B4U Close Home Inspections & Kentucky Radon Testing
Georgetown, KY
502-570-4054
KY Lic# : HI-2041

Serving Central, Northern & Eastern Kentucky with Kentucky Licensed Home Inspections and NEHA Certified Radon Measurement including Lexington, Georgetown, Richmond, Frankfort & Winchester.

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Gale Fulton Starts Term as President of Lexington Blue Grass Association of Realtors

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:41:34 -0600

Several years ago, when I moved to Kentucky, I asked my Exclusive Buyer's Agent in Austin, TX to recommend a Buyer's Agent in the Lexington Kentucky area that could help me find a home for my family. He sent me to Gale & Mark Fulton. Now I feel sorry for what we put them through, but back then her attention to the idiosyncratic needs of my family and her unstinting efforts to help us find a home (over four months) was most appreciated. I've always (since my first bad experience with a dual agent) used Buyer's Agents.

First order of business for me was to find an agent that was more about my family's needs than playing a dual agent role for the paycheck. We were fortunate to find Gale & Mark. I won't delve into the details but my family's idiosyncrasies were enough to drive a person mad. Not Gale & Mark. They were always pleasant and personable. In the end, we've been very happy with the home they helped us buy. They certainly reduced the stress on my family of a long distance move. We've ran across each other several times since I started B4U Close Home Inspections & Radon Testing. Its always been a pleasant experience.

So to the point of the story, seven years later, she's starting her one year term as the President with the Lexington Bluegrass Association of Realtors (LBAR).

Congratulations, Gale.

I'm sure you'll have a great year, though you may need a long vacation when your year is over. Here's the press release from LBAR.

Gale Fulton has been elected by LBAR members as their 2009 President. Gale has been a REALTOR® for 13 years and is an Accredited Buyer’s Agent, Certified Residential Specialist, a Quality Service Certified Sales Professional, a Graduate of the Real Estate Institute, Kentucky Real Estate Education Foundation Trustee, a Director for the Kentucky Association of REALTORS®, a Certified New Homes Construction Specialist, a Bluegrass Tourism Ambassador and is At Home with Diversity Certified. Involved with leadership of the Lexington-Bluegrass Association of REALTORS® for nine years, Gale has served as the association’s President-Elect and Chair of the Education Committee. She was also the recipient of the Nat Sanders Award given by the Kentucky Association of REALTORS® to recognize exceptional service in real estate education. A REALTOR® and Team Manager/Trainer with RE/MAX Creative Realty, Gale also was a charter member of the Homebuilder’s Association of Lexington’s Sales and Marketing Council.

Other newly elected officers and directors are President-Elect Anthony de Movellan with Prudential A.S. de Movellan; Treasurer Mike Wheatley with Milestone Realty Consultants; Treasurer-Elect Larry Freels with RE/MAX Creative Realty; Don Hudson with Rector-Hayden Realtors and Brenda Stewart with Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty.

The 2009 LBAR Board of Directors also includes Judy Craft with Milestone Realty Consultants, Shirley DeBoor with Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty, Barbara Curtis with Coldwell Banker McMahan, Donna Ensminger with Prudential A.S. de Movellan, John Groft with RE/MAX Creative Realty East, Sherrye Guthrie with Jonah Mitchell Real Estate & Auction, Laura Hayden with Rector-Hayden Realtors, South, Kathy Pendleton with Coldwell Banker McMahan, Ashley Trautner with Trautner Real Estate & Auction, Mike Wheatley with Milestone Realty Consultants and Linda Wiley with Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty.

As the region’s leading advocate for homeownership, Lexington-Bluegrass Association of REALTORS® (LBAR) understands the value and joy of owning a home. LBAR represents more than 2,000 REALTORS® located in Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Madison, Mercer, Montgomery, Scott and Woodford Counties. Visit www.lbar.com or call 859-276-3503 for buying and selling resources and real estate listings.

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

It's BRAND NEW! Why should I spend the money on an inspection?

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:17:29 -0600

I hear this from home buyers quite a bit. I'll bet a lot of agents here it too! Do you have an answer for your buyer's.

Are you increasing your liability by NOT recommending a private third part inspection of new homes. What happens three years from now when your buyer is now your seller and the new buyer hires a quality third party home inspector.

Here's my answer: (the pages flip themselves or you can use the arrows to flip them.) (Click on the document to open it in a new window where it can be resized to be readable.)

Open publication

Protect yourself. Get educated with a quality third party home inspection. No, not that guy that was doing computer work last week and now decided to be a home inspector after his layoff. Get a quality education on your new home.

Make sure you attend the inspection. Some things just don't communicate well in written form and you'll learn a lot more when you have the ability to stand in front of something and ask the home inspector questions about it.

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

Inspectors should police themselves, SHOULDN'T THEY!

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:53:40 -0600

Inspectors should police themselves, shouldn't they!

You'd think so, but no mechanism exists for that policing other than the free market and some weak licensing laws. Here's a take on it from one of my fellow home inspectors: Posted with permission but I've decided to withhold his name. I will send him a link to this sad commentary on our profession. If he desires to identify himself, he can do so in the comments section.

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To all of my Fellow Home Inspectors:

I have a story to tell that may be a little long winded but bear with me; it may open your eyes as it surely did mine.

I set out last year to increase my business with the Real Estate sector. I wanted to make my Home Inspection business viable with greater income. Now keep in mind I have been doing this in my area for over ten years, so I know many Realtors with little repeat business from them, always to wonder why. When pressed for an answer, I always received some half baked response from the Realtors.

My business partner and I mapped out the area and offices to devote our marketing program on, seventeen offices with approximately 750 Realtors. We started in Oct. of 07 with a combination of flyers, discount coupons [we thought everybody loves coupons] and a candy jar [all chocolate] with a great photo of us, cards placed on top. You couldn't miss us unless you were literally blind, always talked and introduced ourselves and spoke at meetings. Now keep in mind we are not new to the area or game, we are well known. Our strategy was to provide information, great service and always keep chocolate in the jars every ten days, and we did this straight from Oct. 07 to Nov. 13, 08.

Now, there was always the little nagging voice in our heads as to why we were not getting more business. We asked, met Realtors, spoke, consultations, you name it because we wanted more business, honest business. I have always prided myself on doing the best for my clients, not nit picking houses apart but the issues that need to be known and by my state law. I figured naively that that is what others would want for their clients, enough said.

Bob and I go about our route yesterday and decided to discontinue the candy and info. Here's why. I keep track of all my records; we had visited each office at least 30 times since we started. Now I know a little about marketing and know consistency is a large part, I also know that out of 750 agents something would stick. For our hard work we only obtained six inspections and spent approx. $3,000 in costs. By this time both of us are really scratching our heads and trying to figure out why, is it us, our report, people hate you and so on. Throughout the day as we picked up our candy jars we pondered this question further. As we were walking out of one office we happened upon the broker who is also one of the high Ramalama's on our state board and founding father, so to speak. This is what happened that has answered that annoying question of Realtor business and has slightly changed my way of looking at life.

We engaged the broker for about twenty minutes talking about the economy and home sales, and by the way, if you don't know by now they are dismal. Bob finally turns around as we are leaving and directly asks Mr. Board member why we can't get more business from the Real Estate Sector.

He looked at us for a moment, thinking what to say, and said, *"You have too many bad Home Inspector's in the business."

We both looked at him as he went on to say that there are inspectors out there who are not doing what they are supposed to be doing and the agents know who they are, that's who they use.

It took both of us time to regroup from our dropped jaws and re-compose. Now keep in mind that he seemed truly sad about the issue and said there was nothing he could do, it would have to be up to our profession to weed them out. He also went on to state that he thought our fees were ridiculously low with the amount of responsibility we take on.

After we bid good bye, Bob and I finally had our answer, we didn't play the Reindeer games and never would. After a year + of steady marketing and trying to provide exemplary service, it does not work in this business.

The saddest part that bothers me is that this is the normal operations of a large organization that people trust with their life savings, to be lied to and steered to vendors providing sub-par expertise all to close the sale, and the public doesn't even know they are being duped.

I know there are good and bad businesses and people, but let's be realistic, I am talking about getting only six inspections out of marketing to 750 agents. Even throwing poop on a wall sticks sometimes.

I have lost a lot of faith in agents in Real Estate and will no longer seek their business, I will continue to do it my way with Honesty and Integrity, never to suck more out of life then I give. I hope there are more Home Inspector's out there that feel the same and maybe we should have some national or regional spokes person at least informing the public about bad decisions; I for one would gladly volunteer.

Well, as I start my new day in business and life I have one consoling thought, at least I don't have to lie, cheat, be a low life or ner-do-well to survive. At least I did it my way, regrets, I have few.

I give my consent to anyone who wants to use this letter to put on the internet, re-print or use in publication, I just ask to be informed, honestly!

Sincerely,

KRT

The sad thing is that "those inspectors", and the agents who steer their clients to them, aren't likely to be here to read this. They don't usually bother with mundane stuff such as continuing education beyond that minimum level required by the state or the association.

I've personally experienced this several times. I'd call a prospective client back to see if they decided on an inspector only to be told they'd chosen someone else. When I inquired why, they said things like:

Our agent said you were

•· too picky,

•· took too long to do the inspection,

•· cost to much,

•· etc, etc.

Odd thing is, more times than I have fingers on both hand, "our agent" would call later to have me perform an inspection on a home that they or their relatives were buying for themselves. That speaks volumes to me about their character and ethics.

Capitalism is a wonderful thing most of the time. I'm not really one to whine about "there oughta be a law" and won't start now. The free market takes out most of "those inspectors" along with the type of agent who steers their clients to them.

But, there's always more coming along to repeat the cycle.

Get Educated B4U Close

It's a wonderful day when you wake up in the morning!

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

REDUX 2008 - "So This Is Christmas" Song & Slideshow

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:54:37 -0600

I shared this with some people last year as it so adequately expresses Christmas. I love it.

I don't know who put this together. I don't even know where it comes from.

BUT, it is beautiful and I wanted to use it to share my Christmas wish with you.

For those who celebrate it with me:

MERRY CHRISTMAS

For those who celebrate in other ways:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

It's a Power Point Presentation and I don't know how to start it automatically so it's a download from my file manager on my web server. Click on the Christmas Card to see the slideshow. Give it a minute to download, especially if you're on dial up.

Merry Christmas from Erby, The Central Kentucky Home Inspector

I hope y'all enjoy it as much as I do.

If you don't have Power Point you can download a free Power Point Viewer from Microsoft here:

Microsoft Power Point Viewer

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

What to Get Her? What to Get Her? No DogHouse for me, Please!

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:45:30 -0600

What do you get for a wife who just gets whatever she "needs" whenever she needs it? I sure don't want to repeat the early years and get her a "vacumn cleaner" (What was I thinking! Truly ignorant & a LONG spell in the doghouse).

Well, the other day I noticed some things that just may suit her decorating style or taste or whatever you want to call it.

Frank Hosley, a member of the Cedar Post Clan (read some of my other blogs about the Cedar Post), has just what you need. Frank is a retired "something" that enjoys working with fine scrollwork and wood (when he's not busy riding his motorcycle or burning brush on his country place). He's made some beautiful things that would make some really unique gifts for that special someone that you can't find anything for.

Frank would probably also appreciate some commentary on the workmanship visible in the pictures.

Operating as "Woodworking by Frank" he's done some beautiful things with wood. I don't know much about the wood types but was inspired enough to take a few photos and post them here. Neat stuff for those who don't really "need" anything! And while the shipping may cost almost as much as the "unique gifts', it'd be worth it to get it in your hands!

OR, if you're in the Georgetown, Kentucky area, just stop by the Cedar Post Restaurant and pick em up. Make him a decent offer and I'd bet he'll take it.

Cedar Post Restaurant
2176 Cincinnati Road
Georgetown, KY
Just west of I-75 Exit 129

Being just a point and shoot kinda guy, I couldn't (no matter what I did) get a really good shot of his Reinder & Sliegh scene that would show the fine intricacy of the work.

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Mike & Barbara, Stamping Ground, KY (20050603

See a B 4 U Close Home Inspection sample report by clicking the report picture below

B4U Close Blog by Erby, the Central Kentucky Home Inspector in Lexington, Kentucky

Anti-Gravity "S" Trap - It just doesn't HOLD WATER!

Electricians & Rednecks should NOT do plumbing repairs!

Seven Ways to Use a Home Inspection Report

How's the Neighborhood?

Spooktacular - Trick or Treating

Thansgiving Help needed at the A.M.E.N. House in Georgetown

HELP...Needed for Thanksgiving at the AMEN House

Shop with a Cop - Georgetown, KY - Dec 19th, 2009

Halloween at Ward Hall, Georgetown, KY

Kentucky Housing puts up $5 Million for First Time Home Buyers

Halloweeen Spooktacular - Downtown Georgetown, Kentucky

Kentucky Horse Park features John Lyons - America's Most Trusted Horseman

KREIA Announces 2010 Board of Directors

KREIA - Kentucky Real Estate Inspectors AssociationHome Inspectors Helping Home Inspectors

Thrill of the Grill - Lexington, KY Oct 6th, 2009 Results

Thrill of the Grill - Lexington, KY Oct 6th, 2009 - 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

KREIA - Kentucky Inspector Education

Festival of the Horse, Georgetown, KY October 1-4, 2009

Is your door leaking? BIG BUCKS!

New use for Christmas wrapping paper!

Wet Nasty Afternoon! Does this make it better?

Do You provide Preventive Maintenance for Your Home?

Gale Fulton Starts Term as President of Lexington Blue Grass Association of Realtors

It's BRAND NEW! Why should I spend the money on an inspection?

Inspectors should police themselves, SHOULDN'T THEY!

Get Educated B4U Close

REDUX 2008 - "So This Is Christmas" Song & Slideshow

What to Get Her? What to Get Her? No DogHouse for me, Please!

KREIA - Kentucky Real Estate Inspectors Association
Home Inspectors Helping Home Inspectors