When you are buying, home inspection information helps you know what to look for. When selling, it helps you prepare for the sale. Information is power. During both events, you want the power to protect your investment.
For buyers, the Better Business Bureau recommends that you have the home you are about to purchase inspected to prevent unanticipated repairs in the future-for both old and brand new homes. An inspection impacts your buying decision and the price you are willing to pay.
When selling, a home inspection before you put your property on the market gives you the information of what needs to be fixed. With that knowledge, you can then decide what you are willing to invest in and what repairs you want to hand over to the buyer. A pre-inspection empowers you during the sales process, reduces contingencies, and minimizes closing delays due to repairs. Pre-inspection can also prevent failure-to-disclose lawsuits. Nowadays, ignorance is rarely accepted as a viable argument.
The home inspection process involves visual and system checks of the home to insure it is structurally sound and in good condition. It should be conducted in day light.
"Normal operating controls" need to be functioning. Which means that the gas, electricity, and water are on, pilot lights lit. The typical inspection lasts 2-3 hours and the cost averages from $300-$500.
What do they inspect? While it may seem like everything, inspectors most frequently check the roof, attic, insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, basements, foundations, windows, systems for air conditioning and heating, plumbing, electrical systems and appliances.
What can you share about inspectors that you have used?
Minimize your risk of a scam or shady service the next time you move by looking out for these warning signs.
Demands for payment by cash - moving companies are also required to accept credit cards or personal checks.
Anonymous-looking trucks - beware of traditional rental trucks or a truck with no distinct markings at all.
Blank documents & contracts - moving scammers try to get consumers to agree to, & sign, blank documents. DO NOT sign anything that you have not reviewed and approved. Make sure to get all your questions and concerns addressed and answered before signing the contract.
Rates based on cubic feet - prices should be based on weight, which can always be verified by state-certified scales. Cubic feet methods will not allow you to verify the amount you will be charged.
Requests for deposits - a legitimate company will not ask for a deposit, but will expect payment on delivery & before the shipment is unloaded from the truck.
Refusal to visit your home prior to the move - Avoid movers who only give estimates over the phone or refuse to physically examine the goods prior to moving day. An in-house estimate should be required and offered without asking.
No company visibility in your area - Pick a company that has a presence in your area. Don't assume a nice website or ad in the yellow pages translates into a genuine moving operation. Research the moving company, check with the Better Business Bureau, and follow up with any referrals.
Deals that sound too good to be true - Get at least 3 estimates, and be cautious of rock-bottom prices.
What other signs should consumers be aware of when searching for a good moving company?
It's that time to get organized and take care of those unwanted items. A good way to do this and expose yourself it by hosting a garage sale. Get everyone in the neighborhood involved and make your rounds. Start by passing out flyers. It is a good way to introduce yourself to the neighbors and get to know them while they get to know you. Put together a memo and hand it out to the neighbhood with requests for interested parties to contact you for a "yard sale" packet. In the packet talk about pricing and include stickers for sellers to mark their items to be sold Hand deliver each packet to the homeowner introducing yourself and filling them on all the details. Place an ad in your local paper or penny saver and watch the customers flock. Don't forget to put out signs (with your name of course) once again reminding people who sponsored the event. It is best to give them at least one month's notice, so the homeowners have time to clean out their closets, garage, cabinets etc. On the morning on the day of the sale, go around with coffee and donuts for a quick visit. You never know what you may find to buy along the way. And buying from someone helps them remember you give back! Another good idea would be to schedule a truck to pick up the unsold items to donate or for charity. Help out the community and they will think of all the good things you have done and call you first!
What other good things do you do for your neighborhood?
It's that time to get organized and take care of those unwanted items. A good way to do this and expose yourself is by hosting a garage sale. Get everyone in the neighborhood involved and make your rounds. Start by passing out flyers. It is a good way to introduce yourself to the neighbors and get to know them while they get to know you. Put together a memo and hand it out to the neighbhood with requests for interested parties to contact you for a "yard sale" packet. In the packet talk about pricing and include stickers for sellers to mark their items to be sold. Hand deliver each packet to the homeowner introducing yourself and filling them on all the details. Place an ad in your local paper or Penny Saver and watch the customers flock. Don't forget to put out signs (with your name of course) once again reminding people who sponsored the event. It is best to give them at least one month's notice, so the homeowners have time to clean out their closets, garage, cabinets etc. On the morning on the day of the sale, go around with coffee and donuts for a quick visit. You never know what you may find to buy along the way, and buying from someone helps them remember you give back! Another good idea would be to schedule a truck to pick up the unsold items to donate or for charity. Help out the community and they will think of all the good things you have done and call you first!
What other good things do you do for your neighborhood?
The lifestyle here in Huntington Beach is absolutely fabulous! And with so much to do and so many great places to go, it is no wonder people come in flocks. Living in the downtown area and heading to the beach practically every few days is just the tip of the iceberg. Huntington Beach hosts a wide variety of events on the beach, at the pier and on Main St. Currently on Tuesday's Main Street is shut down to traffic and is pedestrian friendly only during the evenings. Vendors of all types come out to sell, entertain, or give you a taste test. Tuesday nights have turned into quite the event, and Huntington Beach is even considering shutting down the street on a permanent basis.
There is also quite a bit of brand new developments taking place. Pacific City, Blue Canvas and The Stand will be debuting in no time. They will be hosting new hotels, shops, condos, and town homes.
Living in the downtown area one can ride their bike virtually everywhere and never need a car. Having a cool bike in Huntington Beach is like having a cool car.
Homes in Huntington Beach can range from $400 (for a condo) to several millions in the Harbor (on the Harbor w/ a boat dock). Compared to other beach cities, Huntington Beach is very affordable for the great schools, beautiful surroundings, and great life it has to offer.
What makes the city you live in a great lifestyle for you?
How often do you update your website? I am pretty tech savy, but with the constant changes in the web industry keeping on the up and up is a full time job in itself.
Website management can be time consuming and typing errors count against you, but it is a good way to keep your face in the forefront without having to waste paper and spend money on costly mailers. With the going green campaign kick, this is one sure fire way to contribute. Nevertheless, I am always looking for ways to take it to the next level. I read everything I get my hands on to be knowledgeable and resourceful.
Do you know of any great websites or widgets that have helped your website go to the next level?
When was the last time you updated your website? And how often do you do it?
Develop written financial plan goals-putting the pen to paper some how makes it more real, and having a plan to work with right from the start will get you going in the right direction. Come up with a workable plan you can put into action and making changes as you evolve and grow. Revisit your plan every quarter to ensure you are always on the right track.
Live below your means-you do not need to be a walking fashionista with overpriced designer clothes, shoes & accessories. Invest in a few smart pieces and build inexpensively off of that. Don't allow on overpriced house or car to kill your budget. Cut coupons to save a few bucks and grocery shop smart by reading and comparing products and prices. Do live and eat well, while enjoying activities that don't cost money, like biking, walking, hiking, gardening, going to the park or beach.
Ditch your credit cards-credit cards should not be used if you are not able to pay off your purchases within two to three months. Just think about how much extra money you would have to spend if you didn't have to pay interest on the money you borrowed. Instead pay them off every month, and don't pay interest at all! And why not get a credit card that offers you miles as well? Be smart about having your money work for you! If you can not pay it off, do not buy anything unless it is an absolute necessity. You only need a few credit cards. If you have a bunch in your wallet, pay them off and cancel them. This may even help your FICO score. Debt will only hold you back.
SAVE IT! - Get into the good habit of saving money! You should aim your plan to be a systematic investment. Build an emergency fund so you don't have to raid your savings in the event of an emergency. Save no less than 10% of each paycheck & half of all pay raises. You did without the $ before, and will cherish it more later than you will an old pair of shoes.
Start your own business-they say two thirds of millionaires are self-employed, with 75% of them being entrepreneurs, and the rest being professionals such as doctors and lawyers.
Get professional financial advice-Find a trusted professional that you can work with. Learn about your investments, pay attention to how they perform, and do not be afraid to ask questions and make decisions for yourself.
Have your money work for YOU-You don't need a lot of money to get started. Many money market accounts can be opened with only $1,000.00. Look for companies that offer no-load funds, and low expense ratios. Build yourself a diverse portfolio and where you can reasonably expect to earn 8 to 10 percent annually on your investments over the long run.
Re-think your purchases - ask yourself...do I really need this or do I want this? That $5 cup of coffee can accumulate to over $1,210 per year. Cut back and treat yourself less often and watch the savings add up. Going to the bank to get cash? Make sure you go to the bank you bank at, or you can incur major fees. Choosing to bank at banks that are easily accessible in your area is a smart choice to cut high cost fees.
I've been watching the real estate market especially close in the areas I farm and sell real estate. I have to tell you I am seeing 2004 housing prices in Huntington Beach, CA. Homes that sold for $642,000, $645,000, $657,000 only a year ago are now going for $520,000, $505,000, $470,000 and another is pending at a list price of $444,000. THAT IS A PRICE DROP OF $200,000!!!!!!!
BUYERS!!!! What are you waiting for? Sure a few of these lower prices are due to foreclosures and bank owned properties and brought down the values in the neighborhoods, but what do you think will happen when we don't have anymore bank owned properties in the neighborhoods you want to live in? I understand you want a good deal, but standing on the sidelines isn't going to get you a good deal. When a killer buy is found, you have to move on it, and move on it quick. Don't wait to see if it is a good buy when someone else gets it! Call your trusted Realtor; get your financing in line as well as the necessary paperwork and ACT RIGHT AWAY! These great buys aren't going to last forever, and with the large inventory and the banks viewpoint to get rid of it... NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY! Don't wait until the newspapers tell you the real estate marketing is picking up...then the real estate market is on the up swing. In addition, if sellers have to sell and want to compete in today's real estate market, they too are going to have to price their home right. So it is a win, win situation for buyers in today's real estate market. Go for it, you will be glad you did!
Did you know 20% of the US is moving every year? Now that is a lot of people moving....and this means each American will move about once every 5 years!
You can save your clients time, money & Earth by reducing their stress and aggravation from packing and moving their property by offering the Recopack & Earth-Friendly Moving service.
Earthfriendly Moving by Packing Partners is an eco-friendly company that is changing how America packs and moves. For a delivery fee, rent the Recopack in 5 sizes for a buck a box a week. Earth Friendly Moving will deliver the Recopacks and your clients pack, stack & move. When your clients are done unpackcing, they'll pick up the Recopacks too!
Eartyfriendly Moving currently serves Orange County, Los Angeles & Inland Empire areas. Over the next five years they will be expanding nationwide. You can check out their website at http://www.earthfriendlymoving.com/ for new service areas.
When you rent a 100 Recopacks during a pack and move, we remove 256 lbs. of trash from our landfills and here's YOUR impact on OUR environment! Now that is aiming to reduce waste in our landfills!
What is the difference between a bank home equity loan and a reverse mortgage?
With a home equity line of credit, or a traditional second mortgage, you must have sufficient income vs. debt ratio to qualify for the loan. In addition, you are required to make monthly mortgage payments. The reverse mortgage is unique in that is pays you, and is available regardless of your current income. The amount you can borrow depends on your age, the current interest rate, and the appraised value of your home or FHA's mortgage limits for your area, whichever is less. Generally, the more valuable your home is, the older you are, the lower the interest, the more you can borrow. You don't make payments, because the loan is not due as long as the house is your principal residence. Like all homeowners, you still are required to pay your real estate taxes and other conventional payments like utilities, but with an FHA-insured HUD Reverse Mortgage, you can't be foreclosed or forced to vacate your house just because you "missed a mortgage payment."
This greatly helps seniors stay in their home and age in place...the sound of a new generation.
Any other great ideas on tips to help seniors stay in their homes longer?
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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