How To Recognize a "Soft" Home Inspection Report - 06/08/12 06:09 AM
First, what is a “soft” home inspection report, anyway?
Many home inspectors have built their businesses in such a manner that they must rely upon the referral of real estate salesmen in order to stay in business. Since real estate salesmen make no money until their home sells, some inspectors feel compelled (rightly or wrongly) to take measures to ensure that their inspection reports do not “alarm” the prospective home buyer and possibly interfere with the sale of the home.
The result is a ”soft” report that is of little value to a home buyer and could result in a buyer … (3 comments)

How To Be a Smart Consumer in the Energy Efficiency Marketplace - 06/06/12 05:22 AM
  Home owners who are wanting a complete, accurate and unbiased report on the current performance of their home's systems ... and a comprehensive report on all of the opportunities available to them to improve the comfort, health and efficiency of their homes ... should ensure that the source of their information is reliable and unbiased.
Here is a list of services to avoid if you are looking for the best results with the greatest returns on any investment you make.
1. Say “no” to the energy audit when it is to be performed by someone representing the sale of a … (2 comments)

The Value of the Seller's Disclosure - 06/03/12 08:25 PM
... is more than you might think.
… (0 comments)

How To Protect Yourself From a "Home Energy Score" - 06/01/12 05:00 PM
For over a year, the U. S. Department of Energy has been working hard to create enthusiasm for the idea of having home's "scored" on a scale of 1 to 10 for energy efficiency. Originally scheduled to roll out in October of 2011, the program looks as if it might finally be implemented late this year or early in 2013.
In its original form and the way it appears on paper, it's not a bad idea. Home owners get to see how efficient (or inefficient) their home is presently performing as compared to other homes of its type and are encouraged … (0 comments)