BeSure Home Inspection Service Blog

Energy Audits, and What Is It?

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:59:50 -0600

After my last post concerning my new low cost thermal energy audit program. I was asked if I could describe in basic terms what I do when I preform the energy audits. Here is a check list of sorts that even you can do, but I am here to complete it if you want a written report for verification purposes.

Locating Air Leaks

First, make a list of obvious air leaks (drafts). The potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 5% to 30% per year, and the home is generally much more comfortable afterward. Check for indoor air leaks, such as gaps along the baseboard or edge of the flooring and at junctures of the walls and ceiling. Check to see if air can flow through these places:

·Electrical outlets

·Switch plates

·Window frames

·Baseboards

·Weather stripping around doors

·Fireplace dampers

·Attic hatches

•Wall- or window-mounted air conditioners.

Also look for gaps around pipes and wires, electrical outlets, foundation seals, and mail slots. Check to see if the caulking and weather stripping are applied properly, leaving no gaps or cracks, and are in good condition.

Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. See if you can rattle them, since movement means possible air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks. You can usually seal these leaks by caulking or weather stripping them. Check the storm windows to see if they fit and are not broken. You may also wish to consider replacing your old windows and doors with newer, high-performance ones. If new factory-made doors or windows are too costly, you can install low-cost plastic sheets over the windows.

If you are having difficulty locating leaks, you may want to conduct a basic building pressurization test:

1.First, close all exterior doors, windows, and fireplace flues.
2.Turn off all combustion appliances such as gas burning furnaces and water heaters.
3.Then turn on all exhaust fans (generally located in the kitchen and bathrooms) or use a large window fan to suck the air out of the rooms.

This test increases infiltration through cracks and leaks, making them easier to detect. You can use incense sticks or your damp hand to locate these leaks. If you use incense sticks, moving air will cause the smoke to waver, and if you use your damp hand, any drafts will feel cool to your hand.

On the outside of your house, inspect all areas where two different building materials meet, including:

·All exterior corners

·Where siding and chimneys meet

·Areas where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding meet.

You should plug and caulk holes or penetrations for faucets, pipes, electric outlets, and wiring. Look for cracks and holes in the mortar, foundation, and siding, and seal them with the appropriate material. Check the exterior caulking around doors and windows, and see whether exterior storm doors and primary doors seal tightly.

When sealing any home, you must always be aware of the danger of indoor air pollution and combustion appliance "back drafts." Back drafting is when the various combustion appliances and exhaust fans in the home compete for air. An exhaust fan may pull the combustion gases back into the living space. This can obviously create a very dangerous and unhealthy situation in the home.

In homes where a fuel is burned (i.e., natural gas, fuel oil, propane, or wood) for heating, be certain the appliance has an adequate air supply. Generally, one square inch of vent opening is required for each 1,000 Btu of appliance input heat. When in doubt, contact your local utility company, energy professional, or ventilation contractor.

I hope that this information will help you in protecting your energy dollars. Remember, I am always here to help answer your questions. You can go to my website for more in depth information. Thanks for reading my post on energy audits, and may you have many happy sales, and inspections.

www.columbusohiohomeinspection.com

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Check Your Batteries In Your CO2 Detector

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:57:57 -0600

Make sure that you check your batteries on you CO2 detector. I had my first case of a high CO2 level in my neighbors home today. She was not feeling good and having trouble breathing. I saw that she had a CO2 detector and I tested it. The battery was dead. Replaced battery and it sounded off. She is staying with a friend while her furnace is checked. Be Safe

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Let Me Help You And Your Clients, Find Where You Are Losing Energy

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:41:34 -0600

With the rising cost of utility bills that are now starting to crepe up on us as the winter is making its presence known. Let me help you find where your money is escaping and help you save on those rising utility bills.

I have purchase a new tool to add to my arsenal of Home Inspection tools. I purchased the new Thermal Leak Detector which helps reduce energy costs by finding energy leaks in your home. I can instantly identify problem areas around drafty windows and doors, and uncover hidden leaks and insulation "soft spots" around electrical outlets, recessed lights, and along floor molding. When the device hits a cold or hot spot, an LED indicator light changes to blue or red depending on the type of temperature change registered. Let me help you find and seal energy leaks where you can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs! To learn more about this program, please visit my website, www.columbusohiohomeinspection.com If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me. Thanks for reading my post and may you have many happy sales and inspections.

www.columbusohiohomeinspection.com

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Holiday Lighting

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:51:01 -0600

Well we had our first Christmas light fire the other day. Reports from the fire Marshall was that the home owner had stated that the string of lights were 3 years old and they had left them on over night . The fire Marshall reported that the lights were not rated for outside use and had shorted out. He also noted that the power source was not a breaker outdoor type plug. Have a great day and a safe Holiday. "Be Safe"

•Use caution with holiday decorations and, whenever possible, choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant and non-combustible materials.

•Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials, and do not use candles to decorate Christmas trees.

•Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings, and replace damaged items before plugging lights in. If you have any questions about electrical safety. Do not overload extension cords.

•Don't mount lights in any way that can damage the cord's wire insulation. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples--don't use nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.

•Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations.

•Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.

•Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.

•Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.

•Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground-fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.

•Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

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Winter Driving Tips

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:26:36 -0600

After driving in this mornings first measurable snow, and seeing how many people were in the ditch. I thought I would post a couple tips that my dad always made sure I had in the car.

Keep emergency gear in your car. IE:

Cell phone

Flash light with extra batteries

Extra blankets

Jumper cables

Shovel

Sand or Kitty litter for traction

Chemical heat pouches (extend hours)

Warning devices such as flares or Reflecting triangles

A couple read made self heating meals

Am/FM Radio. They have the new self powered crank units

Last not least, STAY WITH YOUR CAR!! Wait for help to arrive. More people die trying to go for help. Be safe and leave early to allow you more time to arrive to where you want to get to, and avoid the other dummies.

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It Is Time To Re-Brand My Home Inspection Company

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 06:16:16 -0600

With the way todays economy and the flood of new Home Inspectors into the industry. I felt it was time to Re-brand my Home Inspection company to re-introduce BeSure Home Inspection Service to the Realtors, and clients of my services. Thanks for taking the time to read my post, and may you have many happy sales and inspections.

This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection. The cost of a home inspection is very small relative to the home being inspected.We are determined to perform inspections of the upmost quality, with integrity. For a buyer, we make sure that they know and understand every fact about the property that they are purchasing. For sellers, we will provide a report that gives 100% full disclosure, with no worries af a buyer coming back and questioning anything regarding the property.

Anytime that you are purchasing a property in Lancaster, Columbus Ohio or surrounding areas, we understand that it is a HUGE investment. Everyone involved needs to know every aspect of the property. We take pride in providing this service. The majority of our business is from client referrals and from real estate agent recommendations. We work directly for the client. Our job is to insure that the client understands every item that may be reported. Our job does not end after the report is completed. Should you have any questions months down the road, you are encouraged to give us a call and we will do whatever it takes to insure that you are completely comfortable with the property.

We are here to assist you in making a confident decision about your property. Whether you're buying a new property and want to be sure of what you're getting... or selling a property and want to eliminate possible problems that could delay or lose a sale. Or just want a professional to inspect and advise you on the condition and maintenance or safety recommendations of your current home, we are here to help...

Please give BeSure Home Inspection a call to help you in your home inspection needs for 'Performing Home Inspections in Lancaster Ohio, Columbus Ohio, Circleville Ohio and surrounding areas.

www.columbusohiohomeinspection.com

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What are you doing during the seasonal slow down?

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:35:06 -0600

What are you doing during the seasonal slow down? Things around here has really taken a early shut down, and I was wondering what you are doing during this time period? I for myself I am stopping by the office's to talk to the agents that I have worked with to see if there is anything I can do to better serve my clients and theirs. I also switch out my brochures and business cards with new ones that I have added new information. What else are you doing to market yourself to the public and Realtors? Thanks for all of you suggestions and may you have many happy inspections.

The $179 QuickInspect

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:46:53 -0600

With today economy and fast pace Real Estate market. I thought I would add a new type of inspection to my business to better serve you and your clients. Thanks for taking the time to look at my post, and may you have many happy sales and inspections.

The $179 QuickInspect is an affordable option for investors, as well as anyone on a budget. As we all know, Time is Money! So, if we can save time, we can save you money. The savings comes in by us not having to spend hours creating a detailed, written inspection report, as this is a verbal walk-through (with you or your representative) of the home.

Basically, we look at the major systems of the house - structure, plumbing, electrical and HVAC - and inform you (or your representative) on the spot. You take notes (written, photos, video &/or audio!) of what we tell you, and that is your list of concerns for that property.

www.columbusohiohomeinspection.com

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Inspection Report Update

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:39:20 -0600

I had a discussion with a agent this morning over coffee about the number of pages for inspection reports. He stated that all he really like to see as far as the number of pages are any where from 5-25 pages that includes a summary page at the front at the most. Well I have found that I have been including to much information in my reports IE: type of flooring, wall covering, etc for every room in the house, any health or safety issues with photos. I felt I was providing a service for my clients with this information. So I called a inspector friend and asked him what he is reporting on in his reports, and how many printed pages did he end up with including photos? He stated he ended up with 16 pages with summary. He stated that he only includes exterior foundation, roof, electrical condition. Interior, kitchen, bathrooms, electrical, windows/doors, and mechanicals. He stated that if he saw a safety issue in the other rooms he would call them out in the report. So what say you to how many pages and what you are looking for in a inspection report? Thanks for reading my blog and may you have many happy sales and inspections.

SMS Text Market

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:44:02 -0500

Question? If you could have unlimited sms text messaging to use to promote your homes for sale for $49.50 a month. Plus a free desk top notification service added into it. Would you be interested in it? I have teamed up with E Global Partners out of Wilmington NC and they are offering this program. I have researched this type of marketing and I could not find one for this price with all of the services that they are offering. Any thoughts? If you would like more information please feel free to contact me. Thanks and may you have many happy sales and inspections.

What are you doing to make some extra income on the side

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:50:07 -0500

With economic hard times that we are seeing in the real estate market. What are you doing to bring in some extra income for your self and your family. I have teamed up with a video security program company where I can sell their program and make some money on the side let alone provide my clients with a great security program to help protect their home or business. Take a look and see if this is something you would like to join into, If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. http://members.guardyourplace.com/uid/gypmark Thanks and have a great day with many Happy sales and inspections.

Time for the curb appeal spring cleaning

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:48:31 -0600

Ok, according to the ground hog, spring is just around the corner. Again, that all depends on where you live right now. The east coasters might want to kill the ground hog right now. But back to the point. People who are still trying to sell their home may want to consider the following tips.

Curb appeal, Curb appeal!!

1. Get out in the yard and pick up all of the downed tree limbs

2. Clear out all of the old dead flowers from the flower beds. Be careful not to damage the new growth that has started to emerge.

3. Make sure that your gutters are clean so when the spring rains hit, they will drain properly and not against the house foundation

4. Once you have all of the above done, get the thatcher or plugger out and run it across the yard. This will help get the water and fertilizer down to the roots.

5. Ok now it is time to spread the Scouts spring fertilizer to help bring to life the yard. Make sure you use the new water save fertilizer. This will hep you save on watering later on and make your yard the green of green on the neighborhood.

6. Spread some flower fertilizer around in the flower beds

7. For the trees and bushes. Insert some Scouts tree fertilizer plugs around the trees just below the outer most limb line. This will put it in the feeder roots,

8. Power wash the wood decks, and the cement side walks to get the dirt off of them and make them look like new.

Great, now that you have done all of this, it is time to find a new location in the yard for your sign. Having it in a different place will catch the persons eye just because it is not in the same place. Try it, you will be surprised.

Now you have completed all of this and your house looks better the your neighbors homes. May you have many happy sales and inspections.

www.besurehomeinspectionservice.com

www.columbusohiohomeinspection.com

Snow Removal Tips

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:17:10 -0600

Ok, winter is finally making it appearances. So it is time to get your snow removal equipment in order for that first snow removal date.

1. Get the right shovel,IE: ergonomically shove. This type makes it alot easier on your back and hips

2. Get your snow blower or thrower out, put in some fresh gas and check out the oil level. Start it up to make sure all is well and in proper working condition

3.Instead of using salt to melt the ice on your drive way or sidewalks. Buy calcium chloride, it will work at temps down to 5 degrees, where salt will quit working at 15 degrees. Also another added benefit to using calcium chloride, it will no burn you grass or shrubs.

www.besurehomeinspectionservice.com www.columbusohiohomeinspection.com

Ways to Shrink Your Energy Bills

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:17:48 -0500

Spend a little, save a lot, or spend a whole bunch and save even more. Here is a tip to shave your energy bills year round.

Sure, it's nostalgia-inducing and all, but when it comes down to it, your fireplace is terribly—make that laughably—inefficient. According to the Department of Energy, a lit fireplace sucks about 24,000 cubic feet of furnace-heated air up your chimney each hour. Bonus: It's replaced by cold air that comes in the opposite direction through the same opening, causing your furnace to work extra hard to keep your house toasty. Still, we love gathering round the hearth as much as the next guy. Just remember to turn the thermostat down a little when you use it. Also, crack a window in the room where the fireplace is located and then close the door, so it doesn't suck too much warm air from the rest of the house. And remember to close your damper when it’s not in use.

Save even more by installing a programable thermostat

www.besurehomeinspectionservice.com

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Fall Furnace Maintenance Reminder

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:39:33 -0500

The weather man tonight on TV stated that we may need the furnace tonight because it may have a chance of frost in northern Ohio. So before chilly autumn nights set in, you need to make an appointment for your furnace's annual checkup. Without this yearly cleaning and inspection, a system can wear itself out quickly, pump deadly carbon monoxide into your home, or simply stop working.

Whatever type of system you have, don't wait until it breaks down to call for service. A clean, well-adjusted heating system will save you money on fuel and prolong furnace life. Annual servicing is cheap - typically less than $100 - especially when compared with the price of a new furnace. "You wouldn't wait more than a year to service your car?" "The heat in your house is just as important."

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Safety Tips for Fall Yard Chores

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:19:41 -0500

As the leaves turn and the weather cools, many of us begin outdoor cleanup. Consider the number of injuries in yard work accidents every autumn and you may begin to suspect that "fall" is actually short for "pitfall." Fall, it seems, is the season for back injuries, tumbles from ladders and lawn mower accidents. Approximately 42 million people seek emergency room treatment for such injuries each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here are some simple tips to avoid common autumn injuries while working around the yard.

* Use a rake that is comfortable for your height and strength. Wear gloves or use rakes with padded handles to prevent blisters.

* Vary your movement, alternating your leg and arm positions often. When picking up leaves, bend at the knees, not the waist.

* Inspect ladders for loose screws, hinges or rungs. Clean off accumulated mud, dirt or liquids.

* Never use your hands or feet to clear debris from under a lawnmower. Use a stick or broom handle instead. Likewise, never touch the blades with your hands or feet, even if the engine is off. The blade can still move and cause serious injury.

For more lawnmower or ladder safety tips, visit the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons' Web site.

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The new wood in town

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:34:28 -0500

At some point in the life of your house, the lumber that holds it together will get wet. The flashing will fail, the roof will leak, or, as demonstrated by last year's hurricanes, the rains will drive and the waters will rise. Frame a house with blue lumber, though, and the water won't wet the wood in the first place.

So says Bluwood, whose answer to the glaring question about the glaring color is unsatisfying. (It's a marketing gimmick.) What is satisfying is the Florida company's "infusion film" sealant, a waterproof barrier that they promise will keep moisture out of structural lumber while keeping the wood's insect- and fungus-fighting borates in. Borates have long been known as environmentally friendly wood preservatives; the problem is that when the wood gets wet, borates leach out and leave it vulnerable. Bluwood is backing up its claims in a walk-in petri dish they call the "mold house." Inside, an ongoing two-year experiment shows untreated samples rotting away while the Bluwood remains unaffected.

Just about any species of wood can be special-ordered from the lumberyard with a Bluwood sealant. The treatment adds about 20 percent to the cost, but the wood will be guaranteed for the life of the house. And if blue's not your color, just remember, it gets covered by the drywall. Visit Bluwood for dealers for more information on this product. I have found several homes here in the lancaster ohio area that have used this lumber.

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The Bugs Are Biting !

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:46:58 -0500

I did a inspection on Monday that when you walked in the back yard, you got ate up. I saw a area where the home owner had their dog tied out. The bugs that were biting were fleas and mosquito's. My client asked me what they could do to kill out the fleas and mosquito's? I told them that they could spread Scott's summer blend fertilizer that has a bug treatment that will kill out the fleas and help kill out the mosquito's. I have been doing this now for 4 years and my dogs have never brought a flea into the house since I started treating, and the mosquito's are almost not ever seen. You also get the great benefit of having a lush green yard.

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It's Time We Take A New Look At Pre-Listing Inspections

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:05:27 -0500

With the way todays market is going. We really need to look at all marketing aspects that we have in our bag to help our clients to sell their property. So I thought I would bring this back up for a rea-read again. I f you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Seller inspections (sometimes referred to as pre-listing inspections) are becoming more popular because they virtually eliminate all the pitfalls and hassles associated with waiting to do the inspections until a buyer is found. In many ways, waiting to schedule inspections until after a home goes under agreement, is too late. Seller inspections are arranged and paid for by the seller, usually just before the home goes on the market. The seller is the inspector's client. The inspector works for the seller and generates a report for the seller. The seller then typically makes multiple copies of the report and shares them with potential buyers that tour the home for sale. Seller inspections are a benefit to all parties in a real estate transaction. They are a win-win-win-win. Home inspectors should consider offering seller inspections and marketing this service to local listing agents. Advantages to the home inspector:

Seller inspections allow the inspector to catch inspection jobs upstream, ahead of real estate transactions and the competition.
Seller inspections are easier to schedule and are not under the time constraints of sales agreement's inspection contingencies.
Working for sellers is typically less stressful than working for buyers about to make the purchase of their lifetimes.
Sellers can alert the inspector to problems that should be included in the report, answer questions about their homes, and provide seller's disclosure statements.
Repairs of problems found during seller inspections often necessitate the need for re-inspections by the inspector.
Seller inspections put a sample copy of the inspector's product, the report, in the hands of many potential buyers who will need a local inspector soon.
Seller inspections put a sample copy of the inspector's product, the report, in the hands of many local buyer's agents that tour the home.
The inspector is credited, in part, with the smoothness of the real estate transaction by buyer, seller and agents on both sides.
The liability of the inspector is reduced by putting more time between the date of the inspection and the move-in date of the buyers.
The liability of the inspector is reduced because the inspector's clients are not buying the properties inspected, but rather moving out of them.
The buyer might insist on hiring the seller's inspector to produce a fresh report since the seller's inspector is already familiar with the home.
Seller inspections provide inspectors opportunities to showoff their services to listing agents.
Seller inspections provide examples of the inspector's work to the listing agent of each home, which might encourage those agents to have other listings pre-inspected by the inspector.
Most sellers are local buyers and so many sellers hire the inspector again to inspect the homes they are moving to.

Advantages to the seller:

The seller can choose a certified InterNACHI inspector rather than be at the mercy of the buyer's choice of inspector.
The seller can schedule the inspections at the seller's convenience.
It might alert the seller of any items of immediate personal concern, such as radon gas or active termite infestation.
The seller can assist the inspector during the inspection, something normally not done during a buyer's inspection.
The seller can have the inspector correct any misstatements in the inspection report before it is generated.
The report can help the seller realistically price the home if problems exist.
The report can help the seller substantiate a higher asking price if problems don't exist or have been corrected.
A seller inspection reveals problems ahead of time which:
- might make the home show better.
- gives the seller time to make repairs and shop for competitive contractors.
- permits the seller to attach repair estimates or paid invoices to the inspection report.
- removes over-inflated buyer procured estimates from the negotiation table.
The report might alert the seller to any immediate safety issues found, before agents and visitors tour the home.
The report provides a third-party, unbiased opinion to offer to potential buyers.
A seller inspection permits a clean home inspection report to be used as a marketing tool.
A seller inspection is the ultimate gesture in forthrightness on the part of the seller.
The report might relieve a prospective buyer's unfounded suspicions, before they walk away.
A seller inspection lightens negotiations and 11th-hour renegotiations.
The report might encourage the buyer to waive the inspection contingency.
The deal is less likely to fall apart the way they often do when a buyer's inspection unexpectedly reveals a problem, last minute.
The report provides full-disclosure protection from future legal claims.

Advantages to the real estate agent:

Agents can recommend certified InterNACHI inspectors as opposed to being at the mercy of buyer's choices in inspectors.
Sellers can schedule the inspections at seller's convenience with little effort on the part of agents.
Sellers can assist inspectors during the inspections, something normally not done during buyer's inspections.
Sellers can have inspectors correct any misstatements in the reports before they are generated.
The reports help sellers see their homes through the eyes of a critical, third-party, thus making sellers more realistic about asking price.
Agents are alerted to any immediate safety issues found, before other agents and potential buyers tour the home.
Repairs made ahead of time might make homes show better.
Reports hosted online entice potential buyers to tour the homes.
The reports provide third-party, unbiased opinions to offer to potential buyers.
Clean reports can be used as marketing tools to help sell the homes.
The reports might relieve prospective buyer's unfounded suspicions, before they walk away.
Seller inspections eliminate buyer's remorse that sometimes occurs just after an inspection.
Seller inspections reduce the need for negotiations and 11th-hour renegotiations.
Seller inspections relieve the agent of having to hurriedly procure repair estimates or schedule repairs.
The reports might encourage buyers to waive their inspection contingencies.
Deals are less likely to fall apart the way they often do when buyer's inspections unexpectedly reveal problems, last minute.
Reports provide full-disclosure protection from future legal claims.

Advantages to the home buyer:

The inspection is done already.
The inspection is paid for by the seller.
The report provides a more accurate, third-party view of the condition of the home prior to making an offer.
A seller inspection eliminates surprise defects.
Problems are corrected or at least acknowledged prior to making an offer on the home.
A seller inspection reduces the need for negotiations and 11th-hour renegotiations.
The report might assist in acquiring financing.
A seller inspection allows the buyer to sweeten the offer without increasing the offering price by waiving inspections

www.besurehomeinspectionservice.com www.columbusohiohomeinspection.com

Code Alert OHIO - 3 APR 2008

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:50:51 -0500

Ohio Governor Strickland has signed an emergency order to temporarily rescind the 2008 NEC and revert back to the 2005 NEC, effective immediately. This emergency order is valid for a period not to exceed 90 days, which is June 29, 2008. This emergency order effects 1, 2, & 3 family dwellings

You can go to the following link to read the Govenerors letter. http://www.nema.org/stds/fieldreps/codealerts/upload/Fecteau_Ohio_04_03_08_Executive%20Order.pdf

www.besurehomeinspectionservice.com

"Lock Those Doors"

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:30:17 -0500

I arrived at my inspection yesterday along with the Realtor and client to find the door unlocked. We looked at the sign in sheet and noticed that a locale Realtor had been there 3 days before my client had signed a contract on the home. I started my inspection in the kitchen and I found that the water was not on at the sink. We went to the basement to check to see if the water main had been turned on. Well, we found that all of the copper pipes and copper wires that were exposed in the basement had been cut out, I went back up stairs and checked under each of the cabinets and found the same thing. The Realtor called the bank and told them what had happened. The bank has agreed to repair the water lines and electrical and to extend his contract time until they are done if he still wishes to buy the home. There were no signs on any of the doors or windows of forced entry, so it appears that they just walked in through the unlocked door. So please Realtors, Inspector, Appraisers or anyone who looks at homes that are vacant. Make sure that you re-lock any windows or doors that you open before you leave. This just might save you a sale in the long run. Have a great day and may you have many happy sales.

www.besurehomeinspectionservice.com

"Sump Pumps, Sump Pumps"

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:33:57 -0500

I inspected a home today that had 2" of water in the finished basement. I found that the GFI had tripped on the plug for the sump pump. I reset it and it fire right off and began pumping. The Realtor stated that the home was fine 3 days before when they walked though it. It is possible that it might have tripped when the electricity went off and the surge might have tripped it. Anyway, just a tip to the Realtor, If you have empty home and it has rain or we are having a melt off of snow. You may want to do a drive by just to check out the sump pump to make sure it is working and it does not leave you with a big wet surprise.

www.besurehomeinspectionservice.com

Spring Is Right Around The Corner

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:49:17 -0600

Spring is right around the corner and the housing market is still what it is. So you need to pull out all the tricks in your bag to make that house look like a million bucks when the perspective buyers drive buy looking for a home. Here is a very simple and very inexpensive tip. Have your client buy the large yellow and white bag of Scott's anytime yard fertilizer with Iron. It covers 5000 square feet and it will make the yard look lush and dark green. I can promise you that it will look deeper green then the next door neighbors unless they are having their lawn treated also. This treatment for one bag is $30.00 and approx. 1/2 hour of time to spread, and you will see the results with in a week after a rain or watering. It is just a suggestion to help make the curb appeal appearance. I have also included a link to Scotts for more information.

http://www.scotts.com/smg/

http://www.besurehomeinspectionservice.com/

New Service Offered for MLS Relators

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 17:48:30 -0600

I have finished working on a way to up load a total of 94 digital photos that you the Realtor supplies to me. I have a free website that I will upload them to where you can then just change the url to a generic url that you can use on your MLS listings. You can use www.tinyurl.com to change the url. This sure beats using only 5 -10 photos to show off your listings. Feel free to contact me for further information concerning this service.

www.besurehomeinspectionservice.com

Las Vegas Alive and Well

Mark H Roe BeSure Home Inspection Service (BeSure Home Inspection Service) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:30:52 -0600

Well I made it to Las Vegas just before the snow and freezing rain made its presence in Ohio. I am sitting here looking at 57 degree over cast sky's until my continuing education classes start. I know it could be alot worse. At least when I get done tonight at 10 pm I can take a drive up the strip and look at the lights. I am taking a class on Green buildings that I plan on using for my clients. I hope every one is safe back home and all stay warm.

http://www.besurehomeinspectionservice.com/