D. Spencer - King County's Blog

Tempered Glass

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:31:29 -0600

...another home found with windows all the way to floor and owner used stanard double strngth glass to make his own windows.

What is the issue you ask?

For one:

Mainly because the process of tampering increases the strength of glass thereby reducing it's risk of breakage.

Most importantly:

In the unlikely event of a breakage, one type of tampered glass shatters into many small fragments to reduce the risk of injury and damage to other property. Another type breaks into linear fragments that may still remain safely in frame.

Tempered glass saves lives.

How to tell if glass is tempered:

Most all tempered glass will have a lower corner stamped that it is tempered. Another way to tell is to wear polarized glasses, which you can see a tempered pattern when viwed at an angle.

Now you know...now inspect your window and door glass and get it changed if it is low to floor or placed in a storm door.

If a window meets all four of the following criteria the glass needs to be tempered.
a. Exposed area of an individual pane is greater than 9 sq. ft.
b. The bottom edge is less than 18” above the floor.
c. The top edge of the same piece of glass is 36” or more above the floor.
d. If one or more walking surfaces are within 36” horizontally of the glazing.

What are air leaks doing to your furnace?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:36:32 -0600

Check for Leaks

Weatherstripping and caulking is probably the least expensive, simplest, most effective way to cut down on energy waste in the winter. Improperly sealed homes can waste 10 to 15 percent of the homeowner's heating dollars. Take these steps:

Check around doors and windows for leaks and drafts. Add weather-stripping and caulk any holes you see that allow heat to escape. Make sure doors seal properly.

If your windows leak really badly, consider replacing them with newer, more efficient ones. Keep in mind, however, that replacing windows can be expensive - it could take you quite awhile to recover your costs from the energy savings alone. But new windows also provide other benefits, such as improved appearance and comfort.

Every duct, wire or pipe that penetrates the wall or ceiling or floor has the potential to waste energy. Plumbing vents can be especially bad, since they begin below the floor and go all the way through the roof. Seal them all with caulking or weather-stripping.

Electric wall plugs and switches can allow cold air in. Purchase simple-to-install, pre-cut foam gaskets that fit behind the switch plate and effectively prevent leaks.

Don't forget to close the damper on your fireplace. Of course the damper needs to be open if a fire is burning; but if the damper is open when you're not using the fireplace, your chimney functions as a large open window that draws warm air out of the room and creates a draft. Close that damper - it's an effective energy-saving tip that costs you nothing!

Examine your house's heating ducts for leaks. Think of your ductwork as huge hoses, bringing hot air instead of water into your house. Mostly out of sight, ducts can leak for years without you knowing it. They can become torn or crushed and flattened. Old duct tape - the worse thing to use to seal ductwork, by the way - will dry up and fall away over time, allowing junctions and splices to open, spilling heated air into your attic or under the house. It's wasteful. According to field research performed by the California Energy Commission, you can save roughly 10 percent of your heating bill by preventing leaky ducts.

These leaks cost your Furnace effiency. If you have 10% leakage then you 90 plus furnace is now an 80% effeniency.

Let us give your home a Energy Rating and give you the information needed to kepp you home as effenient as possible.

Calll 425.608.9553

or visit our website http://www.PNWIG.com

Before Winter hits...

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:26:02 -0600

Tips:

Check Your Insulation

Insulate your attic. In an older home, that can be the most cost-efficient way to cut home heating costs. Before energy efficiency standards, homes were often built with little or no insulation. As a result, large amounts of heat can be lost through walls, floors and - since heat rises - especially ceilings.

How much insulation should you install? Typical framed homes now being built in California's Central Valley must meet insulation requirements of R-38 insulation in ceilings and R-19 for walls and floors.

Weather-strip and insulate your attic hatch or door to prevent warm air from escaping out the top of your house.

Seal holes in the attic that lead down into the house, such as open wall tops and duct, plumbing, or electrical runs. Any hole that leads from a basement or crawlspace to an attic is a big energy waster. Cover and seal them with spray foam and rigid foam board if necessary.

Check Your Heating System

Get a routine maintenance and inspection of your heating system each autumn to make sure it is in good working order.

Replace your heater's air filter monthly. Your heating system will work less hard, use less energy and last longer as a result. Most homeowners can replace filters and do such simple tasks as cleaning and removing dust from vents or along baseboard heaters.

If your heating system is old, you might consider updating it. ]]. That means only half of the fuel used by the furnace actually reaches your home as heat. Modern gas furnaces, on the other hand, achieve efficiency ratings as high as 97 percent. By replacing an old heating system with one of the most efficient models, you can cut your natural gas use nearly in half!

Use your set-back thermostat. California houses built today must have them. If you have an older home, consider installing one. A set-back thermostat allows you to automatically turn down the heat when you're away at work or when you're sleeping at night, and then boost the temperature to a comfortable level when you need it. Remember - it takes less energy to warm a cool home than to maintain a warm temperature all day long. Properly using your set-back thermostat could cut your heating costs from 20 to 75 percent.

Reverse the switch on your ceiling fans so they blow upward, toward the ceiling. Ceiling fans are a great idea in the summer, when air blowing downward can improve circulation and make a room feel four degrees cooler. A cooling draft is a poor idea when it's cold, however. By reversing the fan's direction, the blades move air upward in winter. This is especially valuable in high ceiling rooms, where heat that naturally rises is forced back down into the room.

Make sure all hearing vents are opened and unblocked by furniture or other items. This will ensure that the air is evenly distributed through the home.

Leaky Ducts and what is the importance? "Next Tips Blog"

We can help with our Complete Home Energy Audit Call 425-608-9553 or stop by our office for a Free Energy Guide!

More Tips to Follow!

Just Moved! New office location..

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:11:22 -0600

..we are still located in Belleuve, Wa and have moved into a new office located just off of 520. We offer drop off services for our clients; mold, asbestos and water samples. Questions about dropping off lab sample please call us, also for properl collection methods. We also can supply you with steril collection bottles, swabs, etc..

We are also State licensed inspectors with partnership with Energy Star proving professional home energy audits. Our inspections use the latest equipment. Some FAQ's

Q. How long does an Audit take.

A. 4-6 hours

Q. Some home inspectoors claim to do an audit for under $300.00 is this possible?

A. Most likely they are not trained and are not using a blower door and duct blaster equipment. They are in and out in 2-3 hours and give you little information that is needed to conduct a true audit. We use licensed auditing software and home model software.

Q. Want is a blower door?

A. Being a professional company we can show you hands on in our office and educate you all about home energy audits. We are State verifiers and work closley with Energy Star and Home Builders. Call us and stop by our new office in Belllevue. 425.608.9553

All inspectors are State Licensed and Certified. All Asbestos samples are collected by a Certified AHERA inspector. Mold samples are taken by our IAQ Certified Specialist.

Home Energy Audits in Seattle,WA

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 01:14:30 -0500

There are many ways in which a building loses energy in Seattle area. Some ways are easier to find and correct than others. Most people, when asked us how their homes lose heat, automatically respond "doors and windows". While doors and windows do contribute to heat losses in the home, they are minimal compared to the heat loss which you do not see. Our inspectors find the sources of building leakage and give you the information needed to correct them, you could save a considerable amount of energy. T

One of the major contributors to heat loss in the home is created by what is known as "stack effect". Because warmer air is more buoyant than colder air the heat rises through the house and exits through hidden leaks. At the same time that the warm air is exiting the leaks in the upper level, the lower level of the home becomes negatively pressurized and pulls colder outdoor air into the home. This is unconditioned, cold air which now must be conditioned. The opposite occurs in the hot, humid summer weather and the cooling system must operate more to cool and de-humidify the warm, humid air being pulled into the home.

Understanding Differences in ou Home Energy Audits

Our services range from home energy tune-up services to complete diagnose of the building and it's integrated components. If you are purchasing a home, the basic Home Energy Scan may best fit your needs. If you own the home and want to find the most cost effective retrofits in your home, the later is likely to be your best choice. The important thing to remember is that not all energy assessments or audits are created equal.

Energy audits for Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell. Kent, Tacoma.. King County and.....

Energy Audit

HERS Audit

Inspector Realtor Referred?

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:49:36 -0600

WAC 308-124C-050 Home inspector referrals. Each licensed designated broker will establish a written office policy that includes a procedure for referring home inspectors to buyers or sellers. The policy will address the consumer’s right to freely pick a home inspectors of the buyers’ or seller’s choice and prevent any collusion between the home inspector and a real estate licensee.

If a licensee refers a home inspector to a buyer or seller with whom they have or have had a relationship including, but not limited to, a business or familial relationship, then full disclosure of the relations must be provided in writing prior to the buyer or seller using the services of the home inspector.

So as a Realtor how has this changed your methods of inspections?

Mold..that time of year again. What can you do?

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:29:44 -0600

Mold is growing all around. How do you keep your home protected?

Stay tuned for our DIY mold advise that is the Mold Pros best kept secrets! Bleach the myth.. Bleach kills mold. FALSE Back Mold is Toxic... FALSE - Not all black mold is toxic. The quicker you address the problem, the less extensive the damage will be since it may only take 24-48 hours for toxic black mold to germinate and grow. Prompt remediation of contaminated areas and materials should be the primary response to water intrusion and indoor fungal growth. If you have experienced severe flooding or a water leak, then you want to remove or pump out the standing water, followed by drying the area. If the area is really wet, you will want to use fans and dehumidifiers. You may also want to move wet items away from walls and off floors. You should also turn off the HVAC system before cleaning Mold. Don't Spread it around your Home or Business. If the surface(s) you are cleaning are dry, or mostly dry, you should lightly mist them with water before cleaning the mold. If the mold is too dry, then the mold spores will have a much better chance of becoming airborne while being disturbed during the cleaning process. Is a mask needed when cleaning mold? Can I really do it myself? Will your preinspection help us? All this Information and more is now on our site now for all of our clients.

Know how to protect your next remodel project?

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:23:38 -0600

Replacing a roof? Having a new home built? Remodeling a bathroom? Adding a deck?

We'll make sure your contractor does it right! Have one of our local, independent, certified inspectors stop by and check to see that the work is being done properly, before its too late. Our inspectors can also approve the completed job before you make the final payment to the contractor.

Reasonable rates:

No more than a few hundred dollars per visit to have a third-party, certified inspector look at your project. We offer a variety of services:

Project and contractor oversight.
New construction phase inspections.
Final walk-through inspections.
1 year builder warranty inspections.
Annual inspections for home and commercial property owners.
Investor consulting.
Pre-listing, seller inspections.
Foreclosure inspections.
Insurance inspections.
Home inspections.

Certified Inspectors.

Energy Audits performed by others, What different?

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:16:12 -0600

When calling for a professional audit here are some key questions to ask.

1. Does your report give cost of items in need of repair?

2. Does your report show how long before I get a return in my investment?

3. Do you use thermal imaging?

4. Are you an Energy Star accredited inspector?

5. How long before I get my report?

6. Does your company belong to an EPA approved trainer?

With the cost of thermal technology dropping in cost many home inspectors get a camera and think they can perform an energy audit. Thing to watch for from the inexperienced. Proper training is not cheap for this industry yet it is not required, many skip it and use low prices to lure you in.

1. Low prices.

2. FREE inspection with purchase. ( the time it takes to get all need data for a profession inspection could never be FREE)

3. Thermal scan only.

4. Not an Energy Star approve inspector (visit EnergyStar and check your inspector)

5. Not using Energy Audit software.

So check around and then when you need a professional give us a call.

425.608.9553

Pacific Northwest Inspections Group,LLC

Energy Audits and more..

Home Energy Audits for Seattle area Residents

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:52:55 -0600

With energy cost on the rise your home efficiency is key to saving the green. With out expert energy home audits we can determine what your home needs to be more efficient and what repairs are to costly where the return investment is no viable. We use our own exclusive reporting system with cost data and thermal imaging to give you the expert report your family demands. Call us today or visit our home energy site www.EnergyAuditSeattle.com

Did you know a low consumption shower head save you $47.00 a year?

Learn more from our website.

Air test..What is in your air?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:47:17 -0600

When it comes to VOC air testing Pacific Northwest Inspections Group,LLC stands out above the rest. Offering complete aire test for both Mold spores and toxic air quaility also know as VOC Air sampling. Our reporting system stands up in court and is now more detailed and back by a certified lab. To order a professioanl IAQ test call us today or visit our website. Serving Seatlle,WA area. Questions let us know!

NOTE: Know the difference in air testing Mold is not the same as VOC

Seattle area Home Energy Audits save owners money

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:51:53 -0600

We are currently conducting home energy inspection audits for Seattle,WA area residents with reports that save home owners money and give the home owner the home comfort edge. Our home energy technology is advanced as it gets. Thermal imaging combined with optional boor blowers and computerized sensors give the best home energy audit available in the Seattle area. Call us today to order your home energy audit inspection or call our office to schedule an appointment. Our energy audit inspection are available 7 days a week! Also serving the Bellevue, Kirkland, Tacoma, Redmond, Bothell, Puget Sound areas!!

Seattle Bellevue area commercial building inspection

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:32:29 -0500

After just completing another commercial complex inspection and finding issues that should have been addressed by the owner prior to listing I ask myself.... Are sellers just wanting delays?

This goes for residential as well.

To shorten this up... Get a Pre-Inspection 1st !

Lead Paint Testing, Inspection

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:12:08 -0500

Some real estate transactions require Lead Paint inspections, Pacific Northwest Inspections Group, LLC offers complete Lead inspections services all throughout the Seattle,Wa area. Testing lead is an important factor and health issue for families moving into older homes. Not only is the paint in older homes a concern but also the soil. Kids and pets can all be in harms way of Lead in the Yard and in the home. Call us for a complete home inspection of Lead concerns from Paint, Soil, Plumbing and your water. 425.608.9553

Licensed, Bonded, Certified and Insured inspections seven days a week.

Identifying Homeowners Insurance Problems

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 19:05:35 -0500

Insurance agents require a different type of inspection than a standard home inspection. Pacific Northwest Inspections Group has worked closely with insurance companies and developed our Insurance Inspection Report around the needs of these type inspection.

Questions of "insurability" is a concern for every agent involved in a real estate transaction. Many home inspectors will at least comment verbally on conditions they suspect will likely make coverage difficult or expensive, real estate agents would prefer that insurance costs or availability not crop up as unexpected problems, lenders won't close without insurance, and some insurance agents and attorneys - and most home inspection clients - feel they ought to be alerted by home inspectors if they find such problems.

More of an assessment than an inspection. Inspecting roofing systems for example: Our inspectors will determine the life remaining of the roof based on engineer training. Majority of home inspectors could only guess and are most likely not to even report on the life.

For all your insurance inspection needs call us @ 425.608.9553 or visit our website for more info.

Tacoma Preinspections

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:37:48 -0500

Pacific Northwest Inspections Group is now offering our marketing package for preinpsections to sellers of the Tacoma,Wa area. Get your home Move In Certified! Our reporting software is designed by us so we control the development of the report giving us the easiest to understand reporting system in the State. Our reports include video, sound and complete internet access 24/7 by both the owner and the agents. Easy login page gives complete access to your report and our resource library! Order an inspection today... and Welcome aboard!

Seller protection?

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:52:31 -0600

Insured Inspector?

Selling a home? Most likely your buyer will have an inspection done and the question you need to ask your Realtor is "Are they Insured?" What happens if they fall off the roof, through the ceiling or get shocked by the service panel? Are they insured? Washington State does not require them to be. Protect yourself and demand an insured inspector.

Q: What does it mean if a home Inspector is insured and what kind of insurance are we talking about.

A: It means that the inspector is covered by General Liability Insurance and Errors and omission (E&O) Insurance. Liability Insurance covers the inspector for claims arising out of damage to the property being inspected. Errors and Omission Insurance covers the inspector against claims resulting from negligence in discovering and reporting significant discrepancies in the property being inspected. Protection against damage to self or property.

Is your Inspector Really Insured?

If you are a home buyer, simply ask your professional inspector if he/she carries Errors and Omission Insurance, and if so request a copy of the "Certificate of Insurance". If you are a home seller, be aware that accidents happen. For your own protection, you should insist that any inspector who is given access to your home be covered by Liability Insurance.

Our inspector ALL have our Certificate of Insurance with them 24/7 for you protection!

Pacific Northwest Inspections Group, LLC is a Licensed, Bonded, Certified and Insured company.

Protect yourself call us for all your inspection service needs 425.608.9553 7 day a week 7am-8pm

Puget Sound Commercial Roof Inspection

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:39:24 -0600

We take a detailed look at weathering, specifically hail and wind, as applied to commercial roofs. We examine manufacturing, installation procedures, and natural weathering for the primary commercial roofing types: built-up, modified bitumen, and EPDM. Our inspectors can differentiate between aging and hail, wind, or mechanical damage and common problems.

Our equipment is used both for commercial and residential roof inspections, can your inspector give a warranty estimate on your roof? Our professionally trained inspectors can!

Wood, metal, tile, SPF, fiber cement amd slate roofing assessments are also provided by our certified Washington State inspectors.

Insurance company claims please login our commercial area of the site.

General question visit our Ask the Inspector ! Engineer trained inspectors, not your standard "Text Book" inspectors!!

Demand the best, it's your money!

Commercial Inspection Professionals

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:57:51 -0600

Need a professional Commercial Inspection?

We offer ProLine Commercial Inspections to meet the needs of commercial investors

Complete inspection of Electrical, HVAC, Structural, Plumbing, Interior and Exterior.

All commercial inspection come standard with our Thermal Imaging Inspection. We have updated our IR cameras to the new 2008 Fusion technology! From condo units, Walmarts and Hospitals .... no prperty to small or too large.

Pacific Northwest InspectionsGroup, LLC

Roof Mold Moss on Cedar Shake Roof

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:55:46 -0600

You see all these new homes going up as fast as the sun sets and year later the process begins......moss finds a new home. Some owner just expect this cause all the neigbors are the same...so is this okay?

NO...moss will damage you roofing system and there is a soultion.

Can moss buildup cause my roof to leak?
Heavy moss can cause water to back up the roof enough to run over the top of the shingles. The buildup should be removed. Moss retains soil and moisture that could harm the wood over time.

The key to maintaining a cedar shake roof is to keep it dry. Yes, I realize that sounds funny. What I mean is that after a rainfall, a cedar roof needs to dry out as rapidly as possible. The shakes must be free of moss, fungus, debris (twigs, pine needles, leaves, etc.), or any other thing that can trap and hold moisture. Overhanging tree branches must be sufficiently high so as to provide good air circulation above the roof.

Chemical preservatives are available which can be applied to cedar shakes. These preservatives when applied to clean, dry cedar shakes can dramatically add years of life to a cedar roof. Most of these chemicals can be applied with a hand held sprayer. Professionals who treat cedar roofs for a living have pressurized machines that allow them to do large roof areas in a short amount of time.

Zinc or copper strips can also be nailed at the ridge cap to control moss for a limited number of courses. Reaction between rain and the zinc or copper forms a mild solution that is carried down sections of the roof for two or three feet.

This information is important to homeowners during a New Build Home Inspection.

Added our Second Thermal Image Camera!!

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:56:58 -0600

With the high cost of realestate in the Washington State area the importance of a quality inspection is at an all time high. To meet this demand we have upgraded our equipment to the newly released Fusion IR cameras! Thermal imaging allows us to quickly scan areas of the home where problems can arise. Such as small roof leaks undetectable by the human eye! Our clients can Truly SEE the difference of our thoroughness in our commercial, residential and mold inspections.

For a limited time only mention this article and get your Thermal Inspection done for FREE!!! YES for FREE! with any paid home inspection. (end of Feb. only)

Serving all of Seattle, Renton, Kent, Bothell, Everett, Tacoma, Olympia, Maple Valley, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Gig Harbor, Issaquah, Federal Way, Auburn, Redmond, Duvall, Kirkland, Shoreline and all other Washington areas!

Home Inspections in State of Washington

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:37:28 -0600

What Is an Inspection?

A home inspection takes place after you've made an offer on a home that the seller has accepted. A professional will examine the home to ensure it meets specific codes and laws as set by the city, county, and state. Put simply, the purpose of a home inspection is to make certain that the home you're about to buy doesn't have any major defects of problems that will cost you money down the road.

What We Looking for?

A home inspection usually includes an examination of a home's major systems, such as heating and air conditioning units, plumbing, and electrical systems. It might also include looking at the roof, attic, insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, foundation, and basement or crawl space.

Once the inspection is over, the inspector will prepare a report detailing what he or she found. If any major repairs are needed, you will work with your Realtor® to determine how to proceed.

Finding a Good Inspector

Pacific Northwest Inspections Group, LLC is a call and a click away. Service for Bellevue, Renton, Kent, Seattle, Mercer Island, Maple Valley, all of King and Pierce Counties.

When you've found the right home call us for an inspection, schedule a time for the inspection, and be present as it's going on. You'll learn more about the home you are buying and can ask the inspector questions. The inspector might also point out things he or she wouldn't mention in the report but that you should be aware of nonetheless.

Let Us Help

Call us 1.866.981.MOLD or 425.608.9553

http://www.pacificnorthwestinspections.com

Thanks for a great 2007

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 01:54:48 -0600

We have achieved many of ours goals and we are left with a strong sense of accomplishment and a focused eye on 2008. The changing Realestate industry has opened many doors of opportunity for Pacific Northwest Inspections Group . We have tailored some of our roducts/services to address current and future client issues that will also support their evolving risk mitigation practices. As a result, Pacific Norhtwest Inspections Group has been identified as the industry leader in managing risk as it pertains to property evaluation reports. Pacific Northwest Inspections Group's responsibilitys remains the same; provide a timely, professional and accurate reporting of a properties progress and/or condition. We will continue to pursue excellence through innovations in technology and “Total Quality Service”.

We wish to thank all our valued inspectors for their contribution to our success. Pacific Northwest Inspections Group can not achieve excellence without your support. Please feel free to communicate your experiences and thoughts while working with us. Your feedback provides PNWIG with an “outside looking in” prospective. PNWIG wishes you and yours a joyful holiday season!

The PNWIG Team

Benefits of an inspection

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 01:51:39 -0600

Today, most home buyers hire a professional home inspector to examine a house they're interested in buying. And more and more home sellers are investing in what's known as a pre-inspection, which gives sellers an opportunity to either make repairs before listing or disclose necessary repairs to potential buyers up front, better controlling any ensuing negotiations. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, a professional home inspection can save you money and headaches.

Benefits of a Home Inspection Sheet for Buyers As a home buyer, you want to be sure that the home you're buying is in good condition. Even if you're buying a "fixer-upper," you want to know exactly what you're signing up for. To help accomplish this goal, you should hire a professional home inspector who is affiliated with nationally recognized organizations such as NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors), ICBO (International Conference of Building Officials), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), or AARST (American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists). You should also inquire about the amount of experience your home inspector has. Ask about years in the business, number of homes that he or she has inspected, and whether home inspection is his or her full-time job. With a reliable home inspection sheet in hand, you have great leverage in negotiating with the home's seller about needed repairs or replacements. The seller then has the opportunity to make repairs prior to closing or to drop the asking price. A home inspection report is an invaluable resource to you because it: * Outlines the condition of a property's structure, construction, and mechanical systems.

* Estimates how long major systems (like electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning) will continue to run smoothly. * Identifies any major repair items that pose a significant expense to you, the buyer, in the near term. These items should be accompanied by estimated repair/replacement costs, enabling you to save for what might have otherwise been an unexpected expense.

* Identifies any minor defects that should be repaired or replaced before closing. It's a good idea to attend the home inspection. Bring your own home inspection checklist and ask questions as you walk through the house with the home inspector. You'll learn about the location of shut-off valves and utilities as well as tips for general house operation, setting you up to be proactive in your approach to maintaining your new home. Finally, your home inspection can help your closing go more smoothly and quickly. Resolving repairs and replacements early can keep your closing on schedule and decrease the number of contingencies in the purchase agreement, making closing easier. Benefits of a Home Inspection Sheet for Sellers If you're a seller, it's an excellent idea to get your home inspected before listing it. Traditionally, the inspection process has been one-sided in favor of the buyer. Getting your own inspection helps ensure that you are fairly represented. A home inspection also prepares you for any problems that the buyer's inspection will reveal, giving you the chance to make any repairs, avoiding hassles when negotiating your sale. A home inspection can also help in the event you choose not to make a significant repair identified in your home inspection sheet. Research shows that buyers negotiate $2 for every $1 worth of repairs found during a home inspection. For instance, if your foundation needs significant repairs at a cost of $1,000 buyers will negotiate to have $2,000 deducted from the sale price. While you can still walk away, you may choose not to because your closing date is imminent and you've lost valuable market time. Again, having your home inspected ahead of time gives you power when negotiating the price.

Your home inspection can also help your closing go more smoothly and quickly. Early home inspection eliminates last minute repairs that could delay your closing and decreases the number of contingencies in the purchase agreement, making closing easier. Finally, as state legislation and court decisions increasingly call for full disclosure of all defects to the buyer, a professional inspection shows that you are operating in good faith from the outset. Home Inspection: List It as a "Must Have" Whether Buying or Selling A quality home inspection sheet provides you with a solid foundation. As a buyer, you'll have a thorough understanding of your new home's systems and components before you buy, as well as home maintenance information to help you protect your investment. As a seller, you'll be equipped to make repairs before you list your home, position yourself for price negotiations, and give yourself a competitive advantage over other sellers on the market by offering full disclosure and peace of mind to buyers.

Gain Link Exposure

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:14:14 -0500

Join our link exchange page and add your site!

About Link-Building

Google places high emphasis on the number and quality of links pointing to your website. Each link to your site is considered a "vote of confidence" and the more you have, the higher you will be positioned in the search results. Google has its own metric called PageRank, which measures the importance of a website based on its number of incoming links. In general, websites with higher PageRank tend to rank better in Google's search results.

PageRank is measured on a scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest and 0 being usually assigned to new sites and. The "older" your websites gets and the more incoming links it acquires, the more your PageRank will increase. While moving from a PageRank of 0 to 1 is not very difficult, the higher your PageRank gets, the harder it becomes to move to the next level. In order to check your website's PageRank, you can install the Google Toolbar, which works with Internet Explorer.

So in order to be competitive in Google (and the search engines, too), you will have to embark on a link-building campaign, where you actively pursue quality links from other websites. Granted, link-building done right is a slow and tedious process - but the effort is worth it, because, in addition to improving your search engine positioning, quality incoming links can also bring in more visitors to your site, which translates into better business.

The most valuable links to your site are one-way links, preferrably from websites with a PageRank higher or equal to yours. Here are two effective approaches for building quality one-way links:

Get listed in online directories. There are lots of either industry-related or general directories that will list your site along with a link, either for free or for a flat-rate fee. The two directories that Google values most are the Open Directory (free) and Yahoo Directory ($299/year). To find more directories, you can do a Google search for terms like "construction directory" or "concrete directory."
Create and distribute valuable content. You can start by creating an interesting, well-written article. If you already have quality content on your website (see section 2), you can just select a portion of it and distribute it as an article, or, again you can hire a professional to write an article for you. Then you have to search for sites to submit your article to - usually, if they publish your article, they will also add a link to your site. There are many sites dedicated to posting all kinds of articles - just like ActiveRain!Remember that if you do a link-building campaign, you will encounter a lot of websites, which, for one reason or another, will not want to link to you. Relax, it's normal to get a low response rate. You need to stay focused and regard link-building as an ongoing effort, not a one-time project.

If you have just launched your website, it will take a few months until Google will notice and credit your efforts. However, when your website starts appearing in the search engine results and your traffic numbers start increasing, you'll know it's been worthwhile! Don't forget to link to us!