Russel's blog

You people are going to put me out of business!

Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:10:35 -0600

Is it the economic climate? The real estate climate? Has anyone else noticed that Seller disclosure statements seem to be getting more useful?

Back in the olden days, every time I saw a Seller's Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS), it was like the Sellers had chosen to speak no evil, see no evil, and hear no evil about the home they were trying to sell.

Back in the olden days, I didn't know if the Sellers were even reading the TDS questions:

Are the fences in good condition? Yes (as they watched the fence fall down the hillside)
Are there any plumbing leaks? No (as they stood in ankle deep water from the dishwasher leak -- the dishwasher is an appliance, not plumbing!)
Do all the appliances work? Yes (the dishwasher had finished its cycle and all the water had flowed nicely over to the dining room and soaked into the carpet)
Do all the lights work? Yes (we are talking about electric lights, not your candles)
Do you have a fireplace? Yes (the bonfire in back doesn't count)
Is your fireplace gas, propane, or wood? Gas (as they throw another log on the fireplace -- see that gas valve right there that doesn't work?)
Are there any roof leaks? No (at least, not since the last time it rained a year ago)
Do all the windows open and close, and latch and lock? Yes (just peel these two pieces of duct tape back to take these plastic panels out....)
Are there any easements? Yes (go out the back gate, take the dirt trail over to John's -- he's the neighbor right there -- and his back gate is always open so you can ease right in and use his swimming pool any time)
What's your average monthly electric bill? Just $10 (because we're stealing electricity from the electric company and from the two houses next door since they are vacant)

Last week I had things like:

Are there any plumbing leaks? No, but we had a leak at the disposal in the kitchen last week. Paul McCartney at Beatles Plumbing fixed it on Tuesday, November 10. Charged us $109.79. Receipt and 90-day warranty attached.
Are there any roof leaks? No, but John Lennon at Ono Roofing said we need a cricket at the chimney and quoted us $550 to install one. Statement from Ono Roofing attached.

I don't know what it is -- Sellers really wanting to sell? Realtors doing a better job of counseling their Sellers on what it takes to sell? Whatever. All I know is that....

You people are going to put me out of business if you keep it up, so stop it! Now!

♫♫☼☼♪♪☼☼♫♫

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Thank you!
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The ActiveRain Nature Station: Let's hear it for the seals!

Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:51:56 -0600

Are you serious? Can it really be over?

The seals got their day(s) in court, and apparently they have won.

Let's hear it for the seals!

No, I'm not talking about the famous Navy Seals. I'm talking about those little critters that live in the ocean and often drag themselves out to lay their big, blubbery bodies on the La Jolla sand and enjoy the San Diego sunshine.

Many, many decades ago, a philanthropic lady by the name of Ellen Browning Scripps owned that little area of beach. She had a huge wall built to create a swimming area protected from the huge waves that crash along the rocky La Jolla coast.

Back in the mid-1990s, some seals doing a little exploring found the sand and thought it an ideal spot to set up their rookery. They went back and told the other seals, and within the decade, about 200 seals made La Jolla Cove their home.

They play, they sun themselves, they even have babies right there on the sand.

Unfortunately for the seals, and the City of San Diego, when Ellen Browning Scripps left the beach to the City and State, she instructed that it be maintained as a beach for children.

Ah, what to do, what to do? Scare the seals away? Take the children to another beach? Let them coexist in La Jolla?

Seals are a federally protected species, so scaring them away wasn't an option. Some La Jolla residents didn't want to have to leave La Jolla, which is a ultrarich enclave within the San Diego city limits, to take their children to those lower-class beaches just blocks farther away. Can't have the wealthy mixing with the poor -- and half-naked at that! -- right there on the beach.

Coexistence wasn't possible because seal waste products pollute the water and sand, making it not a very good swimming area for little children, or adults for that matter.

Ah, what to do, what to do? Well, since this is America, the land of the lawsuit.....

Sue the city! Sue the state! Sue the animal rights activists! Sue the rich La Jollans!

And that's what happened. Everyone sued everyone else.

In 2005, a California Superior Court judge ruled that the City had to restore Children's Pool beach as a swimming area for people.

That, of course, sent the animal rights activists to a higher power. Eventually, they got some legislators to sponsor legislation -- which passed and was signed by the Governator -- allowing the City to decide what to do with Children's Pool beach, and since the city has a $2 billion pension fund deficit and a $200 million budget deficit, they are happy just to leave the seals alone.

Yesterday, that Superior Court judge vacated his original decision saying that the new law includes an option for the seal colony to remain Yahoo! Let's hear it for the seals!

The seal rookery in La Jolla has become an international tourist attraction which the City has yet to capitalize on.

I for one would much rather watch Mother and Father Nature's seals frolicking in the water than a bunch of rowdy children. I can watch rowdy children anywhere in the world, but seal rookeries are few and far between, with the next closest one being about 400 miles away up.

Congratulations, seals! And welcome to La Jolla and San Diego.

♫♫☼☼♪♪☼☼♫♫

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"Thank you!"

Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:46:23 -0600

A first happened for me yesterday as I had the privilege of inspecting a house built in 1945 "across the tracks."

Previously, it had never failed that when I am across the tracks, the homes have a lot of damage, deferred maintenance, and neglect.

On the property yesterday, it was obvious from the MLS pictures that it had been renovated. "Uh-oh," I said to Zoey the Cool Cat. "I bet they didn't do anything about the foundation."

Not only was it one of the best renovations I've ever seen -- new roof covering, new attic with insulation -- better repeat that one: new attic with insulation -- beautifully renovated interior, huge laundry room addition, new copper plumbing, new ABS plastic sewer pipes, and, get this, a brand new foundation all the way around. Better repeat that, too: a brand new foundation all the way around.

In looking at the public records and appliances, it would appear that renovation was started ca. 1996 and completed ca. 2006.

So I just wanted to say "Thank you!" to all the home owners, investors, flippers, renovators, plumbers, electricians, roofing contractors, chimney sweeps, foundation professionals, heating and cooling professionals, landscapers, and anyone and everyone who works in, and on, real estate, providing that you are one of the conscientious ones who takes pride in your work and does the best you can with no excuses.

I also wanted to say "Thank you!" to all the Realtors who help people buy and sell real estate, completely renovated, falling down, and everything in between.

♫♫☼☼♪♪☼☼♫♫

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Are you sure your house is safe? Find out here.
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Want a docent for your San Diego Convention visit?

Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:53:06 -0600

If you need your own personal docent to the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal park, I will be available Saturday afternoon, all day Sunday, and all day Monday.

I also have some free passes to the Zoo and Wild Animal park available on a first-come, first-served basis.

I'm trying not to interfere with the Convention seminars, but I will be going to the myself Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. If you'd like to join me, call me at 619-341-0173 or send me an email at russelraypc@aol.com. Remember that I answer my phones 24/7, so feel free to call anytime.

Jim and I both are available for evening meals or a tour of San Diego, and we'll be going to On The Border Sunday evening for our regular weekly margaritas and Mexican food. If you'd like to join us, let me know at the number or email address above.

If you need ideas on things to do, places to go, people to see, remember to visit the ActiveRain Convention Station.

♫♫☼☼♪♪☼☼♫♫

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San Diego home inspection FAQs: Could you explain your different services and prices?
The ActiveRain Nature Station: Hyraceum, anyone?
San Diego home inspection FAQs: After the home inspection is done, what's the best way to get repairs done?
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Please help welcome my 98th Invitee to ActiveRain - Featured
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Are you sure your house is safe? Find out here.

Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:20:23 -0600

With Halloween behind us but Thanksgiving and Christmas knocking on our doors, it's time for a reminder about recalled products, safety, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Be the most knowledgeable Realtor, home inspector, mortgage lender, etc., in your service area and impress your family, friends, and business associates by knowing about recalls and safety concerns before they hear it on the news. I'll teach you how.

For those who are not familiar with the CPSC, they are the ones charged with protecting the public from lead paint, hazardous toys, unsafe appliances, and the like.

There are literally thousands of recalls and safety concerns that have been released since the Consumer Product Safety Commission began operating in 1973, and they all are listed.

Remember that not every recall makes the news or your local paper. But you'll think it is pretty substantial when you or a loved one suffers property damage, personal injury, or death.

Following is a detailed tutorial on how you can check on recalled products for your home and then sign up for the CPSC notices of recalled products. You can get notices before your neighbors hear about them on the nightly news.

First, make a list of your appliances: refrigerator, dishwasher, water heater, range, washer, dryer, etc. Then write down the manufacturer name, the model number, and the serial number. You should already have it for insurance purposes, but if you don't, well, we're getting two things done at once. We're multitasking!

Remember, though, that the very nature of numbers and letters means that numbers or letters might not have been read correctly. For example, the letter “O” and the number “0” can look the same, as can the letter “l” and the number “1.” Also remember to record spaces and dashes and any preprinted letters and numbers. It is possible to conduct research with only partial information, such as the manufacturer’s name and the type of appliance, but further evaluation might be required by a manufacturer’s representative or other specialist familiar with the equipment involved.

Now just follow the steps below.

Connect your Internet browser to the CPSC web site: http://www.cpsc.gov and then click on “Recalls and Product Safety News.”
Up pops a new window, “Recalls and Product Safety News,” where you can find recent recalls or recalls by month and year, product type, company, product description, or product category, such as toys, household products, outdoor products, etc. Product type, for example, will show you all the dishwashers.
Let’s do it. Click on “Product Type.”
Up pops a screen “Find Recalled Products by Product Type.” Over at the right you’ll see “Optional.”
Let’s do a search on Kenmore dishwashers since I know there was a recall issued on February 25, 2005. In the “Optional” box, type the first three letters of dishwasher, “dis,” and click on “Simplify search.”
The left side of the window is refreshed to show you all the product types that include the three letters “dis.” There are six categories shown. Click on “Dishwashers” and then click on “Find.”
Up pops a window “Results of Your Search.” You should see thirteen lines (as of 11/11/09); the eleventh line is Kenmore (yellow arrow). However, look at the date of the recall: February 15, 1993. Remember in Step #5 that I told you I knew there was a Kenmore recall on February 25, 2005? This is why I don’t use the “Product Type” category. In using the “Product Type” category, you will have to read all twelve of those dishwasher recall documents to make sure you haven’t missed any Kenmore recalls. Kenmore currently is manufactured by Whirlpool corporation, so the fifth line (as of 11/11/09), “Whirlpool Corporation Recall of Dishwashers (February 25, 2005; Revised April 8, 2005)” is the one we want (blue arrow).
Click on that line, and a new screen pops up, “NEWS from CPSC.” Scroll down and you’ll see that Whirlpool and Kenmore brands are involved. So you can see that if you just rely on headlines, your search could be faulty. Same thing with your local newspaper headlines. It’s important that you know that brand names are not necessarily manufacturer names.
Let me show you a better way that will give you all the information you need even if you don't know the manufactured. Click on your browser’s “back” button once and then click on "Conduct a New Search."
Now click on "Back to Recalls Page" at the bottom of your screen.
Now click on “Find Recalls by:” “Company.”
Up pops the “Find Recalled Products by Company” page; looks very similar to the screen shot in Step 6.
Under “Optional”, type the first three letters of Kenmore, “ken,” click on “Simplify Search.”
The screen is refreshed to show you all the companies that include the three letters “ken” in their names.
Click on “Kenmore” and then click on “FIND”.
The screen is refreshed to show “Results of Your Search.” You should see 30 lines (as of 11/11/09) of products that Kenmore has recalled. Note that the headlines show “Kenmore” in only eight of them yet you know that all 30 have the word “Kenmore” somewhere in the text of the recall notice. Therefore, just look for the ones that have “dishwasher” in the headline since you know that our search on “Kenmore,” coupled with “dishwasher” gives you what you want.
The list is in reverse chronological order, and you'll see that there are only four dishwasher headlines: May 16, 2007; February 25, 2005; May 29, 1996; and February 15, 1993. Now you can check your dishwasher's model and serial numbers to see if it was involved in one of the recalls.
Now, to complete our task, let’s go back to the CPSC home page. Click on your browser's "back" button once and then click on "Conduct a New Search," just like in Step 9. Then click on "Back to Recalls Page" like we did in Step 10.
Now click on “Join our recall notification list.”
Type your email address in the box.
There are many subscription choices, including subscribing to recalls involving only selected products, e.g., infant/child products, sports and recreation products, outdoor products, household products, and specialty products. I recommend subscribing to “All CPSC press releases, including recalls (list name: releases),” which is the second choice (red arrow). Click on the radio button (yellow arrow) and then click on subscribe (green arrow).

By subscribing to all press releases, you’ll get not only recall notices but great safety information, too. You'll never miss anything, regardless of how insignificant it might seem and regardless of whether or not the recall makes the evening news or the pages of your local newspaper.
As long as your email address is active, you’ll never miss a recall or safety concern notice, and the nice thing is that the CPSC encourages you to spread their recall notices and safety information far and wide, so you can use them to keep in touch with your prospects and clients, and even use them in your marketing campaigns. What coule be better than FREE marketing materials?
Lastly, go back and check on your own appliances from that list you made at the very beginning.

If you have any questions about anything, feel free to contact me.

Please feel free to re-blog this to give it as wide a distribution as possible and help save lives and property.

♫♫☼☼♪♪☼☼♫♫

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Anyone need something to read and review from one of our own?
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The ActiveRain Nature Station: Do you have any puggles?

Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:31:53 -0600

Remember that old saying, "If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck"?

Well, I'm here to tell you that it ain't necessarily so.

Last week while I was in the Children's Zoo over at the San Diego Zoo, I found a porcupine.

I've only seen one porcupine before, and that was in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park back in the Summer of 1973. Nonetheless, I'm pretty sure I know what a porcupine looks like:

Doesn't that look like a porcupine? Look at those quills! If it looks like a porcupine....

Unfortunately, that's not a porcupine. Huh? What?

Nope. That's a short-beaked echidna.

A what?

A short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus).

Well, okay, but I'm sure it's just a different species of porcupine, right?

Nope. Not even closely related to porcupines. In fact, they are the only living relative of the platypus. If you don't remember what a platypus looks like, well, here's a picture from Wikipedia:

Do they look anything alike? Ah, let's hear it for modern genetic testing.

Here are some other interesting facts about echidnas:

Also known as spiny anteaters, but they are not related to anteaters either.
Along with the platypus, echidnas are monotremes, meaning that they lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young.
Native to New Guinea and Australia. Why does Australia have so many cool animals?
Echidnas are short and squat, yet powerful diggers with large claws to dig into the soil and rotting trees to find termites, ants, insects, and larvae.
Echidnas have long, sticky tongues. Hmmmmm. Relatives of Gene Simmons?
WARNING: SEXUAL MATERIAL—Monotremes have no nipples, but they do have milk patches on their skin.
WARNING: SEXUAL MATERIAL—Male echidnas have a four-headed penis with only two heads used during mating. The other two heads "shut down" and do not grow in size. The heads used are swapped each time the mammal copulates. Hmmmmm. Maybe TMI for this early in the morning. ☺☺☺
The young echidna is called a puggle. Who comes up with these names?

♫♫☼☼♪♪☼☼♫♫

Twenty most recent posts

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The ActiveRain Nature Station: Are you a scapegoat?
San Diego home inspection FAQs: Could you explain your different services and prices?
The ActiveRain Nature Station: Hyraceum, anyone?
San Diego home inspection FAQs: After the home inspection is done, what's the best way to get repairs done?
The ActiveRain Nature Station: Nature's accupuncturist
Please help welcome my 98th Invitee to ActiveRain - Featured
My memories of Fort Hood
Why didn't you inspect the refrigerator?
The ActiveRain Nature Station: Finding your oasis
Have you programmed your ActiveRain TV stations?
The ActiveRain Nature Channel: The Jumping Cholla
Turning a competitor's bad home inspection into an education
The ActiveRain Nature Channel: The Joshua Tree
It must be lottery time!
Speechless Sunday: Somewhere in a National Park
It's a "Hunt for Red October." But where's Sean?
Mornings with Mother and Father Nature: Have you visited your Grandparents recently?
Good things happen when you are persistent and consistent
Anyone need something to read and review from one of our own?

My Favorite ActiveRain TV Stations

The ActiveRain Nature Station: Are you a scapegoat?

Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:14:14 -0600

There are a lot of misnomers in the world, like "Happy Republican" for instance.

One of the more recent misnomers I found was the "Children's Zoo" section of the San Diego Zoo.

I have no idea why they call it the Children's Zoo because it is anything but a Children's Zoo. The only specific child activity in it is the petting zoo, but I think I saw more adults petting the animals than I did children, so that doesn't really work either.

There are a couple of miniature horses for petting, but they were taking a break, so the children adults were petting the goats, except for this one brave child:

Here are five more pictures of the goats that were being neglected by the children, and as soon as the parents moved away, I got my picture:

Goats (Capra sp.) are among the world's oldest domesticated animals. There are over three hundred distinct breeds, and they are closely related to sheep.

Other interesting things about goats:

Female goats are referred to as does or nannies, intact males as bucks or billies; their offspring are kids. Castrated males are wethers. Goat meat from younger animals is called kid or cabrito, and from older animals is sometimes called chevon or mutton.
Their milk, meat, hair, skin, and bones have been used in many cultures throughout the world for thousands of years—wine bottles, parchment, tools, building materials.
Goat dung is used in many cultures as fuel.
Only in the 20th Century did they become personal pets.
Genetic analysis supports archealogical evidence that the goat originated in Turkey. It's amazing how DNA analysis can now trace the origin of species, giving great weight to evolution.
Both males and females have beards, but beards are not present in all goat species.
Does come into heat every three weeks. Hmmm. I had no idea that they had weeks on their calendars. It takes 150 days to push that baby out, though.
Contrary to popular opinion, goats will not eat anything. They are inquisitive by nature, though, so sometimes it appears that they are eating something that they are only exploring.
Goats are also very intelligent, and are known for finding ways out of their pens, including climbing on, through, under, and over fences.
Goats live up to 18 years, although the oldest goat lived to be 24.
Most "cat gut" is actually goat intestines. "Cat gut" is used as strings for musical instruments and for surgical sutures.
The Greek god Pan had the horns and lower body of a goat.
Goats are mentioned many times in the Bible and are consider "clean" under Jewish dietary laws.
Christianity has associated Satan with the imagery of goats. Poor goats.
On Yom Kippur, the festival of the Day of Atonement, two goats were chosen and lots were drawn for them. One was sacrificed and the other allowed to escape into the wilderness, symbolically carrying with it the sins of the community. There's your "scapegoat."

♫♫☼☼♪♪☼☼♫♫

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The ActiveRain Nature Channel: The Joshua Tree
It must be lottery time!
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Important Recall - Samsung Over-The-Range Microwave by Ceil Winters

Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:26:27 -0600

I had not gotten around to posting this recall, so I thought I'd just re-blog my good friends Carl and Ceil Winters over there in Central Texas.

I disable comments on reblogs to my blog, so if you'd like to thank Carl and Ceil Winters, click here to open a new window to the original post in their blog.

Via Carl & Ceil Winters Texas Hill Country Home Inspector (Complete Inspection Service, New Braunfels, Texas 78133):

                                                                    IMPORTANT RECALL

                                                       SAMSUNG OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE

Go here for additional information: To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10031.html

                                                                  NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2009
Release # 10-031

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 402-6974
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

                                      SamsungT Over-the-Range Microwaves Recalled Due to Shock Hazard

Please feel free to pass this on if you know someolne that may have this product

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Samsung Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens

                                                             Units: About 43,000

Importer: Samsung Electronics America Inc., of Ridgefield Park, N.J.

Hazard: If an installation bolt comes in contact with an electrical component inside the unit and the microwave is plugged into an ungrounded outlet, it could create a shock hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves Samsung 1000 watt over-the-range microwave ovens. The following model and serial numbers are included in this recall:

Affected production lots / Affected Serial Number Range (From serial number To serial number)

All SMH9151x produced from January through May 2009: / xxxxxxxS1xxxxxx to xxxxxxxS5xxxxxx

Some products produced in June were also affected:
SMH9151B / xxxxxxOS600001 to xxxxxxOS600100 and xxxxxxTS600001 to xxxxxxTS601100
SMH9151S / xxxxxxTS600001 to xxxxxxTS601386
SMH9151ST / xxxxxxTS600001 to xxxxxxTS600330
SMH9151STE / xxxxxxTS600001 to xxxxxxTS600330
SMH9151W / xxxxxxOS600001 to xxxxxxOS600200 and xxxxxxTS600001 to xxxxxxTS602055

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from January 2009 through July 2009 for between $180 and $200.

Manufactured in: Malaysia

Remedy: Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the recalled product, and contact Samsung to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Samsung toll-free at (888) 402-6974 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET 7 days a week, or visit the firm's Web site at www.samsung.com/otrrecall

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10031.html

Blog Information for Localism New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, Bexar Counties November 6, 2009

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Carl Winters, Advanced Inspector, #3630.Certified by Texas Real Estate Commission

Carl's Blogs: localism.com/neighbor/realestateinspector www.home-inspection4u.com



                Since 1994      *        Your Home Inspection Specialist       *       Serving the Texas Hill Country

                                        Complete Inspection Service

San Diego home inspection FAQs: Could you explain your different services and prices?

Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:54:12 -0600

I get a lot of activity on my web site and on my phone from my blogging activities here at ActiveRain.

Usually they find me at ActiveRain, go from here to my web site, and then call me.

Along with "How much would it cost for....?" one of the other questions I regularly get is, "Could you explain your different services and prices?"

The answer begins with, "Yes. First, I'm not your average home inspector." In fact, I'm not even a super duper inspector. I will admit that I'm a little weird (a little?).

My answer continues: I realize that one size home inspection does not fit all people in all circumstances at all times for the same price. For example, what one person needs in a pre-listing inspection is not nearly adequate for what another person needs when buying a house. Even when buying a house, one's needs, wants, and goals could be entirely different.

Let's look at the Seller getting a pre-listing inspection. Let's say that the Seller has lived in the home for 12 years. A home inspection in most states, and by the definition of the trade associations, means that the home inspector has to describe the property. Some are simply descriptions:

The property includes a wood-framed structure with stucco siding, dual-pane windows and doors, a composition roof, and a raised foundation. There is a living room, family room, dining room, kitchen, three bathrooms, four bedrooms, a laundry room, and a two-car garage.

Does anyone really think that the Seller cares? Yet the more work I have to do on the property, and compiling a report afterwards, the more I'm going to charge you.

Fortunately, all states and trade associations allow home inspectors to agree contractually with their Clients about what is to be done, what is included, and what is excluded.

Let's look at someone buying a brand new, never-been-lived-in home. That person probably wants to know about the small hole in the screen window, or the scratch on the drawer in the bathroom. In the overall scheme of things, those are not significant, but when one is buying a brand new, never-been-lived-in home, well, one wants it to be undamaged so that one can cause the damage oneself, and have the memories related to the damage.

If a property renovator is buying the property, he probably doesn't care that all of the appliances are from the mid-1970s because he's going to gut and renovate the property and install brand new modern appliances.

Many sports stars who spend so much time on the road hire me to not only do a home inspection, but to inspect the repairs once they are done, to attend the final walk through to make sure that no move-out damage has occurred, and to meet them at their new home when they get back from the sports team's road trip to introduce them to their property.

Obviously, I'm willing to do whatever my Clients want, but my time is all that I have to sell, so if what you want requires more of my time, then I charge more.

If you have any questions about which of my various services is right for you, contact me. I like to make money, of course, but not needlessly. I'll help you understand the home inspection, get you what you need to meet your needs, wants, and goals, and save you as much money as I can at the same time.

I'd rather you be happy both in the short term and the long term so that I can have you as a satisfied Client, one who is likely to refer my services to others.

♫♫☼☼♪♪☼☼♫♫

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Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:15:17 -0600

Have no fear loyal readers.

Even though I took some time off to celebrate my first anniversary....

and some time to actually do quite a few home inspections and reports....

and some time to visit a couple of past Clients....

and some time to take care of a sick Zoey the Cool Cat....

and some time to watch the San Diego Chargers beat the New York Giants...

and some time to Play in the Rain.....

I have been going to the San Diego Zoo regularly for a nice, leisurely walk, and to take lots of pictures to share.

Today we'll look at the rock hyrax (Procavia capensis).

The rock hyrax is the only living Procavia species, and is native to Africa and the Middle East, living in large colonies of up to 80 individuals in rocky outcroppings. Just like meerkats, to which they are not related, they also use sentries to warn the group about nearby predators.

They get up to two feet long and weigh up to nine pounds. They have a small pair of tusk-like incisors, similar to the elephant, to which they are distantly related.

Other interesting facts about the rock hyrax:

Not endangered, and even considered a minor pest in Ethiopia, Israel, and Jordan.
Fur color varies widely with their environment, dark brown in wet environments and light brown in desert environments.
Individual size has a direct correlation to rainfall and food availability.
Hyraxes are herbivores and are not shy about entering residential gardens to feed on tree leaves.
Rock hyraxes are very noisy and sociable, with 21 different vocal signals, called songs, being documented.
Mentioned in the Bible (depending on which version of the Bible you have, and inquiring minds want to know why we have different versions of the Bible) in Leviticus 11:5 as the "rock badger."
Spends up to 95% of its time resting. Hmmm. More than Zoey the Cool Cat?
They have incomplete body temperature regulation, so they are often seen sunning themselves on rocky outcroppings.
Rock hyraxes produce large quantities of hyraceum, which is a sticky mass of dung and urine, that has been used in the treatment of several medical disorders, including epilepsy and convulsions.

♫♫☼☼♪♪☼☼♫♫

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Christmas Cards for Noah Biorkman

Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:53:06 -0600

I want to thank Jim and Maria Hart over in Charleston, South Carolina, for bringing this to my attention, and I hope reblogging it brings it to the attention of many others.

Comments on this reblog have been disabled, so click here to visit Jim and Maria and let them know that you sent a Christmas card, too. Let's spread the Christmas cheer!

Via Jim & Maria Hart ~ Charleston, SC Real Estate (AgentOwned Realty):

Riding home from the office today I heard about this brave young man who has been battling cancer for over 2 years. The doctors feel that he may not make it to celebrate Christmas, so Noah's family is going to celebrate early this year. Noah's last wish is to collect as many Christmas cards as he can. I check with snopes.com to verify the story and it is true. Here is a photo of Noah and his address. I know that I will have my card in the mail tomorrow. Please pass this on to everyone that you know and lets all make something special happen for Noah.

Christmas will come early for a five year old Michigan boy this year. Noah Biorkman is battling cancer and is not expected to live much longer. Noah is in the last stages of a 2 1/2 year battle with Neuroblastoma cancer.

Mrs. Biorkman is asking for Christmas cards for her son. If you would like to take time to send a card or letter, send it to:

Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain View Circle
South Lyon Michigan, 48178.

After the home inspection is done, what's the best way to get repairs done?

Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:34:50 -0600

I will often get a phone call the day after the inspection asking me, "What is the best way to get repairs done?"

Some Clients have already talked to their Realtors about getting repairs done, so the question is a little longer: "What is the best way to get repairs done, have the Sellers do them or take a Seller credit or lower price and have them done myself?"

The answer to the question depends on several factors.

If there is a lot of damage or deferred maintenance, or items that make the home generally unsafe, you should certainly have repairs done before you move in. The caveat there is that I believe you should also have them done before close of escrow while someone else still owns the property. The reason why is because occasionally accidents happen causing additional damage to the property. The worst case I'm familiar with is when a house exploded and burned down while it was being tented for termites.

Repairs can also uncover additional damage that was not visible at the time of the inspection.

If the home is safe to live in, and you, or someone in your family or circle of friends, have the necessary skills to do the work, then you could consider having the repairs done yourself. However, when you do this, you should add at least 25% to your repair budget for additional damage that might be uncovered.

Another thing to consider is that the Seller will usually -- not always, but usually -- choose the least expensive route to do the repairs, and they might not be up to the quality that you would do if you had them done yourself.

Yet one more think to factor in is the inconvenience that might be required to have repairs done. If you need to move in and start living, have the repairs done before you close escrow. If you don't mind not being able to use one of the bathrooms for a couple of days, then you can have repairs done after you move in.

If you and the Seller cannot agree on how to have repairs done, get those three estimates that I talked about in a previous post and take the money for the middle estimate. Then hire the people you want to do the work, perhaps even putting in a little money of your own to get the higher quality than what the Sellers might do. Whether you do it before or after you close escrow, though, still must be determined.

In all circumstances, though, I suggest that you and the Seller agree on who will make the repairs, and never, ever fail to get the receipts and any warranty papers for the work that was done.

♫♫☼☼♪♪☼☼♫♫

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Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:36:06 -0600

When I came to San Diego back in 1993, one of the first bushes I ran into was the bougainvillea, and I use the phrase "ran into" literally. Those who are familiar with the bougainvillea know that I looked like a pincushion from all the thorn pricks in my body with little red globs of blood marking the points of entry. Ah, so that's accupuncture!

Nothwithstanding my first encounter with the mighty bougainvillea, it is a plant that I have come to love, for several reasons:

It doesn't like to be watered, saving on my water bill.
It doesn't like to be fertilized, saving on my fertilizer bill.
It doesn't like to be pruned, saving me time.
It blooms 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, except during one day in the Fall where it blooms for 25 hours, and one day in the Spring where it blooms only 23 hours that day. Ooops, and whenever we elect a new President, it likes to add an extra day to its year and give me 366 days of blossoms.

Plant geneticists have now come up with more colors other than the standard red and purple, including one variety where the flower bracts begin as bright golden/orange and then fade to a pink color as the bracts age (picture below). There is also a variety where the bracts begin as dark pink and fade to light pink and finally white as the bracts age.

The bougainvillea is a very versatile plant, so you can train it to be a trellis vine, a standard (looks like a tree), a ground cover, a potted plant, a fence, an arbor.... Limited only by your imagination.

Those same plant geneticists have also developed dwarf varieties, thornless varieties, and some with variegated leaves, all of which can make great additions to pots sitting around your pool and spa, requiring no attention from you to make them bloom profusely.

The only significant problem with the bougainvillea is that it is very easy to lose this plant when it's transplanted. It absolutely despises having its roots disturbed, so if you bring one home from the nursery to plant, keep that root ball intact. It's even okay to simply cut out the bottom of the plastic container, then cut a slit up the side, then put the whole container in the ground so as to disturb the roots as little as possible.

If you accidentally break the root ball apart, go ahead and plant it, give it one good watering to soak all the soil around it, and then sit back and hope for the best. Occasionally break a small branch tip to see if it's still green. Even if it loses all its leaves and looks dead, don't give up on it until every branch is brown and dry. You might get a pleasant surprise, and if it does recover, it will grow very fast.

In other words, all the bougainvillea wants is for you to sit back, ignore it, and watch it do its thing. So for you this Sunday morning, following are some of my favorite bougainvillea pictures from out and about in San Diego. If the slide show here doesn't work on your computer, click on "View All Images" to watch it at slide.com.

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Please help welcome my 98th Invitee to ActiveRain

Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:56:31 -0600

Please help me welcome my 98th Invitee to the ActiveRain Community: Eldon Hendrix.

Eldon owns Hendrix and Sons Home Inspections out of Holiday, Florida, just 2,392.79 miles east of me.

That means that he:

is not a competitor of mine
is no threat to my livelihood
will cost him a lot of money to come see me if I say bad things about him
is another one of my long-distance friends here at ActiveRain

Eldon is a fellow member of the world's largest -- and best -- association for home inspectors -- THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED HOME INSPECTORS -- with over 9,000 members.

I'm quite confident that not only does he do a great job providing his Clients with a thorough home inspection, but he'll make a great addition to our ActiveRain community.

Eldon has entered a few short blog posts, so go check him out, tell him hello, and tell him Russel Ray sent you his way.

Eldon also has chosen initially not to be a RAINMAKER, so the great information he will be entering in his blog will be lost to his prospective Clients. Encourage him to become one of us and take advantage of the Google juice that ActiveRain provides.

Our ActiveRain community will be better for all if we can make newbies feel welcome and get them significantly involved in our community.

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My memories of Fort Hood

Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:27:52 -0600

I was just 13, and still very much a juvenile delinquent.

It was the Summer of 1968.

Not as good as 1967, the Summer of Love, but what could be?

Hemisfair in San Antonio.

A 2,000-mile drive from Kingsville, Texas, to Huntington Beach, California, to visit my oldest uncle and his family. I was with my wise old grandmother and one of her lady friends, who did the driving.

When we got home to Kingsville four weeks later, there was a letter on the kitchen bar from my youngest uncle who had been living with us. The letter said very simply, "I have joined the Army. Doug."

That was it. No date. Nothing else. Just "I have joined the Army. Doug."

My wise old grandmother was upset because 1968 was the height of the Vietnam War. She couldn't sleep at night since she didn't know where her youngest son was. Had he already been sent to Vietnam? Would she never see him again? After several sleepless nights, she got a call from Doug. He was at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, but visitors weren't allowed until basic training graduation in late August.

Not the news she was hoping for, but better than hearing that he had already left the country, and she could at least call him weekly.

In late August, we got the official invitation to go to the basic training graduation review at Fort Hood. Oh, boy, was I excited. I was going to get to go to a real Army base. I knew I'd see lots of soldiers, lots of guns, tanks, the whole works.

That was back in 1968. Doug did ship out to Vietnam that September and spent two years there. He left as a Spec. 1 and came back two years later as a Spec. 5 with several medals, including a Purple Heart. I was awarded the honor of creating a wooden wall display case to display his medals.

Doug was fortunate that he came back from Vietnam -- so many didn't. Yesterday's tragic events at Fort Hood brought back many memories of Fort Hood -- touring the base, getting to see the barracks, climbing up into a tank on display, and so much more.

I haven't thought of Ford Hood for many years, but never would I have thought that years later 13 of our military heroes would not even get a chance to fight for our freedom, being killed in a cowardly way that only cowards can think of.

For those of you who pray, pray for not only the deceased and the wounded, and their families and friends, but pray for peace and tolerance in the World. We can do better than this.

My thoughts are with all.

Peace.

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Why didn't you inspect the refrigerator?

Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:29:19 -0600

As with everything in life, it's always best to shop around. That includes shopping for a home inspector to do your home inspection.

There are many trade associations for home inspectors, some national and some state. While all of the trade associations have similar Standards of Practice, not all trade associations have similar entrance requirements.

Most require only that you send them a check for the membership dues, and then you can fulfill their requirements for knowledge, experience, and number of fee-based inspections during the first 12 or 18 months of "membership."

Because of that, it's vitally important that you know exactly what a home inspection will cover in your state. I recently read a Realtor's post stating that "All kitchen appliances will be run through their cycle to make sure that they function properly. The refrigerator will be tested for temperature and seals. The range, microwave, disposer will all be run to make sure they know what to do."

While her post hopefully is specific to her area, in most states, "all kitchen appliances" WILL NOT be run through they cycles. In some states, all kitchen appliances are even specifically excluded.

To the best of my knowledge, personal property is always specifically excluded by the many Standards of Practice for the various home inspector trade associations, which means the refrigerator WILL NOT be tested for temperature and seals, nor will washers and dryers and countertop microwaves be operated, inspected, or tested.

Although I exclude refrigerators in my home inspections, I will specifically include them if they are built in, as many Sub-Zero refrigerators are, and as are many refrigerators in high-rise condominium towers.

If the washer and dryer convey, I will inspect, test, and operate them IF AND ONLY IF my Clients request it because they are still considered personal property, and rarely do they convey prior to the home inspection; rather, they become involved in negotiations after the home inspection.

Readers should ask the home inspectors they are considering using, in advance of the home inspection, what is included and what is excluded. Many home inspectors will include something that would otherwise be excluded for an additional fee to pay for the insurance they need to operate, test, and inspect those appliances.

Although I often do more than the minimum required by the Standards of Practice of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, to which I belong, I'm still limited by what my various insurance policies will cover, and I follow the advice of my attorneys (usually -- LOL).

Here is the current licensing situation in the States that have licensing for home inspectors.

Following are links to the Standards of Practice for the various national home inspector trade associations:

Following are links to the Standards of Practice for the various State home inspector trade assocations. If the SOP is not available, it typically means that it is available to members only or through another entity, such as the State.

California Real Estate Inspectors Association
Florida Association of Building Inspectors
Georgia Association of Home Inspectors (PDF file)
Kentucky Real Estate Inspectors Association
Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors (PDF file)
New Jersey Association of Licensed Professional Home Inspectors (SOP not available from web site)
Nevada Association of Certified Real Estate Inspectors (SOP not available from web site)
North Carolina Licensed Home Inspector Association (SOP not available from web site)
Southern Nevada Assocation of Professional Property Inspectors (SOP not available from web site)
Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors
Wisconsin Association of Home Inspectors

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Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:51:36 -0600

I'm pretty sure we all know what an oasis is.

For over forty years, I've been creating my own little oasis with my life and businesses, places where I feel safe and secure.

I do it by creating a five-year business plan, breaking that plan into years, months, weeks, days, and hours.

Then I work those hours and days persistently and consistently, which has always created an oasis that shelters me from any doom and gloom that surrounds me and over which I have no control.

Recently, I got to see first-hand what a real oasis is, and what I've been basing my life on.

Here is a picture of where I was, somewhat desolate looking, surely full of doom and gloom if one ventured off the beaten path:

Deep down in that forbidden-looking landscape, though, was a real oasis.

Enjoy the slide show, but if it doesn't work on your computer, simply click on "View All Images" to watch it at slide.com.

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