home inspections: Home Inspections - 08/20/07 09:24 PM
Homebuyers Want toKnow Your HomeInside And Out Here are some important Things You Need to Knowto Pass Your Home Inspection❶ Defective Plumbing.Defective plumbing can manifest itself intwo different ways: leaking, and clogging.A visual inspection can detect leaking, andan inspector will gauge water pressure byturning on all faucets in the highest bathroomand
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home inspections: Glass Safety at Home - 08/20/07 03:53 PM
My first day at junior high, I noticed some of the windows had what looked like chain link fence running through them. Others did not. I found out why one morning when one student pushed another through one of the non-reinforced windows during a fight. Later, that window was replaced with one with the wires
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home inspections: The Ebb & Flow Of Deals In Today's Market - 08/17/07 10:50 PM
Remember the days when deals went smoothly? The buyers would make an offer in the neighborhood of the asking price (sometimes even higher); the sellers would accept an offer and possibly have back-up offers just in case any problems arose. It seems that those days have come to a crashing halt
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home inspections: Jan. 29, 2007 - The Importance of Home Inspections--A new lesson learned - 08/17/07 10:28 AM
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home inspections: Jan. 27, 2007 - Stop! and step away from that New Homes Guide... - 08/17/07 10:27 AM
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home inspections: The Hawaii Home Inspection - 08/16/07 10:14 PM
Just went through my first Home Inspection last Monday with my fiancee. The unit is in the Colony at Peninsula in Hawaii Kai. and should be big enough for at least 1.5 children. The home inspector was very professional and presented his findings in detail. However the existing renters have successfully
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home inspections: What You Should Know About Thermostats - 08/14/07 04:04 PM
Where I am from, thermostats seem to be a normal part of the landscape of the home. Usually located in the hallway or other interior space, they are pretty much ignored unless you live in a house full of college students all used to living under different temperatures. In that case,
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home inspections: Dishwashers - 08/13/07 11:14 AM
I am sure you have read this in a home inspection report at one time or another: Dishwasher is missing high loop. As a home inspector, I see this condition in a lot of homes. This is probably one of the easiest conditions to correct when getting a home ready for an inspection.
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home inspections: An Unprofessional Experience, Shelton, CT - 08/13/07 07:38 AM
A home inspection I did the other day was like few I have ever experienced. The client was a young woman referred to me from a past client. She was extremely cautious and very apprehensive about buying a home. Because of this she asked a lot of good questions. Her agent
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home inspections: Why People Should Use a Realtor, an Inspectors View - 08/11/07 08:44 AM
Yes, that's right a home inspector writing on why people need to use real estate agents. In the last two months I have inspected several home that were FSBOs. Some of these inspections were nothing out of the ordinary, some were nightmares. The common denominator, no Realtors. Why is it when
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home inspections: Stained Glass Window, Meriden, CT - 08/08/07 02:20 PM
I found this stained glass window in an older home (1888) during a home inspection in Meriden, CT. It is a beautiful example of the craftsmanship of many older homes. This was one of two similar windows. I took this picture because the light was coming in the window just right and it looked
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home inspections: Importance of Home Inspections - 08/07/07 04:11 PM
It’s strongly recommended to have a home inspection completed whether you are selling or buying a home. Professional home inspectors who are licensed, bonded, and insured should perform the home inspection. The purpose of home inspections is primarily to safeguard the interests of the buyers as well as to expedite closure
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home inspections: Professional Home Inspections - A Good Idea - 08/06/07 08:01 PM
I always recommend that buyers have homes inspected prior to closing. Even newer homes may have problems. An inspection cannot offer a 100% guarantee that no problems exist, but they can help you "hedge your bets" and make you a better informed buyer. A professional inspection concerns the main systems of
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home inspections: Wallingford CT, Unsafe Electric Service Panel - 08/03/07 02:48 PM
During my inspection this morning I found this extremely unsafe main service panel. I have never seen a main service wire of this type. That of course would be because it is not the correct type of wire for this application. It appears to be a heavy duty cord used in
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home inspections: Don't Get Stuck with a Money Pit! - 08/03/07 08:08 AM
Whether you are considering buying a house or selling one, conducting a rundown of property items could make all the difference in the world. Although not all things will require costly repairs, some might, which is why it's important to be prepared. Before you head out to look at homes or
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home inspections: Energy Audits, a Small Investment for Big Savings - 08/02/07 10:56 AM
The Home Energy Tune-uPThere is a little known, nationally available energy efficiency inspection program that my company, JRV Home Inspection Services, provides called the Home Energy Tune-uP. This particular energy inspection is specifically designed for older homes. Unlike a HERS audit, which is best for new construction, a rating number is not
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home inspections: How much does a home inspection cost? How long will it take? - 07/30/07 02:30 PM
The time to properly inspect a home as well as the fee charged, varies according to size, age, type of foundation, and several other factors. However you can expect to spend two or three hours for an average three bedroom home. During the course of your home inspector, the inspector should
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home inspections: Home Warranties and Inspections - 07/29/07 05:23 PM
I have recently discovered away to resolve potential inspection problems. Inspector's will put the average life expectancy in their inspection report. I am not a fan of this I like inspection reports that the items are either FUNCTIONING or NON_FUNCTIONING. When it comes to inspection reports I do not like GREY areas
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home inspections: Twenty and Thirty-Somethings' Latest Accessory is Their Home - 07/28/07 10:26 PM
ASHI Reminds Young Homebuyers to Make Smart Decisions When Buying a House or Condo
Chicago, Ill. (July 26, 2007) – For young professionals in their 20s and 30s buying a house or condo is in vogue. In fact, a visit to a local watering hole during happy hour will confirm what
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home inspections: Kentucky Home Inspector goes to the Rodeo - 07/21/07 11:18 PM
Well, I returned safely from Chicago (3 days of writing & reviewing new questions for the National Home Inspector Exam) but needed a breath of fresh air and some entertainment. Driving down the road just north of Georgetown, I found my answer. The Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association was in town, sponsored
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home inspections: RE Agents/Conflict of interest - 07/20/07 09:04 PM
This is actually a copy of a recent response I made on a different thread. The original is a bit old and has gone through a bit of drift, so I am reposting it as it's own blog in order to give others an opportunity to read it. It has to do with the
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home inspections: Home Inspection 101, A Consumers Guide to Hiring a Qualified Home Inspector - 07/18/07 09:23 AM
The purpose of a home inspection is to inform the individual buyer of the current condition of the home. The purchase contract the buyer and seller signed is contingent on the home inspection. A buyer will generally have the option based upon the inspection to; opt out of the purchase, ask
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home inspections: Protecting Your Home with Carbon Monoxide Detectors - 07/17/07 10:53 AM
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced as a byproduct of combustion. Gas-fired appliances and heating equipment that has been properly vented outside is not a problem. However, if CO is allowed to come back into the home or other sealed space, it can quickly cause illness or death. A
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home inspections: Black Hills Home Inspectors - Well worth the money. - 07/17/07 02:18 AM
Why Use Home Inspection Companies? Especially for older homes, and even for a newer one, a home inspection is a valuable service to home buyers. Whether you live in Rapid City, Custer, Hot Springs, Deadwood or Hill City there are plenty of reasons to get a home inspection. A home inspector
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home inspections: Home inspections-a good idea - 07/17/07 12:21 AM
A home inspection is a good idea for home buyers. A home inspection can be an eye opener for potential problems that an unsuspecting buyer may not have noticed. There are many licensed home inspectors who are happy to inspect the property you are interested in purchasing. Some of the things
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home inspections: The Hard Truth about a "Builders Warranty" - 07/14/07 05:51 PM
Why is it essential for all real estate agents to understand that "New Home Construction" needs to undergo a Professional Home Inspection before the closing? Simply reason: To protect your client! Before the closing, the home belongs to the builder and the money is the purchasers. If a home inspection is performed and defects
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home inspections: No Pre-Inspections - 07/12/07 06:12 PM
While the current home sale market is considerably cooler than in the recent past, there still remain many pockets of under-supply and over-demand. North Berkeley is a good example, where homes are still receiving multiple offers and large overbids. When a house for sale is vacant, one of the ways buyers
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home inspections: Unincorporated St. Louis County Occupancy Permits, good or bad? - 07/11/07 10:08 AM
So, I'm just trying to get some responses from what different professionals think about this.For those of you not in the St. Louis area, St. Louis County consists of 91 municipalities, all with their own rules regarding real estate. There is also a large chunk of the county that is unincorporated.
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home inspections: St. Louis Area Occupancy Permits - 07/11/07 09:55 AM
So, you're buying a new house. Congratulations! Now, before you can move in, you may need an occupancy permit. These are nothing new. Many municipalities around the St. Louis area have been requiring them for years. Now St. Louis County is requiring them in all unincorporated areas. You should find out before
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home inspections: Ethics, Real estate Agents and Liability - 07/10/07 04:07 PM
Thank You to those who have responded!I wish I could say that this is an isolated insident but in this area of TN it is not. After working in this area for three years now I would say that we are at about the 50 percent mark in the real estate
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home inspections: Ethics, Real estate Agents and Liability - 07/09/07 08:13 PM
I recieved a phone call today from a prospective client who lives in New Jersey. I live in middle TN. He wanted to know my opinion of the quality of home construction in this area. We had a short discusion and this is what he reveled to me.After signing his contract
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home inspections: Inspections may not reveal perfection... but isn't that the point? - 07/07/07 07:04 PM
There are so many things to consider when buying a home: location, price, type and size of the home itself, how well will it work for you on a practical day to day basis. Perhaps more importantly, especially when the purchase is your first, re-sale. While many first time buyers are
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home inspections: A bad home inspection? Just maybe..... - 06/29/07 10:33 AM
How does your house look to the naked eye? Does it take a rocket scientist to figure out what might be wrong with the house that you are interested in? How do you go about looking for a home inspector? When should a home inspection be done? Should you do a
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home inspections: Florida Governor Signs Legislation That Will Require the Licensing of Home Inspectors - 06/28/07 09:15 PM
Finally after years of trying, there is finally a law (SB 2234) that will require that home inspectors be licensed by the State of Florida. Most of the certified home inspectors that I know have long asked for such a requirement, but it never seemed to get anywhere. This year the
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home inspections: Get a Home Inspection Before You List Your Home - 06/25/07 12:25 PM
Part 1 in a 3 part series on preparing your home to sell in a buyer’s market: If selling real estate in El Dorado County over the last 3 years has taught me anything, it has taught me that Buyers can change their tune on a dime when the market turns in their favor. Because
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home inspections: Will Your Home Expire Soon? - 06/24/07 01:06 PM
Just think about it, is your home about ready to expire? Well actually the components of your home. You know all of those things we've grown to expect, those things that help make life easier. We've all heard horror stories of a "money-pit" right? No doubt there can be some apprehension
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home inspections: Kentucky Home Inspector on Home Fire Safety - 06/23/07 03:08 PM
Is your home as Fire Safe as you can make it? The answers to these questions will help determine if your home is as safe as you can make it. Do you have the right kind of Fire & Smoke Detectors?If your house has natural gas, propane or oil service, or a fireplace/wood
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home inspections: Kentucky Home Inspector Startup - 06/23/07 11:25 AM
So you want to be a Kentucky Home Inspector? I get a lot of people contacting me about how to become a Kentucky Home Inspector. Well, here's what I tell ‘em. If you REALLY want it, it can be done. Most home inspectors are one person shops that don't have room to hire
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home inspections: What the first time home buyer can learn by attending the inspection - 06/22/07 09:45 PM
Make yourself available to attend the inspection.Ask Question, why, when, where The more you know about the home the easier it will be for you once you move inAsk questions regarding the security system, sprinkler system, septic or water well (all these will need attention sometime in the future) If there
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home inspections: Wood Destroying Organism (WDO)/Termite Inspections - A Wise Move for Home Buyers - 06/17/07 03:22 PM
Often when customers make an offer on a house their real estate agents recommend that they have a "termite inspection" done. This is a bit of a misnomer since the inspection concerns much more than termites. The correct term is a Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Inspection. In the purchase agreement
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home inspections: How Many Professionals Does It Take To Do A Property Inspection? - 06/15/07 09:19 PM
Property Inspections is a well known subject here at Active Rain.Homes inspections are normal in the Springfield Missouri real estate market. The normal inspection is done after the home is under contract. During the inspection, a certified property inspector inspects everything about the home including the foundation, roof, well, septic, plumbing,
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home inspections: 10 Easy repairs the homeowner can make before the home inspection - 06/15/07 03:08 PM
1. Prune vegetation away from the house. 2. Clean the gutters. 3. Replace or clean dirty furnace filters. 4. Repair leaking faucets. 5. Install missing covers on electrical switches, outlets and junction boxes. 6. Replace all smoke alarms installed before January 1, 2002 to comply with current standards. 7. Replace burned out
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home inspections: Pre-Sale Home Inspections vs Home Staging - 06/14/07 09:02 PM
Pre-Sale home inspections; a great idea. I would highly recommend any client to get a home inspection done before placing their property on the market. I wish I was qualified to do them, what a great tie in for a full service home staging company. Here's my beef. I did recommend a client
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home inspections: Home Inspections - 06/14/07 01:07 PM
I have found that many buyers and agents feel that ordering a home inspection is unnecessary with new construction. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Sure the home has passed the building inspection and everything is new but don't let that lull you into a false sense of security! I
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home inspections: Home Inspections-Unbiased or Over the Top - 06/14/07 12:13 PM
The most common "requirement" in my experience that most Realtors look for in a home inspector is not overstating defects. Now it is our job to find current or potential problems and report them to our client and offer some type of recommendation in order to resolve the issue. However it is not
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home inspections: Service Vendor - Craig's Home Services - 06/13/07 06:06 PM
Never buy a house without an inspection. We have seen several buyers on our current listings waive their right for a home inspection. WHY? If you take into consideration the repairs that a buyer has to make once they move into a property, it is cheaper to have a professional inspector look at
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home inspections: Computer Repair - 06/11/07 04:35 PM
Computer Repair Finally, after going through a virus attack, losing a hard drive, fighting off hackers, upgrading all my software, installing firewalls, being threatened with being cut-off by my email provider and a host of other problems...I have fixed my computer... and NOW it works exactly the way I want it
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home inspections: To Move it Or Not To move It - 06/09/07 12:41 PM
As an inspector sometimes you need to decide if you should move something in the house during an inspection. My preinspection agreement states that I do not move furniture and such. I have been known to slide a couch or table a foot or two to get at an outlet or
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home inspections: The importance of Patience and Pulling the Thread of Home Inspections - 06/09/07 12:22 AM
I recently sold a home in Hollyglen, a lovely little area of Hawthorne, California that is “Manhattan Beach adjacent,” to one of my favorite clients, Warren V. Warren is a very analytical kind of guy, very smart and very thorough. He also respects the value of expertise, both mine and other
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home inspections: Q: I am selling my house; the inspection has revealed several defects that I am not willing to repair or pay for... .. . What are my options? - 06/08/07 10:00 PM
A: When a property inspection reveals defects, buyers typically request that the seller repair them within a certain deadline. As a seller you have several options: agree to make all the repairs, agree to make some but not all, refuse to make any repairs, or ask the buyer to share some
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home inspections: Riding Is Great Therapy - 06/05/07 07:15 PM
My wife and I both have busy schedules and don't get to ride as often as we like, but when we get the chance we like to head for the open road out in the country on our 01 Heritage softail custom. It helps us to relax meet new people and
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home inspections: The Devil That You Know - 06/02/07 11:37 AM
Several years ago I started recommending to my sellers that they have a building inspection done prior to putting their house on the market. When I suggest this about 1/2 of the people balk, asking why they should have to put up the money for an inspection, when the buyer is
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home inspections: Maryland Buyers Get More Home For Your Money with Long and Foster - Robert McArtor - 05/29/07 10:58 PM
You only need one realtor to buy or sell a house or home in Maryland, Baltimore, Harford county homes, I enjoy educating home sellers on the current market conditions in bel air Maryland become aware of agents who enjoy homes in subdivisions and brac moving in Abingdon for sale and buying
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home inspections: Why you should get an Inspection? - 05/29/07 08:32 AM
Why you should get an Inspection? Whether you are buying or selling a home, you should have a professional home inspection performed. A home inspection will look at the systems that make up the building such as: Structural elements, foundation, framing etc Plumbing systems Roofing Electrical systems Cosmetic condition, paint, siding etc If
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home inspections: Most Common Defects found by Inspectors - 05/24/07 12:55 AM
The top 9 most common defects in residential real estate.Roof defects: bad roofing material because it is old, worn, or was installed improperly. This doesn't mean that most roofs need to be replaced, but does mean they could use some type of maintenance or repair.Ceiling stains, indicating past or present roof leaks:
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home inspections: The 10 Most Common Problems Found By Home Inspectors - 05/23/07 12:00 PM
California homebuyers should make their purchase offer contingent upon being able to have the property inspected. And a licensed contractor should be hired to conduct the inspection.I have attended hundreds of these inspections. So let me give you the benefit of my experience so that, whether you are a home seller or
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home inspections: PLEASE, WE BEG YOU, GET THE HOME YOU'REBUYING INSPECTED - 05/20/07 12:45 AM
We had the pleasure of going on a listing presentation with an elderly lady who had made an appointment. We were prepared with the usual arsenal of CMA's, Our Sellers Guide, MLS data, camera, etc.. We arrived on time and the lady greeted us and was showing us the outside of
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home inspections: 11 High Cost Inspection Traps You Should Know About Weeks Before Listing Your Home For Sale - 05/18/07 09:26 PM
Jefferson City Missouri Real EstateAccording to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before
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home inspections: Have any of you had a deal fall apart in the 11th hour over an inspection report? - 05/15/07 01:58 PM
Have any of you had a deal fall apart in the 11th hour over an inspection report? OK, you can put your hands down, it has happened to everyone. I hear, all the time, about this happening; yet very few agencies/agents are taking advantage of this awesome marketing tool. There are a
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home inspections: Sellers at Home Inspections! Good or Bad? - 05/15/07 01:08 PM
When sellers insist on staying home for the inspection many things can happen some good some bad it depends on the seller. Some sellers think that nobody can find things in the home but them, like light switches or garage door openers. Some sellers are very nice and go about their normal
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home inspections: Pre-Inspected Listings, The Future of Real Estate - 05/14/07 01:13 PM
Home inspections have traditionally been for the benefit of the purchaser. Pre-inspected listings benefit all parties - purchasers, vendors and Realtors. Deals Won't Fall Through Home inspections, performed as a condition of the offer, can upset deals. Sometimes this is because the purchaser gets cold feet; sometimes there's a big problem no
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home inspections: If Only Walls & Ceilings Could Talk - 05/13/07 11:02 PM
For some unexplained astrological reason, I've had a number of challenging transactions lately. When I first started in the real estate business over 25 years ago, professional home inspections were unheard of. Now they are common practice. It's a rare transaction that does not involve a home inspection. Generally, however, the home inspection is performed after an
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home inspections: Is Your Toilet Tight - 05/10/07 05:57 PM
Some agents in the area tease me that I only find loose toilets on inspections for their buyers. The truth is that I find loose toilets in most homes. A lot of people do not think that it is problem worth addressing right away, but I have had a few clients
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home inspections: Does New Construction need a Home Inspection? - 05/08/07 08:13 PM
In my opinion I'd say indeed. I'd like to know your thoughts. I have inspected many new homes and some have had major issues, like cracked heat exchangers in the furnace, 1/2 of the insulation missing from the attic, foundation leaks, etc. I know the builder warranties the homes for a
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home inspections: RADON, ASBESTOS and LEAD, OH MY! - 05/04/07 02:52 PM
4 May 2007 - Madison, Wisconsin The Mortgage Guys rip one from the podcasting archives in this favorite about Home Inspections. #22 - RADON, ASBESTOS and LEAD, OH MY! Nope. We're not in Kansas any more Toto - we're in Real Estate! Now it's time to find out what's more dangerous - the Wicked Witch
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home inspections: buying an older home - 05/03/07 11:06 AM
Many people dream of buying that old farm house on several acres of land where it's peaceful and are miles away from the busy work place. Well in many metropolitan areas, this is almost impossible to find, but in Raleigh, NC, a 30-45 minute drive can get you closer to your
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home inspections: "List" Inspections-The wave of the future? - 04/29/07 12:46 PM
We as real estate professionals have come to accept and believe strongly that a home inspection prior to purchasing a home is one of most important steps in the transaction. This becomes especially true for us when we ourselves become buyers. We want to make sure that the home we are interested in
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home inspections: An Interesting Trend - 04/24/07 02:52 PM
Have you noticed an interesting trend? It seems that more and more home buyers are hiring their own Home Inspector rather than depending on the agent's recommendations. Through the grapevine, I have even heard of buyers NOT using an inspector only because they were recommended by the Realtor. Although the vast majority of
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home inspections: Sellers doing "pre-listing" home inspections - 04/23/07 07:06 AM
I've been counselling would be sellers lately to consider having a prelisting home inspection by a licensed home inspector. Specifically those whose homes are a little older or they feel they have left things go and want to make nice before putting the home on the market. I have told them, this
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home inspections: Deal Killers - 04/22/07 06:14 PM
What a narrow minded title! I just read a blog with the terrible title of: The "Dealer Killer" Debate Continues it's basiclly an ad for a home inspector John McKenna and I proud to call your attention to it, because it also led me to a great blog of his:Deal Killer
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home inspections: Story in the CHICAGO SUN TIMES: City inspects for safety only, not quality - 04/20/07 02:22 AM
City inspects for safety only, not quality THE PERFECT SHOCK | New housing needs a full once-over by a certified home inspector April 20, 2007BY SANDRA GUY sguy@suntimes.com Beware home buyers: Illinois does not require developers to be licensed, and city inspectors are not assessing the construction quality of the residence.
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home inspections: Follow Up on Home Inspections - 04/18/07 12:29 AM
I have to apologize for the long delay in following up with another post to my blog. I will make a concerted effort to post more frequently. Although the weather does not feel like it, we are now officially in the "spring market" stage of the real estate calendar. Many buyers
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home inspections: 10 Most Frequent house Problems - 04/11/07 09:03 PM
The Ten Most Frequent House Problems Recent surveys by U.S. and Canadian home inspectors resulted in a list of the most frequently found problems in the homes they have inspected: 1. Improper Surface Grading/Drainage This was by far the most frequently found problem, reported by 35.8% of the survey respondents. It is
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home inspections: Doesn't it make sense to have the buyers and sellers intial - 04/11/07 12:01 PM
The Massachusetts "FACTS FOR CONSUMERS". DOESN'T IT MAKE SENSE TO HAVE THE SELLERS INTIAL AND THE BUYERS INTIAL THE 4 PAGES. WHY? OKAY. THESE ARE FACTS THAT WE HAVE TO GIVE EACH BUYER IN REGARDS TO HOME INSPECTIONS. IF BOTH PARTIES SIGN THEM.... THEN WE HAVE A RECORD THAT IT WAS ACKNOWLEDGED. IF
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home inspections: A/C Maintenance - 04/09/07 08:21 PM
A/C - Maintenance Spring is right around the corner. Time to start thinking about getting your central air conditioner ready for the dog days of summer. Your home's heating and cooling systems should give you many years of service with proper maintenance. Preventive maintenance will lower your energy costs, prevent costly
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home inspections: Can You Wait to Finish the Home Inspection Until the Fire is Out? - 04/08/07 09:51 PM
As I pulled up to the house, I noticed the seller and his two sons standing out in front. When I walked up I was told that the Denver Fire Department was on the way since the house was on fire."What?" I thought maybe I hadn't heard things correctly.The owner repeated that the
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home inspections: Selling Your Home for More - 04/05/07 11:43 PM
Let me apologize in advance to all you Real Estate Professionals. I know this blog entry is "preaching to the choir". Buy let it be a re-enforcement of your well intentioned advice. Selling, or planning on selling your home? Here is a list of 5 things to consider for maximizing your home's profit
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home inspections: Home Inspections Throughout Construction?? - 04/05/07 09:30 AM
Last year, we made a decision to purchase a new home. I firmly believe that it is the new construction of homes and the price builders are charging per square foot that really determines the strentgh and conditions of a local real estate market. Afterall, the opportunity cost of not having
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home inspections: For Realtors only! - 03/27/07 02:39 PM
As Realtors I would like your opinions. I know that alot of you see us, home inspectors, spending alot of time 'peeing' on each other. Has licensing helped in your state?If no licensing whould you like it?Should certification require a proctored test?I know that there are more questions to be asked but I
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home inspections: What is an AHJ? - 03/26/07 04:47 PM
An AHJ is the Authority Having Jurisdiction.What does that mean?No matter what I say as a HI (Home Inspector), a RBO (Residential Building Official) or an ESI (Electrical Safety Inspector) the AHJ has the final word.That does not mean that you should not have your own inspection, because all inspectors (AHJ's) can
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home inspections: Almost felt guilty - 03/25/07 03:35 PM
I had a condo inspection yesterday just outside of Atlantic City. It was an old motel that had been converted into "condos". Now these condos don't have a lot to inspect. 1 small bedroom, 1 small bath, 1 living area, and a hallway that doubles as a kitchen. My clients were from out
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home inspections: About Home Inspections - Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Weston, Cooper City Real Estate - 03/22/07 10:36 PM
We realize that the decision to buy a house is often lengthy and complicated. Much of the guesswork lies in not knowing the general condition of a house. However, by arranging a home inspection, much of that guesswork disappears. Quite simply, the more informed a homebuyer becomes the more likely he
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home inspections: Your Inspection is Completed, What Next? - 03/22/07 01:27 PM
Your Home Inspection is Completed, What Next?by:Fred DuemigOwner & Senior InspectorDivision Home Inspections, Inc.Informed ConsumerConsumers of today are much more informed than consumers of the past. I am sure the internet plays a huge roll, putting information, service providers, competition, tips and details at our fingertips. Accordingly, most informed perspective home
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home inspections: Marketing to Realtors - 03/20/07 04:50 AM
I have some questions for Realtors, but first some background.Most of us, home inspectors and Realtors, understand that the home inspection industry is really controlled by three groups of people: Realtors, insurance companies, and attorneys. Notice that I did not list home inspectors.Insurance companies hold sway over the home inspection industry
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home inspections: Using CLUE when buying a home - 03/18/07 10:36 PM
I recently discovered the CLUE database after I identified several mysterious issues for a savvy client. Home inspectors are limited to doing visual inspections. At the time of inspection rarely does our client own the property, so we are in the property as a guest of the seller. This
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home inspections: How long do home inspections take - 03/10/07 11:12 AM
How long do
inspections take?
Our cannned answer
is 2-3 hours. However the reality is "it depends". Yesterday, I found myself
apologizing to a realtor for getting done in 90 minutes on a 2300 sq ft. home
with a crawl space. There were a number of factors that allowed me
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home inspections: What is the Seller's Disclosure - 03/06/07 12:53 PM
As a precursor to a performing a home inspection, I will typically ask for the disclosure. Many of my buyers aren't even aware of this form. The disclosure is critical as it is the sellers statement of the condition of the home. One of the roles of the home inspection
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home inspections: CAUTION MUST BE USED BY BOTH SELLERS AND BUYERS WHEN USING HOME INSPECTION DATA - 03/04/07 03:33 PM
When buying or selling a home, one of the more controversial aspects of the process is often the home inspection. The format usually followed by inspectors in our area is that provided by the Washington State Pest Control Association. The forms cover all aspects of home inspection including electrical, structural and
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home inspections: March Home Maintenance - 02/28/07 10:56 AM
OK, so there is still snow on the ground where I live. In fact, they are predicting more to come. But everyone I know is starting to talk about spring projects. They are anxious to stop building snowforts and start building new decks. Even though winter storms are still possible, March
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home inspections: 20/20 HOME INSPECTIONS, INC - FRISCO TEXAS - 02/14/07 09:28 PM
I wanted to give a glowing review to Deb Sadler of 20/20 HOME INSPECTIONS, INC. Deb is a fellow member of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce and has been a licensed real estate home inspector since 1998. Deb has also been featured in The Dallas Morning News several times. I have
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home inspections: Home Inspections and Home Repairs - My Wish List and To Do List - 02/02/07 08:44 PM
Ok, now that I vented on the Good, the Bad , and the Ugly of Home Repairs here is my Wish List for how I would like things to be one day: I wish that Home Inspectors would adjust the size of the pictures they are taking in accordance to the severity
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home inspections: Home Repairs – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - 02/01/07 06:55 PM
I recently did a search on Active Rain for Home Repairs and Home Inspections issues and was not surprised to find over 60 blogs about this issue. My concern about home inspections and repairs is about the entire process itself. My experience has been that purchase price negotiations are the easy
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home inspections: Does your electrical load center look like this? - 01/26/07 01:17 PM
I just finished a home inspection today, and the inspector told me that we won't be seeing houses with the old 60 amp service for much longer. When asked why, he said that the insurance companies are thinking about not insuring a house unless it has 100amp service because everybody
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home inspections: TAKING A CLOSER LOOK... - 01/15/07 09:20 PM
For today's savvy buyers: As a savvy buyer, your home search may seem like an endless series of critical, yet important decisions. When you find the right home, hiring a home inspector to educate you about the condition of your new home is commonplace and a wise decision. Even when buying
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home inspections: Home Inspections - 01/14/07 02:27 PM
What a home inspection is, and what to expect. A home inspection is one of the most important things that a homeowner, seller, or buyer can order to be done to their home or potential home. It is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house,
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home inspections: 4 more tips for buying a home - 01/11/07 10:20 AM
Tip #7: Put Yourself In The Seller's Shoes You are about to make one of the most important decisions that will affect both your life and the life of the seller. If you take time to understand the reasons the seller bought the home, their reasons for selling, and the home improvements
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home inspections: More Tips - 01/05/07 03:57 PM
Here are a few more electrical tips. One, of interest to those who have a home office.I'm hoping to start getting some feedback on what members want to read about. I have plenty of files stored on my PC about home improvement, home safety, etc. Just let me know what you want to
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home inspections: Healthy Home Guide - 12/31/06 02:36 PM
Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Years!Here is a gift for homeowners. A ebook in pdf format with tips and advice for making your home healthier.www.steveshomeinspections.com/healthyhome.pdf Enjoy.Don't forget, if your buying or selling a home, use a NACHI certified home inspector.Stevehttp://www.steveshomeinspections.com/
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home inspections: Common Defects In A Typical Home Inspection - 12/31/06 02:29 AM
No house is perfect. Even the best built and best maintained homes will always have a few items in less than perfect condition. Below are some of the items we most commonly find when inspecting a home:Roofing Problems with roofing material are the single most common defect we find. Usually it
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home inspections: "Alterations" of Manufactured Structures in Washington State, Governed by the Department of Labor and Industries - 12/21/06 03:16 PM
Manufactured homes in Washington State are governed by the Department of Labor and Industries. Anything that is considered an "alteration" to manufactured structures by the Department of Labor and Industries requires a permit and inspection by the Department. Some common alterations: Adding awnings, decks, carports that are attached to the structure.Changing the water
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