Blog entries tagged with "inspection":


inspection: What were they thinking ll - 04/13/07 12:49 PM
  A new HVAC system was installed two years ago. They (the installer) placed the outdoor unit within a 18" of the dryer vent.  Not only that but the never change out the disconnect to a 30 amp from a 60 amp. And they forget to install the heat. Again the 60ish … (5 comments)

inspection: Home Inspectors crystal ball! Does it exist, NO - 04/13/07 07:16 AM
When it comes to the question of "how long will that last?" my answer is always the same "it depends".  The life expectancy of any home component such as appliances or even the siding that covers your house can vary so much it's not even funny. There are so many scenarios … (1 comments)

inspection: Chimney Inspections Explained - 04/12/07 12:30 PM
(20 comments)

inspection: Got Crack? - 04/12/07 09:50 AM
During a recent Property Inspection, I was ask point blank by a homeowner if I was smoking crack, because of all of the cracks that were noted on the home inspection report.  So, with that being said, I just thought I would take some time here and educate the real estate … (2 comments)

inspection: The "Bully Buyer" our common enemy. - 04/12/07 06:59 AM
     Here is something us Home Inspectors and Real Estate agents have in common, a client that both of us do not like to represent.
                   
                      • The Bully Buyer. Nobody likes a bully and chances are you're not going to like this type of buyer either. You will be inundated with … (28 comments)

inspection: Multiple Offers??? - 04/05/07 05:05 PM
I'm probably going to upset many of you across the country (slow markets), writing about multiple offer situations, but our market here in Seattle is going gangbusters and it can be quite frustrating for the selling agents and the buyers.  In our market, basically anything under $1M in the popular neighborhoods … (3 comments)

inspection: Deadly Mistakes Every HomeBuyer should avoid. - 04/05/07 12:44 AM
3 Deadly Mistakes Every HomeBuyer should avoid. Deadly Mistake #1: Thinking you can't afford it. Today, buying the home of your dreams is easier than ever before. Many people who thought that buying the home they wanted was simply out of their reach are now enjoying a new lifestyle in their … (0 comments)

inspection: Water Leak - 04/03/07 12:39 PM
I inspected a townhouse today that had just been completed by the builder. The water service was off at the meter. I explained to the realtor that I do not turn services that have been turned off due to the liability. He turned on the water and one zone of sprinklers … (0 comments)

inspection: Fine Realtor - 03/27/07 03:43 PM
At my inspection this morning the Realtor was already in the house when I arrived. He welcomed me and I handed him my card. He told me he had all the paper work for the house including plans, tax roll, and builders warranty. Unit was 2-3 years old. He didn't ask … (5 comments)

inspection: Electrical codes not conforming - 03/27/07 09:24 AM
Friday, an inspection was done on a 7000 square feet home that is in the process of being built. When the inspection was done I stated to the foreman that one of the two electrical panels is not conforming to the International Residential Codes (IRC), and although the house was being … (0 comments)

inspection: Certified ? - 03/26/07 08:20 PM
What does certified mean?In our profession it means deceit. You maybe portraying yourself as something you may not be. You are using the word to entice people to use your services.   You may have had to pay a fee and take a silly test. Their will never be any true certification … (153 comments)

inspection: I Want To Sell My House - But Where Do I Start? Step 3. - 03/24/07 10:15 AM
Now that you're looking at your house, not your home, and you're on the search for a good real estate agent, take a good, long look at the piece of property you are hoping someone will buy.  Get out a piece of paper - no, get out several pieces of paper, … (0 comments)

inspection: What's over your head? - 03/23/07 07:42 PM
You know, I have an inquisitive mind and an unrelenting sense of curiosity.  It has got me into trouble more times than I care to remember, but I will save that one for another day! :)
Anyways, where I live here in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), there is a phenomenal amount … (9 comments)

inspection: Inspecting Parameters - 03/22/07 10:40 AM
What are the inspection parameters? Where are they written? Now most inspector will tell you it's in their standards. Well most standards as building codes are a minimum and you can exceed them. So what is out of bounds?Telling a client not to buy the house?Giving estimates to repair? Commenting on cosmetic? Telling … (13 comments)

inspection: What qualifies a home inspector to be......a home inspector? - 03/21/07 07:36 PM
                                I never let my schooling interfere with my education - Mark Twain 
Just read a great post by Shane Dollman at http://activerain.com/blogsview/34630/What-to-look-for.  Shane talks about what to look for in a professional home inspector.  After reading,  it got me to thinking ;)....
As it is in the US, up here in Canada, anyone … (7 comments)

inspection: Hopefully - 03/21/07 10:16 AM
Yesterday I did an inspection on a very nice house, however the listing agent and the seller did not prepare the house for the inspection. Basically there was no access to some major components of the home. I was a nice and probably should not have spent the extra time to … (4 comments)

inspection: How do you successfully help out-of- town clients buy a home site unseen? - 03/21/07 09:09 AM
Have you ever had clients that are depending totally on you to pick their new home? Sometimes for whatever reason you may be put in the position of looking for a home for your clients because they need to buy before getting to your city. I am currently working with a … (1 comments)

inspection: What is a Truth-In-Sale Housing Disclosure? How does that differ from Pre-Inspection? - 03/20/07 08:23 AM
I was speaking with potential clients about listing their home in Blaine, Minnesota a few weeks ago. They had beautiful home with many updates that they taken wonderful care of. As they were filling out the disclosure, they brought up the subject of pre-inspection. A friend of theirs had recently sold … (0 comments)

inspection: Selling or Buying a Home in Carson? KNOW THIS FIRST!... - 03/20/07 07:04 AM
Look before you leap! Too many times we move foward with out looking both ways before we cross the street, and it could be costly during a transaction.  Requirements for sale of homes vary from city to city, and it's important that you familiarize yourself with these requirements to ensure a … (0 comments)

inspection: Lafayette & West Lafayette Indiana - Up Front Costs for Buyers - 03/19/07 02:06 PM
Up Front Costs for Buyers in Lafayette & West Lafayette Indiana  http://www.yourrealestatespecialists.com/  1.  Earnest Money  -Typically $500 - $1,000 (can be any amount)(Deposit made at time of writing offer, which will be credited back at closing towards closing as per purchase agreement)               •2.     Inspection Fees - Typically $250 - $400(includes whole house, … (0 comments)

inspection: Are you mindlessly addicted to blogging? - 03/17/07 06:56 PM
Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be, because sooner or later, if you are posing, you will forget the pose, and then where are you?  ~Fanny Brice
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those … (16 comments)

inspection: Use me - 03/16/07 09:03 AM
Since I'm an inspector I like to talk about inspecting. I've been reading many blogs on  this site and one of the most annoying things is Realtors saying they use or will not use that inspector again. When you say uses it sounds like you are the controlling person.  The inspectors client … (4 comments)

inspection: If It Is Broken Fix It - 03/16/07 12:41 AM
If It Is Broken Fix It Most houses have a few "little" problems, like leaking faucets, a stove burner that won't light, or electrical outlets with too much "spark". These defects may not seem very important--unless your house is about to go on the market.We rarely have difficulty getting sellers to … (1 comments)

inspection: Top 10 things to do to prepare for your pre-listing inspection - 03/15/07 06:04 PM
Top 10 Things to Do to Prepare for a Pre-listing Home Inspection
Calvin BaileyA Closer Look Home Inspectionshttps://www.inspectorpages.com/cbailey1Email: https://www.inspectorpages.com/cbailey1cbailey1@on.nachi.org
Taking a bit of time to prepare for that all important pre-listing home inspection will go a long way in ensuring that you receive the best possible price or market value for your home.  … (1 comments)

inspection: Tight Schedule? These tips will help Speed up your home inspection! - 03/13/07 09:18 AM
Ten Tips to Speed Up Your Home Inspectionhttp://www.inspectorlocator.com/  Sellers can speed their home inspection by following these suggestions. The inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing. Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning. Ensure pets won't hinder the inspection. Ideally, they … (0 comments)

inspection: Foreclosures And Disclosures--Do I Really Need an Inspection? - 03/13/07 07:58 AM
The local news investigators recently did a story on foreclosed homes that banks are putting on the market in the Twin Cities area. The story had an ominous tone. The reporter visited a home with a hidden camera in tow posing as a potential buyer. Questions were asked about the condition … (14 comments)

inspection: 3 Deadly Mistakes! - 03/13/07 07:32 AM
3 Deadly Mistakes Every HomeBuyer should avoid.CLICK HERE to download the brochure.   Deadly Mistake #1: Thinking you can't afford it.   Today, buying the home of your dreams is easier than ever before.  Many people who thought that buying the home they wanted was simply out of their reach are … (3 comments)

inspection: Homebuyer Tip - "As Is" sale - 03/10/07 12:38 PM
What is an "as is" sale?
An "as is" property is sold without a warranty as to condition, repairs, or structure.  With an "as is" sale, the buyer is on notice that the seller makes no promises regarding the property's physical status.  With an "as is" sale, it is extremely … (2 comments)

inspection: What Pitfalls Might a FSBO Encounter? - Part 4 - 03/05/07 12:34 AM
What Pitfalls Might a FSBO Encounter? - Part 4    by John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTOR®     Hemet CA Real Estate     
The For Sale by Owner Seller in Hemet, CA - like any other community in the country - is likely to run into at least one pitfall that they were not ready … (4 comments)

inspection: What Pitfalls Might a FSBO Encounter? - Part 3 - 03/04/07 08:43 PM
What Pitfalls Might a FSBO Encounter? - Part 3    by John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTOR®     Hemet CA Real Estate     
This is the third article in a several part series on the potential pitfalls that a For Sale by Owner (FSBO) is likely to encounter when selling their Hemet FSBO real estate … (0 comments)

inspection: Northwest Indiana Real Estate: Final Walk-Through 101 - 02/27/07 03:09 PM
What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-ThroughBe sure that: repairs you've requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and any related warranties. all items that were included in the sale price-draperies, lighting fixtures-are still there. screens and storm windows are in place or stored. all appliances are operating. … (0 comments)

inspection: How can I help? - 02/26/07 11:40 PM
I am rolling out a new program in my inspection business... called SOLUTIONS.  Now, I know, and you know that I work for my client, not the Realtor.  In fact, some people question whether a Realtor should recommend home inspection services, and some Realtors do not feel comfortable giving referrals.  But on … (7 comments)

inspection: ATTENTION PROPERTY MANAGERS and LANDLORDS - 7 Reasons for Periodic Mold Inspections - See the "Mold & Moisture Management Plan" - 02/23/07 06:28 PM
(Note: This article was published in the November 2006 edition of Apartment Owners Association News of California) visit www.AOAUSA.com see "archives"OH...THAT DREADED CALL FROM YOUR TENANT, ..."I HAVE A MOLD PROBLEM!"           Landlords across the nation are getting a bitter lesson in the realities of how costly and aggravating … (3 comments)

inspection: Do You Really Need A Termite Inspection? - 02/19/07 07:25 PM
Do you really need a termite inspection? 
Do not treat lightly your opportunity to have the house inspected for termites. First of all, if you need a mortgage to buy the house, you'll find that institutional lenders REQUIRE that a termite inspection be done. Your lender is concerned - and rightly … (4 comments)

inspection: The Inspection Report - 02/16/07 07:56 AM
Are you looking for a home and becoming tired of house-hunting? If so, you may be tempted to buy a bargain-priced home "as is" and forego the home inspection. But without the inspection report, do you know what the "as it" refers to? Wouldn't it be better to know what condition … (0 comments)

inspection: Why Inspect ? - 02/10/07 04:58 PM
Why Have An Inspection?With any purchase, you should be an informed buyer.  Skipping a few hundred dollar inspection isn't very wise after spending hundreds of thousands for your home.  Don't be penny wise and pound foolish. Here is a graphic example of why you need a home inspection.  This picture is … (2 comments)

inspection: Help! My Insurance is killing me.... - 02/09/07 11:04 AM
Problem: Florida Homeowner Insurance Premiums are sky high.
8 Hurricanes ago, Florida Homeowner Insurance was high due to the fact that we live in paradise. Most of us could handle the fact that with beautiful sunny weather, comes a little higher premium. Now, however, things are getting way out of hand.
With a … (0 comments)

inspection: Do you like my Realtor BAT-BELT? - 01/15/07 11:42 PM
Do you like my Realtor® BAT-BELT?
By Brian Ortiz, Realtor, Chicago IL
Chicago Real Estate
                                                                                                        
Many, many moons ago I was an up and coming manager in the Hospitality Industry.  I worked for some of the higher-end hotels in Chicago.  It was common that some guests in the hotel were paying over $400 … (4 comments)

inspection: Rainy Days Make for Great House Hunting - 01/15/07 10:28 AM
Serious buyers shouldn't let a little rain(or even a lot of rain) stop them from looking at homes.  What a great opportunity to observe if there are any problems with water management.Many times I'll find homes with wet basements when looking at homes in the middle of a storm.  It's easy … (7 comments)

inspection: Is your inspector non-biased and impartial? I hope not! - 01/15/07 01:24 AM
The major Home Inspection trade associations all maintain a Code of Ethics.  In each, the inspector is expected and required to act as an unbiased, impartial third party in a real estate transaction.  In the sense of the transaction, this is true.  I have no interest or possible gain whether the … (2 comments)

inspection: January is Radon Action Month! - 01/13/07 01:43 AM
Much has been written already here about Radon, and its potential hazards.  For those who don't know - Radon is a colorless, odorless gas which is a by-product of uranium breaking down in the soil.  The gas slowly makes its way to the topsoil, and disperses into the air, causing no … (0 comments)

inspection: Compliance with Condo Act Renovation Requirements by Apartments and Conversions - 01/09/07 11:50 AM
In years past, the construction industry saw a wave of lawsuits arising out of water intrusion damage to condominiums resulting from improperly designed or constructed siding systems.  In response, the Washington legislature imposed a number of testing and inspection requirements affecting “multiunit residential buildings.”  
 
The testing and inspection … (4 comments)

inspection: What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk Through - 01/07/07 10:45 PM
What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk Throughby John Occhi, Hemet REALTORHemet CA Real Estate
 When you purchase Hemet CA Real Estate one of the very last things that will happen before you close escrow on your new home will be to schedule a final walk-through inspection.
Ideally, you will be able … (1 comments)

inspection: Tips to make your house "SHOW" better for an Inspection - 01/07/07 06:58 PM
The tips below will make your (our) client's house breeze through an inspection,  Whether I do the inspection, or if you have another inspector perform this function.Please contact me (contact info below) if you have any questions on inspections or any questions on houses.  By the way, I hope to hear … (5 comments)

inspection: Why you need a home inspection on a new home! - 01/04/07 11:54 AM
Many people don't think they need to get an inspection on a new home.  That can be a big mistake!  I have a great story to tell you that happened last week.  I was the listing agent on a brand new home.  I was a two story home that looked great … (5 comments)

inspection: Success is the solution - 12/31/06 01:25 AM
Today, a colleague gave me some very good advice.  This person is another home inspector, but I think it applies to any marketing or sales effort.  The advice was not to try to sell my business or my services.  I'm not to impress with qualifications, training, or initials...
His advice was to … (4 comments)

inspection: How to Sell Your Home in Today's Buyer Market, part 2 of 2 - 12/30/06 12:05 PM
How to Sell Your Home in Today's Buyer Market, part 2 of 2by John Occhi, Hemet Realtor
Third Party Inspections: The Key to Setting Yourself Apart from the PackEvery bona-fide real estate transaction in California is required to have disclosures completed and inspections of the property integrated into the terms and conditions … (0 comments)

inspection: It's never too early to involve the Title Company - 12/29/06 02:45 PM
How many of you have taken a listing, marketed the property, secured a contract, only to find out that the Sellers are "Upside Down" and cannot close without bringing money to the closing table, or getting lender approval for a "short sale", or were unaware of a prepayment penalty that puts … (7 comments)

inspection: Buyer Inspection DOES NOT EQUAL Negotiations Round 2 - 12/29/06 10:42 AM
Jonathan Dalton inspired this post by his post yesterday about the Forest and the Trees.One of the things we learned quickly in real estate was to do everything possible to avoid - preclude - prevent - whatever your favorite word is - BAD surprises during the course of a transaction.Since we were … (37 comments)

inspection: Termites can really bite into a real estate transaction. - 12/27/06 02:40 AM
Termites can really bite into a real estate transaction.by John Occhi
I recommend that sellers get a termite inspection report just prior to or immediately after putting their home up for sale.  With this report in hand the sellers will know exactly how much work will be required and how much it … (1 comments)

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(2 comments)

inspection: Built up roofing - 11/29/06 08:10 AM
Built-Up RoofBuilt-up roofs can last 5-7 years or 30 years depending on the number of layers. Most residential roofs are 3-ply (layers). These roofs last about 15 years if they drain properly. A slope is preferred and flat roofs with standing water have double the rate of deterioration. If a 5-ply … (2 comments)

inspection: Would you walk on this roof???? - 11/24/06 06:07 PM
A listing of mine sold recently in Arlington, VA, that had a very nice and expensive tile roof. I was minding my own business or whatever it is that Broker’s do at the office, when I received a call from a very peeved and frustrated Buyer Agent. He was accompanying … (6 comments)

inspection: What a house! - 11/07/06 11:28 AM
We had an incredible opportunity the other day to inspect the most interesting house I have ever seen. The previous owner of this 6 bedroom, 3 bathroom house was nuns. The owner before that, who had put on two additions, was a bricklayer. He could apparently get brick and steel cheap, … (1 comments)

inspection: New Homes Aren't Perfect - 10/30/06 08:47 PM
When I am working with purchasers who decide they would like to buy a new home, while writing the contract with the new homes sales manager, I ask the manager when will be the best time before closing to complete a home inspection, should the purchasers opt to have one. … (26 comments)

inspection: Why do we need an Appraisal? - 10/26/06 09:27 AM
Recently, I have had a lot of questions come up from Realtors and clients about the appraisal process.  Hopefully this article will clear up any confusion and answer questions we might have!
UNDERSTANDING THE APPRAISAL PROCESS BEFORE THE APPRAISAL INSPECTION
WHY IS A REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL NECESSARY?
Usually the appraisal is a part of … (2 comments)

inspection: Now It's Here -- Now It's Not - 10/18/06 07:23 PM
It's the disappering water act. I'm sure you've all been there. Sold a home to a relocation buyer from Colorado. We had our inspection yesterday. Upon arrival at the home there was a very soggy front yard, with water draining down the sidewalk into the street. After walking around to the … (2 comments)

inspection: An interesting BINSR - 10/17/06 03:38 PM
In Arizona the Buyer's Inspection Notice and Seller's Response is affectionately known as the BINSR.Today we struggled through a 28 item request for repairs on a resale - which was new construction and had never been lived in!  We have the listing, and we have Sellers wishing they had ordered a … (1 comments)

inspection: Who does which repairs??? - 10/15/06 04:25 PM
Okay, so you’ve finished negotiating a reasonable contract and now, you’re just finishing up the home inspection. There is a list of eight items that need to be repaired. Who’s going to do it? Let’s say the gas furnace burners and air handler have soot and show evidence of not … (3 comments)

inspection: Wet Basement, Crawlspace, Foundation Movement, Mold Growth? - 10/11/06 07:35 PM
3 of the last 8 Homes I have inspected had some type of problem with moisture.  So I thought I would pass this along.  Checked your Sump Pump lately? Sump Pump importance  • When was the last time you checked your sump pump for proper operation? • Notice any foundation cracks around your home?  Ever … (1 comments)

inspection: VA Loans – Ugh & Arrghh! - 10/06/06 04:54 PM
I hate VA loans, except when higher income debt ratios are needed or when the purchaser has credit issues that make getting approved conventionally less likely. Can anyone out there give me better reasons to encourage a purchaser to use his VA eligibility for the 1st or even worse, the … (6 comments)

inspection: Negotiations and home inspections - 10/03/06 03:01 PM
So, again I find myself reading Active Rain Blogs.  And I come across this one.  So the agent thinks that home inspections are not meant to be a second round of negotiations.
I couldn't disagree more.  Home inspections are a GREAT time for a second round of negotiations.  I don't know how … (0 comments)

inspection: Ten Things You Should Know About Mold - 10/01/06 01:22 PM
I inspected a duplex up in Cowlitz County on Friday and the crawl space was infested with mold.  So I thought I would pass this along. 1.      Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. 2.      There is no practical way to eliminate … (3 comments)

inspection: Ruth, Don't Rescue Us - 09/26/06 12:52 PM
Ruth Spencer, a consumer reporter for Detroit's local NBC affiliate put out an awful consumer tip in yesterday's Detroit Free Press.  The name of her featured segment is "Ruth to the Rescue."  Following is her snippet, and my reply, which I will be sending as a letter to the editor.RUTH TO … (28 comments)

inspection: Opening Night and Home Inspections - 09/16/06 05:11 PM
Last night, before a sell-out audience, we performed the opening night of our community theatre production of "Footloose." My 15-year old son, Elliot, and I are in the cast together. It's been a total blast so far and I'm looking forward to our 4-week run.
Afterwards, we went out to Applebees to celebrate. The "older" cast members quietly sequestered … (2 comments)

inspection: Today's Closing - 09/14/06 08:02 PM
I had a closing today with an agent who was a pleasure to work with. I never had a problem getting in touch with him and working issue's out on the deal was easy. First everytime I called him I got him on the phone. First plus. Second when we had … (1 comments)

inspection: QUALIFIED: Are Others Hurting or Helping Your Real Estate Deals? - 09/01/06 12:57 PM
The following two stories are true, it happened to clients of mine.  1) She was a casino executive in Atlantic City, NJ, and was transferred to Las Vegas.  Her home was put up for sale and listed with a local real estate agent.  A potential buyer wanted a home inspection and … (4 comments)

inspection: Mold: Some Helpful Facts - 08/30/06 03:33 PM
Some Things You May Want To Know About MoldMold spores, whether dead (non-viable) or alive (viable) can cause potential health effects.Mold requires moisture to thrive.  It is important to remove excess water and moisture from the home.Applying a disinfectant or wiping with a bleach solution does not constitute effective remediation.  It … (4 comments)

inspection: Inspection Woes - 08/22/06 11:43 PM
I recently had a transactionwhere I represented the buyers in Fountain Square in Indianapolis where the seller was in a tough financial situation and we agreed to a purchase price that was basically equal to his mortgage payoff. Then we got to inspections.  That is where the real fun started.  We … (1 comments)

inspection: Salability Checklist - 08/16/06 04:15 PM
I'd like to pass this checklist on to anyone who is interested.  When you are deciding whether to list or not with a seller, the following issues are important to discuss with a seller to determine how motivated they are to sell their property.  The more the seller answers yes to … (2 comments)

inspection: Home Inspections - 08/15/06 11:50 PM
I don't think I have ever sold a home where the buyer didn't have the home inspected.  I've had a few homes that even had the contract cancelled due to the inspection.  If you're a buyer and aren't sure if you should have the home inspected or not, then definitely have … (5 comments)

inspection: Where Did The Termites Come From? - 08/14/06 10:01 AM
We listed a home in one of our rural areas, when the buyer had it inspected they did a termite inspection.  The inspection revealed that there were termites in the home.The seller said they had the home inspected when they bought it and there were not signs of termites at that … (1 comments)

 
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