This just in from the North Pole: Due to numerous dangerous and disasterous landing situations involving Santa's Sleigh and bad roofs, Santa will not be delivering Christmas gifts to homes with bad roofs. For details, and for the love of the children, please visit Santa Safe Roof Inspections

Greetings, Wally Conway here from HomePro Inspections!  You may know me from HGTV's "House Detective" or the DIY Network's "Finders Fixers".   Working on television has given me the opportinity to learn the power of video.  

Presently I am working on a new real estate related television project and I need your help. This clip, How much should an inspection cost?, is one of several that are being built into portions of episodes for the new show, and I need your help!

Please review, critique and provide your candide thoughts on the content, format and flow of the clip. If you have interest in assisting on this project, previous talent experience or are just interested in using video and television to grow your real estate business, please let me know.

Best to you, Wally Conway

Deadly Toxic Waste Sites Near Your Home!

Every day families and communities are affected by toxic substances that have been leaked, spilled, buried and dumped across the United States.

When people buy a home, they research nearby schools, crime rates, and average property values - so what about potential environmental risks that could affect you and your family's health? Some of the most dangerous or costly hazards exist outside and can contaminate a home through pathways to human contact such as vapor intrusion, soil, and groundwater.

Just because an area appears pristine does not mean that issues are not present. Until now, homeowners and people considering buying or selling a home didn't really have any options. Now there is the HomePro Neighborhood Environmental Report.

Visit www.PoisonProperty.com to be sure your family is safe!

Believe it or not, that's how much one HomePro Inspections customer saved on their homeowners insurance bill. And that is an annual savings, so you can imagine what that adds up to over time.

Now to be fair, that was a 10,00 SF home on the ocean, but what if you only saved $567 per year, that would be great too!

The homeowners insurance crisis in Florida continues, but it can be simple for you to fight back. Florida law requires that Insurance companies offer discounts for construction practices and upgrades that lower your vulnerability to wind damage. Some of these are expensive, but most are already a part of your home, or are inexpensive to update.

The problem is, your insuance company will not help you with the needed documentation, you must do this on your own.

For details on how to get this done visit www.windinspectors.com or give HomePro Inspections a call at 904-268-8211.

Well it's been raining like crazy here in glorious Jacksonville, Florida.   Roads are blocked, schools closed and sadly some homes flooded.    No amount of insurance can stop your home from flooding, but a flood does not need to dry out your finances! In seminars around Florida, I routinely ask realtors if their own home is in a flood zone, most say no.  But in fact, if you live in Florida, you live in a flood zone,  the only question is which one!  This question becomes important because it is how most people make a flood insurance decision.   Most of you make the wrong decision and likewise provide flawed advice to your customers.

The definitive source on this subject is FEMA, they have even written a brochure just for Realtors!  You owe it to yourself, your broker and your customers to get informed.

Have WallyConway.com speak at your office or for your favorite group! 

Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information with just the right amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application.  Wally is a speaker, writer, FREC instructor, host of HGTV's "House Detective", host of DIY Network's "Finders Fixers", and host of The Home and Garden radio show on WOKV AM 690 and 106.5 FM.  And don't forget to pick up Wally's book, "Secrets of the Happy Home Inspector", available at www.GoHomePro.com or Amazon.com.  Book Wally for your next speaking event today!

Burn, Baby, Burn! by WallyConway.com

For helpful information relating to the real estate transaction and home maintenance issues, don't forget to listen to WallyConway.com as the "Happy Home Inspector" every Saturday at 8 AM on AM690 WOKV

Luxury homes are lots of fun to inspect. Sure, the pay is better too, but mostly it’s just fun to see how the other half lives! I also get to meet those people who have reached such a level of financial success that they are buying a home that seems like it could have been a boarding school!

One of the fun aspects of inspecting large and expensive homes is seeing furnishing and interior design work at the highest level. Unfortunately, that high level does not always translate to attractive! Good-sized decorating budgets does not always mean good taste. One such mansion sticks always in my mind.

Among the oldest and most prestigious sections of Jacksonville is Ortega. Situated along a wide expanse of the St. Johns River with a fabulous view of the downtown skyline is Ortega Boulevard. In our fair town, that address spells success!

It is always a thrill to inspect on Ortega Boulevard. The homes were built during the 1920’s and 30’s by the business and political leaders of the time. In a state not known for architecture, homes on Ortega Boulevard can be compared proudly with any in America. But that does not mean that some folks don’t commit creative crimes in the decorating department!

The listing agent was thrilled to have this home as the corner piece of an envious listing portfolio. One point, though, kept coming up in comments made by would-be buyers after being shown the beautiful home. The plum-painted walls on nearly the entire first floor made the interior look like the set from the old “Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In" television show! This simply had to be corrected to attract a buyer to the home.

Upon arrival at the home, I parked behind the painter’s truck. When I went into the home, a team of painters was busy working to cover “plum” with “eggshell”. Their best guess was that three coats would do it; I was betting on five!

As is always the protocol, all the lights, appliances, and heating were turned on for the home inspection. My company calls this our “Super Bowl” check. Seems that the greatest stresses a home undergoes is during the Super Bowl. There are usually dozens of people around, all of whom are using multiple televisions, cooking, washing, showering, and consuming every possible stitch of electricity. And all of this is going on simultaneously! If the systems continue to work during the Super Bowl, they will work fine during routine family use, or so the theory goes.

So, while zipping about the house checking here and checking there, one of the painters called out that he smelled smoke! If the home catches on fire during the Super Bowl that is most certainly a penalty.

Upon my arrival to the electrical panel, I smelled heat and burning wire. I then ran to the exterior to disconnect power at the switch adjacent to the meter, which was on fire! I told the real estate agent to call the fire department while I secured the power to the home. Things were going to be fine.

To my surprise and confusion, she became upset with me for securing power to the home. When I asked her why she is upset that I had secured power to the burning electrical panel, she exclaimed, “Wally, if you turn off the power, the painters won’t be finished today!” I reminded her that if the home continued to burn, it wouldn’t need paint!

The old adage “when you’re surrounded by alligators, sometimes it’s hard to remember that you came here to drain the swamp” must have been coined by a guy who was working for a real estate agent in Florida!

This subject and more about the interactions and relationships in real estate are discussed in Wally Conway’s book, “Secrets of the Happy Home Inspector”, available at www.GoHomePro.com or Amazon.com. As a speaker, writer, instructor, and host of The Happy Home Inspector radio show every Saturday at 8 AM on WOKV 690, Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information with just the right amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application. Visit WallyConway.com or www.GoHomePro.com for more information!

Mother Knows Best by WallyConway.com

For helpful information relating to the real estate transaction and home maintenance issues, don't forget to listen to WallyConway.com as the "Happy Home Inspector" every Saturday at 8 AM on AM690 WOKV

As a speaker at this year’s NAR Conference myself, it always interests me to hear what occupies the minds of the best and brightest real estate presenters from around the world. I’m also ever curious to see what the vendors are peddling to make us all more successful next year. I always try to find a theme or thread to what is going on. What direction do the messages and images point toward?

It seemed to me this year there was a tremendous volume of venders concentrated on increased agent productivity. I think that every imaginable technical gadget and gizmo to instantly or automatically perform every conceivable function was offered. It never ceases to amaze me the things that can be done with a palm pilot, mail merge, and a great cookie recipe!

But with the increase in systems and technology, which I embrace and applaud, there seems to be a lessening of talk and teaching about making sure that every action be what I describe as “customer-centric”. In my small but active mind, the definition of customer-centric is to ensure that every action and attitude has a real value to the customer and that the customer’s best interest is at the center of every decision, device, or direction.

Calls come to me almost daily from agents asking how to handle especially difficult disclosures. These calls are actually enjoyable to me! They make me feel that my opinion is valued as someone who might have special knowledge or insight. It feels good to be helpful. I’ll often go to great lengths to be sure the agent understands what the problem is, how it can adversely effect the homeowner, how the proper repair might be done, how to find a contractor to repair it, and the risks posed if left unattended. Then much to my disbelief, the agent will ask if that particular problem is required to be disclosed!

The logic escapes me as to why I’m asked this question! Oh, I understand that complete disclosure can potentially put the deal at risk, but full disclosure, properly presented, seldom dooms a deal. Rather than engage in a great debate on the merits, statutes, and ethics of disclosure, I have found a thought that most always makes matters clear. I simply ask,

If your mother were buying this home, what would you want her to know, how would you explain it, and what recommendations would you make to her?”

When I present this thought to real estate professionals, I’m usually met by a brief silence, followed by the agent telling me that they would want their mother to know everything, that they would explain things in simple detail, then weigh the options together so that Mom would be comfortable with the home. Seems like the perfect approach to full disclosure to me!

The lesson is this: simply treat every customer with the same care and concern that you would show your own mother and you will be “customer-centric”!

This subject and more about the interactions and relationships in real estate are discussed in Wally Conway’s book, “Secrets of the Happy Home Inspector”, available at www.GoHomePro.com or Amazon.com. As a speaker, writer, instructor, and host of The Home and Garden radio show every Saturday at 8 AM on WOKV 690, Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information with just the right amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application. Visit WallyConway.com or www.GoHomePro.com for more information!

Inspecting Vacation Properties

For helpful information relating to the real estate transaction and home maintenance issues, don't forget to listen to Wally Conway as the "Happy Home Inspector" every Saturday at 8 AM on AM690 WOKV

If homeownership is rightly referred to as “The American Dream”, then owning a vacation home must be heavenly, and if the bulk of the bill is paid by others when you’re not using it, well that is darn near divine! And is there really any place more heavenly than St. Augustine?

It is common that choices in resort or vacation properties are very dissimilar to that of residential buying experiences. For that reason, it is critical that your home inspector have extensive and specific knowledge of the factors influencing the new home’s construction and care. It is likewise critical that the inspector possess substantial experience with homes that are similar in age and style as the home about to be purchased.

When it comes to purchasing resort property, the climate issues affecting a home in Vail are very different from those in Palm Beach. The people in Palm Beach are not too concerned with ice damming, unless it clogs the daiquiri machine! Likewise, visitors to Vail seldom worry about hurricane tie-down requirements. It is the job of your inspector to know which issues in the area might have an impact on the home being selected.

Choose your Inspector Now!

There is great merit in your buyer selecting their home inspector even before they make the home selection. It is very similar to aligning financing in advance. When you know who to go to and that they are familiar and available, things are just much more pleasant. Pleasant is always good in a real estate transaction, but especially important when a primary purpose of the property is your buyer’s rest and relaxation in their new vacation home!

By having the inspector relationship before the property is even selected, the inspector can be a great educational resource to your buyer during the selection process. They may have questions regarding different issues on competing properties; why not have an expert on call to educate your buyers to their best decision? It is certain to help build the buyer’s confidence in you and the buying process, especially if that buyer is not from the area.

This “advance need” inspection relationship is also a great opportunity to prepare questions for the inspector. The inspection is not about what details the inspector learns about the home, but rather what information your inspector is able to provide the buyer and you about the home. That information will go a long ways towards long-term care and happiness. And as we all know, happy customers refer realtors to their friends and family!

When questions or concerns are provided to the inspector, the inspector is able to provide answers in the context specific to the desired home, its location, and the buyer’s own home experiences as a frame of reference. It just makes it simpler and more comfortable to make buying decisions when everyone is properly informed.

Your Inspector Wants YOU!

More often then not, resort rentals are purchased at a location away from the buyer’s primary residence. This makes great sense. If they wanted to take a vacation in their own hometown, they could just as easily stay home! But, this dislocation can often complicate the inspection process.

It is always in the buyer’s, as well as the realtor’s, best interest for you and your buyer to attend the home inspection. Yes, you will certainly receive a full written report, but there is just no substitute for attending the inspection. Those few hours together with your buyer and inspector can answer questions, explain findings and give a sense of comfort that is near impossible to obtain from a distance. To have a home inspection without attending is a bit like having a physical exam via the telephone.

Should it be impossible for the buyer to attend the inspection, have the inspector call the buyer at the conclusion of the inspection, even while still at the house. That allows the inspector to snap an extra photo for clarity, or to double check a last minute item that may come to mind as a result of the inspector’s comments. This initial phone call will make the written report significantly simpler to understand when it arrives.

After the buyer receives and reviews the report, make sure that the buyer follows up with the inspector if there is even the smallest question about any of the report findings. More than one buyer has ended up unhappy due to confusion, misunderstanding, or improper interpretation of an inspection report. Do not worry about using the inspector’s time or appearing unknowledgeable because of questions. Trust me when I tell you, your inspector would far rather spend time discussing concerns before a problem arises than after a problem, and have an unhappy buyer.

It comes down to this. In vacation property, as in all real estate transactions, if unknown, undiscovered, or undisclosed defects exist, divine dreams may rapidly become nightmares. And as we all know, nightmares are contagious. If a homebuyer believes they are having a nightmare, they most always keep you and I up nights along with them. Insist on a home inspection for all types of property!

Wally Conway is President of HomePro Inspections , and has recently written a book entitled “Secrets of the Happy Home Inspector”, available at www.GoHomePro.com or Amazon.com. As a speaker, writer, instructor, and host of The Happy Home Inspector radio show every Saturday at 3 PM on WOKV 690, Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information with just the right amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application. Visit WallyConway.comfor more information!

The Cat in the Attic
by Wally Conway

For helpful information relating to the real estate transaction and home maintenance issues, don't forget to listen to Wally Conway as the "Happy Home Inspector" every Saturday at 3 PM on AM690 WOKV

Strange and unexpected things happen during home inspections.  Seldom are they tragic.  Often they are humorous.  One such occasion recently came to mind.

 

Not long ago, one of our inspectors was performing a new home final walk-through inspection.  Accompanying the inspector were the homebuyers and the builders superintendent.  As the superintendent was explaining the many and varied features of the windows, our intrepid inspector went into the attic to have a look around.

 

While in the far reaches of the attic, with light shining bright, the unmistakable reflection of eyes were observed.  As our inspector went closer in an attempt to identify the eyes, not by name or color, just critter classification, the critter made a dash out of the light.  As our brave inspector followed the dashing fur ball, it became clear it was a cat.  After some time spent trying to encourage the cat toward the attic pull down steps, the chivalrous inspector not being a cat herder, descended the steps to tell the superintendent of the problem.

 

The superintendent went into the attic, scanned and panned, but saw nothing.  The homebuyers were somewhat amused, but did not want a cat in the attic.  On the compassionate side, the cat could not live long in an enclosed attic.  On the practical side, if the cat were to die somewhere in the attic, well-baked cat does not smell very good!  The homebuyers would not accept the home unless the cat was removed.

 

The superintendent was not a happy guy.  However, he took responsibility for the situation and called a local trapper to capture and release the cat.  It seemed like a good solution for everyone, including the cat.

 

When the cat-catcher arrived, things were looking up.  He seemed like a gentle man who would rescue the kitty and everyone would live happily ever after.

 

It was not so easy.  Cat man could not find the cat.  After an hour of meowing, here kitty-kitty-ing, and other cat-catcher techniques, the cat was nowhere to be found.  This seemed like a reasonable outcome.  Cat out of attic, happy homebuyer; cat out of attic, happy cat.  But things are never simple.

 

Cat man gave his invoice to the builder's superintendent.  It was for $95.  Cat hunters are seemingly paid quite well!  Anyway, the superintendent refused to pay the bill since the cat catcher did not catch a cat.

 

The cat hunter departed, madder than a wet cat, hissing all the way back to the office.

 

 

                                                                                                                             

This subject and more about the interactions and relationships in real estate are discussed in Wally Conway's book, "Secrets of the Happy Home Inspector", available at GoHomePro.com or Amazon.com.  As a speaker, writer, instructor, and host of The Happy Home Inspector radio show every Saturday at 3 PM on WOKV 690, Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information with just the right amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application.  Visit WallyConway.com or GoHomePro.com for more information!

Trading Inspectors!

 

For helpful information relating to the real estate transaction and home maintenance issues, don't forget to listen to Wally Conway as the "Happy Home Inspector" every Saturday at 3 PM on AM690 WOKV

As sure as the spring flows at the Fountain of Youth, a home inspection provides a stream of knowledge to wash away the fears of homebuyers.  But fear may be replaced by frustration if the wrong inspector is chosen!

 

Should Tradesmen be Home Inspectors?

There are some who say that the best home inspection is an inspection where all the trades are represented by a tradesperson from each specialty.  It is said that this situation brings individual and specific expertise to each system.  Reports would then be made separately to the homebuyer.  This argument states that no one knows plumbing better than a plumber, roofs better than a roofer, or electric better than an electrician, etc.

 

I will support the idea that no one knows each trade better than a person specifically from that trade, but that approach to home inspecting has several glaring flaws.

 

·         Flaw #1.

To inspect the entire home using individual trades people would require more then a dozen people.  Roofer, plumber, electrician, framer, mason, heating, insulation, painting, landscaper, pool, fireplace, appliance, tile, and we still have windows, doors and more!  For scheduling and crowd control alone, this is a bad idea.  However, if we can overcome that problem, then why not?  Moving on.

 

·         Flaw #2.

It would be difficult to find a dozen or more trades people to do this inspection without the intent to solicit repair work.  There is no ethics position that precludes each tradesperson from soliciting work in their chosen trade.  That is what trades people do; they work in their trade.

This "looking for work" mentality puts the objectivity of the inspection process in jeopardy.  While it may be appropriate for the tradesperson to make suggestions for improvement or upgrade to a homeowner, this approach is not best suited in the buying process, where the desire is principally of the inspection process to determine if exiting systems are functioning as intended, and perhaps answer component life expectancies questions.

 

·         Flaw #3.

The biggest problem, however, with bringing in a dozen trades people to inspect a home is one that cannot be overlooked.  In this scenario, NO ONE is charged with the responsibility in putting all the information together, sorting how each item interacts with the other, documenting the concerns in a coherent fashion, and most importantly of all, explaining what it all means to the homebuyer in the context of the purchase and sale agreement.

 

 

If real estate agents have ever found it a challenge to deal with the issues discovered during a home inspection by a home inspector, then you have to believe that sorting the detail, or rather lack of detail, from a dozen different trades people is a challenge that could be insurmountable!

 

Talk about a state of confusion!

 

Let's leave home inspecting to the professionally trained home inspector and leave the installation and repair of specific systems to the people who install and repair!

 

 

This subject and more about the interactions and relationships in real estate are discussed in Wally Conway's book, "Secrets of the Happy Home Inspector", available at GoHomePro.com or Amazon.com.  As a speaker, writer, instructor, and host of The Happy Home Inspector radio show every Saturday at 3 PM on WOKV 690, Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information with just the right amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application.  Visit WallyConway.com or GoHomePro.com for more information!