I know many of you think you can pull a classified ad and find the house of your dreams. That you won't owe anyone anything and "its just easier ". But let me ask you a question.....have you ever heard of a Property Condition Disclosure or a Subsewage Disclosure ?  Did you know that most homeowners currently selling their home have no real knowledge of what the laws are to protect you, themselves and what may be required of them when selling their home.

Here are some things you should know :

Realtors are real estate professionals who have chosen to join the National Association of Realtors and abide by its strict Code of Ethics. What does this mean ? It means that any Realtor you work with has voluntarily agreed to abide by Code of Ethics based on professionalism and protection to the public. We, as Realtors are subject to disciplinary action and sanctions if we violate the duties imposed by Code of Ethics.

Now, ask yourself, you are looking at a home For Sale By Owner, they want to sell their home, they know you have no representation, have you asked them what their duties are to you to protect you, your rights ?

Most sellers won't ask you to have an inspection to protect you from things like :

• Termites
• Prior Water Damage that could cause mold/mildew
• Electric or Plumbing not up to code
• Leaks in roof
• Damage in basements
• and more...

Protect yourself for years to come HIRE a Realtor to represent you and your family in the biggest decision of your life !

When purchasing a home these are the things you SHOULD have inspected :

• Structural Parts of house and other appurtenant buildings.
• Square footage, don't take the owners word for it, measure it !
• Heating and air conditioning system
• Electrical Systems
• Plumbing Systems and hot water heater
• Sample the water , test for pollutants ( well )
• Septic tanks , whether active or abandoned
• Storage tanks-oil, gas chemical ( above or below the ground, active or abandoned )
• Appliances ( especially if they are staying )
• Equipment
• Fireplace ( wood, gas or decorative.
• Basement
• Flooding or drainage problems
• Mold, moisture damage, fungus, pests
• Synthetic stucco - EIFS ( exterior insulating finishing system
• Environmental issues ( radon gas, lead based paint, asbestos, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, power lines, wetland )

Protect Your Rights with an :

• Appraisal
• Survey
• Home Warranty Program
• Owners Title Insurance

Seems like a lot? Well it is ! These are the things Realtors look for and advise the potential buyer to have inspected. Your new home is your home, your future. You may be raising children in this home. Make sure that your home is safe for not only you but your child. Some of these things can be very harmful if not fatal. They are important, they protect you and the lives in which will be residing in this home. It may seem easier to not use a Realtor, for whatever your reasons are but is it really ? Do you know how to do all these things, would you feel intimidated by doing them or asking questions in fear that the home owner won't sell the house to you ? Many feel this way, so they don't ask questions, they simply sign a piece of paper saying they are buying as is.

Don't let your house laugh at you in the end. HAVE REPRESENTATION...Call Melissa Grant, Affiliate Broker at Choice Real Estate. Direct 931-210-8277 or email lissalgrant@yahoo.comfor all of your Real Estate needs in Crossville TN, Cumberland Cove, Fairfield Glade, Lake Tansi and surrounding areas !