home inspection: Dealing With A Home Inspection Issue - 04/27/16 09:00 PM
As you may know, it’s common to include a home inspection as a condition of an offer you make. It protects you from issues that you might not otherwise see during a viewing.
What do you do if the home inspector finds something wrong? The inspector might find a leak in the foundation, or windows that are old, drafty and need replacing.
Must you pass on a property that you otherwise like?
Not necessarily. Just because the home inspector discovered a deficiency doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t purchase the home. You should, however, bring the issue up with the seller.
Your REALTOR® will do that … (2 comments)

home inspection: When to Consider Buying a “Diamond in the Rough” - 03/26/16 02:40 AM
Let’s face it. When you visit a home during a scheduled viewing or open house, you’re usually seeing it at its best. The rooms are tidy. The sinks are clean. The closets are organized and uncluttered. Even the lighting is set to its brightest.
That’s just good old-fashioned marketing.
However, not every house you see will actually look this way. For any number of reasons, a house on the market may be less than tidy, poorly decorated, and even in need of minor repairs. You may open the front door in anticipation, only to be immediately turned off by stains on the carpets, … (4 comments)

home inspection: When the Home Inspector Finds Something Wrong - 03/24/16 12:53 AM
You shop for a home. You find one you like. You make an offer — conditional on a satisfactory home inspection.
Okay so far.
Then the inspector discovers a problem with the home that may require an expensive repair or renovation. Perhaps the frame in the front door is cracked; or there's a leak in the roof; or the furnace is due to be replaced.
What do you do?
You don't want to pass up an opportunity to purchase what could be your dream home. On the other hand, you don't want to have to deal with potentially costly repairs.
First, keep in mind that you … (1 comments)

home inspection: The Benefits of a Pre-Sale Inspection - 02/19/16 09:55 PM
Your home probably has dozens of great features that are going to help it stand out and sell faster. Perhaps it has a cozy sunken living room? Or an equipped and smartly decorated kitchen that Rachel Ray would envy? Or a location in a desirable neighbourhood?
All these things will help.
But there’s another selling feature you should consider adding: a pre-sale inspection.
A professional home inspection is usually done on behalf of the buyer before the deal to purchase a property is finalized. In fact, you can expect any offers to purchase your home to be “conditional upon satisfactory home inspection.” However, there … (0 comments)

home inspection: Be Ready To Move - 01/19/16 07:54 PM
You’ve spent a lot of time shopping for the perfect property. You made an offer, held your breath and – hurray! – you got the home! But now you’ve realized that you have to move in four weeks – and you’re far from prepared.
Don’t add stress to what was otherwise a smooth process. Make sure you have these things in place well in advance:
A good real estate lawyer. Selecting the right lawyer can take time, so you don’t want to leave this task to the last minute.
A reputable moving company. Start looking into moving firms right away to ensure you pick … (1 comments)

home inspection: Get It In Writing - 01/11/16 04:49 AM
As you tour a potential new home, you notice that the carpeting in the living room is stained. “Don’t worry about that,” says the homeowner, who senses your disapproval. “We’re going to get the carpeting professionally cleaned before we move.”
Should you take their word for it?
Regardless of how honest a seller may seem, never rely on a verbal promise.
Will they move that abandoned car in the back yard? Will they fix the crack in the front steps? Is that expensive-looking ceiling fan included with the house?
Don’t assume. Get it written into the offer.
Your Real Estate Connection:
Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate … (3 comments)

home inspection: Inspect Your Walls Before You Sell - 01/09/16 12:03 AM
Say you’re trying to sell a used car. Imagine that it’s a desirable make and model. The mileage is low. Overall, it’s in great condition… except, that is, for the body. Unfortunately, there are a few areas where the paint is scratched and there are a couple of dents and rust spots, too.
Are you going to have trouble selling that car? Probably. That’s because potential buyers will have trouble seeing past the condition of the body and appreciating the true value of the vehicle.
The same thing can happen when you’re trying to sell your home.
Everything about it could be wonderful, but … (2 comments)

home inspection: When Choosing a Fixer-Upper Makes Cents - 12/27/15 08:52 AM
Some renovations can significantly increase the market value of a home. Others can cost more than you’ll ever get back.
So, when choosing a “fixer-upper”, look carefully at the work that needs to be done.
General painting, and bathroom or kitchen renovations typically increase the resale value of a house. “Invisible” repairs such as plumbing, electrical, or heating systems do not.
Before you buy, work with your REALTOR® to develop a market value estimate of the house you are considering as though the renovations you’re contemplating are already complete.
If the math works, go for it. Buying a “fixer-upper” can be very rewarding.
Your Real Estate … (1 comments)

home inspection: To Paint or Not to Paint - 12/19/15 11:20 PM
Painting the outside of your home traditionally takes more time and expense than a comparable area on the inside. You have to deal with ladders, more paint and, of course, the weather. So when preparing your house for sale, you don’t want to do any exterior painting unless it is really necessary.
How can you tell? Walk across the street and cast a critical eye on your house. Can you notice areas where the paint is chipped or faded? If so, then so will potential buyers. It’s worth your while to invest in getting a fresh coat of paint on these areas. … (3 comments)

home inspection: What To Expect During a Home Inspection - 09/18/15 09:41 PM
A home inspection is a vital part of the buying process.
It protects you from unknowingly purchasing a house that has serious deficiencies – and thereby turning what was initially a dream home into a nightmare.
So what actually happens during a home inspection? Here are a few snapshots of what to expect.
There is no quick way to properly inspect a house. A thorough examination by a qualified home inspector will take at least two hours, and possibly longer. Don’t just wait around. Accompany the home inspector during the examination. Expect the inspector to check the house inside and out, top to … (2 comments)

home inspection: 5 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Home Inspector - 09/14/15 08:13 AM
Hiring the right home inspector is important. After all, you want the inspection to leave no stone unturned when determining the condition of the house you are considering purchasing.
Unfortunately, the professionalism and range of services vary widely in the home inspection industry. So it pays to ask the right questions before you choose. Here are a few suggestions:
“What does your inspection cover?”
A home inspector should be able to present you with a detailed list of what is covered in the inspection. Don’t settle for a vague verbal promise like, “We check everything top to bottom.” Get it in writing.
In addition, you … (2 comments)