Top 10 Red Flags for Homebuyers - #10 Bugs

Bugs!
No one wants a house with a pest problem, be it roaches, mice or, worst of all, termites. Be on the lookout for unwelcome creatures as you tour the house. Even if no foes pop out while you're there, consider a separate termite inspection if you're thinking of purchasing the property.

BOTTOM LINE: Always get a professional inspection
Yeah, it's a little expensive, but it's worth every penny. Skipping a home inspection is not a good way to cut homebuying costs. You'll end up paying more in the long run when problems inevitably arise.

Inspection, schmection. Who is inspecting what, and for who? Here's a glance at how home inspections are supposed to work:

1. Every house should be inspected.
Otherwise, you're relying on the seller to be honest enough to tell you every thing that's wrong with the house.

2. You hire the inspector, not your real estate agent.
You want him to work for you.

3. You can hire your own inspector.
A real estate company often has a list of home inspectors from which you may choose. This does not mean you have to use one from the list. You can find lists of certified inspectors at the web sites of the two organizations that certify and train home inspectors: The National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

4. You will sign an agreement with the home inspector that outlines the scope of his work. The report you'll get about the house's condition after the inspection is for your eyes only and the inspector can only give it to the seller or real estate agent with your permission.

5. A thorough inspection of a 2,000-square foot home should take 2 to 3 hours. A good inspector:

 

• walks on the roof
• goes into the crawl space and attic
• removes the furnace and electrical panel covers to see what's inside
• checks all electrical outlets and switches
• opens and closes all windows and doors
• examines the insides of closets and the undersides of stairs
• checks walls, ceilings and floors for defects
• checks water pressure and drain function in plumbing fixture
• flushes toilets to make sure they work
• checks chimneys and flues to be sure they work
• checks the exterior of the home for signs of weather damage, decay and settling
• knows the soil and flooding problems in the area where you're buying.

6. Once he's finished with the inspection, the home inspector will go over the report with you, explain the defects he found and point out areas that may need maintenance in the near future.

7. You can ask the seller to correct the defects your inspector finds, or you can ask for money to make the repairs yourself.

via frontdoor.com

Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

Top 10 Red Flags For Home Buyers - #6 Fresh Paint On One Wall

Finding the Right Home Inspector

Know what to expect and choose a professional you can trust

Fresh Paint on One Wall

New paint can really spruce up drab walls, but it can also hide bigger problems, like water damage, mildew or mold. If the room smells strange or if you see stains or saggy walls or ceilings, have an inspector look for mold and leaks.

From electrical systems to plumbing, a typical home inspection covers all the bases.

Home inspections can prevent a lot of headaches for both buyers and sellers.

If you are buying a home, an inspection could reveal problems you never would've noticed. An inspection can require the seller to fix what needs fixing before you buy the home. You could also find issues that make you decide not to buy. If you're a seller, an inspection can help you find problems before you put the house on the market, letting you make the repairs without wrangling over the cost with a potential buyer. Learn why you should get an inspection before selling your home.

A typical home inspection covers all major mechanical systems, structural integrity, cosmetic features and other aspects of the house. This includes:

• Heating and cooling systems
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Interior and exteriors
• Garages
• Baths
• Kitchen, which includes cabinets, counters, sinks, faucets, garbage disposals and other built-in appliances
• Insects
• Exterior walls
• Parapets, trim
• Chimney
• Foundation
• Slabs
• Basement and crawl space
• Examination of the attic and roof to assess the insulation, ventilation, framing, roof surface, flashing, penetrations, drainage, overhangs, gutters and downspouts

The task should take two to four hours or more, depending on the complexity of the job. Costs range from $300 to $800 for typical homes, but they can go higher depending on the age and type of structure.

By FrontDoor.com | Published: 11/01/2007

via frontdoor.com

Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry.  For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit:  http://www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market - Part 1

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before your house is put on the market.  This avoids problems later on down the road.  Often times a seller is not aware of a problem.  When a buyer does write a contract on the property and has a home inspection, trouble areas can arise and the negotiating process starts all over again to address the issues uncovered by the buyer's home inspection. By doing a pre-sale home inspection these circumstances are completely eliminated.  Trouble areas are addressed prior to putting the house on the market and the buyer can purchase the property with peace of mind knowing that any troublesome issues have already been addressed and/or disclosed.

 

www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

8 Tips To Help With Your Home Search - Part 4

6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.

7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

Home Inspections and Home Warranties are common place in today's real estate market.  It is extremely important to have a home inspection.  This is a detailed inspection of the home from top to bottom revealing aspects of the home that an ordinary person would never see.  A home inspection itself can last up to 3 hours.  Everything is gone over, plumbing, electrical, roof, structure everything.  You will receive a detailed report, usually with photos describing every detail of the report.

A home warranty is not that expensive and can give the buyer peace of mind the first year they are in the home.  If you are like most people, you are tryng to get the best bang for your buck.  Saving every penny for that down payment and closing costs.  The last thing you need is an unexpected repair on an appliance, furnace or air conditioner.  A home warranty covers most items in a home except structural issues.  This is a good selling bonus to the buyer, but if the seller just can't afford to provide the warranty, I have had many buyers purchase the warranty themselves. 

www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

Successfully Buying a Short Sale - Part 4

Have a home inspection
Short sales are typically sold “as is,” with no contingencies allowed. That short sale is no bargain if you discover—after the closing—that it requires major, unexpected repairs. A thorough home inspection will provide a clear view of the home’s condition, allowing you to make educated decisions on whether or not to purchase.

via rismedia.com

Always, always, have a home inspection. It will be the best money you can spend. It doesn't matter if you are buying a short sale, or you are purchasing your first home or your last home.

www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

How to Budget for Home Maintenance - Part 2

A home inspection will help prospective buyers better understand the condition of the house, gaining insights and recommendations from the inspector during the inspection. Choose a home inspector who will provide you with a detailed computerized inspection report onsite, so buyers have a printed guide available for future planning.

A home inspector will estimate the age of major structural components and systems, providing the buyer an indication of each item’s anticipated lifespan. A furnace, for example, often lasts between 12 and 15 years and a water heater lasts from ten to 12 years. Understanding the current age of any particular system will allow buyers to calculate approximately when they’ll be due for major repairs or replacement.

via rismedia.com

I can't enphasize enough how important a home inspection is. In fact, when my wife and I were building our home two years ago, I had a home inspector come at different intregals to inspect our home during the building process. Money very well spent.

www.BobAbnerHomePros.com