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Home Inspection
We get a lot of questions about home inspections so we made a funny video to express our views on a home inspection before you buy a house.
There are a few things as brokers that we look out for and they are:
· Are there any safety issues – like electric wires that are not terminated correctly
· Any potential health issues – like mold or a leak that would cause mold down the road
· Major structural issues – if the roof is needing to be replaced or the cracks in the foundation
Then there is the building of the “Honey Do List” all the small things need to go onto this list so that over the years that you live in the house you can gradually get to them.
We have been asked if having a home inspection on a new house is necessary or not. Our answer is that it is, do it before the final walk through and expect all the issues to be corrected. Sometimes builders miss items like insulation in the ceiling, or they cover up vent holes that have to be there. Having a home inspection is your piece of mind. Don’t skimp on the small amount a home inspection costs you.
If you are interested in buying or selling please give us a call to help you. We also have a list of home inspectors on our web page if you would like to contact one.
Alan Withers
425-503-5901
We want what’s best for YOU!
What’s your home repair IQ?
Are you literate in the world of home repairs? Or would you rather enlist the help of a pro? Take the Ultimate Home Repair Quiz and discover your do-it-yourself IQ. And while some projects should be left to the professionals, others can be tackled by the homeowners. How Stuff Works lists five that often come up and entail easy solutions. Here’s what heads of households ought to know:
- Prepping and painting interior walls
- Fixing squeaking and sticking doors
- Using caulk
- Repairing a faucet washer
- Unplugging a clogged toilet
Homeowners with shallow knowledge of the basics need not be alarmed. Online help is readily available at sites like How Stuff Works, the DIY Network, HGTV, and This Old House.
Manage your fridge like a pro
Do the homework before buying land
Finding the right home is not for everybody. Some want to build the dream house using their specifications. With real estate prices lower than they were five years ago, purchasing land could make sense for those who have the wherewithal.
What are the right questions to ask before signing a purchase contract? Michael Luckado’s “Buying the Land for Your Future Dream Home,” featured in HomeGain, outlines the major categories. The first step is to check out the zoning laws for the land and its surrounding areas. Is the area zoned for residential or commercial? What are the setback requirements (distance between the proposed home and lot lines) and height restrictions?
When zoning checks out, the buyer should contact the Homeowner’s Association, if one exists, and inquire about additional restrictions that may affect the building project. If the green light is still on, look into the availability of utilities. Those that are not easily connected will incur additional costs. For example, if water and sewer are not available, a private well and septic tank will need to be installed. There may also be fees to build (contact the local building and public works department for a list) and maintenance expenses even before breaking ground such as real estate taxes, insurance, sewer and water availability fees, HOA dues.
After completing due diligence on the above items, you may want to consult with an attorney to review the contract. As a rule, a title search on the land is recommended. Before you build the dream house, do the homework. It can make the difference between a poor and prudent decision.
