When it comes to buying a house, there are a million regulations to follow. Whether dictated by the lender extending the mortgage, the homeowner’s insurance company, or by the state, it seems there are countless hoops to jump through before closing. Of course, the requirements differ slightly for every home that is bought or sold […]
Things to Consider When Buying a Lake House
There’s something magical about life on a lake. Whether you dream of meditative fishing trips, boisterous swim sessions or parties on the dock, there’s no denying the peace and natural beauty of life on the water. Before you pull the trigger on the lake house of your dreams, though, it’s important to ground your decision […]
The Difference Between Home Inspections and Appraisals
The home buying process is full of industry jargon and services you didn’t know existed. It’s no wonder that so many people confuse home appraisals and home inspections. Though they both involve an expert visiting the property and examining the home, inspections and appraisals are quite different. Understanding how they differ and why they’re necessary […]
The Five Most Common Defects Found During Home Inspections
It’s easy to fall in love when you’re house hunting. After showings at outdated, ugly properties, finally making an offer on a home you adore can be incredibly exciting. While it’s difficult to keep emotions out of the transaction, the purchase of a home should be guided by your head, not your heart. A home […]
Tips for Selling Your Home
Set the Stage Eager to sell your home as quickly as possible? According to the Real Estate Staging Association, staged homes sell 90 percent faster than unstaged properties. When your schedule for buying, selling and moving is tight, staging is indeed one of the best ways to speed up the process. Of course, not everyone […]
When Is a Home Inspection Required?
There are a lot of non-negotiables when it comes to homeownership. Property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and regular mortgage payments are all fairly mandatory. In many states, home inspections are another non-negotiable process that buyers and sellers must go through. There are other times, though, when home inspections are recommended but not required. If you’re confused […]
Getting the Most Out of a Home Inspection
Buying a home is exciting. The red tape involved in the purchase is not as fun. Amid meetings with mortgage brokers, real estate agents and moving companies, it’s easy to forget about the house itself. Understanding the current condition and history of a home is crucial to the enjoyment of it. Without the full picture, […]
Five Signs Termites are Invading Your Home
There are few things that strike as much fear in the hearts of homeowners as termite infestations. The bugs thrive on dry wood, and can move in and multiply before you even know they’re there. Door frames, window frames and even the foundation of a home can feed termites by the thousands. By the time […]
5 Troubleshooting Tips for When Your Smart Home is Anything But
Smart devices are supposed to make our lives easier. When functioning as intended, these tools can make modern living more carefree. When such devices malfunction, however, they can have an opposite effect. Some people give up when faced with confusion or stressful tech challenges, chalking the devices up to being more trouble than they’re worth. […]
Frequently Asked Questions: Asbestos Edition
There are few substances as notorious as asbestos. The group of minerals has earned a reputation for being incredibly dangerous — and for good reason. As a home and commercial property inspector, you can expect lots of questions from homebuyers curious about the threat of asbestos. To prepare you for the inevitable concerns of your […]