If you  missed taking advantage of the first-time buyer tax credit but are still planning the purchase of their first home, you continue to have a wealth of opportunities in today’s home marketplace. Here are a few smart steps that can save first-time buyers thousands of dollars:

1. Double-Double  (Look twice at your credit)
Your credit must be a clean as possible, since you probably will need to get a mortgage to buy a house.  Go ahead now acquire copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you discover on each report.

2. Short Timers this is not your time!
If you can’t commit to remaining in your new home for at least a 3 to 4 years, then owning is probably not for you, at least not yet. The transaction costs of buying and selling a home may be financed into the home, but  you may end up losing money (the bottom line) if you sell any sooner – even in a rising market.

3. Survey Says “points and rate” – hire a professional mortgage company
When picking a mortgage, you usually have the option of paying additional points- a portion of the interest that you pay at closing- in exchange for a lower interest rate.  Your mortgage professional should help you out here.   If you stay in the house for a long time- say three to five years or more- it’s usually a better deal to take the points. The lower interest rate will save you more in the long run.  Make sure this is all spelled out on a spread sheet.

4. There is not a home “Lemon Law” – Hire a home inspector
A home inspector can let you know if you’re about to buy a “dud” of a house or warn you about potential problems.  At best, you can move into the house confident and with a peace of mind that the home is in great condition.  If the report indicates the worst,  the inspector’s report can let you terminate the deal.  Typically, the home inspection report is used to negotiate the home price to account for necessary repairs that the seller is usually unaware of.

5. Get professional real estate help – Research your agent.
Inside the world wide web, the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings.  Look all you want, but when it’s time to by hire an exclusive buyer agent.  They will have your interests at heart and can help you with strategies during the buy to closing process.

6.  Make it a Win-Win. 
Take this one to heart your purchase should be a win-win for you and the seller.  You do not need the stress that comes from running with the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s.  You do not need to live with the sellers problems.  Yes it may look like a great deal, but it may come with some emotional baggage.  Going to the closing table with a win-win seller makes for a great closing.

7. Double Jeopardy – A contract is a contract!
Buying a home is one of the largest purchases most people will make in their lifetime.  Avoid buyer’s remorse by being completely comfortable before signing on the dotted line.  Take your time.  Be patient as the right home will be there for you.  And when you see it, make the move.

8.  A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned – Buy a Home Warranty  
A home warranty is designed to bring you “Peace of Mind.”  A home warranty is risk management providing coverage on the primary structure, major systems and appliances.  There are a number of firms that offer coverage.  Compare, research and buy.  Make sure you read the fine print and understand the process.  A home warranty can save your budget for pennies a day.

Advantage Inspection Raleigh

. . .  performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area.
 

Dave Park 

Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
“more than just an inspection company!”
www.adrdu.com

Many people read “do-it-yourself” books and think they now know everything about construction, home improvement, and even home inspections. But that’s not really the case. With his firm Advantage Inspection based in Raleigh, Dave Park serves the entire Triangle area of North Carolina, and talks here about why it’s important to hire a professional home inspector to carry out your next home inspection, instead of trying to do it yourself…

Every year the number of home inspections rises. Every year the price of home inspections rises. Every year the “do it yourself” subculture rises. The “do it yourself” subculture is here and is here to stay.  Home improvement stores have commercials that tell you to save money and just do it yourself. And an assortment of television shows pride themselves on showing the average person how to fix it or renovate it or replace it. And at bookstores, shelves are devoted to the weekend warrior.

At first blush, it might appear that these tools of education and instruction are bad for the home inspection business. business. But, do not worry as you need to consider what all this has all provided for the profession:

1. They have raised consumer consciousness about the need to have a home inspection.
2. Sure, people like to be educated, but the DIY culture has made people realize that deep down, they want to hire a professional.
3. It takes a professional with years of experience to inspect a home in two to three  hours. How long would it take an amateur guided by a book?
4. People are more aware now of liability: Who wants it and who has it?
5. Tools. Home inspectors have them, and they know how to use them. Those DIYers do not.
6. Objectivity. Home inspectors have it. Homeowners can’t have it: That’s why they leave it up to us.
7. Nobody to blame but yourself. Saving $400 just cost the do-it-yourselfer $4,000 on something that was missed.

The irony of the do it yourself media, both video and written, is that it carries a disclaimer that warns clients not to get in over their heads. So please just “do it yourself” –  and call in a professional home inspector.

This interview was conducted by Wendy Sloane, writer with Yodle.

Advantage Inspection Raleigh

. . .  performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area.
 

Dave Park 

Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
“more than just an inspection company!”
www.adrdu.com

Thomas Paine

Common Sense is a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine. It was first published anonymously on January 10, 1776, during the American Revolution. Common Sense, signed “Written by an Englishman”, became an immediate success.

Paine wrote and reasoned in a style that common people understood; forgoing the philosophy and Latin references used by Enlightenment era writers, Paine structured Common Sense like a sermon and relied on Biblical references to make his case to the people.   Historian Gordon S. Wood described Common Sense as, “the most incendiary and popular pamphlet of the entire revolutionary era”

One of the major concerns in the world today is depletion of energy. As concerned citizens all of us must make a concerted effort to be conscious citizens and save electricity. Electricity has become integral to life but imagine having to live without power.

Conservation of electricity benefits you personally as you will pay lower bills.

Consider these “Paine-fully” Simple Common Sense Tips:

1.            Doing an energy audit. This will tell you how and when you use energy and where the wastage lies. You will be able to make an “energy savings plan” by pinpointing exactly how you can cut back on energy consumption. Some ideas may be as simple as don’t leave the coffee machine on at all times.

2.            Think about resetting the thermostat ten degrees lower during the night. If you can do this for say approximately eight hours a day you will save 10% on electricity without sacrificing comfort. Insulate the home in winter by drawing shut the drapes.

3.            Check all insulation in the house. If you increase attic insulation to around 12 inches the electricity consumption will reduce by 20 percent.

4.            Plant more trees around the house these will cool the house in summer and insulate the house in winter. Studies show that a green cover benefits in many ways.

5.            Have all electricity wires and outlets checked for leakage. Check all fuses and appliances.

6.            Fluorescent light bulbs are energy efficient. They use 75% less energy than ordinary light bulbs. These have a longer life and contribute to great savings.

7.            Use energy efficient appliances. These use less energy and believe it or not a high efficiency refrigerator uses less electricity than a light bulb.

8.            When you are away even for a few hours or days you should turn off and unplug   all electrical appliances and turn settings on the thermostat, water heater, and refrigerator to   the lowest setting.

9.            Ensure that you use a water-saving shower head. Water heating costs for a family can be lowered by at least US$ 250 a year.

10.          Weatherize your home. This helps reduce heating bills by 20% and cooling by at least 10 percent. Even when building a home or decorating it use weather friendly materials—those that are not good conductors of heat and cold. Install windows and glass panes in the roof in such away that you use sunlight to light up the rooms during day light hours. Make an effort to switch off lights and fans when leaving a room. Ensure that the filters in air conditioners and heaters are always cleaned and free of clog and dust.

Common Sense

If you live an energy efficient lifestyle you will see the numbers on the energy bill actually reducing. The power to cut energy costs is well within your control. It is as simple as only washing full loads and that to in cold water. Use the hot wash option only for very dirty clothes.  Cook food only just before you are ready to eat that way you can save reheating costs as well as refrigerating costs of storing the food. Turn the thermostat of the refrigerator to minimum in cold or cool weather. Switch off freezers if they are not in use. Small contributions can all add up to significant amounts of power saved. And, power saved means money in the bank.

Advantage Inspection Raleigh

. . .  performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area.
 

Dave Park 

Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
“more than just an inspection company!”
www.adrdu.com

What is a Home Warranty?

A professional home inspection begins with a comprehensive visual examination of a property.  As a buyer, a thorough home inspection is your first step toward protecting your investment in your new home.

When you hire a home inspector, you can expect that he or she will carefully examine the property before preparing a written report that describes the construction of the home and the working condition of all its systems. Many inspectors will also include digital photographs of defects, especially in hard-to-reach areas such as the crawlspace, roof and attic.

The following home inspection checklist outlines all areas a thorough inspection should include.

General Information
Persons present during the inspection, approximate age of the structure, construction type and style, weather and soil conditions at the time of inspection, residence type, number of stories and approximate house orientation (direction the house faces).

Description of the Lot, Grounds and Landscaping
Grade relative to drainage, yard drains, walks, driveway, landscaping, patio/slabs, outside lighting, dangerous trees or limbs, fences and gates, outside faucets and retaining walls.

Condition of the Foundation and Basement/Crawlspace/Slab
For basements: Accessible areas, moisture penetration, piers, foundation walls, floor joists, sills, girders, subfloor, slabs and insulation.

For crawlspaces: Accessible areas, moisture penetration, sump pump, vapor barrier, piers, foundation walls, floor joists, sills, girders, subfloor, ventilation and insulation.

For slabs: General condition of viewable components, cracks and signs of settling.

Condition of the Home’s Exterior
Siding, shutters, trim rot, paint and caulking, fascia, soffits, eaves, porch, porch rails, stoop, stoop rails, deck, deck rails, doors, sliding doors, garage, garage door openers and windows.

Current State of and Estimated Life Expectancy of Roof
Material type, roof style, flashing and roof penetrations, skylights, gutters, downspouts, splash blocks, rafters and other upper framing elements, ceiling joists, roof decking, water penetration, whole house fan, ventilation, insulation and attic access.

State of Chimney and Fireplace
General condition, gas logs, damper, chimney condition, flue liner, signs of settling and loose masonry.

Condition of Electrical System
Service entrance, service wires (size and types), grounding equipment, main panel, sub panels, over current protection, ground fault protection, 110 volt and 220 volt circuits, receptacles, light fixtures, switches and safety concerns.

Condition of Heating System
Unit manufacturer, model number, serial number, location, air temperature rise, general condition, heating unit description, energy source, system type and total capacity relative to area served and approximate age.

Condition of Cooling System
Unit manufacturer, model number, serial number, location, air temperature drop, general condition, cooling unit description, energy source, total capacity relative to area served and approximate age.

Condition of Plumbing System
Water supply, well pump, water shut offs, water pressure, water pipes, water pipe support, water pipe insulation, water heater, waste water disposal, waste and vent pipes, waste pipe support, plumbing fixtures, laundry connections, dryer exhaust and bathrooms.

Assessment of All Interior Spaces
Rooms, floors, walls, smoke alarms, ceilings, stairs and doors.

Current State of and Estimated Life Expectancy of Permanently Installed Appliances
Unit manufacturers, dishwasher, disposal, oven and energy source, range and energy source, refrigerator, trash compactor and microwave.

Final Thoughts on Your New Home Inspection
Remember that an inspection is simply an examination of the current condition of a home. It is not an appraisal or a municipal code inspection. An inspector, therefore, will not “pass” or “fail” a building, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items need repairs or replacements.

You, as a buyer, will find the information contained in the home inspection to be an invaluable resource as you make an offer on the home, negotiate that offer, close the deal, and assume ownership of the home.

This check list was brought to you by Lowes and Sponsored by Advantage Inspection!

 Advantage Inspection Raleigh

. . .  performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area.
 

Dave Park 

Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
“more than just an inspection company!”
www.adrdu.com

This is Advantage Home Inspections first ad that was designed right here in Raleigh. 

The campaign for 2010 is “You Have a Choice!”
The slogan is “Experience the Power of a Good Decision.”

The ad ties in today’s complex time with teamwork and
ends with competing on service instead of price.

Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh

. . .  performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area.
 

Dave Park 

Advantage Home Inspection Raleigh
“more than just an inspection company!”
www.adrdu.com

Molds are ubiquitous in nature, and mold spores are a common component of household and workplace dust. However, when spores are present in large quantities, they can be a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Molds and fungi are found everywhere inside and outside, and can grow on almost any substance when moisture is present. When molds reproduce they make spores, which can be carried by air currents. When these spores land on a moist surface that is suitable for life, they begin to grow. Mold is normally found indoors at levels that do not affect most healthy individuals.

Because common building materials are capable of sustaining mold growth, and mold spores are ever-present, mold growth in an indoor environment is typically related to water or moisture indoors.

Mold growth may also be caused by incomplete drying of flooring materials such as concrete. Flooding, leaky roofs, building maintenance problems, plumbing problems can all lead to mold growth inside homes, offices, clubhouses, and other areas humans gather.

For significant mold growth to occur, there must be a source of water (which could be invisible humidity), a source of food and a substrate (material) capable of sustaining growth. Common building materials, such as plywood, drywall, furring strips, carpets and carpet padding are food for molds. In carpet, invisible dust and cellulose are the food sources. After a single incident of water damage occurring in a building, molds grow inside the walls. The right conditions, such as high humidity, can activate a mold bloom even after a long period of being dormant after the event has occurred.

If there are mold problems in a unit or home only during a certain time of the year, then it is probably either too air-tight or too drafty. Mold problems occur in airtight homes more frequently in the warmer months (when humidity reaches high levels inside the house and moisture is trapped) and occur in drafty units or homes more frequently during the colder months (when warm air escapes from the living area into unconditioned space and condenses). If a house is artificially humidified during the winter, this can create conditions favorable to mold. Moving air may prevent mold from growing since it has the same effect as lowering humidity.

Assessment

The first step in an assessment is to determine if mold is present. This is done by visually examining the premises. If mold is growing and visible this helps determine the level of remediation that is necessary. If mold is actively growing and is visibly confirmed, sampling for specific species of mold is necessary.

 These methods, considered non-intrusive, only detect visible and odor-causing molds. Sometimes more intrusive methods are needed to assess the level of mold contamination. This would include moving furniture, lifting and/or removing carpets, checking behind wallpaper or paneling, checking in ventilation duct work, opening and exposing wall cavities, etc.

 Careful detailed visual inspection and recognition of moldy odors should be used to find problems needing correction. Efforts should focus on areas where there are signs of liquid moisture or water vapor (humidity) or where moisture problems are suspected. The investigation goals should be to locate indoor mold growth to determine how to correct the moisture problem and remove contamination safely and effectively.

Remediation

The first step in solving an indoor mold problem is stopping the source of moisture. Next is to remove the mold growth. Common remedies for small occurrences of mold include:

*Sunlight

*Ventilation

*Non-porous building materials

*Household cleansers

Significant mold growth may require professional mold remediation and removal of affected building materials. As this issue has become more and more prevalent, different states have different requirements for licensing, certifying and qualifying mold remediation technicians. 

There are Certified Mold Inspectors, Certified Mold Remediators, and Certified Environmental Hygienists, all professionals that provide services relating to mold problems. While some mild instances of mold may be able to be addressed in a do-it-yourself way, if in doubt, a professional should be engaged for this purpose. The preparation of the area for the removal of the material, the disposal of the material removed, the personal precautions that are required, generally exceed those of a maintenance worker or handyman.

If in doubt, call a professional.

Maverick Rules!

Advantage Inspection Raleigh performs the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. 

For the last 18 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area. 

 Advantage Inspection Raleigh

“more than just an inspection company!”

www.adrdu.com

How many times can this lunch and dinner standard be turned into something new and special?

Most recipes are quick and easy.  You can take your pick as long as they are crowned with French Fried Onion toppings that are crisp and flavorful.  But what can be learned from this handy dish? 

It is the passion of sharing. 

The wealth of knowledge that is passed on makes all the difference whether that secret Green Bean Caserole reciepe works or not, has your family asking for seconds or the plate is scraped in with the dog food.  It can mean a clean dish with a smile or more leftovers for the frig.

At Advantage Inspection Raleigh we share our passion and knowledge.

Just like the engine of an automobile, you house works as a system of independent parts.  Every part has an impact to the operation of other systems.  A home has well over 15, 000 parts, pieces or stuff in it.  And when all the “stuff” works together, you have a home this is comfortable, healthy, and energy efficient. 

Our job is to report the home’s condition at the time of the inspection and provide education on the operation of the home.  We are not fortune tellers and cannot predict the future, but we can help you from becomming overwhelmed by the home ownership experience by providing the  opportunity to share our passion.

 
Many home inspectors share their passion and expertise at the barber shop.

We share our passion and knowledge with our clients!

Dave Park
Advantage Inspection Raleigh 
www.adrdu.com
davepark@adrdu.com

For more than 17 years our home inspection process has been the deciding factor for the people we serve: Real Estate Agents, Home Inspectors, and Home Owners. Serving Raleigh, Durham, Cary and the Triangle.

Well, what does Leigh Carson know?

Leigh Carson is a St. Louis based Family Law Attorney who writes about the Real Estate Industry.  She sees it everyday and how families and their emotions swing through the Home Buying/Selling experience.   

In her article, “What a Home Inspector Can Do for You When You Are Selling Your House“,  she writes, “A home inspector is trained to identify items in a home that need either replacement or repair. A certified inspector will carefully examine the structural components of the home, including roof, windows, insulation, siding and tuck pointing, as well as the heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems. The home inspector’s report will give far more information than an appraisal or an analysis by a real estate agent.”

Ms. Carson continues with the process, “Most buyers make an offer to purchase property that is contingent upon the inspection revealing no significant issues; and even though the buyer will have their own inspection done, it is important to talk with your real estate agent about the benefit of having an inspection done yourself before you put your home on the market.“

She also points to one advantage of having your home inspected is that the report can be attached to the seller’s disclosure, assisting the buyer and reinforcing the idea that you are being forthright and straightforward in your disclosures about the property. It also puts you in a good position to maximize the listing price and ultimately the selling price.”

The Sellers inspection is not intended to replace the buyer’s inspection; it is there to inform the Seller as to what items are in need of repair.  Decisions can then be made by the Seller as to what repair direction to take before the property is put on the market.  The direction also can move to what concessions on price need to be considered before the home is on the market and offers are being made to the Seller.

A Prelisting Inspection allows the Buyer to purchase your home with confidence

Closings are not delayed due to unknown conditions. Adverse negotiations are minimized since all parties involved know the condition of the home before an offer to purchase is made

A Prelisting Inspection is proven to Sell your home faster

Make your home stand out in the marketplace as one that can be purchased with confidence. A documented Home Inspection and Home Warranty increase the odds of selling your home. It is a proven fact that homes with warranties sell faster and at a higher average price.

Ms. Carson concludes that “the right inspector will be experienced, meticulous, plainspoken and ideally have a proven track record in your area.” Ask your agent for a recommendation or check for local members of the North Carolina Licensed Home Inspectors Association (www.NCLHIA.org) or the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (www.nachi.org).

Maverick Rules!

Advantage Inspection Raleigh perform the Nation’s Best Home Inspection and provides the Nation’s Only “No Denied Claims Warranty” available in the industry. 

For the last 17 years, Advantage Inspection has been the deciding factor for the people we serve:  Buyers, Sellers, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors.  Advantage Inspection Raleigh serves Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle area. 

Advantage Inspection Raleigh

“more than just an inspection company!”

www.adrdu.com

I’ll bet you can’t say it three times real fast!

And I’ll bet you can’t stand pushy salespeople.

How often do people try to sell us something before we have expressed an interest, have a desire, or are in the market for what they have? It seems the standard for many salespeople is to try to sell to anyone and everyone regardless of the interest level.

When someone attempts to sell us something before we have expressed an interest, the initial thought may be, “Why would I buy from you? You haven’t earned the right to sell to me!”

The fact of the matter is that selling, both online and off, is about determining if there is a need before ever attempting to match a buyer with a product or service. It is about providing enough information for the buyer to make the best decision based on their needs. And it is about gaining trust.

The most successful Sales Professionals are those who are a resource before they are a vendor.

Having been in both brick-and-mortar and online sales and marketing for many years, it never ceases to amaze me how many people try to sell without determining the customer’s needs. They don’t seem to realize that the better the match, the more likelihood for return business.

The better the match, the more trust gained.

If you depend on repeat business or referrals, trust is absolutely a factor in your customer’s decision to come back to you when they need your product or service.

Anyone who has been in business for an extended period of time (or plans to be) would be hard pressed to believe otherwise. Whatever you are selling, the buyer’s experience from the initial visit and/or purchase will likely determine whether or not they will ever purchase from you again.

When a customer has a great experience from the beginning the chances of them turning into a repeat buyer is more likely.

It is a proven fact: it is more cost effective to have repeat buyers than it is to constantly seek out new customers. That is not to say you shouldn’t be adding new clients as part of your business model. Building trust with existing clients will add to your conversion rate more consistently.

What is often missed in the equation of sales and marketing is the lifetime value of a customer. Once the initial sale is made they are forgotten. With proper care, a one-time or occasional buyer can turn into a loyal buyer.

And loyalty is based on trust.

We live in a “try before you buy” society. Because of this many buyers use what is referred to as the buying ladder. The buying ladder is very applicable to brick-and-mortar sales.

Before buying a high ticket item, buyers will “test the waters”. This can be done in a number of ways: by test driving a car, taking a tour of a home, asking friends and associates for a recommendation.

When purchasing on the Internet it can be downloading a free information item or buying an inexpensive product from a website to test out the level of service, quality of product, delivery time, quality of information (in the case of an information product), and response time.

It may even depend on the buyer’s “gut feeling.” What are your own buying habits? What process do you go through before making the decision to buy?

When you gain trust, people want to do business with you. And they want to tell others about the experience. Have you heard the expression that if someone has a bad experience they will tell more people about that experience than they do a good one? I can’t say that I necessarily agree with this statement. There are occasions when I have heard people rave about a great experience over and over again.

Buying decisions are made for a number of reasons, but they ultimately depend upon whether or not the buyer trusts the process. And if they trust you.

It is through the process of building trust that we have earned the right to sell, not the right to PUSH!

Maverick Rules! Maverick Rules! Maverick Rules!

Dave Park
The Maverick Builder