Denver Home Inspection

Why do I like inspecting homes?

By Chuck Forman

I can sum it all up with two simple words. I love to investigate and educate. Performing an inspection on a home is like being a private investigator. While it is never my intention to just point out negatives in a home, it is always fun to investigate and find things that could be improved upon. It is also equally important for buyers to know the positives of a home and to maintain a balance of information. I also truly enjoy educating my clients, whether it be the buyer, or the seller. It is especially thrilling for me to help first time home buyers as this can be one of the most stressful endeavors of their lives. It helps if they have someone that can calm their fears and put the information into perspective.
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Factors to Consider When Backing Out After a Home Inspection

By Roby Pagong

Most of us have dream of owning a home. This is very important for most of us. That is why when we get the chance, we want to get a perfect home. This makes us willing to undergo a complex process. Purchasing a home is unlike ordinary purchase. There are several things that need to be addressed. One has to find the right lender, the right mortgage term and most importantly, the right home. One of the processes you have to go through to ensure you have the right home is the home inspection. Here, an expert will check the property to find out its current state.

The home inspector plays an essential role. He will evaluate the different areas of the property. He will also indicate his comments regarding the structure and other features in the property. He will indicate this in his report.

The seller can use the report. The inspection can take place prior to opening the property to the market. This will help him find out the essential repairs he needs to do. This will also help him get a good value for his property. Aside from the seller, the buyer will find the report most useful. He can use it in various ways. This is the best tool to negotiate the value of the property. He can also use this to demand that the seller conduct essential repairs. Most importantly, he can use this to decide to continue the purchase or back out.

As mentioned earlier, you can back out from the transaction. However, there are factors to consider. First, check your contract. It is best if you have not signed any yet especially if you have not read it thoroughly. Some contracts have clauses that will not refund you any amount you have paid for the property. This will greatly affect your decision to back out.

You may back out if there are severe damages that were not disclosed to you during your discussion with the seller. If there are several problems, you may not be able to move in the house as soon as you want. This can be a problem if you need to find a new home immediately. Surely, you want to be comfortable when you move.

Another reason for backing out is when you and the seller cannot reach an agreement. There are instances when sellers insist on what they believe is the right value for their property. As a buyer, you may think otherwise. If you are not willing to match the value of the property, you might as well look for another house.

The inspection is also a way to make the buyer realize that the property will not suit their needs. After the inspection, they might find out that they will not be able to do the things they want to do with the property. The weak foundation might prevent them from adding a second floor. They may also uncover other issues.

Inspectors will always find imperfections in homes, even if it is new. This is why you have to think carefully before deciding.



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Checklist on What to Expect During Home Inspection

By Rose B

In the course of buying or selling a house, there are inevitable and indispensable issues to consider. One of the most needed things to delve into when planning to buy or sell a property is home inspection. It is in fact primarily important that most real estate agents and key figures in the industry recommend not going further into your transactions without conducting an accurate and trustworthy inspection in the subject property. Due to its utmost importance, home assessment must be on top of your list before anything else.

Home inspection is a non-invasive evaluation of the quality and condition of the house you are planning to buy or sell. There are highly credible home inspectors who are conducting this salient process who have corresponding training and certification in order to grant them the license to carry out their tasks. The basic components included in the report of the inspector are the current condition of the house right at the time that the inspection was conducted. However it must be noted that whatever future condition, potential problems and life expectancy of the components and systems of the property are not guaranteed in the report. Hence home assessment is typically limited and may only give you information you need to assess and determine the current working condition of the property.

There are important components in a home inspection checklist which are vitally examined by a certified home inspector. First and foremost, inspection is conducted on the roofing system, gutters and other exterior areas of the house. The inspector carefully evaluates and informs you of possible repair and fixture issues that ought to be immediately addressed. If you have sidewalks and driveways, these are likewise included in the examination of the property since it also directly affects its market value. Other components assessed are the wall covering, doors, windows, drainage, elevation, landscaping and lights and other exterior receptacles.

The interior portion of the house is then inspected for the same repair and fixture issues which directly influence its worth and value in the market. Kitchen and bathrooms are considered the focal selling points of the property which influence the decision of home buyers to buy the property or not. Therefore it is two of the first assessed areas of the house. Other components given attention are the systems that help in the proper operation and function such as fireplaces, duct work, chimney, furnaces and air conditioning among others. The appliances such as range and ovens, dishwasher, garbage disposal and smoke detectors are also examined for potential problems and defects. This also includes the electrical systems such as light fixtures, exhaust fans, wiring types and condition, circuit breakers and main panels.

After an accurate and exhaustive home evaluation process, the home inspector provides you with an inspection report where all the noted problems, issues and the entire condition and quality of the house are clearly stated. Others also give possible resolution to remedy the current problems the property is facing. Thus, home inspection is indeed a great tool to ensure that you get what your money is worth and more.



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Why is Home Inspection Necessary to the Home Buying Process?

By Liane Canonigo

When you buy or sell a house, there is always a complicated procedure that you have to undergo. Home inspections are very important to assure buyers and sellers that properties are in their best condition. Unfortunately most of these parties do not seem to see the importance of such procedure. But if you are really a wise consumer, you will allow your prospect property to under go this home inspection so as to secure that everything is perfectly fine before you close the deal.

Generally, home inspections are performed by certified home inspectors. They went through extensive training about how to go about the entire method. They verify all areas of the house to be able to identify the exact condition of the property. Everything in the house, the external and internal features, is subject for inspection. As soon as they are through with it, all the findings will be incorporated and written in a report. And this will be presented to the buyer.

You will be able to see the essence of home inspection process before you finally decide. Hence, identifying the actual value of the house is really a must. Of course, nobody wants to buy a property that is not worthy of the price that is offered. This is also to prepare you from the possible damages in the house which are not noticed when you fist saw it. You definitely need to identify all of these before you shell out your hard-earned money.

One of the most important aspects in your house that must be checked is the physical structure. You should know if this is durable and livable enough. Apart from that, other features like electrical and plumbing systems, facilities and water supply are also subject for inspection. Defects such as minor cracks on the walls or tiles should be declared on the report since they constitute the entire condition of the place. Once the process is finished, you can now evaluate if it is indeed a comfortable place for you to stay.

All the amenities installed in the house are not exempted from being checked by the inspector. This is very important once you begin to live and do your daily household chores. Your kitchen, bathroom and other rooms must be clean and free from termites that can cause serious defects later on. Once you found something is wrong, make sure to fix them immediately.

The plumbing and electrical systems must follow the standards since they are the most utilized commodities. You do not want to end up buying a new generator because there is a shortage of electricity in your house. Even if you will incur a significant amount in hiring a professional home inspector, the security that you can get out of their work is priceless.

Do not be confused between home appraisals and home inspections. Inspections deal with the actual state of the house while appraisals cover the value of the property.



Author Resource:->  Dallas Affordable Golf Course Homes, Dallas Ranches for Sale and Dallas Homes with Sun Rooms can help you give great suggestions on houses for sale.

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Building a Home

If you want to build a new home, there are things you need to know before you begin. Learn about construction standards and about buying land, so you know your rights.

MPS Supplementing Model Building Codes
 
The Minimum Property Standards (MPS) establish certain minimum standards for buildings constructed under HUD housing programs. This includes new single-family homes, multi-family housing and healthcare-type facilities.

 
HUD Minimum Property Standards and How They Supplement the Model Building Codes

Until the mid-1980s, HUD maintained separate Minimum Property Standards for different types of structures. Since that time, HUD has accepted the model building codes, including over 250 referenced standards and local building codes, in lieu of separate and prescriptive HUD standards. However, there is one major area of difference between the MPS and other model building codes -- durability requirements. Homes and projects financed by FHA-insured mortgages are the collateral for these loans, and their lack of durability can increase the FHA's financial risk in the event of default. More specifically, the model codes do not contain any minimum requirements for the durability of items such as doors, windows, gutters and downspouts, painting and wall coverings, kitchen cabinets and carpeting. The MPS includes minimum standards for these, and other items, to ensure that the value of an FHA-insured home is not reduced by the deterioration of these components.
 

HUD Field Office Acceptance for Areas Without Building Codes
 
HUD requires that each property insured with an FHA mortgage meet one of the nationally recognized building codes or a state or local building code based on a nationally recognized building code. In areas where such state or local codes are used, HUD determines if the state or local code is comparable to the model building code. There are also areas of the United States that do not have building codes. If no state or local building code has been adopted, the appropriate HUD Field Office will specify a building code that is comparable to one of the nationally recognized model building codes.

Interstate Land Sales
 
The Interstate Land Sales program protects consumers from fraud and abuse in the sale or lease of land. In 1968, Congress enacted the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, which is patterned after the Securities Law of 1933, and requires land developers to register subdivisions of 100 or more non-exempt lots with HUD, and to provide each purchaser with a disclosure document called a property report. The property report contains relevant information about the subdivision and must be delivered to each purchaser before the signing of the contract or agreement.
 

Buying Lots from Developers

Be well informed when shopping for land. Lots may be marketed as sites for future retirement homes, for second home locations, or for recreational or campsite use. However, be wary of any investment aspect that may be stressed by sales personnel. If you plan to purchase a lot which is offered by promotional land sales, take plenty of time before coming to a decision. Before signing a purchase agreement, a contract, or a check: 

  • know your rights as a buyer;
  • know something about the developer;
  • know the facts about the development and the lot you plan to buy; and 
  • know what you are doing when you encounter high-pressure sales campaigns.
Generally, if the company from which you plan to buy is offering 100 or more unimproved lots for sale or lease through the mail or by means of interstate commerce, it may be required to register with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This means that the company must file with HUD and provide prospective buyers with a property report containing detailed information about the property. Failure to do this may be a violation of federal law, punishable by up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. The information filed by the developer and retained by HUD must contain such items as these:
  • a copy of the corporate charter and financial statement;
  • information about the land, including title policy or attorney's title opinion, and copies of the deed and mortgages; 
  • information on local ordinances, health regulations, etc.; 
  • information about facilities available in the area, such as schools, hospitals and transportation systems; 
  • information about availability of utilities and water, and plans for sewage disposal; 
  • development plans for the property, including information on roads, streets and recreational facilities; and 
  • supporting documents, such as maps, plans and letters from suppliers of water and sewer facilities.
The company filing this information must swear and affirm that it is correct and complete, and an appropriate fee must accompany submission. The information is retained by HUD and is available for public inspection. The property report, which is also prepared by the developer, goes to the buyer. The law requires the seller to give the report to a prospective lot purchaser prior to the time a purchase agreement is signed. Ask for it. The seller is also required to have the buyer sign a receipt acknowledging receipt of the property report. Do not sign the receipt unless you have actually received the property report. Check the developer’s property report before buying. This is the kind of information you will find in a property report:
  • distances to nearby communities over paved and unpaved roads;
  • existence of mortgages or liens on the property; land
  • whether contract payments are placed in escrow; 
  • availability and location of recreational facilities; 
  • availability of sewer and water service or septic tanks and wells; 
  • present and proposed utility services and charges; 
  • the number of homes currently occupied; 
  • soil and foundation conditions which could cause problems in construction or in using septic tanks; and 
  • the type of title the buyer may receive and when it should be received.
Read the Property Report Before Signing Anything
 
This report is prepared and issued by the developer of this subdivision. It is not prepared or issued by the federal government. Federal law requires that you receive this report prior to signing a contract or agreement to buy or lease a lot in this subdivision. However, no federal agency has judged the merits or value of the property. If you received the report prior to signing a contract or agreement, you may cancel your contract or agreement by giving notice to the seller any time before midnight of the seventh day following the signing of the contract or agreement. If you did not receive this report before you signed a contract or agreement, you may cancel the contract or agreement any time within two years from the date of signing.

Your Contract Rights
 
If the lot you are buying is subject to the jurisdiction of the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, the contract or purchase agreement must inform you of certain rights given to buyers by that Act. The contract should state that the buyer has a "cooling-off" period of seven days (or longer, if provided by state law) following the day that the contract is signed to cancel the contract, for any reason, by notice to the seller, and get his or her money back. Furthermore, unless the contract states that the seller will give the buyer a warranty deed, within 180 days after the contract is signed, the buyer has a right to cancel the contract for up to two years from the day that the contract is signed, unless the contract contains the following provisions: 

  • a clear description of the lot so that the buyer may record the contract with the proper county authority;
  • the right of the buyer to a notice of any default (by the buyer), and at least 20 days after receipt of that notice to cure or remedy the default; 
  • a limitation on the amount of money the seller may keep as liquidated damages, of 15% of the principal paid by the buyer (exclusive of interest) or the seller's actual damages, whichever is greater.
Contract Rights Concerning Property Reports

It has always been the law that if the developer has an obligation to register with the Interstate Land Sales Division, the developer or sales agent must give the buyer a copy of the current property report before the buyer signs a contract. Otherwise, the buyer has up to two years to cancel the contract and get their money back. That fact must also be clearly set forth in all contracts. You may have the right to void the contract if the subdivision has not been registered with HUD, or you were not given a property report. Furthermore, if the developer has represented that it will provide or complete roads, water, sewer, gas, electricity or recreational facilities in its property report, in its advertising, or in its sales promotions, the developer must obligate itself to do so in the contract, clearly and conditionally (except for acts of nature or impossibility of performance). In addition to the right to a full disclosure of information about the lot, the prospective buyer may have the right to void the contract and receive a refund of their money if the developer has failed to register the subdivision with HUD or has failed to supply the purchaser with a property report. While a purchaser may have the right to void the contract with the developer under these conditions, the purchaser may still be liable for contract payments to a third party if that contract has been assigned to a financing institution or some similar entity. The registration is retained by HUD and is available for public inspection. If the property report contains misstatements of fact, if there are omissions, if fraudulent sales practices are used, or if other provisions of the law have been violated, the purchaser may also sue to recover damages and actual costs and expenses in court against the developer. However, depending on when your sale occurred, you may be barred from taking further action due to the Act's statute of limitations. Your attorney can advise you further on this matter.

 
"Cooling-Off" Period
 
Even if you received the property report prior to the time of your signing of the contract or agreement, you have the right to revoke the contract or agreement by notice to the seller until midnight of the seventh day following the signing of the contract. You should contact the developer, preferably in writing, if you wish to revoke your contract and receive a refund of any money paid to date. Even if the property report is delivered to you before you sign a sales agreement, the law gives you a "cooling-off " period. This right cannot be waived.
 

building
A Word About the Interstate Land Sales Division

The HUD unit which administers the law, examines the developer's registration statement, and registers the land sales operator is the Interstate Land Sales Division. Except for disclosure purposes, this office is not concerned with zoning or land-use planning, and has no control over the quality of the subdivision. It does not dictate what land can be sold, to whom, or at what price. It cannot act as a purchaser's attorney. But it will help purchasers secure the rights given to them by the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act. HUD is authorized by law to conduct investigations and public hearings, to subpoena witnesses and secure evidence, and to seek court injunctions to prevent violations of the law. If necessary, HUD may seek criminal indictments. HUD is authorized by law to conduct investigations and, if necessary, seek criminal indictments.

 
Exemptions from the Law 

The prospective buyer should be aware that not all promotional land sales operations are covered by the law. If the land sales program is exempt, no registration is required by HUD, and there will be no property report. Here are some of the specific situations for which the statute allows exemptions without review by HUD, including the sale of:
  • tracts of fewer than 100 lots which are not otherwise exempt;
  • lots in a subdivision where every lot is 20 acres or more in size;
  • lots upon which a residential, commercial or industrial building has been erected, or where a sales contract obligates the seller to build one within two years; 
  • certain lots which are sold only to residents of the state or metropolitan area in which the subdivision is located; 
  • certain low-volume sales operations (no more than 12 lots a year); 
  • certain lots that meet certain local codes and standards and are zoned for single-family residences or are limited to single-family residences by enforceable codes and restrictions; and 
  • certain lots, contained in multiple sites of fewer than 100 lots each, offered pursuant to a common promotional plan.
Other exemptions are available which are not listed above. If you have reason to believe that your sale is not exempt and may still be covered by the law, contact the Interstate Land Sales Division.
 

Know the Developer
 
Knowing your rights under the law is the first step in making a sensible land purchase. To exercise those rights, you also must know something about the honesty and reliability of the developer who offers the subdivision that interests you. Don’t fail to ask questions. Whether you are contacted by a sales agent on the phone or by mail, at a promotional luncheon or dinner, in a sales booth at a shopping center, or in the course of your own inspection of the subdivision, make it your business to find out all you can about the company and the property. In addition, get any verbal promises or representations in writing. Don’t fail to ask questions. If you are seriously interested in buying a lot, ask if the company is registered with HUD or is entitled to an exemption. Request a copy of the property report and take the time to study it carefully and thoroughly. If you still have unanswered questions, delay any commitment until you have investigated. Discuss current prices in the area with local independent brokers. Talk to other people who have purchased lots. A local Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, or consumer protection group may have information about the seller's reputation. Inquire through county or municipal authorities about local ordinances or regulations affecting properties similar to that which you plan to buy. Don't be high-pressured by sales agents.
 

Know the Facts About the Lot
 
Once you have decided on an appealing subdivision, inspect the property. Don't buy "sight unseen." Better yet, hire an InterNACHI inspector to perform a thorough property inspection. Also, check the developer's plans for the project and know what you are getting with your lot purchase. It's a good idea to make a list of the facts you will need to know. Some of the questions you should be asking, and answering, are these:  

  • How large will the development become?
  • What zoning controls are specified?
  • What amenities are promised?
  • What provision has the developer made to assure construction and maintenance? 
  • What are the provisions for sewer and water service?
  • Are all of the promised facilities and utilities in the contract? 
  • Will there be access roads or streets to your property, and how will they be surfaced? Who maintains them? How much will they cost? 
  • Will you have clear title to the property? What liens, reservations or encumbrances exist? 
  • Will you receive a deed upon purchase or a recordable sales contract? 
  • What happens to your payments? Are they placed in a special escrow account to pay for the property, or are they spent at once by the developer? 
  • If the developer defaults on the mortgage or goes bankrupt, could you lose your lot and investment to date to satisfy a claim against the development? 
  • What happens when the developer moves out? Is there a homeowners' association to take over community management? 
  • Are there restrictions against using the lot for a campsite until you are ready to build? 
  • Are there any annual maintenance fees or special assessments required of property owners?
This is a partial list of points to consider before you commit your money or your signature.
 
Know What You are Doing

Interstate land sales promotions often are conducted in a high-pressure atmosphere that sweeps unsophisticated buyers along. Before they are aware that they have made a commitment, these buyers may have signed a sales contract and started to make payments on a lot. They may be delighted with the selection made, but, if not, it may be too late for a change of mind.
 

Nine Dishonest Sales Practices
 
Here are some of the practices avoided by reliable sales operations. Watch out for them and exercise sales resistance if you suspect they are occurring:
 

1. Concealing or misrepresenting facts about current and resale value. Sales agents may present general facts about the area’s population growth, industrial or residential development, and real estate price levels as if they apply to your specific lot. You may be encouraged to believe that your piece of land represents an investment which will increase in value as regional development occurs. A sales agent may tell you that the developer will re-sell the lot, if you request. This promise may not be kept. Future resale is difficult or impossible in many promotional developments because much of your purchase price -- sometimes as much as 40% -- has gone for an intensive advertising campaign and commissions for sales agents. You are already paying a top price and it is unlikely that anyone else would pay you more than you are paying the developer. You may even have to sell for less than the price you originally paid for the lot. Sales promotions often are conducted in a high-pressure atmosphere. Furthermore, when you attempt to sell your lot, you are in competition with the developer, who probably holds extensive, unsold acreage in the same subdivision. In most areas, real estate brokers find it impractical to undertake the sale of lots in subdivisions and will not accept such listings. It is unlikely that the lot you purchase through interstate land sales represents an investment, in the view of professional land investors. Remember, the elements of value of a piece of land are its usefulness, the supply, the demand, and the buyer's ability to re-sell it. The Urban Land Institute estimates that land must double in value every five years to justify holding it as an investment. In some areas, the cost of holding the land, such as taxes and other assessments, can run as high as 11% a year.
 

2. Failure to honor refund promises or agreements. Some sales promotions conducted by mail, email or long-distance telephone include the offer of a refund if the property has been misrepresented, or if the customer inspects the land within a certain period of time and decides not to buy. When the customers request the refund, s/he may encounter arguments about the terms of the agreement. The company may even accuse its own agent of having made a money-back guarantee without the consent or knowledge of the developer. Sometimes, the promised refund is made, but only after a long delay.
 

3. Misrepresentation of facts about the subdivision. This is where the property report offers an added measure of protection. A sales agent may offer false or incomplete information relating to either a distant subdivision or one which you visit. Misrepresentations often relate to matters such as the legal title, claims against it, latent dangers (such as swamps or cliffs), unusual physical features (such as poor drainage), restrictions on use, or lack of necessary facilities and utilities. Read the property report carefully with an eye to omissions, generalizations, or unproved statements that may tend to mislead you. If you are concerned about overlooking something important, discuss the report and the contract with a lawyer who understands real estate matters. The developer also may use advertisements that imply that certain facilities and amenities are currently available when they are not. Read the property report to determine whether these facilities and amenities are actually completed, or proposed to be completed in the future. If the company advertises sales on credit terms, the Truth in Lending Act requires the sales contract to fully set forth all terms of financing. This information must include total cost, simple annual interest, and total finance charges.
 

4. Failure to develop the subdivision as planned. Many buyers rely upon the developer's contractual agreement or a verbal promise to develop the subdivision in a certain way. The promised attractions that influenced your purchase (golf course, marina, swimming pool, etc.) may never materialize after you become an owner. If they are provided, it may be only after a long delay. If you are planning on immediate vacation use of the property, or are working toward a specific retirement date, you may find that the special features promised of the development are not available when you need them.
 

5. Failure to deliver deeds and/or title insurance policies. Documents relating to the sales transaction may not be delivered as promised. Some sales in the promotional land development industry are made by contract for a deed to be delivered when the purchaser makes the last payment under the terms of the contract. A dishonest developer may fail to deliver the deed, or deliver it only after a long delay. A sales agent may offer false or incomplete information.
 

6. Abusive treatment and high-pressure sales tactics. Some sales agents drive prospective customers around a subdivision in automobiles equipped with citizen band radios which provide a running commentary on lot sales in progress. The customer may be misled by this and other sales techniques to believe that desirable lots are selling rapidly and that a hurried choice must be made. Hurrying the buyers into a purchase they may later regret is only one ploy of high-pressure sales agents. More offensive is abusive language used to embarrass customers who delay an immediate decision to buy. In some instances, hesitant buyers have been isolated in remote or unfamiliar places where transportation is controlled by the sales agent or the agent's organization.
 

7. Failure to make good on sales inducements. Free vacations, gifts, savings bonds, trading stamps, and other promised inducements are used to lure people to sales presentations or to development sites. These promised treats may never materialize. Sometimes, special conditions are attached to the lure, or a customer is advised that gifts go only to lot purchasers. A "free vacation" may be the means of delivering the prospective buyer to a battery of high-pressure sales agents in a distant place. The promised attractions may never materialize.
 

8. "Bait and switch" tactics. Lots are frequently advertised at extremely low prices. When prospective buyers appear, they are told that the low-priced lots are all sold and then are pressured to buy one that is much more expensive. If the cheaper lot is available, it may be located on the side of a cliff or in another inaccessible location. If accessible, it may be much too small for a building or have other undesirable features. The buyers may be lured to the property with a certificate entitling them to a "free" lot. Often, the certificate bears a face value of $500 to $1,000. If the buyers attempt to cash it in, the amount is simply included in the regular price (often inflated) of the lot they choose. Often, this so-called "bait and switch" technique has a delayed fuse. Buyers who purchase an unseen lot for later retirement may be unpleasantly surprised when they visit the development. The lot they have paid for may be remote from other homes, shopping and medical facilities. It may be insufficiently developed for use. When the buyers complain, sales personnel attempt to switch them to a more expensive lot, applying the money paid for the original lot to an inflated price for the new one, and tacking on additional financing charges. If the unhappy purchasers lack sufficient funds to accept this alternative, they are left with an unusable, unmarketable first choice. 
 

9. Failure to grant rights under the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act. Purchasers may not be given copies of the property report before they sign a sales contract. Some sales agents withhold this detailed statement until customers choose a specific lot. Sometimes, the buyers receive the report in a mass of promotional materials and legal documents. Unaware that the report is in their possession, they fail to read and understand it before signing a sales contract.
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Beware of Toxic Mold in Your Home Search

By Roby Pagong

If you are planning to buy a house, it is important that you consider several factors. It should not only be in a good location. There is more to finding the right home than just enough rooms, nice bathrooms as well as beautiful landscapes. You should also check for molds. There are various types of molds. Some are toxic and some are not. It is the toxic mold that you should watch out for as they can cause a lot of health problems. More and more people are becoming aware of the risks. Lawyers have represented a lot of homeowners with these problems against insurance companies and contractors.

Molds are present in all homes. However, you have to find out if the mold you have in your house is toxic or not. People react differently to it as well. Some would be more affected than the others. This is due to their weak immune system. You have to be more careful especially if you are still purchasing a home. You have to know the details of the mold contamination history of the property. The following will help you find out if the property is contaminated.
  • Ask an expert to inspect the property. An expert is essential because it is not easy to detect molds. In some cases, you will see signs of mold development. They are visible and some have unpleasant odors. However, it is more often that molds are not easy to detect. Molds often develop in between walls and under the floor. Without proper inspection, this will be very difficult to detect. There are also other areas that the expert will check, this include pipe lines and other possible areas where molds can be found.

  • The seller should also provide you with a full disclosure of any mold contamination or history thereof. In some states, this is required but there are also places that do not require this. If your seller did not offer this to you, request one from him. You have to bear in mind though, that the disclosure is only about what the seller knows. This is why it is still necessary to have it inspected by a mold expert. Sellers may not know that the property have molds.

  • You should also be aware of where to check the molds. Molds thrive on damp areas. Check the windows and the roofs. Water stay there when it rains. Check the pipes for leaks as well. The bathroom and the kitchen may also have mold formation.

  • You can also ask your appraiser. It is important that the appraiser tells you if he sees signs of mold contamination. This is essential because the presence of molds can affect the value of the property.

  • You should also ask your real estate agent regarding this. He should tell you any information that he knows about the mold in the property. This is to protect you and your interests.Not all molds are dangerous. However, you still need the experts to tell you if it is harmful or not. Mold is a serious matter and you have to be certain that the property you purchase will not be a threat to your health.



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  • 15 Tools That Every Home Owner Should Own

    15 Tools That Every Homeowner Should Own
    By Nick Gromicko and Rob Londonplunger
     

     
    The following items are essential tools but this list is by no means exhaustive. Feel free to ask an InterNACHI inspector during your next inspection about other tools that you might find useful.

     

    1.  Plunger
    A clogged sink or toilet is one of the most disturbing problems that you will face. With a plunger on hand, however, you can usually remedy these troubling plumbing issues relatively quickly. It is best to have two plungers -- one for the sink and one for the toilet.
     
    2.  Combination Wrench Set
    One end of a combination wrench set is open and the other end is a closed loop. Nuts and bolts are manufactured in standard and metric sizes and because both varieties are widely used, so you’ll need both sets of wrenches. For the most control and leverage, always pull the wrench toward you, instead of pushing on it. Also, avoid over-tightening.

    3.  Slip-Joint Pliers
    Use slip-joint pliers to grab hold of a nail, a nut, a bolt, and much more. These types of pliers are versatile because of the jaws, which feature both flat and curved areas for gripping many types of objects. There is also a built-in slip-joint, which allows the user to quickly adjust the jaw size to suit most tasks.

    4.  Adjustable Wrench
    Adjustable wrenches are somewhat awkward to use and can damage a bolt or nut if they are not handled properly. However, adjustable wrenches are ideal for situations where you need two wrenches of the same size. Screw the jaws all the way closed to avoid damaging the bolt or nut.

    5.  Caulking Gun
    Caulking is the process of sealing up cracks and gaps in various structures and certain types of piping. Caulking can provide noise mitigation and thermal insulation, and control water penetration. Caulk should be applied only to areas that are clean and dry.


     
    caulk
    6.  Flashlight
    None of the tools in this list is of any use if you cannot visually inspect the situation. The problem, and solution, are apparent only with a good flashlight. A traditional two-battery flashlight is usually sufficient, as larger flashlights may be too unwieldy.
     
    7.  Tape Measure
    Measuring house projects requires a tape measure, not a ruler or a yardstick. Tape measures come in many lengths, although 25 feet is best.  Measure everything at least twice to ensure accuracy. 
     
    8.  Hacksaw These are great for cutting metal objects such as pipes, bolts and brackets. Hacksaws look thin and flimsy, but they’ll easily cut through even the hardest of metals. Blades are replaceable, so focus your purchase on a quality hacksaw frame.   9. Torpedo Level Only a level can be used to determine if something, such as a shelf, appliance or picture, is correctly oriented. The torpedo-style level is unique because it not only shows when an object is perfectly horizontal or vertical, but it also has a gauge that shows when an object is at a 45-degree angle. The bubble in viewfinder must be exactly in the middle, not merely close.
    torp 10.  Safety Glasses / Goggles For all tasks involving a hammer or a power tool, you should always wear safety glasses or goggles. They should also be worn while you mix chemicals. 11.  Claw Hammer A good hammer is one of the most important tools you can own.  Use it to drive and remove nails, to pry wood loose from the house, and in combination with other tools. They come in a variety of sizes, although a 16-ounce hammer is the best all-purpose choice. 12.  Screwdriver Set It is best to have four screwdrivers: a small and large version of both a flat-head and a Phillips- head screwdriver. Electrical screwdrivers are sometimes convenient, but they're no substitute.  Manual screwdrivers can reach into more places and they are less likely to damage the screw. 
    13.  Wire Cutters
    Wire cutters are pliers designed to cut wires and small nails.
    The “side-cutting” (unlike the stronger "end-cutting" style) style is handy, but not strong enough to cut small nails.

    717817_01_P_WE_8 14.  Respirator / Safety Mask While paints and other coatings have become less toxic (and lead-free) over time, most still contain dangerous chemicals, which is why you should wear a mask to avoid accidentally getting them in your lungs. A mask should also be worn when working in dusty or dirty environments. Disposable masks usually come in packs of 10 and should be thrown away after use. Full and half-face respirators can be used to prevent the inhalation of very fine particles that ordinary facemasks will not not stop. 
    15.  Duct Tape
    This tape is extremely strong and adaptable. Originally, it was widely used to make temporary repairs to many types of military equipment. Today, it’s one of the key items specified for home emergency kits because it is water-resistant and extremely sticky.
     
    In summary, the above is a list of tools that every homeowner should have. 

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