A Few Things You Should Know About a Home Inspection

1.  Choose an accredited home inspector.
It is probably fair to say that many real estate transactions hinge on the home inspection, so choosing an experienced and accredited home inspector is important.  Choose an inspector in your area from a variety of home inspection organizations, which usually include successful completion of training programs, ongoing training, long term experience and adherence to standards of practice and codes of ethics.

2.  Remember, it's about adverse conditions, not cosmetic flaws.
An inspector will point out adverse or questionable conditions or safety related concerns, but will skip cosmetic items that don't relate to the integrity of the home.

3.  There are basic areas included in the report.
This may vary according to the property, but a professional inspection usually includes the home's exterior, foundation and walls, roofs and chimneys, decks, windows, doors, attics, electrical and heating systems, plumbing, air conditioning, basement and crawl space and garages.  A neatly detailed and easy to read report should follow.

4.  Seller and buyer inspection tips.
If you are a seller, have a home inspection in advance to find any problems before the buyer does.  Fixing problems in advance leaves less negotiation room for the buyer.  If you are a buyer, the one thing you should not skip is the home inspection.  It is a reasonable request and is information that may effect the transaction.

As always, for more information on home inspections in the East Bay and all real estate questions, don't hesitate to contact me at fritzhoch.@aol.com

Winterize Your Home

With winter upon us and the days and the light growing shorter as we turn our clocks back an hour this coming weekend, now is the perfect time to make sure your home is winterized and ready for the coming months.  The plan is simple;  make a list of what needs to be done, starting with the most urgent to the least, and set a timeline for each project.  Here are some of the things to look for.

1.  Clean the gutters.  Clogged gutters back up water and ice, that can then leak into the home.
2.  Plug the leaks.  Make sure windows and doors are sealed and any loose or worn roof shingles are replaced.
3.  Clean the chimney and keep the damper closed when not in use.
4. Connect the down spots to a rain barrel.  This is a great green way to collect water to use for gardening projects in dry season.
5.  Seal foundation cracks.  This helps protect from moisture and rodent/insect infestation.
6.  Check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  This is the perfect time to change batteries or install detectors.  Make sure your fire extinguisher is up to date as well.
7.  Take care of the landscaping.  Seal cracked driveways and patios, trim trees and remove debris, rotate bulbs.
8.  Check your heating system.  Call for a professional inspection, clean ducts and stock up on filters.
9.  Reverse the fans.  Blades should move clockwise in winter, pushing warm air down.
10.  Update or create an emergency kit.  Make this the time you prepare or update your earthquake kit, (food, water, batteries, candles) and review you emergency plan of action for family members as well.

Call or email me for a list of professionals who can help you with your projects.