You’re looking at older homes and your agent keeps telling you about the dangers of lead based paint. Well, if paint with lead in it hasn’t been used since 1978, and the home has been recently painted or remodeled, what’s the deal?
Fact is, in older homes, the possibility of renovation can expose you (literally) to hazards you have never imagined. During the course of tearing down some of the remaining structure (or scraping and repainting the exterior or interior of a home), paint chips tainted with lead may very well come in contact with you or your loved ones. Small children, who unknowingly gnaw on window sills or lick window blinds, incur risk of lead poisoning. Also at risk are pets that are allowed to roam or play in dilapidated rooms or areas under reconstruction.
For more information on detecting and preventing lead poisoning, including other potential deadly sources of lead in your home, contact your local health department.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Hard Sell
Sellers who try to sell their own home learn the hard way that selling a home is not easy. Keeping it “SOLD” means getting to the closing table. Your question might be, after you’ve got someone on paper, what could possibly prevent it from going through?
Face-to-face negotiations can be difficult, even when the buyer really wants the house. Then there is the paperwork. Standard contract forms rarely cover all of the local requirements regarding disclosure laws. Such contracts may provide loopholes which could allow a buyer with cold feet to back out at the last minute.
Then, once you finally come to an agreement, how can you be sure that your buyers will engage competent professionals to handle their loan and complete the closing? What if structural problems are discovered or property boundary problems are revealed? The experience and expertise of a professional real estate agent is your greatest asset in concluding a successful transaction.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Face-to-face negotiations can be difficult, even when the buyer really wants the house. Then there is the paperwork. Standard contract forms rarely cover all of the local requirements regarding disclosure laws. Such contracts may provide loopholes which could allow a buyer with cold feet to back out at the last minute.
Then, once you finally come to an agreement, how can you be sure that your buyers will engage competent professionals to handle their loan and complete the closing? What if structural problems are discovered or property boundary problems are revealed? The experience and expertise of a professional real estate agent is your greatest asset in concluding a successful transaction.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Monday, September 15, 2008
What Every Seller Should Show
You are about to put your home on the market. Since you have lived there for many years, you are well aware that its condition is not perfect. There may be a leak in the basement that shows up only after a heavy rain; your garage door might stick, or the dishwasher may be prone to labor strikes for some unknown reason.
Every home has a few quirks, and when it is time to sell, you have the choice of either making the necessary repairs in order for those things to function properly, or letting the buyers know about the problems at the time a purchase agreement is written. As a matter of real estate law, all material defects must be fully disclosed. Most buyers will order a home inspection in order to receive a professional opinion about the condition of their intended home.
Even if the buyer doesn't ask for an expert to look at the house, it is the seller's responsibility to disclose any known defects in the property. The seller's agent will provide a disclosure form, wherein the seller should have itemized any problems. It is not unusual in homes which have been meticulously maintained that contractors and inspectors find major defects. Therefore, after an inspection the buyer and seller enter into negotiations for repairs. As always, it is a good idea to document your negotiations and keep copies for future reference.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Every home has a few quirks, and when it is time to sell, you have the choice of either making the necessary repairs in order for those things to function properly, or letting the buyers know about the problems at the time a purchase agreement is written. As a matter of real estate law, all material defects must be fully disclosed. Most buyers will order a home inspection in order to receive a professional opinion about the condition of their intended home.
Even if the buyer doesn't ask for an expert to look at the house, it is the seller's responsibility to disclose any known defects in the property. The seller's agent will provide a disclosure form, wherein the seller should have itemized any problems. It is not unusual in homes which have been meticulously maintained that contractors and inspectors find major defects. Therefore, after an inspection the buyer and seller enter into negotiations for repairs. As always, it is a good idea to document your negotiations and keep copies for future reference.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Tips on Buying Vacant Land
Many people enjoy the convenience of living in a subdivision -- lots are usually smaller and easy to maintain. Some like the security of having people close by in case of emergency, plus some associations provide the luxuries of snow removal, swimming pools or club houses. But, living in a subdivision isn’t for everyone. The days of the wild frontier are over, and local and federal regulations now govern much of what you can do with a parcel of land. If you’re looking for a scattered lot to build upon, several things should be considered before buying it.
Keep Your Options Open - You probably have in mind what you are looking for in a lot – shade trees, road frontage, easy access but also somewhat secluded. Once you find a parcel of land of the right size and character, however, you should include a contingency in your contract giving you ample time to determine if the lot is going to be suitable for your intended use.
Research - You or your agent can check with the listing agent for any documentation they already have about the land’s zoning, suitability, water or a previous perc test. Ask for a boundary survey of the property. You should also check with the local planning and zoning commission for regulations regarding lot size, subdividing interests, building permit regulations and other pertinent restrictions.
Water & Sewage - Some lots available in rural areas have municipal, community or established water & sewer services and while others require septic & well systems installed. If the latter, the land will need to be tested for proper absorption and aggregate type in order to sustain a septic and well on the property. Some require septic finger systems while others are better suited for a mound system.
Tax Rate - Some acreage may be part- or fully- tillable and the tax rate on land used for agriculture is generally lower than the one used for residential purposes. So, you’ll need to decide whether to keep some acreage in crops, or prune it into shape as an extension of your yard.
As you can tell, buying a vacant lot involves more than finding one in the right area – and we would be honored to put our expertise to work for you to ensure your first step toward your dream home does not become a nightmare.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Keep Your Options Open - You probably have in mind what you are looking for in a lot – shade trees, road frontage, easy access but also somewhat secluded. Once you find a parcel of land of the right size and character, however, you should include a contingency in your contract giving you ample time to determine if the lot is going to be suitable for your intended use.
Research - You or your agent can check with the listing agent for any documentation they already have about the land’s zoning, suitability, water or a previous perc test. Ask for a boundary survey of the property. You should also check with the local planning and zoning commission for regulations regarding lot size, subdividing interests, building permit regulations and other pertinent restrictions.
Water & Sewage - Some lots available in rural areas have municipal, community or established water & sewer services and while others require septic & well systems installed. If the latter, the land will need to be tested for proper absorption and aggregate type in order to sustain a septic and well on the property. Some require septic finger systems while others are better suited for a mound system.
Tax Rate - Some acreage may be part- or fully- tillable and the tax rate on land used for agriculture is generally lower than the one used for residential purposes. So, you’ll need to decide whether to keep some acreage in crops, or prune it into shape as an extension of your yard.
As you can tell, buying a vacant lot involves more than finding one in the right area – and we would be honored to put our expertise to work for you to ensure your first step toward your dream home does not become a nightmare.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Get the Scoop on Radon
Radon gas is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that can pose a serious risk to your health if it accumulates and seeps into your home. Radon typically enters the home via underground crawl spaces, sump pumps, gaps in the basement and even the water supply. It can pollute your indoor air with toxic vapors, and is held responsible for more than 20,000 lung-disease-related deaths every year. Radon is assumed to be present in millions of American homes. How do you detect the presence of radon gas, and how can you reduce its presence and influence if it is found in your home?
First, you can have your home tested using a home test kit or by a professional. Many contractors are licensed or certified by state and/or local agencies or you can contact your nearest branch of the Environmental Protection Agency to find a reputable company or test kit provider. Whichever you choose, it takes a few days to conduct the diagnostic testing to determine if radon gas is at an acceptable level.
If levels are dangerous, the solution may be as simple as installing a ventilation system (at a relatively low cost). They may also suggest installing covers on sump pumps or closing access to crawl spaces to reduce the infiltration of radon gas into living areas. Whoever installs the mitigation system should also test radon levels after installation, to verify that has reduced radon to an acceptable level in the home.
Radon gas can be a worry for homeowners. Since it is virtually undetectable without sophisticated testing, the more information you have on its existence and how easily it can be corrected can help you buy with confidence.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
First, you can have your home tested using a home test kit or by a professional. Many contractors are licensed or certified by state and/or local agencies or you can contact your nearest branch of the Environmental Protection Agency to find a reputable company or test kit provider. Whichever you choose, it takes a few days to conduct the diagnostic testing to determine if radon gas is at an acceptable level.
If levels are dangerous, the solution may be as simple as installing a ventilation system (at a relatively low cost). They may also suggest installing covers on sump pumps or closing access to crawl spaces to reduce the infiltration of radon gas into living areas. Whoever installs the mitigation system should also test radon levels after installation, to verify that has reduced radon to an acceptable level in the home.
Radon gas can be a worry for homeowners. Since it is virtually undetectable without sophisticated testing, the more information you have on its existence and how easily it can be corrected can help you buy with confidence.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
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