The home buying process is a lengthy one, and ordering a professional home inspection can save you valuable time and money. For buyers, it can prove to be an inexpensive way to determine if your intended purchase is indeed the right home for you. For sellers, getting an inspection BEFORE your home is marketed will provide an opportunity to discover and repair major items now, avoiding a buyer's impression that your home is really not well maintained. It will also give you an advantage at the negotiating table. In case you’re not convinced, I’ve compiled a quick list of some serious home defects that can be found during a home inspection:
Worn Roof - Sometimes an additional layer of shingles will work nicely, and sometimes the roof needs to be stripped to the decking. A licensed roofing contractor should provide guidance and estimates to sellers and buyers when negotiating repairs.
Termite Infestation - If extensive, a buyer will probably ask for a structural report, which usually costs from $150 - 250. Cost of treatment varies, depending on size and type of structure. Sellers should disclose home has been treated for termites and what repairs were done on the seller’s residential disclosure if this is the case. Termites aren't the only culprits that can destroy wood - there are powder post beetles and other insects, not to mention mold & lichen that can seriously damage a home's structural integrity.
Outdated Wiring - In Indiana, your home is “up to code” as long as it meets the code that was in force at the time the home was originally built. If you have paid to have the electricity updated, keep those receipts handy. Representation is the key. For instance, if a home’s outlets have three prong plugs everywhere, the buyer has the right to expect those outlets to be grounded. If those outlets are not grounded but the seller put three prong plugs on them to accommodate today’s appliances, the buyer has the right to ask for them to all be grounded. Usually, these items are negotiated between buyer and seller after getting an estimate from a licensed electrician.
Water Damage - Buyers are afraid of water leaks and the structural damage they can cause. Sellers should have a professional evaluation of the cause and estimate (or invoice, if repairs have already been made) for the correction of the problem available for the buyer to consider, preferably by a licensed contractor.
Protecting your investment, especially one as special as a new home, is crucial. An expert home inspection is often the most important step in securing that protection. More tips on home buying are available on my website. If you’d like to talk more about home inspections or any of your real estate questions, please call.
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!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Right Tools for the Right Job
Would you ask a fourth grader to interpret the New York Stock Exchange and guide you in your next investment? In most cases, the answer would be No. You would want an expert to guide you.
In much the same way, DAVID BRENTON'S TEAM specializes in the numerous aspects of real estate - evaluation, marketing, negotiation, listing and selling. Our professionals have been carefully chosen because they have a proven success rate in these areas. Listing Specialists are available to answer your listing-related questions and work with you to get your home sold. Buyers work directly with Buyer Specialists who have years of experience successfully pairing buyers with homes.
Choosing a representative who suits your needs is key in finding the right home. After the contract is written, you'll also want someone experienced to negotiate the possible hurdles in the lending, inspection and closing process.
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!
In much the same way, DAVID BRENTON'S TEAM specializes in the numerous aspects of real estate - evaluation, marketing, negotiation, listing and selling. Our professionals have been carefully chosen because they have a proven success rate in these areas. Listing Specialists are available to answer your listing-related questions and work with you to get your home sold. Buyers work directly with Buyer Specialists who have years of experience successfully pairing buyers with homes.
Choosing a representative who suits your needs is key in finding the right home. After the contract is written, you'll also want someone experienced to negotiate the possible hurdles in the lending, inspection and closing process.
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!
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Fire Safety in Your Home
Each year, fire kills more Americans than any other natural disaster. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 80% of fire deaths occur in residences. While no home can ever be completely fireproof, there are many steps you can take to reduce the risk of fire for your family and home:
Smoke Detectors - Are the simplest and easiest way to enhance fire safety in your home. These simple devices are easy to install. Make sure your home has smoke detectors in every bedroom at a minimum, and test them frequently.
Use Appliances Wisely - Overheating, unusual smells, shorts and sparks are all warning signs that an appliance needs to be shut off and either repaired or replaced. Unplug appliances when not in use.
Never Overload Circuits or Extension Cords - Don’t place cords or wires under rugs, over nails, or in high traffic areas.
Portable Heaters - Need at least three feet of space from any combustible materials.
Fireplaces - Should be used with fire screens, and chimneys should be cleaned each year.
Fire Extinguishers – Each home should have at least two fire extinguishers, with one in a designated place in the kitchen. Cooking fires are the leading cause of both home fires and home fire injuries in the U.S.
Extinguish Candles - Before going to bed or when leaving a room.
Smoking Indoors - Always use an ashtray and exercise caution. Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in the U.S. As a rule of thumb, do not empty your ashtray into a wastebasket immediately prior to retiring for the night. Allow it to sit overnight. This allows any slow burning embers to fully extinguish in the ashtray, which contains limited fuel for a fire.
Heating System – Your home’s heating system should be properly inspected and maintained. Poorly maintained furnaces cause many fires. There is also the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning with a malfunctioning gas furnace.
These are just a few ways that you can protect your home from fire. More information can be found on the U.S. Fire Administration’s website, or by contacting your local fire department. If you want more tips for homeowners, visit my blog or my website.
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!
Smoke Detectors - Are the simplest and easiest way to enhance fire safety in your home. These simple devices are easy to install. Make sure your home has smoke detectors in every bedroom at a minimum, and test them frequently.
Use Appliances Wisely - Overheating, unusual smells, shorts and sparks are all warning signs that an appliance needs to be shut off and either repaired or replaced. Unplug appliances when not in use.
Never Overload Circuits or Extension Cords - Don’t place cords or wires under rugs, over nails, or in high traffic areas.
Portable Heaters - Need at least three feet of space from any combustible materials.
Fireplaces - Should be used with fire screens, and chimneys should be cleaned each year.
Fire Extinguishers – Each home should have at least two fire extinguishers, with one in a designated place in the kitchen. Cooking fires are the leading cause of both home fires and home fire injuries in the U.S.
Extinguish Candles - Before going to bed or when leaving a room.
Smoking Indoors - Always use an ashtray and exercise caution. Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in the U.S. As a rule of thumb, do not empty your ashtray into a wastebasket immediately prior to retiring for the night. Allow it to sit overnight. This allows any slow burning embers to fully extinguish in the ashtray, which contains limited fuel for a fire.
Heating System – Your home’s heating system should be properly inspected and maintained. Poorly maintained furnaces cause many fires. There is also the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning with a malfunctioning gas furnace.
These are just a few ways that you can protect your home from fire. More information can be found on the U.S. Fire Administration’s website, or by contacting your local fire department. If you want more tips for homeowners, visit my blog or my website.
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!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Lead the Challenge
Did you know that we contribute to several area non-profit organizations and charities? For example, DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM will once again sponsor Franklin Township's ‘Lead the Challenge’ Softball League. The League provides children with mental and physical disabilities an opportunity to play softball with the assistance of Peer players. Parents have the opportunity to sit in the stands and enjoy a carefree afternoon while watching their child pitch, hit, run and cheer with their team.The league pairs the children with peer-players who provide assistance in overcoming the individuals’ obstacle to playing softball. Today, over 100 youth participate in the program as players, peer players or coaches. Not only is it a great outdoor activity to enjoy in the summer, but it gives parents a chance to watch their children play. If you know a youth who would like to play in the League or a teen who would like to be a Peer player, please call Mike Black at 317-783-6033.
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!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Resource for Everything!
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!
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Getting Settled
Moving into your new home involves a lot of planning and attention to detail. A lot of energy goes into getting moved out, but getting moved in is just as important. Our years of experience have taught us some of the basics to help organize a potentially chaotic time. Here are some of the things you’ll want to do once you arrive at your new home:
Unpack the essentials - With a little planning you can create a set of “open first” boxes (usually one or two will do) that will have your essentials for the first few days. If you’re not moving everything yourself, plan for the possibility of arriving before your stuff does. Toiletries, medicine, a few changes of clothes, and basic kitchen items (such as a can opener, wooden spoon, cutting knife, one pot and one pan) are good examples of must-have items.
Help your pets acclimate - For dogs and cats, set out their feed and water dishes, litter pan, toys or bed as soon as possible and take care to show your pet where they are. Take your pet through your new home room by room on a leash or while holding them. If possible, do not leave them unattended in the yard. Staying in their presence will be calming and lessens the chance of runaways.
Get the kids settled - If your things have arrived, help each child set up their bed and unpack one box of toys. Otherwise, get them excited about “camping” in their new home. Make sure you have a bag with their few favorite toys, or for teens and pre-teens some CD’s and books or magazines.
Go to the grocery store - Consider eating out the first night, and buy essential groceries on the way home. Focus on easy-to-make foods and quick snack items. Buy any cleaning supplies that you need (most chemicals should not be transported anyway). If you have a pet, buy any food and supplies not already in your “essentials” box.
Cover the windows - If your home doesn’t yet have the proper window coverings, hang sheets up to add privacy and security.
Set a finish line - Make a list specifying the order in which you will unpack and complete other moving-in tasks. Creating a time frame in advance will help keep you from feeling overwhelmed. It will also allow you to give yourself a well-deserved break when a days’ list is complete.
Get the lay of the land - Walk through your new home to check the heating, air conditioning, and electricity, as well as all appliances. Take your family on a walk through the neighborhood to learn your surroundings, and if possible meet your neighbors.
This is by no means everything you need to know about getting settled, but it’s a good place to start. I have more resources on relocation located on my website.
Remember, 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!
Unpack the essentials - With a little planning you can create a set of “open first” boxes (usually one or two will do) that will have your essentials for the first few days. If you’re not moving everything yourself, plan for the possibility of arriving before your stuff does. Toiletries, medicine, a few changes of clothes, and basic kitchen items (such as a can opener, wooden spoon, cutting knife, one pot and one pan) are good examples of must-have items.
Help your pets acclimate - For dogs and cats, set out their feed and water dishes, litter pan, toys or bed as soon as possible and take care to show your pet where they are. Take your pet through your new home room by room on a leash or while holding them. If possible, do not leave them unattended in the yard. Staying in their presence will be calming and lessens the chance of runaways.
Get the kids settled - If your things have arrived, help each child set up their bed and unpack one box of toys. Otherwise, get them excited about “camping” in their new home. Make sure you have a bag with their few favorite toys, or for teens and pre-teens some CD’s and books or magazines.
Go to the grocery store - Consider eating out the first night, and buy essential groceries on the way home. Focus on easy-to-make foods and quick snack items. Buy any cleaning supplies that you need (most chemicals should not be transported anyway). If you have a pet, buy any food and supplies not already in your “essentials” box.
Cover the windows - If your home doesn’t yet have the proper window coverings, hang sheets up to add privacy and security.
Set a finish line - Make a list specifying the order in which you will unpack and complete other moving-in tasks. Creating a time frame in advance will help keep you from feeling overwhelmed. It will also allow you to give yourself a well-deserved break when a days’ list is complete.
Get the lay of the land - Walk through your new home to check the heating, air conditioning, and electricity, as well as all appliances. Take your family on a walk through the neighborhood to learn your surroundings, and if possible meet your neighbors.
This is by no means everything you need to know about getting settled, but it’s a good place to start. I have more resources on relocation located on my website.
Remember, 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!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Move for Free!
Did you know we offer FREE use of our moving truck to our clients and charitable organizations? We have been able to help hundreds of clients, plus aiding Hunger Inc., the American Cancer Society, and several area churches, shelters and community organizations. Please keep us in mind if you need a lending hand – either on moving day or with your community or charitable organization.
For your information, our Moving Truck is a 15’ box truck has automatic transmission, air conditioning, and a loading ramp. It is our pleasure to provide this service FREE to our clients and charitable organizations. Call our office today to inquire, 317-882-7210.
Feel free to browse on our blog for more valuable real estate tips.
Remember, 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!
For your information, our Moving Truck is a 15’ box truck has automatic transmission, air conditioning, and a loading ramp. It is our pleasure to provide this service FREE to our clients and charitable organizations. Call our office today to inquire, 317-882-7210.
Feel free to browse on our blog for more valuable real estate tips.
Remember, 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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
