Why You Should Never Skip A Home Inspection

Why You Should Never Skip A Home Inspection

Buying a home can be expensive. It might feel like once you’ve entered escrow, you have new things to pay for at every turn. While the fees are normal and customary, if you don’t buy a home often, you might wonder if they are all necessary.

 One expense that is often discussed is inspections. What inspections do you need and how should you choose the right person to perform them. During the home inspection contingency period, you have a right to perform as many investigations as necessary to determine the condition of the property you are buying. 

Typically you will want to make sure there are a home inspection and a termite inspection. Other options could include a mold inspection, radon inspection, well/septic tank certification, roof inspection and pool/spa inspection. The type of inspection is determined by the condition of the home. Most buyers start with the basic home inspection.

What is a home inspection? It is a visual, non-invasive inspection of a property. There are usually seven systems observed during the inspection; the Attic and Roof, the Basement and Foundation, Plumbing, HVAC, the Interior Living Space, the Homes Exterior, and the Electrical System. Throughout the process the inspector assesses the home's safety, operation and the condition of it's various systems. A home inspection can protect you and your money by showing you where things are past their prime, or if something is in great shape. The inspection isn't for the lender, your Real Estate Broker, or the Seller-it's for "you" the buyers. When or if your home inspection Report reveals a defect, it gives you an opportunity to go back to me "your agent" and decided if you want to renegotiate the price or even walk away from the deal. 

 Home inspections are very important. Never judge a home by it's facade. Every buyer should know what they are buying. The more you know the less surprises you will have down the road. There is no substitute for a proper inspection by a licensed home inspector. You might be handy or have a handy friend, but the home inspector is experienced in identifying problems and potential problems so you can make an informed decision about moving forward with the sale.

Tips on buying and selling your home at the same time

Tips for buying and Selling at the same time! 

Either buying or selling a home can be extremely stressful, it can be even more overwhelming if one is trying to do both at the same time. Adding in the additional stress of moving now having to sell first to move or is it the other way around? In an ideal world, you'd buy a new home, move, and then, and when all the dust settles deal with the turmoil of selling. But for most people, that's totally unrealistic. Not only does it cost significantly more, since you'll be paying two mortgages, but sellers might be quick to judge if you're holding on to your current home.  The good news is that this happens all the time and by following a few simple tips, both buying and selling can be a seamless process. 

Tips for Buying and Selling at the Same Time

Contract Contingency: Buyers can request that their new home purchase be dependent on the successful sale of their old home. If you're looking in a competitive market, this may not be a good option; however, if the seller of your intended home has had difficulty attracting interest, this may be a good deal for all parties involved-assuming you can convince them that your home will sell quickly. 

Bridge Loans: A bridge loan allows you to own two homes simultaneously if you don't have deep pockets for a second down payment. This option is especially attractive if you'd planned to sell your home first and use the proceeds to buy the second. It functions as a short-term loan, intended to be repaid upon the sale of your original home. 

(Make sure to talk to your agent and lender to know what is best for your individual real estate needs)

The good news is that you’re planning to move any way. Before you list your home for sale, why not start packing now? Take personal items and excess furnishings and pack them up and move them to storage. Not only will your home look larger and neater, you are getting a start on the move. 

Next make sure your agent, understands the timeline and requirements. There are many standard contingencies which can protect you from owning two homes at once, or none at all. Not only can the purchase of your new home be contingent on successfully closing on your current one but you can also reverse the process and ensure you find a replacement before the close as well.

 Finally, get the entire family involved. Be excited about the change and create a moving plan in which everyone has a task and there is a plan for the move itself. By taking a few initial steps, moving can be fun and easy. 

Having the right person representing you can be the difference between calm smooth process and a nightmare. Don't sell yourself short by not being protected and advised in a huge home purchase and sale. It is essential to be advised by the best. 

Contact me Today to help you ease your anxiety and let me navigate the market for you! 

The Internet Can't Replace Your Agent

The Internet Can’t Replace Your Agent

 We live in the information age; the Internet offers advice on every topic and real estate is no exception. With more and more home buyers starting their home search online, they are bombarded with advice and information – it can be easy to think that you can learn everything you need to know just by reading articles online. 

The truth is your real estate agent does much more than answer your questions and open doors with a special key. A professional real estate agent will be there every step of the way. They have the experience necessary to navigate the complicated home buying process and solve common hiccups that present themselves in every real estate transactions,

 Your real estate agent is a local professional. They will start by presenting themselves to the buyer’s agent as someone who will work with them to see the transaction through to a successful conclusion. They have a network of professionals who will work as a team to help you through the process. These include such professionals as: lenders, title reps, escrow officers, transaction coordinators, home inspectors, contractors and handymen, among others.

 Most importantly, your agent is your ally in the home buying process. They negotiate on your behalf – armed with experience and understanding of customary charges, costs and terms. They will ensure that the price you pay for the home is fair for the condition and neighborhood. They will negotiate repairs, if needed and make sure you are protected with the proper contingencies. 

The Internet offers lots of great information, but the most important step you can take when buying a new home, is hiring a local professional real estate agent. Their knowledge and expertise can’t be found by reading an article or two online. 

7 Things Buyers Notice as Soon as they Walk In

Buyers notice everything – good and bad. From the moment they walk in the front door, they are trying to determine if this is the right home for them and their family. If you have your home listed for sale, paying attention to what the buyers notice can mean the difference between an offer and a missed opportunity.
7 Things Buyers Notice as Soon as they Walk In :

1. Light – A bright home is inviting. Make sure you fill your home with lots of natural light or a soft evening glow.

 2. Smell – Nothing is less inviting than a strong odor. Even candles and air fresheners can be overwhelming. Less is more and make sure nothing unpleasant is lingering.

 3. Space – Remove any unneeded furniture and offer a spacious home which flows. 

4. Ceilings – Of course you can’t make your ceilings higher, but make sure they are free from water stains because buyers will look up.

 5. Pictures and Personal Items – Remove personalization as much as possible so the buyers can imagine their family in the home.

 6. Outdated Furnishings and Fixtures – If your home is filled with hand-me-downs, consider a professional stager. Old wall paper or outdated paint colors should be replaced as well.

 7. Dirty, Grimy Rooms – Most important, clean everything thoroughly. Nothing is less appealing than a dirty home. 

Pre-Qualified Versus Pre-Approved

The Difference Between a Pre-Qualification vs. Pre Approval

 There is plenty of real estate terms used in transactions. Needless-to-say it can be confusing for both buyers and sellers trying to navigate the process. The home loan process might feel overwhelming and difficult to understand. Both buyers and sellers find terms like “PreQualification” and “Pre-Approval” used interchangeably, it’s no wonder they find themselves wondering how to proceed. 

 Pre-Qualification-The first step in obtaining a home loan is to meet with a lender and discussing their financial situation. The lender will discuss income, job stability, debt and credit. Once they have performed a basic review of the qualifications and run credit, they will issue a Pre-Qualification Letter to the potential buyer. This letter will identify the maximum sales price, down payment requirement and basic terms of the loan, such as interest rate.  The Pre-Qualification letter is used to provide evidence that the buyer has been reviewed by a lender who is vouching for their ability to obtain a loan. Because it's a quick procedure - and based only on the information you provide to the lender - your pre-qualified amount is not a sure thing; it's just the amount for which you might expect to be approved. As a result, being a prequalified buyer doesn't carry the same weight as being a pre-approved buyer, who has been more thoroughly investigated.  

Pre-Approval- A Pre-Approval is quite different. Getting pre-approved is the next step, sand it tends to be much more involved. A pre-qualification should be a good indication of credit and the ability to borrow, but a pre-approval is the definitive word. In this case, the lender collects all the necessary information and proof of eligibility and has it reviewed by the lender underwriter for approval. A PreApproval letter is almost like shopping with cash, the only remaining piece of the puzzle is the property they are buying.

Finding the right agent and mortgage lender is key to getting the correct information and starting your home buying process a lot smoother. Contact me to find out more or if you have questions. 

Top 7 DIY Winter Projects

Top 7 DIY Winter Projects

Winter months bring cold days and long nights. While you wait for the weather to warm up so you can get out into the garden, there are still plenty of great DIY projects to tackle, even in the winter. 

Here are 7 terrific ideas for the Do it Yourselfer in you. 

 1. Paint Your Walls – Paint an accent wall or an entire room with a fresh color. In the winter when it's cloudy for days a little visual stimulation can help. Create some color to your indoor space, make sure you open windows to let in fresh air or use low VOC paint so you don't have to worry about breathing in fumes. 

 2. Declutter – Sure this sounds like a fancy name for house cleaning, but decluttering is more than that. Remove excess furnishings to make your rooms seem larger and more inviting. During the summer you are going to want to be outside soaking up the sun not inside cleaning up the basement. Winter is a perfect time to get organized, it's why January is called "organization month". Try to take time every week to decluttering in general and getting organized each week.

 3. Update Your Kitchen –A new backsplash or cabinet pulls can quickly change the look and feel of your kitchen. Whether you are getting your home ready to list this spring or just looking for a new look the kitchen remodel/update is always a sure way of adding value to your home. 

  4. Add Insulation – While this doesn't sound exciting but it will when it reduces your energy bill costs each month. It  will provide instant satisfaction as those cold, drafty rooms feel warm and cozy. If you can see the floor joists then you need more insulation. If you have some real skill, you can include changing out old windows or doors as well. 

 5. Smarten Up – This is a great time to automate your home with Smart devices. Add security cameras, a smart thermostat or smart lights and plugs.

  6. Build Something – For the handy, winter months are a great time to add cabinets, a TV hutch or bookshelves to your home. 

 7. Re-Grout Your Tile – From kitchen counters to floors, re-grouting can freshen up the room. 


It is easy to get cabin fever this time of year. We are all going through it. Working on a home project is a great way to keep yourself active, add value to your home, and improve your living space. It's a win-win.

Tips To Raise Your Credit Score

TIPS TO RAISING YOUR CREDIT SCORE

We are coming into a new year and a new year bring new Dreams! To achieve those dreams you first need to have steps to achieve it. If that dream this year is purchasing a new home? Then setting goals early on can help you achieve your dream, even if you are not planning on hitting the mark until later in the new year. 

It is important to remember when it comes to your credit score it can be said it is often like losing weight; it takes time and there is no easy quick fix to correct it. It is always best to manage your credit score responsibly over time. 

Buying a new home is an exciting time. It can also be stressful if you are unsure about your credit or know that your credit is not as high as you’d like it to be. Your credit score is one of the biggest factors in how much of a home loan you can qualify for and the interest rate you’ll pay. The good news is there are easy ways to increase your credit score.

 By following a few tips, you can make sure your report accurately reflects your use of credit and create a plan to improve your scores if necessary.

• Check for Errors - Errors on a credit report is very common. Make sure that everything is current and accurate. A report from the Federal Trade Commission stated in 2012 that one in five consumers had at least one error on one of their credit reports. You are entitled to one free credit report a year, start off the new year getting the report and checking over it to make sure there isn't anything that is a mistake. 

 • Pay Down Credit Card Debt – One of the easiest ways to boost your score is to lower your credit card balances. Aim to have no more than 50% of available credit in use.

 • Remove Negative Accounts – If you have old collections or bad debt, negotiate with the creditor to pay some/all of the debt in exchange for removing the record. Remember though that by paying off a collection debt doesn't mean it will automatically be taken off your credit score. It can remain on your report for up to 7 years. 

 • Keep Old Accounts Open – About 15% of your score has to do with how long you’ve had credit accounts. Do not close any accounts trying to find a quick fix way to correct debt. Doing so may backfire and hurt your credit score. 


It is easy to get started but as our busy lives begin it can easily be put in the back of our minds when life and bills begin to come in. There are some helpful tools available to help you stay on task with your New Years Goal! 

By setting up payment reminders - Making your payment on time is crucial step in maintaining the perfect correct history. Often banks can set up alerts for you to remind you of upcoming payment due dates. You could set up auto pay monthly with your payments being automatically taken out of your budget each month at a set time. 

With these steps it can be a starting point to achieve the credit score you are wanting to get the best rate and mortgage payment on your new home. 

Create a budget plan and stick to it. With out a plan in place achieving a goal can get hard. Don't give up! Like I mentioned earlier it takes time and anything worth while can. So create a plan this new year and picture yourself achieving home ownership.
 Contact me or your local mortgage lender to help you achieve this goal in 2019. We are here to help and give you the right tools to make purchasing a home easy. 

Happy New Year!