Three Deadly Mistakes Every Home Buyer Should Avoid
Deadly Mistake #1: Thinking you can’t afford it. Many people who thought that buying the home they wanted was simply out of their reach are now enjoying a new lifestyle in their very own homes. Buying a home is the smartest financial decision you will ever make. In fact, most homeowners would be broke at […]
Why Choose Core 360 Home Inspections?
Choosing the right home inspector can be difficult. Unlike most professionals you hire, you probably won’t meet me until your inspection appointment–after you’ve hired me. Furthermore, different inspectors have varying qualifications, equipment, experience, reporting methods, and pricing. Part of my efforts to ensure you have the best home inspection is by continuing my certifications and […]
Why Get a Home Inspection If You’re Buying “As Is”?
Some sellers – often, those working without an agent – want to sell their home “as is” so they don’t have to invest money fixing it up or take on any potential liability for defects. There is nothing wrong with buying a home “as is,” particularly if you can buy it at a favorable price, […]
Electrical Safety
Electricity is an essential part of our lives. However, it has the potential to cause great harm. Electrical systems will function almost indefinitely, if properly installed and not overloaded or physically abused. Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans each year and injure 2,305 more. Some of these fires are caused […]
Protect Your Property From Water Damage
Water may be essential to life, but, as a destructive force, water can diminish the value of your home or building. Homes, as well as commercial buildings, can suffer water damage that results in increased maintenance costs, a decrease in the value of the property, lowered productivity, and potential liability associated with a decline in […]
USDA Loans
USDA loans are housing loans that are backed through the Rural Housing Division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Purpose In the wake of the mortgage crisis in 2008 and 2009, lenders have become more cautious, so it’s harder for home buyers, especially first-timers, to secure financing, especially those with low incomes or little money for a down payment. […]
Settlement Information
You’ve decided to buy a new home — congratulations! This article will help you take this big financial step by describing the home-buying, home-financing, and settlement process. Lenders and mortgage brokers are required by federal law under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”) to give you this information. You should receive it when applying […]
Household and Environmental Hazards
This list of terms covers most of the common household dangers likely to be encountered by InterNACHI inspectors. algae: microorganisms that may grow to colonies in damp environments, including certain rooftops. They can discolor shingles; often described as fungus. alligatoring: a condition of paint or aged asphalt brought about by the loss of volatile oils, and […]
House Numbers
Ever wonder about your house number? Often, the previous owner installed the number and the new owner never had to think about it, leaving them clueless as to why it was placed where it is or why a particular color or size was chosen. These numbers are more important than you probably realize, and a […]
Why You Need Homeowner’s Insurance
The largest, single investment most consumers make is in their homes. The consumer can protect their home, possessions, and liability with a homeowner’s insurance policy. The homeowner’s insurance policy is a package policy that combines more than one type of insurance coverage in a single policy. There are four types of coverages that are contained […]
Home Inspection Reports: What to Expect
Influenced by the changes in the economic and legal environments over the past 30 years, home inspection reports have changed to accommodate increased consumer expectations, and to provide more extensive information and protection to both inspectors and their clients. Development of Standards Prior to the mid-1970s, inspection reports followed no standard guidelines and, for the […]
Residential Foundation Insulation
Homes being constructed today are more energy-efficient than those built even just a few years ago, primarily due to significant improvements in building products and techniques, as well as development of high-performance heating and cooling systems and other appliances. At InterNACHI, we believe that the benefits of foundation insulation are often overlooked. Heat loss from […]
