Vancouver Home Inspectors

The first thing you should do after you sign an offer on a home is call to schedule a professional home inspection. The purchase agreement may specify an inspection deadline.  A home inspection allows you to determine through expert examination whether there are flaws or problems in a home you are about to purchase. A smart buyer will always consider a home inspection contingency in their home purchase offer. Here in The Portland and Vancouver real estate market we use inspectors that belong to the Washington Association of Property Inspectors.

The inspection will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); plumbing and electrical systems; roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; foundation, basement and structural components. The inspection will not include lead, radon, mold, asbestos or other special issues, be prepared to hire a separate specialty-licensed inspector who inspects for these issues. We or your general home inspector can recommend local professionals.

A home inspection can run two to three hours, but varies depending on home size, complexity and characteristics. It’s a good idea to accompany your inspector and ask questions along the way to learn more about the home. Prior to the inspection, ask to see other inspection reports to get a feel for style, thoroughness and terminology. Many inspectors provide reports within 24 hours of the inspection.

Home inspection costs vary widely, but do be prepared to budget several hundred dollars for a thorough inspection.

As your real estate professional, I will  also advise you whether the home seller should make the repairs before purchase or be asked for a monetary credit to fix repairs after you move in.

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Earnest Money

When you put a legal offer on a property, the offer is accompanied by a check. This is called an “earnest money deposit”, meaning the buyer earnestly intends to purchase the property. In normal circumstances this deposit is two percent of the purchase price.  It is best to keep the deposit as low as possible. But during times when the market is hot, it helps if a larger amount is advisable. So any bidding wars on the property are halted.Make sure this money can be accounted for as the underwriting guidelines will call for documentation of the funds.

When the deal closes, the earnest money funds are applied to the buyer’s down payment and closing costs. As the saying goes, however — there are exceptions to the rule.

I will be happy to explain all the details to you personally. Just call me.

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Hints For Getting the Perfect Home Loan

Listed below a but a few suggesting when applying for a home loan.

• Hold off on any major purchases.

• If your credit cards have high balances; pay down before you apply for a loan.

• Do not move your money around for at least six months.  If you do move the money, it will cause a red flag with the underwriter of your loan.

It is of utmost importance that the said underwriter sees stability in the deposited money. The lender needs to know the source of the funds for the down payment and closing costs.

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Home Improvement

With winter coming on, and the weather changing, its time to start thinking about some routine home maintenance projects to take care of especially if you are thinking about selling your home this winter.  You want everything to be working good and looking good so you need to spend some time and look into each of the items we have listed. Your buyers will be impressed about the excellent way you have taken care of the home and property.

1    Curb Appeal is important.  It’s the first thing anyone sees coming to your home and it should be appealing, neat and clean. Check the condition of the landscaping, paint, roof, shutters, front door, knocker, windows, house number, and even how window treatments look from the outside. Add something special like big flower pots or an antique bench — to help viewers remember house A from B.
2    Enrich with color. Paint’s cheap. We recommend soft colors that say “welcome,” lead the eye from room to room, and flatter skin tones. Think soft yellows and pale greens. Tint ceilings a lighter shade.
3    Upgrade kitchen and bathrooms. They should be squeaky clean and up to date because these rooms sell houses.
4    Add some old world touches if you can. Maybe crown molding, chair rails etc.
5    Make sure your hardwood floors are clean, and the finish is in excellent condition.
6    Get your closets cleaned up, make them look only half full, that way potential buyers will only see all the room in the closet and it gives the closets a bigger look.
7    Update you inside window treatments. Make the rooms light and appealing, not heavy with drapes or dark blinds.
8    We recommend hiring a home inspector if you can afford it and have the inspector look for any maintenance problems, then fix them.
9    Get the garage and patio cleaned up. Get everything including the tools organized and keep them neat.  Get all of the grease and oil off the floors. Make sure the patio is clean and all pet droppings and messes cleaned up.
10    Lawns, hedges, trees, bushes should all be trimmed and alive and show you interest in plants and landscaping. Plant some flowers in the beds if possible.

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Terrie With Her Office Assistants

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