Inspection & Home Warranty
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a non-invasive physical examination to identify material defects in the systems, structure and components of a building. A material defect is a condition that significantly affects the value, desirability, habitability, or safety of the building.
What Systems, Structures and Components will be Inspected?
Foundations, basements and under-floor areas, exteriors, roof coverings, attic areas and roof framing, plumbing, electrical systems, heating systems, central cooling systems, fireplaces and chimneys, and building interior.
What to Look for in an Inspection Company.
Experience, longevity, stability...reports that are professional, clear and understandable.
Is Your Home Inspector Insured?
Professional Liability Insurance Coverage (how much), General Liability (how much) and Workers Compensation.
Does Your Inspector Belong to any Professional Organization?
It is important to have the inspectors you hire belong and maintain membership in a State or National Inspection Associations assuring a professional Standard of Practice.
How the Seller Should Prepare for a Home Inspection.
The seller should have the property fully accessible, including elimination of stored objects that may prevent the inspector from accessing key components of the home. Areas of special concern are attics, crawlspaces, electric panels, closets, garages, gates/yards, furnaces and water heaters. All utilities should be on and functioning pilots should be lit.
Inspector's Responsibility to the Homeowner.
Respect the property. Do not damage. Leave the property as found. Answer questions about the report after the inspection is completed. Provide a copy of the report on-site.
Home Warranty
A Buyers Home Warranty plan is recommended for purchase through closing to provide peace of mind against the high cost of major system and appliance home repairs. In the first year after closing, buyers place two claims on average per warranty plan issued. If a covered system malfunctions, the buyer can call the home warranty provider 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and the Home Warranty provider will dispatch a pre-screened repair professional to perform necessary repars or replacements. The buyer pays only a small trade call fee. Additional optional coverage is available for certain items like air conditioning, pool, spas, and roofs.
The Home Selling Process:
FSBO vs. Listing with an Agent
Selecting the Right Agent to List Your Home
Preparing Your House for Market
Open House Preparation Checklist
Escrow for Sellers & Buyers
Escrow Flowchart
The Title Company's Role
Lender Assistance to the Seller
Disclosures in Real Property Transactions
The Appraisal
Inspection & Home Warranty
Federal & State Withholding Regulations
Capital Gains
Closing Costs
Moving Checklist
Glossary of Terms
