May
23 2021

Landlord Responsibility for Radon in Rental Housing

Like all contracts, the landlord-tenant relationship is subject to sets of laws and guidelines. The most critical principle that defines the responsibility of landlords to their tenants is called “The Implied Warranty of Habitability.”

It means that any property owner who offers their home for rent gives the renter a guarantee that they have done everything to make the property habitable throughout the lease.

This guarantee does not have to be discussed (a tenant does not need to ask about it), and it must not have to be included in the lease agreement. By the mere fact of putting the home up for rent, the law assumes a landlord is assuring potential renters that the house is habitable.

Making a home habitable means that it meets the basic living standards, namely: drinkable water, heating for cold weather, hot water, functioning electricity, sufficient ventilation, smoke & CO2 detectors, working sanitary systems (bathroom, toilet & sewage), security (locks/window guards) and freedom from pests.

Though this list covers most of what is included in a landlord’s Implied Warranty of Habitability, it is not everything. Anything that jeopardizes the safety of the tenants in a rental home can be included. One such thing, which has been gaining a lot of attention lately, is radon poisoning.

What is radon poisoning?

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil that is rich in uranium and rock. The gas is created by the normal decay of uranium and is released into the surrounding soil. Once released, radon gas will travel upwards through the ground until it reaches the surface.

On reaching the surface, the gas is released into the air, and it will become harmless. That is because it quickly dilutes to low levels that are not dangerous. Outdoor radon concentration levels range from 5 Bq/m3 to 15 Bq/m3. This is not enough to hurt anyone.

If there is a house over a ground that emits radon, it can seep into the home through cracks and gaps in the foundation. When this happens, it becomes trapped inside the building. The people in the house, being unaware of the radon buildup, will inhale the gas.

Inside the human body, radon continues to decay, and during that process emits radiation – alpha particles. These particles find their way into the cells of the body and damage the DNA. The end result is, after prolonged exposure to radon, the person develops lung cancer.

Radon is identified as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the USA after smoking. Estimates from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) say that around 21,000 deaths occur annually from radon-related lung cancer.

What makes radon so dangerous is that the gas is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. There can be high concentrations of it in a home without the occupants knowing. EPA guidelines say that any radon concentration at or above 148 Bq/m3 (4 pCi/L) is dangerous.

Can landlords be held liable for a natural hazard?

The issue of landlord liability for radon poisoning is not a straightforward matter. Firstly, most states do not mandate automatic testing for radon in a rental home. Secondly, only a few states require landlords to make a disclosure about radon contamination to tenants.

However, all states expect landlords to do something about high radon contamination in their property if the issue is brought to their notice. Also, specific situations occur where a landlord may become liable for radon poisoning if a tenant sues them. For instance:

  • The landlord knew about the problem: The landlord could be liable if he/she had the information about the issue from the former owner or became aware of it but did nothing to mitigate it.
  • The problem is widespread in the area: If radon contamination is a known problem in the area, it is the landlord’s responsibility to put up preventive measures to protect the tenants. If the property owner fails to do this, they may be held liable.
  • The tenant raised the issue: If a tenant, at any time, expressed concerns to the landlord about possible radon contamination in the home, the landlord is obligated to investigate the issue. If the landlord fails to do this, they may be liable.

What to do about radon

Radon has been found in all kinds of homes in the US; the only way to detect its presence is through direct testing for the gas. To protect the health of their tenants, secure their rental business, and avoid trouble with the law, it is recommended that every landlord test their home for radon.

The average cost of testing for radon is $125 to $350. Some short-term DIY radon testing kits cost as little as $15. This cost is inconsequential compared to the benefits of having a safe rental and knowing that there is no risk of a radon lawsuit from current and future tenants.

Posted by South Florida Home Inspections  |  Comments Off on Landlord Responsibility for Radon in Rental Housing  |  in Home Preparedness
April
08 2021

A Quick History on Mold Inspections and Disclosures and Why They Matter to a Homebuyer

Are you planning to buy a home in Florida? If so, mold is something you should consider.

Mold is a serious issue, and you don’t want to buy a home that has extensive mold growth. Having mold around your home exposes you to an increased risk of health problems.

While some buyers ignore mold issues and proceed with the transaction, it’s worthwhile to remain cautious, advises The Listing REM. There could be hidden mold colonies that silently expand, resulting in long-term health risks and mold remediation expenses.

In this article, we are going over the key points regarding mold inspections and disclosures in Florida. You’ll learn about the importance of inspecting for mold and what you can do to cut your risks as a homebuyer.

Why You Need a Mold Inspection

As a homebuyer in Florida, you should be aware of any mold problems in a prospective home. This is because any amount of mold growth in a home could cause considerable issues in the long run.

Some people believe that a home inspection is enough to discover mold trouble, but that is not true. In most cases, home inspections don’t focus on uncovering hidden mold. Instead, they focus on the foundation, HVAC system, electricity, and other essentials in the property.

That’s why a mold inspection is so important because it focuses solely on finding mold growth in your potential home. Mold inspectors are equipped with the right tools and have the proper knowledge to discover mold in areas hidden from plain sight. The inspector will check wall cavities, rugs, attics, and hidden spaces to ensure there is no mold growth.

What About Mold Disclosures in Florida?

Home sellers in Florida have to disclose facts and conditions that affect the value of their property. However, they don’t have to hire inspectors to uncover hidden problems.

When you keep that in mind, getting a mold inspection for a prospective home you love makes a lot of sense. Mold growth is common in Florida homes, which means that your seller may be unaware of hidden mold.

What is Mold, and Why Does It Matter When Buying a Home?

Mold is a living fungus. It belongs to the same group as yeasts and mushrooms. These organisms are all in the same group because they have thread-like inner structures. Mold spores are all around. They begin to colonize in the right conditions, such as moisture. That’s why mold is often found in bathrooms.

As a buyer, you need to be aware of mold for two major reasons:

  • Mold can cause both mild and serious health issues.
  • Mold growth may damage the underlying surfaces and materials.

How Does Mold Impact One’s Health?

Most people are especially concerned about the health effects of mold in their homes, and for good reason. You should be particularly wary of mold if you or anyone in your family has chronic immunodeficiency, allergies, or asthma.

These are the most common symptoms brought on by mold exposure include:

  • Irritated throat
  • Stuffy or blocked nose
  • Excess tiredness
  • Tight feeling in the chest
  • Wheezing and coughing
  • Unexplainable headaches

Why You Should Hire a Licensed Mold Assessor

Some home sellers try to hide mold in order to cut costs. For instance, they may paint over the mold or use other tactics to hide the problem areas.

However, none of these actions will eradicate the underlying problem. The root cause is still there. Eventually, the mold growth will return because the moisture issue hasn’t been dealt with.

This is the reason you need a qualified mold inspector. When you work with a licensed mold assessor, this professional can spot the warning signs of dishonest methods. Plus, they can use professional equipment that shows if there is an excess number of mold spores in the air.

In a nutshell: Mold Inspections and Disclosures

As a homebuyer in Florida, you need to be aware of hidden mold issues. Although sellers have to disclose all the problems and defects, they aren’t required to get inspections done for uncovering hidden issues.

Hiring professional mold remediation services is your only way of making sure that your potential home is free of fungal contaminants. Qualified mold assessors will have the right tools, knowledge, and experience to discover mold growth.

Posted by South Florida Home Inspections  |  Comments Off on A Quick History on Mold Inspections and Disclosures and Why They Matter to a Homebuyer  |  in Home Maintenance
January
22 2021

Home Inspection Tips for Buyers

When buying a home, the last stage before you finally commit to purchasing the home is the home inspection. The home inspection comes at the tail end of a long and often tedious process of looking at many homes before finally settling on the one you want to buy.

Because the inspection happens after you have already decided that you like a home and agreed on a purchase price with the seller, it often feels like a formality. But as RentSmartUSA warns, treating this part of the home-buying journey with levity could cost you severely in the future.

Every time you give money to a stranger in exchange for something, there is some risk involved. That risk increases with how much you paid and how central the purchase is to your life. This is what makes buying a home the purchase with the most power to derail your happiness.

This is the reason you should take steps to ensure that your decision to buy the home is the correct one. The home inspection can help you do this by uncovering undetected or undisclosed issues with the structures and systems of the home, as well as its appliances.

However, although the home inspection is supposed to give you the tools to make an informed decision, it does not always do this. That is because the outcome of the inspection depends entirely on the ability of the home inspector you hire and the actions you take after the inspection.

The fact is it is possible to have a home inspection and still end up buying an overvalued home with serious problems. This can happen if you fail to take the right steps during the home inspection. But by following the tips explained below, you will be able to escape that possibility.

Tip #1: Do not waive the inspection

Sometimes, buyers are tempted, with the active encouragement of the seller, to waive their right to inspect the home. Do not do this, not even if the buyer has done a prelisting home inspection. Every home, including a newly built one, can have major problems and the only way to know if you can live with the problems is to do an inspection.

Tip #2: Make the inspection part of the purchase agreement

Note that the moment you sign a purchase agreement with the seller, that contract is binding. The only way you can walk away from the deal, without paying any penalties, is if you make the finalization of the sale contingent on the home inspection. There is no place for a gentleman’s agreement here and get everything in writing or you will pay dearly.

Tip #3: Do not choose the cheapest home inspector

The best inspectors have experience and a list of past clients they can refer you to. They are also respected members of the local chapter of their organization. And they will have modern equipment for doing their work. Such inspectors will usually not be the cheapest, but you can hire them with the knowledge that you will be in safe hands.

Tip #4: Plan to attend the inspection

The competence of a home inspector means nothing if you cannot interpret the home inspection report. Home inspectors cannot tell you whether to buy a home or not. They can only provide you with the information to make that decision. The best way you can get a good sense of the condition of a home is by accompanying the inspector on their rounds.

Tip #5: Don’t expect a perfect report

As already stated, no home is perfect and every home inspection is bound to reveal problems, even if the home is a new construction. Keep this in mind to avoid letting your disappointment led you to walk away from a perfectly good property. Furthermore, the home inspection cannot find everything that is wrong with the home since it focuses on critical issues only.

Tip #6: Know the difference between major and minor problems

There are three ways to respond to the home inspection report. You can ask the seller to do repairs, or you can negotiate a lower price, or you can decide to walk away from the deal. Knowing when to negotiate for repairs, or money, or deciding to simply walk away is important and only you can decide which is the appropriate one.

Tip #7: Verify repairs before finalizing

If you ask the seller to carry out repairs on the home, you must check the completed repairs to be sure they are done to your expectations. You can do this by requesting the repair documents from the seller and having the finished repairs re-inspected by the home inspector. This step is to prevent the seller from cutting corners on important problems.

Tip #8: Arrange specialty inspections where necessary

Home inspectors will do a general evaluation of the systems and structures of the home, as well as its appliances. During their inspection, they may flag certain items or areas and recommend that you investigate them further. This usually means hiring a specialist to inspect the highlighted problem. Do not overlook such recommendations by your home inspector.

There you have it. Home inspection tips for buyers.

Posted by South Florida Home Inspections  |  Comments Off on Home Inspection Tips for Buyers  |  in Home Inspection
January
19 2021

Hidden Hazards in your home – How to Identify and Remove them

A vintage home affords character, imagination in design and unique features not available in homes built today. With that said, homes and apartments built prior to the 1980’s are bound to have some safety elements that are worth investigating and updating for the optimal health and safety of your family.

If you are moving into a home with some vintage flair, consider investigating the potential health hazards that come along with it.

Home safety is part of home ownership

Take responsibility for potential hazards before they become an issue for you, your loved ones or your guests.

While you may not be able to eliminate all of the hazards from your home, with some effort, you should be able to minimize as many potential hazards as possible.

If you start with the top five common hazards and evaluate room by room, you should be able to cover most of the potential issues in your home, whether your home is new or not.

After that, as a responsible homeowner, you should make regular evaluations of your home every season or so. This will also give you a different perspective on what is needed as some hazards in and around your home are often seasonal.

While the responsibility of home safety can be a drag, the benefits far outweigh the risks. The effort it takes to assess and reduce the dangers vs dealing with the potential dangers (fire, disease, poisoning) is definitely worth making time for.

Top Five Home Hazards:

  1. Falls
  2. Poisoning
  3. Fires/burns
  4. Choking/suffocation,
  5. Drowning/submersion.

These hazards don’t only affect children or older people, however a comprehensive study by the Home Safety Council found that home injuries cause 21 million yearly medical visits and almost 20,000 deaths, 2,000 of which are children.

But don’t be shocked. Most homeowners are not preventing injuries because they don’t know any better, not because they are lazy.

You can avoid these tragedies in your own home simply by being more conscientious in your evaluation of your surroundings and making a few simple adjustments if needed.

Let’s go room by room and see where the hazards may be…

Exploring the house for hidden hazards

Bedrooms and Bathrooms  – Where you sleep and shower may seem like the safest place to be alone with your thoughts, in a quiet space but your bedroom and bathroom may harbor hidden hazards you are least expecting Here are some things to consider:

Slippery surfaces/non slip surfaces – In the bathroom, consider adding non slip surfaces to the tub and floor surrounding the tub/shower/sink. In the bedroom, look for potential slipping on rugs and runners or clothing left on the floor to keep slip hazards at bay.

Candles – Ambience is sweet but consider safety first with candles in bathrooms and bedrooms. Keep open flames away from flammable chemicals and fabrics and never leave open flames unattended.

Safety rails – Are handy in bathrooms and bedrooms around the toilet, bathtub and bed for getting safely up/down or in/out

Toys – Keeping toys cleared off of the floor and out of the tub after use is always a good idea to prevent trips and falls

Bathroom sharps – Keeping razors, scissors or other sharp objects safely stowed away is a good idea for safety’s sake.

Poison – Cleaning products as well as hygiene products found in the bathroom or bedroom can be harmful if accidentally ingested. Remove, contain and safely store anything that may be unintentionally or potentially harmful to children or pets.

Falls – Can be a potential hazard around bed and cribs. Put soft, protective surfaces under play equipment or furniture where accidental falls are a potential hazard.

Drowning – This is truly one of the most potential hazards in the bathroom area and drowning happens quickly. Ensure thorough monitoring of children and pets around the tub and toilet.

Kitchen, Pantry & Laundry – While these are the most common areas for healthy housework to be done, they are also common places for health and safety hazards. Look for potential safety issues in the following areas:

Carbon monoxide – Every home should have a carbon monoxide monitor installed wherever a source of natural gas is present.  A CO2 alarm plugs into an electrical outlet or is installed like a smoke detector. This device will notify you if there is a harmful gas leak, which otherwise may be undetectable as it is odorless, highly toxic and potentially fatal.

Lint trap – The lint trap on your dryer is a potential fire hazard if it isn’t cleared away regularly. Ensure your family’s safety by emptying it after each use.

Lock up kitchen tools – Knives, scissors and other sharp kitchen accessories are dangerous for those who don’t know how to use them yet. Keep them safely out of reach.

Detergents, cleaners – Even though these are effective ways to keep our spaces fresh and sanitized, they can be poisonous if ingested or used inappropriately. Keep your detergents and cleaners safely out of reach of children and pets.

Burns – Another potential hazard is a burn from the stove. Getting burner covers is a great solution. Burner covers are available for ceramic, gas and electric stoves.

Stairs, Basements & Attics – These are the hidden areas of home and health hazards.

Stairs – The most common areas in the home for slips and falls are stairs. Check for irregular stair placement, install railings and place grip mats of carpet on the stairs for protection from slipping. Consider installing a light on the staircase and paint your bottom step a bright color to make it more visible. For outdoor stairs, use nonslip mats and salt in icy weather.

Fire Alarms – Install fire alarms in the attic, basement and stairwells of your home for added assurance of fire protection.

Pests – Pests such as rodents and insects tend to be found in the hidden areas of your home such as attics, basements, sheds and stairways. Regularly inspect these areas for yourself and hire a professional if needed. Preventing infestations before they happen will save you time and money.

Living Rooms and Sitting Rooms – The hazards of the most relaxing areas of your home may not be so obvious.

Air quality – Good indoor air quality can reduce allergies and asthma. One way to eliminate allergens is by choosing hardwood or laminate flooring over carpeting. Air-filtration systems and certain houseplants can also help to improve indoor air quality

Strangling – Check the blinds and drapes for potential strangling hazards. There may be a manufacturer suggestion to avoid strangling hazards.

Window rail safety – Putting window guards on windows could result in a 50% reduction in falls and 35% reduction in deaths.

Yards, Garages, Sheds – The working spaces of your yard have hidden hazards, too. Check out these hidden spaces:

Yard tools – Sharp tools are generally used for yard work so it makes sense to keep them safely and securely stored to misuse or injury.

Poisons/toxins – Toxic chemicals are generally found in these areas, keep them safely contained.

Always use a step stool or ladder for things out of reach – Make sure to use a sturdy step stool or ladder when getting things out of reach. Avoid balancing on furniture and fences, it can be dangerous!

Removal, Upgrade, and Prevention of Risks is the Key to Home Safety Success

Once you have identified the types of hazards in your home whether they are potential injuries, toxins or other damage hazards, you need to establish the best way to remove, replace or repair the issue.

You may want to evaluate if you can make the repairs yourself or if you need to hire an expert. Evaluate options if removal is not possible at all, or just partial

 Lead paint and how to remove lead paint from your home – In the past, lead was used as an ingredient for paint. Now, sanding and scraping lead paint can be ingested and toxic. If your home was built before the 1970’s, there is a chance your home has lead paint. Check online to find out safe ways to remove it. It may be more convenient to hire a professional.

Asbestos and removing asbestos from your home – If your house was built before 1980, it’s likely that asbestos is present. Asbestos is a natural fiber found in insulation and drywall that has been known to cause cancer. Insulation, floor tiles, and textured ceiling tiles can be made with asbestos. If you do find asbestos, find a professional to safely remove it.

Keep Yourself and Your Home As Safe As Can Be

When you are buying or renting a home, it is important that the safety of yourself and your family is top of mind.

Evaluating and identifying health and safety hazards is extremely valuable and important when making your choice.

You may need to ask your landlord to make adjustments before you sign a lease, negotiate repairs before buying a property or simply update your existing home. Whatever you need to do, ensure you are covering the basics of the potential hazards throughout your home.

Originally posted in Porch.com

Posted by South Florida Home Inspections  |  Comments Off on Hidden Hazards in your home – How to Identify and Remove them  |  in Safety in Home
December
04 2020

How to Get Ready for a Home Inspection

If you are a homeowner about to sell your home, here is something you must understand. Your home’s curb appeal will draw buyers to it, but the condition of its structures and systems will determine if it gets sold or not. Carrying out upgrades to your property increases the probability that it will catch buyers’ interest. But the home’s functionality will eventually sell it.

Even if buyers are satisfied with the location, appearance, and price of a home, what finalizes the sale is the home inspection report. This is why homeowners should make understanding the home inspection a central part of the process of selling their home. This knowledge will help homeowners take the right preparation steps and avoid problems during the inspection.

Below are the steps homeowners should take before a home inspection.

Stage 1: Make necessary repairs and check the function of various items

To know what needs fixing in the home, it may be necessary to do a pre-listing home inspection. This ensures homeowners are not surprised by any issues that will be uncovered by the buyer’s inspection.

Important checks and repairs to do include:

  • Roof repairs – Inspect the roof and its internal structures and pressure-wash the roof, if necessary, replace missing or damaged shingles, clear debris from gutters, ensure downspouts are not discharging water on walls.
  • Fix water damage – Inspects toilets, faucets, bathtubs, showers, pipes, joints, and underneath the sink, check ceilings, walls, and floors for signs of water damage, and inspect appliances for leaks.
  • Check fixtures – Re-caulk around bathtubs and sink, replace discolored grout, remove drain clogs, flush toilets to ensure they are working properly, run all faucets, be sure toilets and faucets do not drip.
  • Inspect the insulation in the attic and crawl space – Replace damaged insulation, drape crawl space with 6 mm plastic sheeting and inside the crawl space, check heating ducts to be sure they are connected, inspect duct fans to see that they are venting out of the attic.
  • Replace blown out light bulbs – If lights don’t come on after bulbs are replaced, check the wiring, run the ceiling and bathroom fans.
  • Check the operation of windows – Test all locks and inspect seals, replace the torn screen on windows.
  • Inspect kitchen and bathroom cabinets for loose parts and doors that do not flush with the frame.
  • Inspect doors and check their operation – Doors must latch onto their frames seamlessly, doorknobs must be firmly in place, and locks must work well, and check the weather stripping on doors.
  • Manually open and close garage doors – Test the garage door operation with the remote, test garage door reverse safety mechanism.
  • Prepare the home’s exterior – Trim tree branches that are hanging too close to the roof, slope soil away from the base of the home to prevent water pooling around the foundations.

Step 2: Check the home’s safety and security

  • Use self-test feature to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector, replace batteries if needed.
  • Check fire extinguisher operation, ensure it is full, and confirm the pressure gauge is in the right position.
  • Exterminate pests and rodents on the premises.

Step 3: Clean home and declutter access points

Home inspectors do not score a home on their level of cleanliness but a clean and tidy home will put the inspector in a positive frame of mind. If the home is messy, the inspector will expect other parts of the property to be equally uncared for.

Inspectors need access to every part of the home. If a home inspector doesn’t get access to anything in the home, they will not include it in their report. This could stall the sale of the home.

  • Remove all laundry from washing machine and dryer
  • Remove dishes from sink and dishwasher
  • Clean or replace furnace filter, clean the stove and attic, clear out stored materials from the attic, declutter closets that are access points to the attic or crawl space.
  • Give the inspector clear access to the home’s exterior (siding, trim, windows, doors, and foundations).
  • Clear a path around the home’s perimeter and clear brush away from the foundation as well as move trash cans that block access.
  • Remove items that block access to the furnace, air conditioner, and water heater; create around four feet of working space.

 Step 4: Final preparations

  • Label electrical boxes correctly
  • Ensure pilot lights on gas-fired appliances – water heater and fireplace – are on
  • Make sure utilities are connected
  • Leave the keys to gates, electrical boxes, and outbuildings and make sure to label keys correctly
  • Leave all remote controls – lights, garage doors, and ceiling fans
  • If necessary, sketch a map of the property showing the location of wells and septic tanks
  • Provide all the maintenance records for the home

Finally, make plans to leave the home on the inspection day and stay away for, at least, three hours. If you have a pet, take it with you. Make sure your estate agent is present when the inspector and buyer arrive. Go have some fun; you have done all you can and it’s no longer in your hands. And if you had a regular home maintenance inspection, the whole process will be easier for both you and the buyer.

Posted by South Florida Home Inspections  |  Comments Off on How to Get Ready for a Home Inspection  |  in Home Inspection
June
24 2020

Home Maintenance: 11 Things You Should Address Immediately

by Lexi Klinkenberg

Your home is your sanctuary and maintaining it is paramount, especially if you ever plan on selling your home in the future you’ll be sure to want top dollar for it. Beyond sweeping floors and mowing your yard, some home maintenance tasks require more immediate attention and if left unchecked can cause significant damage to your home. Here are 11 things you should address immediately if you happen to see any of the signs that your home may have an underlying problem.

 

 

 

  1. Your home has a leaking pipe

Whether it’s a small drip or a larger steady leak, the continuous moisture build-up can lead to mold growth, cracks in your drywall, damage to your ceilings, and can even affect your home’s foundation. If you suspect you have some plumbing that may be leaking inside your home, call a professional plumber to come and examine the signs you’re seeing, and any other plumbing questions you may have, so you can get your home back to working order.

Signs to look out for: You receive an unusually high water bill, a room smells musty, or you recently noticed an unexplained staining, wet spots, mold or mildew, on ceilings, walls, or floors.

  1. Your roof is leaking

Rain may be a blessing for your garden, but not if it’s entering your attic or the rest of your home. Your attic is usually warmer and more humid than the central area of the house, and even a small leak from the roof into warm attic conditions makes a hotbed for mold to grow. Not to mention, if that leak continues unchecked it will begin to wreak havoc on the rest of your home, damaging ceilings and possibly your home’s walls and floors. This is one home maintenance item you will want to address the moment you realize it’s there.

Signs to look out for: A large water stain appears on your ceiling, unexplained moisture or drips forming on your walls, or you see larger bits of roof shingles in the downspout of your gutters.

  1. Leaky foundation

Your basement foundation can leak over time. As your home settles, hairline foundation cracks can form. Unfortunately, water only needs a tiny space to seep through a foundation wall. You may be able to find and seal these cracks yourself, or you might need to hire a foundation specialist to shore up the foundation and prevent further movement and possible leaks. Standing water in an already damp basement can lead to mold growth, but also significant damage to your home.

Signs to look out for: An unusually high water bill, damp carpet or floors, you can smell mold or mildew, there’s a warm spot on your floor, you spot foundation cracks, or you notice a white powdery substance (efflorescence) which is usually the result of water evaporating leaving behind minerals.

  1. Damp or wet crawl space

You want to keep your home’s crawl space as dry as possible. However, if you live in an area like Portland, OR or Seattle, WA where it rains a lot, it’s possible for your crawl space to become wet. It is usually because surface water from your roof’s drainage has begun overflowing, groundwater from the earth surrounding your home was overly saturated from heavy rainfall or melting snow and has found its way in, or there’s a plumbing issue you haven’t discovered yet. Though this home maintenance task isn’t necessarily the most enjoyable, because you’ll most likely be crawling under your home, it is a very important one to check off. Luckily, there are professional crawl space inspectors that can do this for you.

Signs to look out for: Higher energy bills because it takes more energy to heat/cool damp air, you smell mold or mildew, or you’ve noticed an increase in dust mites and other pests that thrive in a damp environment.

  1. Dirty and improperly sealed air ducts

Air ducts become traps for dust, pet hair, and other contaminants that get sucked into your heating and cooling system. These contaminants stick to any damp ducting where mold, bacteria, and other fungi can grow. While you can keep air moving with ceiling or portable fans and air conditioning, the result is recirculating that same air filled with dust, mold, mildew, pet dander, and other respiratory irritants back through your home.

Also, air ducts that are not sealed properly lead to overall poor air quality in your home. Replace your air filters more frequently and have a professional come out once a year to thoroughly clean out your air ducts, check your ductwork to tape and repair as needed.

Signs to look out for: You begin to have high electric bills, your home is always dusty, your rooms are different temperatures, there’s debris under your vent covers, your return air register is covered in especially thick dust, and your air filter is clogged with dust.

  1. Air leaks

Air leaks from outside can contribute to poor quality air indoors. Especially during the warmer months, pollen from new plants, chemicals from lawn pesticides, and other environmental pollutants can float into your home through improperly sealed windows, doors, and ducting. Air leaks also contribute to higher energy bills for cooling and warming your home. If you suspect your home has air leaks and you see some of the signs listed below, then consider hiring a professional to come out and do a home energy audit.

Signs to look out for: Gaps where two different building materials meet on your home (example: exterior brick joining to a cement foundation), you notice cracks/gaps by outlets, doors, window frames, fireplaces, light fixtures, or you may just simply notice a draft in your home. It is most likely coming from an air leak.

  1. Sewage backup or odors from sewer gas

A sewage backup is a serious environmental hazard. Because modern sewer systems usually function so effectively, people often don’t worry about how a backup might affect their home or their family. If you notice any of the signs that you have a sewage backup in your home, you should probably leave this one to the professionals and get this looked at immediately. This is one home maintenance item you don’t want to put off as the toxic fumes from sewer gas can negatively impact your family’s health.

Signs to look out for: More than one of your drains are clogged, water is backing up in other drains, you see bubbles after you flush the toilet, your toilet isn’t flushing right and the plunger doesn’t seem to help, or you smell sewer gas in your home.

  1. Excess moisture in the house

Environmental health experts stress how important it is to maintain indoor humidity at around 40% and keep windows, basements, and attics dry. Excess moisture in your home can create a breeding ground for all types of fungi and bacteria. Monitor the humidity levels of your home with a handy humidity meter you can get at any home improvement store. This can help you decide how to control the humidity levels in your home.

Signs to look out for: There’s condensation on windows during the colder months, you notice a mildew smell in the bathroom or mold growing in the cabinet under the sink, the paint is peeling, cracking, or blistering on interior surfaces, or you notice an increase in pests like dust mites.

 

 

  1. Your stove’s exhaust fan is not venting properly

Your stove’s exhaust fan filter collects smoke, odors, and grease from your food as it cooks. If oil clogs your filter – which it inevitably does over time – cooking contaminants recirculate back into the air in the house and begin sticking to your walls. Luckily, this home maintenance item is easily remedied by simply cleaning (degreasing) your filters. If that doesn’t work, then you may have to call in a professional because the motor in your range’s vent hood may need to be replaced.

Signs to look out for: Your range hood doesn’t clear smoke easily (even on the highest setting), the exhaust fan is very loud or humming constantly, lights stop working on the hood which could indicate other electrical issues.

  1. Overflowing gutters

If your gutters are overflowing, it usually means they are clogged with debris – leaves, seeds, and sticks from surrounding trees. The force of water flowing through the gutters compacts this debris which leads to clogged and overflowing gutters. If you ignore this typical fall and spring home maintenance task, then your clogged gutters can cause damage to the exterior of your home. Your gutters can place unneeded strain on your roof and shingles, spill water down the side of your home instead of through the downspout and away from your home, or they can even collapse damaging the side of your house. Luckily, this is an affordable home maintenance task you can simply have a professional do for you.

Signs to look out for: You see plants growing from your gutters, there’s debris on the side of your gutter, you notice dirty streaks (tiger stripping), watermarks, or mold on the side of your house, or possibly your gutter is pulling away from your home.

  1. Chimney and flue build-up (creosote)

Creosote is an oily substance that builds up inside your chimney and flue if you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove. Have your chimney and flue cleaned of creosote annually, especially if you regularly use your fireplace. It’s also a good idea to have it cleaned before the colder months of miscellaneous debris or even bird nests before you begin using it. If you don’t, you could put your home in danger of a chimney fire, causing significant damage to your home and possibly putting your family at risk. Hiring a professional to clean your chimney and flue once a year will help maintain your home and make sure you’re able to enjoy those warm fires for years to come.

Signs to look out for: You see more wood than ash after a fire, there’s reduced drafting in the fireplace, you notice black soot around the fireplace, very dark, dense smoke comes out of your chimney, and you can see a build-up of soot, you hear a loud crackling or popping sound, or you notice an intense hot smell.

Originally Published on Redfin

Posted by South Florida Home Inspections  |  Comments Off on Home Maintenance: 11 Things You Should Address Immediately  |  in Home Maintenance
October
03 2019

S. Florida Home Inspection Associates, Inc Receives 2019 Best of Jupiter Award

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

S. Florida Home Inspection Associates, Inc Receives 2019 Best of Jupiter Award

Jupiter Award Program Honors the Achievement

JUPITER September 23, 2019 — S. Florida Home Inspection Associates, Inc has been selected for the 2019 Best of Jupiter Award in the Home Inspector category by the Jupiter Award Program.

Each year, the Jupiter Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Jupiter area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2019 Jupiter Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Jupiter Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Jupiter Award Program

The Jupiter Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Jupiter area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Jupiter Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: Jupiter Award Program

CONTACT:
Jupiter Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@2019organization-honor-contact.net
URL: http://www.2019organization-honor-contact.net

###

Posted by South Florida Home Inspections  |  Comments Off on S. Florida Home Inspection Associates, Inc Receives 2019 Best of Jupiter Award  |  in Home Inspection
August
06 2019

Crawl Space Care: Insulation, Ventilation, Encapsulation, Oh My!

Crawl spaces are often out of sight and, consequently, out of mind, making them easy to neglect. But don’t “space out” on your crawl space! Without proper care, your crawl space is susceptible to moisture, heat loss, pests, and a host of other complications. These common problems can damage your home’s foundation, cause sky-high energy bills, and introduce toxins to the air you breathe. With as much as 40 percent of the air in your home originating from your crawl space, learning to care for this area plays a big role in your health and the long-term health of your home.

What is a Crawl Space?

A crawl space is a small space, ranging from one to three feet in height, which resides between the bottom floor of your home and the ground. A crawl space provides extra room for electrical wiring, plumbing components, and HVAC equipment. As the height of the crawl space is limited, getting into the area must be done by crawling, either on the stomach or the hands and knees (hence the name). For those searching for homes, or who own homes in close proximity to water or swampy areas, like Florida, exploring crawl spaces can be a necessary part of a home inspection.

What’s the Difference between Crawl Space vs. Basement?

Crawl spaces are typically used in damp climates, where the ground is regularly too wet for basement construction. Supporting the home off of the ground keeps it away from moisture that could cause damage. In coastal areas where the soil is sandy, a crawl space can alleviate potential basement problems, like excessive water buildup that could put pressure on basement walls. Crawl spaces are also sometimes preferred in construction when a basement is too costly. Installing a crawl space is cheaper than installing a basement.

A basement is a popular type of foundation that can add space and functionality to a home. Basements are often used as storage space, living areas, or both. A basement combines elements of a slab and crawl space. The floor in a basement is very similar to a slab, and the support system used under the basement floor is the same as what is used in a crawl space. Although basements can be a great addition to a home, they cannot be built in areas with high moisture levels or unsettled soil. They also happen to be the most expensive type of foundation to build.

Crawl Space Solutions for Common Problems

Problem: Moisture

Homes with poor ventilation are more susceptible to crawl space issues than others. Without regular evaluation, you may not know there is a problem until it’s too late. Signs of excessive moisture throughout the home are often readily noticeable, but signs of moisture in your crawl space may be harder to detect. Unfortunately, moisture in a crawl space can be just as problematic, causing complications such as mildew, dust mites, mold, and wood rot. When there is nowhere left for moisture to go within a crawl space, it can then travel into your insulation, flooring, and walls to create even larger problems. Crawl spaces with exposed dirt most commonly have trouble with an excess of moisture.

Solution: Vapor Barrier

A vapor barrier is one of the best ways to protect your home against the encroachment of moisture. Essentially a large plastic sheet placed over the base of a crawl space, vapor barriers are intended to fully cover any exposed dirt. While this doesn’t completely eliminate moisture, it does slow the process significantly. At 50 to 70 cents per square foot, sheet plastic is a cost-effective barrier for moisture in your crawl space. A vapor barrier can be a DIY project if you’re willing to get down and dirty, but the labor that goes into covering the entire ground area can be challenging to accomplish on your own. You’ll need a friend to help you pass the rolls of sheet plastic back and forth through the crawl space, or if this sounds too labor-intensive, a professional contractor may be the way to go.

Solution: Encapsulation

If a vapor barrier alone isn’t enough to tame moisture and ventilation problems, encapsulation can be a great alternative. The first step in this process involves a vapor barrier coupled with sealing tape and coverage of walls and ceiling areas. A complete encapsulation includes drain tile, a sump pit and pump, concrete, insulation, and a dehumidifier to properly condition the air.

While placing a vapor barrier can be done independently, encapsulation is best handled by a professional. The installation process takes expertise, and installing a dehumidifier is best left to a trained technician. Hiring a contractor for this work costs about $5,500 on average.

Problem: Energy Loss

A crawl space isn’t a livable part of the home, but insulation is still important to keep the heat in. Crawl spaces can be a major source of energy loss. If you find yourself running your furnace all winter long, driving up high energy bills, yet still feel cold on the ground floor of your home, your crawl space could be the issue. If your crawl space isn’t properly insulated from the cold, you could be wasting energy and driving up your utility bills.

Solution: Insulation

Insulating your crawl space depends on the general climate in the area. In warm or dry areas, insulation can be limited to just the area between the floor joists. However, in subfreezing temperatures, insulating the walls and sealing off the crawl space is most effective. A professional can evaluate the state of your crawl space, make a recommendation, and handle the insulation process.

Problem: Pests

Rodents and insects can be a problem anywhere in your home, and a crawl space is no exception. Crawl spaces can easily become a dwelling for pests if they are not properly maintained. Since most homeowners do not spend much time in their crawl space, it may be harder to determine if there is a pest problem. Pests such as mice, rats, termites, carpenter ants, spiders and more have the ability to damage insulation, crawl through vapor barriers, dig into wood, and even tunnel into your main living spaces.

Solution: Pest Control

Proper crawl space maintenance, including encapsulation, can keep your property safe from pests. When all entrances and exits are sealed, the possibility of rodents and insects gaining entry to your home is almost impossible. If you do see signs of pests, partnering with an exterminator can treat problems at the source.

Crawl Space Inspection Checklist

A crawl space inspection is typically included in a standard home inspection when buying or selling a house. This is an area where issues tend to arise and can throw a wrench in the home sale. Both home sellers and buyers should be aware of the state of the crawl space in order to mitigate any potential problems prior to the sale. Here are the red flags that professionals look for during a crawl space inspection:

  • Electrical wiring issues
  • Plumbing issues
  • Moisture (standing water, damp insulation or warped building materials)
  • Pests (bugs, termites, rats, mice)
  • Mold and mildew
  • Ventilation issues
  • Cracks in the foundation

As a seller, you may want to have your crawl space inspected prior to listing it on the market. That way you are aware of any issues and can have them fixed before the sale, or adjust the sale price accordingly.

As a homeowner, maintaining your crawl space is critical to the health and longevity of your home. That means doing an annual inspection and attending to problems as they arise, as well as taking preventative measures to keep your house healthy. If crawling under your home doesn’t seem like fun, you can always partner with the pros and hire someone to ensure your crawl space is in good hands. With these tips and fixes, you can be sure this “foundational” part of your home is properly maintained for years to come.

Author bio: Jennifer Karami is an author at Redfin, an online real-estate service whose mission is to redefine real estate in the customer’s favor

Posted by South Florida Home Inspections  |  Comments Off on Crawl Space Care: Insulation, Ventilation, Encapsulation, Oh My!  |  in Home Preparedness
March
15 2019

How to Sell Your House in 2019

So, you have found yourself at that point of selling your house and moving on. Maybe you’re downsizing to a smaller house because the kids have finally left the nest, or you got a job in a new city and need to relocate, or finally, you retired and want to head south to warmer climates. Whatever your reason, you’re ready to sell your home. Luckily for you, we put together a comprehensive guide for first-time and seasoned home sellers. Continue reading to find out how to sell your house this year.

1) Hire a Home Inspector

You’re probably thinking wait, isn’t that what the buyer is going to do? You’re not wrong. When a buyer has made an offer and you’ve accepted it, the buyer will most likely hire a home inspector of their own. So, why would you hire a home inspector? First, if a home inspector turns up something that’s in need of repair, wouldn’t you prefer to resolve it long before entering into negotiations with a potential buyer?

In fact, if you end up needing to make repairs expected to take weeks to fix, you may lose that buyer altogether. Hiring a home inspector is a proactive approach to getting your home ready to sell. Known as a pre-listing home inspection, you can find out the exact condition of your property, what repairs need to be addressed beforehand, fix them, then focus on the next task to get your home sold fast.

Also, knowing the condition of your property will further assist you during the negotiation phase with potential buyers.  As you may already be aware, since you’ve already bought a home yourself, buyers often use their home inspection as a way of getting concessions from sellers, such as asking you to drop your list price. If you’ve already addressed any repairs that turned up in an inspection report, it is less likely that any new repairs will come up and impact your position during negotiations.

2) Make Repairs and Small Upgrades to Your Home

After your inspector makes a comprehensive list of repairs you should make, it’s time to get started either making the repairs yourself or contracting the right person to do them. This is may also be a great time to make small upgrades to your home that will help your house to sell fast. You don’t need to renovate your kitchen or anything, but that red accent wall that was extremely popular a decade ago might need a fresh coat of paint more neutral in color.

Understand Your Homes Selling Points
First, try understanding your home’s selling points and then try to highlight those features to make them really stand out. Not sure what those features are in your home? Just think about what sold you on your home when you first toured it. Was it the kitchen, the open floor plan, or that personal studio space? These are the features you want to concentrate on because they are most likely to sell your home again.

Brighten Your Home
You also want to think about ways to brighten your home and improve your curb appeal. Simple ways to brighten your home is painting your ceilings white and choosing a wall color that is brighter and more neutral. Though you may have enjoyed that accent wall, not everyone has the same taste as yourself. You want to make your house appeal to the largest audience possible to not only sell your home fast but to also invite more offers.

Improve Your Curb Appeal
Furthermore, improving your curb appeal is crucial for future homebuyers. You only make a first impression once, and the curb appeal of your home is the first impression of your home for potential buyers. Though you may not necessarily have to paint the exterior of your house to impress homebuyers, simple things like trimming your hedges, freshly mowed lawn and making sure any exterior lights aren’t burnt out can go a long way. Even freshly laid beauty bark and newly planted flowers can really make your yard pop!

Though this can be a lot of work, you will be happy that you did it because homes often sell faster and for more money when these small upgrades are done. If you don’t want to do all that work yourself, don’t know how to, or just don’t have the time, there are concierge type services that can do it all for you. This way you can focus on moving to your next home.

3) Declutter and Prep Your House to Sell

There’s an expression in real estate, “clutter can cost a sale.” Decluttering and prepping your home is something you want to really focus on. Especially if you’ve lived in your house for five years or more, there is a good chance you’ve collected a lot of stuff. Don’t worry it happens!

Renting storage units are becoming an increasingly popular method to decluttering one’s home before selling it. The idea is to limit the amount of stuff in your house so that potential buyers can envision themselves (and their stuff) in that space. Even removing photos is a great way to allow people touring your home to think about what they would hang on those walls or what they’d place on that fire mantel. Basically, you’re trying to present your house as a canvass from which potential buyers can create the next chapter of their lives.

Furthermore, by eliminating the majority of your stuff in your house earlier you can start deep cleaning your home more easily. And yes, you want to deep clean your home. If you sold your car to someone (not a dealership) you would probably wash it and vacuum the inside of it before you let someone test drive it, right? Well, the same goes for selling your house. You want to present your home in its best possible light so that it sells fast and you get competing offers.

Also, don’t just focus on deep cleaning just the inside of your home. You can use a pro wash to clean the outside of your home as well. These products typically attached to your garden hose and then you just spray your house down. It’s kind of like washing your car, just without the scrubbing.

4) Find a Real Estate Agent

Finding a real estate agent is easy, finding a great real estate agent can be more of a challenge. Getting referrals and reading online reviews is a great way to start narrowing down your options, and hopefully, you’ll end up with a couple of good potential candidates to interview.

You’ll want to understand what you’re looking for when hiring a real estate agent to represent your best interests. Here are some questions to consider asking any potential candidate:

  • How many clients have you served this year?
  • Has a client ever filed a complaint against you?
  • What is your fee? (3% commission is beginning to be replaced by 1% – 1.5% in many areas)
  • What services do you offer beyond negotiations and escrow?

These are just a few questions to consider asking while interviewing real estate agents. A more comprehensive list of interview questions can be found here.

After you decide on a real estate agent, you and your agent should come up with a plan of action. This plan should include a timeline, from the pricing of your home and getting it listed on MLS to open houses. It should also include when a price reduction strategy needs to take effect to get your home sold. You and your agent should be on the same page at all times and a plan of action will help ensure that.

5) Price Your Home to Sell

Now is the time to find out what price you should list your home! You can start by using online tools to help you get an idea of what your home is currently worth. This is a great starting point to get an idea of your home’s worth, but you should never set your sights on a single number and expect it to happen. Market conditions change all the time and so too does buyer behavior. Being open-minded about pricing your home as well as adjusting price is key to get your home sold.

Another option that many homeowners do to get a list price for their home is to hire a home appraiser. Home appraisers are licensed professionals that will assess the value of your house based on the state of your property and overall housing market conditions. They will look at the size of your property, the interior and exterior conditions of your house, any upgrades, additions or home improvements you’ve done, and then calculate your home’s worth based on the local market conditions.

Looking at comparables of recently sold homes in your area will also help you settle on a price with your real estate agent. These homes should be similar in size, location, and sold within the last few months. Anything outside of those parameters would not be considered true comparables and could give you false information for pricing your home.

Furthermore, you want to be strategic about your pricing. You want your house to sell fast while being competitive for current market conditions. Instead of lumping the price of your house in with others in the area, strategize your pricing based on your home’s selling features. In other words, if there are three houses for sale in the same area as your own and priced at $350,000, you might be able to justify $360,000 or more because you have a larger lot size or maybe you’re located in a popular neighborhood.

6) Get Professional Photos Taken of Your Home

Nothing sells a home faster than professional photos. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. They are searching online, looking at every home that comes up for sale within their filtered interests the moment it’s listed. If your house is being represented online by poorly shot photography, your listing will see very little traffic. Not to mention, it has been widely observed that listing your house with professionally shot photos, on average, sell for more money than other listings.

Furthermore, 3D walking tours along with aerial photography that show a bird’s eye view of one’s home and its surrounding area have become increasingly popular with buyers looking online. Many agencies include some or all of these services as a component of their overall services to you as a seller. However, you should ask while interviewing your real estate agent what services are provided, so you don’t find yourself paying out of pocket later. Just remember, the better you represent your house online, the faster it will sell.

7) List Your Home to Sell

Your real estate agent will get your home listed online on MLS (Multiple Listing Service), in order to l start showing up on real estate search platforms to potential buyers.

You may be wondering when is the best time to list your home? If you’re thinking about waiting for a specific season, then you might be waiting for nothing. In 2016, Redfin analyzed more than 7 million home sales to identify specific seasonal trends in homes being sold. What was determined was that though spring was slightly better for homes that sold within 30 days and for above asking price, winter was surprisingly a close second. What plays a bigger role in a house being sold quickly and/or above asking price has more to do with current market conditions than the season a house is sold.

Also, don’t limit the marketing of your house to your real estate agent and online search. Market your house yourself! Spread the word through your family and friends, share your listing on social media, send out emails asking people to share your listing with others, and even advertising with online ads are ways of getting your house in front of more people and increase the chance of selling your home faster.

8) Have Open Houses and Personal Showings

Your first open house is what you’ve been working towards and now it’s about to happen. It’s time to step up your game and stage your home to sell. Here is a list of things to consider that will really help you make your house shine:

  • Clear the clutter: You may have already transferred most of your belongings to a storage unit by now. Focus on just cleaning up the clutter that gets left out on countertops and tables. Put away newspapers, mail or magazines, or if you have children help them pick up their toys.
  • Deep clean your house: Nothing turns off a buyer more than an unclean bathroom. That could also be said about the rest of your house. Now more than ever is that time to wash your windows, window sills, and scrub your grimy glass shower doors.
  • Add white accents: White accents such as flowers or towels in the bathroom create a sense of welcome cleanliness.
  • Arrange furniture: You don’t have to necessarily rent furniture to stage your home. You can most likely use what you have. The key is to limit the number of furniture pieces in any one room and then arrange them in a way that’s inviting to people as they enter the room.
  • Bring in light: Think about removing your curtains or keeping them drawn back to allow as much light into your house as possible. If you have rather large elaborate curtains, consider storing them away until you get to your next home.
  • Showcase your floors: Floors are key feature homebuyers are looking at, especially if you have wood floors. Show them off by removing any rugs or unneeded furniture so that more of your flooring can be seen. If you have wood floors, think about getting them polished to really make them pop!
  • Create a welcoming ambiance: You may have heard about that old trick of lighting a candle that smells like freshly baked cookies? Well, it’s not wrong, but a single candle might not do the trick. Focus on reducing odors in your home. If you have a mudroom, or a cat or dog, use a neutralizing spray for a few days before an open house to limit any odors that you may not actually realize are there.
  • Organize all closets and drawers: Homebuyers touring your home will most likely look in your closets to determine space and, frankly, to see if their stuff will fit in there. Also, they will likely open kitchen drawers and cabinets as well, so make sure everything is nice and tidy.
  • Dust: Concentrate on all the areas that you’ve most likely have turned a blind eye to for some time, like ceiling fans, baseboards, on top of doorways, appliances, etc.
  • Make your entrance inviting: If the exterior of your house has outdated light fixtures or worn out address numbers, consider replacing them along with your welcome mat. A new mat is always inviting to people touring your home.
  • Secure your valuables: If you didn’t already store your valuables away in the storage unit you rented, you’ll want to make sure that these are not kept in plain sight. In fact, if you have a safe of some kind, that would be a perfect place to store your valuables while open houses and home tours are taking place.

Unlike open houses that are planned in advance, personal showings can happen at any point during the home selling process. The key is to be flexible and maintain your home’s cleanliness to make it easier on yourself in case of unexpected tours that may just pop up at moment’s notice. You want to make a great first impression every time!

10) Have a Plan in Case Your Home Doesn’t Sell Quick Enough

You and your real estate agent should have already gone over this beforehand, but not every house sells after the first open house. There are many factors at play and depending on the condition of the housing market for your area, your real estate agent may have to use some other strategies in their arsenal to get your house sold.

If it’s lowering the price of your home or holding more open houses, you’ll want to agree on what the next steps should be in case your house isn’t seeing any offers.

11) Negotiate the Selling Price of Your Home

One thing to consider is that the buyer is trying to get the absolute best price they can, while you’re doing the exact same. There will be multiple factors to consider as each home sold and purchased is different. For example, if it’s a buyer’s market that means the buyer has the upper hand because there are multiple listings with fewer offers being made. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to make huge concessions in order to sell your home.

This is where your agent really steps up. They will help you navigate the negotiation process, and will give you their advice on how to proceed when offers are being made. Luckily, you interviewed and hired the right agent, so you know they have your best interests in mind. There are several factors and tactics to consider when entering this phase. Your agent will help you every step of the way as you navigate through the negotiation process.

You most likely have made many great memories in your home. Your children may have grown up in your house and marks of their heights years past still scar the wall near the kitchen. It’s difficult, but try to separate yourself – emotionally – from your house. Whatever your memories may be, just remember they are not lost, but they also have no place in negotiations. Try to remain objective during this process and rely on your real estate agent for advice and how to proceed.

12) Sign and Close

This is the moment you and your agent have been working towards. You’ve agreed on a price with the buyers, any and all inspections and appraisals of your home have been completed, and you are now signing the papers to sell your house. Congratulations, you’ve done it!

Article re-posted with permission by the author, Jeff Anttila, Redfin

Posted by South Florida Home Inspections  |  Comments Off on How to Sell Your House in 2019  |  in Realtor Tips
  • S. Florida Home Inspection Assoc.
    P.O. Box 32592, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33420
    Phone: 561-818-5593 Fax: (772) 325-0204 E-mail: sfloridahome@gmail.com