Now is the time to have the home inspected to make sure you are aware of any possible issues in the home before it’s too late and the deed has been transferred. An independent inspector can evaluate your potential home on a structural and functional level and give you a full report, generally in under two hours. This report can help you feel at ease with your purchase and alert you to any areas of concern.

If there is a swimming pool or spa or unusual home appliance or fixture, you may want to have that inspected individually by a reputable repairman in that field. Questions and concerns relating to asbestos, lead or chemicals, mold and mildew, or pests will need to be directed to an inspector licensed in those specific areas of expertise.

Generally speaking, a home inspection on a property for sale will cover the following areas:

• An evaluation of the walls, ceiling, floor, roof, firewall, windows, foundation and slab.
• Inspection of the landscaping, looking particularly at grading and drainage, although drives and walkways, fencing, trim, doors, windows, and outlets will be checked as well.
• General framing as seen in exposed beams or attics, ventilation, duct and plumbing systems, and the condition of roofing materials, plumbing and rain gutters will be noted, too. Water heaters, fireplaces and the sprinkler system should be evaluated.
• The electrical sources and wiring in the home will be inspected, from circuit breakers and grounding systems to exhaust fans and receptacles.
• All appliances, including the garbage disposal, alarm system (if needed) and all smoke detectors.

Every county and state has different regulations in regards to home inspections, so it it best to use a local inspector recommended by someone you trust. If the inspection uncovers issues in the home regarding health and safety issues, a need for the roof or ventilation system to be replaced, a problem in the home’s foundation or significant drainage concerns, you will want to further explore the problem at the seller’s expense.

You  should contact your insurance agent if you have questions or need to make a few adjustments.  He or she should be able to answer your questions.  If you don’t feel comfortable with your agent or question whether or not he or she are providing you with the best policy for your situation, please contact us for a reference.  You may find that a change could save you money both short-term and long-term.

Some helpful questions:

Ask – Can I qualify for a premium reduction by installing smoke detectors, alarms, new locks or doors, or improved roofing material?  Do I qualify for a preferred customer or senior/student discount?  What is really covered by my insurance?  Ask about the phrase “acts of God” and the interpretation of the insurance company.

Discover – What is insured, the actual home or only the land under it?  Is land value part of my policy amount and if so, why?  Did I opt for replacement value or actual cash value in your home coverage and does that still apply?

Discuss – Are my valuables and heirlooms in need special coverage?  Would a higher deductible result in a significant reduction in my premium? Should I get earthquake or flood damage insurance?

Asking these questions now and periodically in the future will give you peace of mind and give you the knowledge you will need should you ever encounter a crisis with your home.  It is a good idea to place a copy of your homeowner’s policy in a place away from your home, as well, in case just such an accident does occur.

Before you start to spring clean, open up the windows so air can circulate throughout your home.  This will help remove any mustiness and you can use candles, essential oils, and other room fresheners to add a pleasant scent to your home.

Look at your walls and surfaces and use a melamine sponge to wipe away anything from soap scum to marker or crayon.  You will be amazed at how easily the dirt is removed with the sponge and a little water.  A popular brand of sponge is the Magic Eraser by Mister Clean, but there are many on the market today that act in the same way.

For the most painless and fast dusting method, use a microfiber cloth to capture the dust most effectively.  Follow up your dusting with a quick run of your vacuum, to clear away any particles that may have settled.  You can also reduce the amount of dust in your home by cleaning any filters on circulation systems in your home.

Remove the dust from curtains in your home by dry-cleaning or washing them (be sure to follow the label instructions) before rehanging.  There are many tools available for clearing dust from other window coverings, so spend a few minutes researching techniques here, if you have a question about the quickest method.  If you have a shower liner, add it to your laundry load.  Just make sure you allow it to air dry rather than dry in the dryer.

Hopefully these tips will inspire you and help you to get your home “Spring Clean” whether for your enjoyment or because you have a home for sale.

Once you’ve gotten a bit acquainted with your new home, get to know the block better by taking a walk along your street. You are sure to meet a few neighbors who are curious about you within a few minutes. Over a few days, your walks will encourage even more people to come out and meet you and soon you will be one of the “regulars.” Find out as much as can about your neighborhood’s “flavor” by asking open-ended questions and listening to the answers.

After you’ve established yourself, find a time to invite your new friends over. Keep it simple with regard to decor and party preparations and host a get-to-know-you gathering or even a BBQ for your neighbors. Play group games such as 20 questions to discover hobbies and occupations or have a funny story contest. You may find out unique ways to get involved in your local community or that you have a lot in common with the man six doors down the street. Regardless of what is revealed through conversation and group interaction, you will feel more at home once you’ve shared a part of your life with your new neighbors and you’ll have contributed to creating a better community.  If you want to learn more about places and news, share an idea, or just “be a better neighbor” in your community, logon to EveryBlock.com.

Geothermal Heat Pumps allow your home to be heated using the earth’s constant temperature instead of the outside air temperature and can reduce your energy costs. Most pay for themselves within 5-8 years and can last for more than twenty-five years.

Solar Energy Systems for your household hot water needs are another eco-friendly option to consider! While the energy credit does not cover heating the water in your swimming pool or hot tub, considerable savings can still be seen with solar installation.

There are several systems to consider when exploring ways to power your home while being energy efficient. The following systems all qualify for a 30% tax credit, some with no upper limit, so consider which alternative source may be the best for your home. All of these credits are available on your primary residence and some can even be used on a secondary residence as well.

Prior to embarking on finding a solution, however, you should do a survey to determine the total electricity consumption of your home.  Photovoltaic Systems, Small Wind Turbines, and Fuel Cell Systems are all great resources (though a bit more pricey) for creating and providing your own energy to get “off the grid.” There is plenty to consider when exploring these solutions, so make sure you do the research first to see what will work best for your home.

• Finding Boxes:  Visit homedepot.com or lowes.com online and look at their moving boxes and package deals. At about $35 this is a great way to get boxes shipped to your location at a minimal expense. You can also pick boxes up very inexpensively in the store as well, if you have a nearby location. If you work in an office, recognize the value of printer paper boxes! These and other boxes used for delivering supplies can be the perfect size for moving. Complete with lids, these boxes can contain your items make moving day easier, since the lids prevent overfilling and spillage.

• Packing Boxes:  Remember to pack similar items together and label each box by destination room. You can even color code your boxes with labels or colored markers to make unpacking easier and reduce move-in stress. Your boxes should be labeled so the labels can be seen easily, in the same location on each box. Unpacking occurs more quickly when all “books-office” boxes are placed in the office near the bookshelves.

• Securing Your Valuables:  Using bubble wrap, padded envelopes, and other eco-friendly materials can reduce and eliminate the possibility of breakage of your items. Felt is great to use to cushion and prevent sliding dishes, but no amount of material or bubble wrap can compensate for carelessness. Clearly mark special boxes with the word FRAGILE, so that more care is taken with those boxes in the move. You can also hand carry or personally transport any items of concern. Even if you get moving insurance, insurance replacement cost does not mean much when viewing a broken heirloom, so be sure to take any necessary precautions.

These simple tips will help you as you prepare for your transition to your new home. We wish you a peaceful, uneventful move to your new home. Please let us know if we can offer any assistance to you!

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) report that nearly 76% of new and existing homes sold in the last quarter of 2011 could have easily been purchased by buyers earning $64,200 (the national median income). The previous quarter showed nearly 73% of homes in that range, marking a 3% increase.

Interest rates have been at record lows and change weekly on 30-year loans with Freddie Mac reporting an average of 3.87% on February 16th. 15-year loans were averaging 3.16%.  Many housing markets were considered affordable in the recent index, however, if you are in market to purchase a home, the following areas represent the best choice in order of affordability according to the NAHB/HOI:

• Youngstown, Ohio
• Boardman, Ohio
• Warren, Ohio
• Lakeland, Florida
• Winter Haven, Florida
• Modesto, California
• Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
• Carlisle, Pennsylvania
• Toledo, Ohio
• Kokomo, Indiana
• Fairbanks, Alaska
• Cumberland, Maryland
• Lima, Ohio
• Rockford, Illinois

Click on The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index: History of Least and Most Affordable Areas spreadsheet located here to download the list of historical data on the most and least affordable areas in your community or browse their website to learn more.

Is your home sending the correct messaage?

If not, it may be time to consider hiring a gardener or getting help from family and friends to make some needed changes as soon as possible. The right gardener can transform the most jungle-like backyard into a beautifully manicured area of peace and tranquility, in as little as a day! With all the other tasks associated with selling your home, landscaping is a great project to outsource.

Before hiring a gardener, ask friends or neighbors for referrals. Once you have a few recommendations, ask questions and raise any concerns you may have with the gardeners/landscapers you decide to interview. Some key points to discuss are how often you would like service and what you need included at each visit. Services range from simple mowing to complete care, with reseeding, watering and fertilizing options. Don’t be afraid to ask your new gardener for help with ideas and improvements that could increase your property value and alert your gardener as to the property status, since there may be times when extra special service is needed (such as before an open house). You might even request that any extra cut blooms be left for you to use inside your home.
Keep in mind that a specialty garden is not the same as basic maintenance. If you have special circumstances, you may want to consider sharing written along with any verbal instructions with your chosen landscaper. Of course maintenance and seasonal costs, liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage are all topics you will want to discuss before entering into any agreement.

Once you have begun your service, inspect the initial work and take time to notice the changes occurring in your landscaping. As you offer feedback to your gardener and become a part of the process, you will see your home evolve into a well-kept, beautifully groomed masterpiece. Your home will create the best impression possible and deliver the message you want to share with potential home buyers.

If you find yourself in a no-win situation regarding your mortgage, it can be helpful to speak with your lender and ask about modifications that can be made in the short term.  You can ask about the short sale process,  too, and see if that may be a viable option for you.  A short sale is when your lender agrees to accept a lower price than is owed on your property as payment in full.  There is a lot of paperwork that accompanies this type of sale and it is helpful to use a real estate agent that has short sale experience with this type of transaction.  In fact, some real estate agents and home buyers specialize in just this type of sale and can be a great help to you!

If you want to stay in your home, rather than sell, programs such as the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) , or the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative (HAFA)  offered by Freddie Mac may all be options.  Fannie Mae and your individual lender may have other programs that can assist you as well.  Please click here to view a variety of tools on how to avoid foreclosure.  Remember that you have options, if you are willing, able, and have the time necessary to explore them.  Don’t give up!

Absolutely Gorgeous! Full 3 Bedrooms, plus private Bonus Room which can be used as 4th Bedroom. This home is extensively up-graded throughout. Gorgeous Hardwood flooring throughout, tumbled travertine and marble bathrooms, crown molding, custom window shutters, designer paint, and upgraded carpeting. Great floorplan that features separate family room with built in Media Center, Formal living and dining rooms.  Large private Patio with custom stone hardscaping is perfect for entertaining with the outdoor kitchen with Granite Counter top bar, built in BBQ, and Refrigerator. Enjoy Ladera Ranch Walking trails/parks/water park and award winning schools.