Buying a Home? Don’t Forget the Inspection!

You’ve finally found the home that is just right, made an offer and it was accepted. Now you 

just wait for escrow to close, right?  Wrong!  Your work is just beginning.

Now is the time to have the home inspected, if it hasn’t been, 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 to three hours, depending on the size of the home. 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.
• Earthquake structural safety and whether it is bolted to the foundation or needs to be to prevent major damage during earthquakes.
• 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 city in San Diego County has different regulations in regards to home inspections, so it it best to use a local inspector recommended by your Realtor. 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.

In some counties in California, it is customary to have the inspection done prior to the property being listed.  When you are ready to make an offer on the home you ask for the Disclosure Package that will include inspections.  Should you see something in the inspection you are concerned with, you should have an additional inspection of the item as most sellers do not include roof, chimney, pool or foundation inspections in their package unless there are major issues and they wish to sell the property “As-Is”, meaning they have disclosed everything that they can find wrong with the property and you are aware of all of it prior to buying the home.

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR MOVE

Moving can be tough on a tight budget – but not impossible. If you’re wondering how you’re going to get through your next move without spending a fortune, here are some of our favorite ideas.

Save money on packing

Did you start packing yet? It always seems to surprise people when they begin packing up all their belongings that they have so much more than they thought. How much stuff you move can have a significant effect on what it costs to move it since most moving companies charge by weight, so unloading unwanted items before you move is key. As you pack, decide what you no longer need and donate it before you go.

Save money on supplies

Boxes can be expensive. But why buy them when you can get them for free?  Many businesses will gladly unload their empty boxes if you ask them — produce boxes, liquor boxes and copy paper boxes are especially good for your move. Also, check the free section on Craigslist; many people who just moved will post their empty boxes.

Another way to save on supplies? Use some of the items you are going to pack anyway to cushion other items, instead of buying packing peanuts. Clothes and towels are great for protecting dishes, and blankets are perfect for making sure framed art and mirrors don’t get scratched. As your moving date approaches, save newspapers and circulars that come in the mail – they’re great for protecting anything fragile.

Save money on labor

Some moving companies give discounted rates if you pack your own boxes – call around and get estimates from several different movers. Do you have some friends or family who owe you a favor? Round them up on moving day to help load the truck. If you have some flexibility with your moving date, you can save by scheduling your move during off-peak times. Shoot for the months between September and May, when rates tends to be the lowest, or during the week or the middle of the month.

Save money with the post office

Books are heavy, making them one of the most expensive things to move. If you’ve got a library to rival that of the Library of Congress, consider boxing up your books and shipping them through the US post office via Media Mail. They’ll take a little longer to arrive, but you won’t need those hardcover copies of Harry Potter while you’re unpacking in your new place.

Save money on your taxes

Did you know that you might be able to deduct your moving expenses on your taxes? While the IRS has strict rules about who qualifies, be sure to save all your moving receipts and ask your tax accountant next tax season. If you’re moving for work, your employer may also be willing to cover some if not all of your moving costs.

While moving can be a daunting and expensive task, there are certainly ways that you can save if you get creative and stay organized. With the money you’ll save, you can splurge on massages for the whole family after you’ve unloaded and unpacked all those boxes.

HOME BUYER PET PEEVES

Selling your home can be a stressful and challenging process. Why would you want to make it doubly so by irritating potential buyers? Here’s what you want to avoid when putting your home on the market.

NOT BEING PREPARED

In today’s housing market, if you want your home to show well you need to be prepared. You will be competing against sellers who have hired professional staging companies to make their homes look as good as possible, so you’re doing yourself a disservice if potential buyers walk into your home and feel like they’re invading your personal space. Before opening up your home for showings, you need to thoroughly clean, remove clutter and relocate personal items. Remember – you want buyers to be able to envision themselves living in your home. Make their job easier by neutralizing spaces, getting rid of old or worn-out furniture and packing up all your personal belongings like family pictures and sports team memorabilia.

NOT HAVING THE HOME AVAILABLE

While it can certainly be an inconvenience, you need to accommodate buyers when they request a showing. This means being ready to leave at a moment’s notice, as potential buyers will likely not feel comfortable looking at a home if the seller is present. If you make it difficult for anyone to view your home, it can hurt you down the line during negotiations. Be amiable and understand you’ll be inconvenienced from time to time during the showing process.

NOT BEING REALISTIC ABOUT THE SELLING PRICE

If you haven’t done your homework and you overprice your home, you’ll likely extend the time your house is on the market by many months. You can be sure that buyers have done their homework and are aware of what comparable prices are in your neighborhood. If your home falls outside of this range, it is quite likely many potential buyers will simply overlook your home. Working with a knowledgeable agent will help ensure that your home is priced appropriately from the start.

NOT BEING HONEST ABOUT ISSUES

If you know your home has problems, it is best to be upfront about them. Whether it’s a funky smell or issues with the roof, trying to mask problems during the selling process is only going to hurt you in the end. These issues will eventually come out during the home inspection and could delay or endanger the sale and even possibly involve you in a legal battle. When it comes to any repairs that will need to be made to the home, honesty is the best policy.

NOT BEING EMOTIONALLY DETACHED

Yes, you have an emotional attachment to your home – that’s normal. But when it comes time to sell, you need to set those emotions to the side. Potential buyers may have different ideas about what they like – or don’t – about your home, and you can’t take it personally should they suggest doing away with something about the house that you love. Maintain a healthy emotional distance and let your agent handle any interactions that may be tough for you.

HELP YOUR KIDS SETTLE INTO A NEW SCHOOL

Moving into a new home can be a very exciting experience. But if you have kids and you’re moving more than a few neighborhoods away, chances are they’ll be going to a different school. This means learning new routines, getting to know new teachers and, most importantly, making new friends.

Changing schools can be a difficult transition for some kids to make, especially as they head into their teen years. Here’s what you need to know to help make that switch as easy as possible for them.

Involve your child

Before you move, involve your child in the process as much as you can. Let them have a say in where they would like to live and what school they would like to attend. Be enthusiastic about the move and talk with them about all the positive things that can happen as a result. Listen to your child’s worries and discuss them.

Tour the school

If possible, arrange for you and your child to have a tour of the new school before classes start. First days are always tough; first days where you are totally unfamiliar with your new surroundings are even tougher. Walk through their schedule with them, make sure they know where their locker and bathrooms are, and let them ask any questions they have.

Find opportunities to meet people

Once you’ve moved in, look for opportunities to meet your new neighbors, especially if any of them have children that are around the same age. Knowing a familiar face or two in a sea of strangers will help calm your child’s nerves on the first day. If you move over the summer or a school holiday, see if there are any classes, workshops or organizations your child can join to help make some friends before they start at their new school. Once school starts, encourage your child to sign up for after school activities and clubs. It’s easier for some kids to make friends in smaller groups than it is in a large classroom of 30 or more.

Establish a routine

Most kids feel more stable if they have a routine they can count on. Take the same route to school every day and stick to a schedule at home. The sudden upheaval of moving can be disorienting, so try to establish a new routine as quickly as possible.

Have patience

It could take a few weeks for your child to feel comfortable in their new school, and their grades could drop while they’re settling in. Don’t fret too much about it. If the problem persists after more than a couple of months, seek advice from teachers and the school counselor.

While helping your child settle into a new school can be stressful, it’s important to maintain perspective and be encouraging. Your child will most likely follow your lead, so if you remain positive and look for the good in each situation, your child will eventually follow suit. Play dates and sleepovers with your child’s new friends will be just around the corner!

HAPPY NEIGHBORHOOD, HAPPY HOME

Having a good relationship with your neighbors can have a big impact on how happy you are in your home. If you get along and have an easy rapport, it can truly add to your good feelings. On the other hand, if your interactions with neighbors are tense or negative, it can make you uneasy and unable to truly relax.

Part of having a good relationship with your neighbors is being a good neighbor. Here are some ideas to help you build a feeling of community in your neighborhood.

GET OUTSIDE

It’s hard to know your neighbors if you never step outside the front door. Say hello to people walking by when you collect the mail. Do a little gardening in the front yard or spend some time sitting on the front porch. Go for regular walks in your neighborhood. You’ll be surprised at how friendly people can be, and it’s a great way to get to know the people living in your neighborhood.

WELCOME NEWCOMERS

Being the new guy can be tough. Make the transition a little easier for new neighbors by taking the initiative and introducing yourself. Bring them a little gift like some cookies, a plant or a favorite goodie from a neighborhood store.

BE AWARE OF YOUR BEHAVIOR

Nobody wants to move next door to someone who throws loud parties, plays their TV at an obnoxious level, or blares music late into the night. Don’t be the one who does it. Keep noise levels low before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. – this goes for music, outside conversation, pool filters, lawn mowers and leaf blowers. If you’re throwing a party or planning some renovations, do your neighbors a favor and let them know about it in advance.

KEEP PETS IN CHECK

How people deal with their pets can be a real bone of contention for some. Bring barking dogs inside, keep dogs on a leash and always clean up after your dog when out on a walk. If you have more unusual pets, like chickens, let neighbors know about them and share some fresh eggs now and then. Let neighbors know they can come by if your pets are causing a problem, and be kind if you are approaching a neighbor about their pet.

DEAL WITH PROBLEMS IN PERSON

Do you like getting passive aggressive notes on your car’s windshield? No? Your neighbor probably doesn’t like getting them either. Instead of solving problems, handling an issue this way usually causes more. If you are having a problem with a neighbor, address it directly with them. It may make you feel uncomfortable or awkward, but it gives both parties a chance to be heard.

RESPECT COMMON SPACES

If you live in a condo or apartment, be aware of shared walls and keep common spaces like hallways and lobbies clear of personal items. If street parking is normal in your neighborhood, try to only park in front of your own house and don’t block a neighbor’s driveway.

By extending a little courtesy and friendliness, you can turn neighbors who were once strangers into friends. Living in a neighborhood where everyone is looking out for each other contributes greatly to your overall happiness, so it’s a good investment of your time and energy to nurture those relationships.

HOW TO LOVE THE HOME YOU LIVE IN

We get it – there are days where you just don’t love the home you live in. Worse, there may be days where you don’t eve like it. Maybe you think it’s too small, or it doesn’t look like the homes in fancy magazines.

But we have a secret – you don’t have to have a perfect home to love the one you live in. If you’re looking for ways to find a new appreciation for the place where you hang your hat, read on.

KEEP IT TIDY

It doesn’t matter how awesome your house is – if it’s a mess, it’ll make anybody feel blue. That goes double for a house you’re struggling to love. One of the first things you can do to warm up to your home is to keep it tidy. Eliminate clutter that has been piling up, donate unused items to charity, and give every room a thorough cleaning. It’s kind of amazing how good a clean house can make you feel.

STOP COMPARING

Yes, your cousin’s 3,500 square foot house in the country is amazing. And it can be tempting to see everything that she has that you don’t. But the key to happiness in any situation in life is to stop comparing what you have to what others have. Besides, think about how much more time your cousin has to spend cleaning such a large home! Less time cleaning equals more time for the fun things in life.

FIND NEW USES FOR OLD THINGS

Maybe your house is giving you a serious case of the blahs. You’ve been looking at the same art on the walls for ages. You haven’t moved the furniture since you moved in five years ago. Now is the time for a change. But, instead of going shopping for new items, take a little “shopping” trip through your own home. When items live in the same place forever, they begin to blend into the background. Switch things up and move art, furniture, pillows and more from one room to another. It can really spice up the energy in your house and remind you of belongings you cherish that you had forgotten about.

CONSIDER THE BIGGER PICTURE

Sometimes you need to remind yourself why you chose your home in the first place. Is it close to work, giving you a wonderfully short commute? Is the backyard huge, with lots of space for the kids to play? Do you live within walking distance of your best friend? Is there a park or a café nearby that you love? Do you have really great neighbors? There are many reasons beyond the physical structure that can make your home a great place to live. Remember those things when you start to feel negative.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE

It’s true in life and it’s true when looking for ways to appreciate your home – practice gratitude. We have so many conveniences and beautiful things in our home that we take for granted, like that cozy quilt you inherited from grandma or the antique chest of drawers from your father’s aunt. Take time to express gratitude for the things you have. You’ll soon find that you’re falling in love with your home all over again.

DEALING WITH EASEMENTS

Are you considering purchasing a home that has an easement, but you’re not sure how it will affect you? Are you worried that it’s something that could cause you problems down the line? Are you confused about what an easement even is? Here’s what you need to know.

WHAT IS AN EASEMENT?

An easement is the legal right to use someone else’s land for a specific purpose. You may see the term from time to time in listings as you search for homes. Before purchasing a home it’s essential to know about any existing easements on the property and how they may affect your usage of it. Easements can be granted to entities like utility companies or even to individuals such as your neighbors.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF THERE IS AN EASEMENT?

Easements are usually filed with the local assessor’s office. If you do a title search for the property, the easement will show up as well. You can hire a title insurance company or a private title searcher to do this for you, or you can review the deed to the property yourself, which you can obtain from the county clerk or recorder. You can also contact the county or city’s zoning department; they will have surveys and plot maps that detail the easement. The local utility company or other entity with easement rights will also have information regarding the easement.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF EASEMENTS?

While there many different types of easements, here is a brief overview of the types of easements you may encounter in your home search.

* Right of way – This type of easement allows people to pass through your property, typically to a play area, park or lake. Sometimes, this can include a neighbor’s driveway if it is necessary to cross through your property in order to reach another.

* Utility easements – These easements are generally the most common and are granted to utility companies or the city. They often don’t impact your day-to-day living, and are in place simply to prevent your interference with their use.

WHAT IF THERE IS A DISPUTE OVER AN EASEMENT?

As a property owner, you may not interfere with the use of a legal easement. If you do, you could be held accountable for damages or even be taken to court. If you find that you are involved in a dispute regarding an easement, you should seek the advice of an experienced local real estate lawyer. Laws vary from location to location, so it’s essential to find out the appropriate details that are applied to your specific situation. While most legal easements are written documents, there are cases where unwritten easements can legally be created through particular circumstances, and the laws can be complex. You’ll definitely want reliable advice from someone knowledgeable that you can trust.

While easements may be a little complicated or cause confusion, they are a normal part of many real estate transactions. The most important thing you can do should you decide to purchase a property with an existing easement is to understand what it entails and abide by those determinations.