fha guidelines

How to Get Ready for a Home Inspection

/0 Comments/in /by

FHA Guidelines and Home Inspections

 

When it comes to home inspections, the FHA Guidelines are pretty comprehensive. On average, a home inspection requires 500 data points. That is a lot to comb over. Having an FHA home inspector come in can seem a bit daunting if you don’t know how to properly prepare. However, once you understand the FHA guidelines and know how to prepare for a building inspector, there really isn’t much to worry about.

 

As experts in FHA Guidelines, we have prepared a small list for you of things you can do to prepare for an FHA home inspection. Passing the FHA guidelines is vital to selling your property, whether commercial or residential. Here is what you need to know:

 

Easy Access to Critical Areas: Be sure that access to critical areas of the home are clear. This includes the electrical box, furnace, water heater, and air conditioning units among other things. All of these aspects must be included in the inspector’s report, and if there isn’t an easy way to access them, the inspector will be unable to include them in the report. This is a big red flag to potential buyers.

 

Prepare the Plumbing: Plumbing is one of the biggest issues for home inspections. Before having the home inspected, go through each sink and bath drain to make sure they drain properly. If you notice a slow drain in any of the sinks or baths, be sure to fix the drain or clog before having the home inspected. This could be done with store bought clog removers or with the help of a plumber.

 

Replace All Light Bulbs: Go through the home and find any burned out light bulbs. Replace these before having a home inspection done. If the lights are burned out, an inspector cannot tell if it is because of the light bulb or an underlying electrical issue. Having all the bulbs in working condition ensures you get top marks on electrical for your home.

 

Replace Air Filters: Just like light bulbs, replace your air filters. This usually is very inexpensive and only takes a few minutes. Having clean air filters on the HVAC system is impressive to home inspectors as it shows proper upkeep of the home.

 

Smoke and CO2 Detectors: Make sure all of your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are in working condition and are not expired. The carbon monoxide detector should generally be placed in the sleeping area of the home.

 

Pest Control: This should go without saying, but get rid of any pest or bug problems before having a home inspection done. Termites are an automatic failure. Other pests of note are carpenter bees, carpenter ants, and other wood destroying insects. Take proper measures to ensure your home is free from pests before inviting the inspector over.

 

Get Properly Capped: There are many parts of the home that should be capped. If you have a chimney, be sure it is properly capped to avoid hot embers from floating up and landing on the roof. Unused gas lines should also be caped.

 

Proper Yard Maintenance: Make sure your landscaping looks good. This is the first impression as the inspector comes over and you want to set the tone. Additionally, consider how any of the trees or overhanging plants might impact your property. For example, large trees with branches that hang over a roof can damage the roof not just by falling, but by allowing moss and lichen to build up on the roof, compromising its integrity. Trees also allow rodents access to the roof and chimney of the home.

 

Check Windows and Doors: Check all of the windows and doors in the home to ensure they are functioning properly. Be sure that each lock is secure and works, as this is a big factor in overall home safety. Additionally, be sure that the hinges are working properly and aren’t lose, creaking, or otherwise unappealing.

 

Be Up Front About Issues: If there are issues that you know could scare away potential home buyers, be up front about them. Trying to hide issues is only going to end up devaluing your home. Go through the latest home report you have for any unaddressed issues you have faced in the last years.

architecture beautiful home building 280229 1

The Fear Of Being A Homeowner: How to Handle It

/0 Comments/in /by

Many people choose not to purchase a home because they have a genuine fear of being a homeowner. This is not irrational. Being a homeowner is a huge responsibility, not to mention one of the biggest financial commitments of your life. Here are three things you can do to overcome that fear and make the leap from renter to owner.

A good home inspection is key to your home buying process

We cannot say this enough – a good home inspection is KEY. The fear of owning a home has to do with the fear of something big “breaking” after purchasing your house. You’ve spent all this money to make the purchase, few people also have a money set aside “in case” something needs repair. And rightfully so because a good home inspection should prepare you for everything you need to know.

Now, there is no such thing as a perfect home. Even new constructions can have issues or unforeseen repairs. But the point of the home inspection is to gain knowledge about each every thing you need to know about your home. The more thorough an inspection, the better off you are going to be. And the more you are able to prepare for upcoming repairs.

You have people in your corner

You have an entire team in your corner when you purchase a home. Your team should include your realtor, loan officer and home inspector. We’re all on your side to help you make a decision that makes you feel comfortable and happy. A good realtor is going to share any and all details about the home that they can find out. Everything else your home inspector (a good one like us) is going to give you even more information about the house. And lastly, your mortgage officer is going to make sure you’re making a good investment – because they want to make sure they get their money back.

With so many people on your side, you can at least feel confident in the process of buying the home. Fear of maintaining the home, which I’ll talk about next, can also be managed fairly easily.

Homeowner due diligence will get you the farthest

Maintaining a home can feel daunting. Especially if you have always rented and are used to being able to call on someone else for repairs and fixes. Now that you are that person, you have a few ways of going about preparing for this.

First, you can save money for emergencies. And let’s admit it, we should all be doing that anyways. With money set aside, you can afford to call on a handyman or whoever you need to make repairs if and when the time comes. Second, you can educate yourself. Many things inside your house can be fixed by you, if you take the time and use the resources you have to learn. Places like Home Depot offer classes and workshops, sometimes for free, for those who want to learn how to do a repair or even remodel something in their home.

So you have options, lots of choices, and people on your side. There really is no reason to fear the idea of home ownership. Instead, enjoy the process and know that you have Divinity Inspection Services in your corner.

pexels photo 414160 1

When And How To Landscape Your Home

/0 Comments/in /by

Are you ready to make significant improvements to your landscaping? That time of year is quickly approaching. The temperature increases, the sun comes out and your lawn transitions back to the beautiful green color. Many homeowners use this season to make major landscape changes or start a garden. However, there is so much more you should be doing to improve your landscape and the functionality of your home.

Don’t forget to check your gutters

We never seem to remember the gutters until the rain comes down and flooding starts. As it warms up and before the rainy season begins, now is the time to clean out your gutters. Make sure you’ve removed all the leaves that have fallen during winter, any branches or debris and make any repairs that are needed.

Make a landscaping plan first

Now that your gutters are in good shape, it’s time to make a landscaping plan. The blooming flowers might entice you to just buy a bunch of them but you may quickly regret that decision. Before you purchase anything, first plan out your vision. Then, to bring your vision to life, price out the materials you need to create the look. Third, prep your property for the changes. This could mean removing existing plants, trees, etc. or clearing out space. Make your preparations in some cases before you buy anything. Lastly, purchase your landscape materials and plant.

Maintenance will make or break

Your landscape design doesn’t stop with planting. In fact, the hard work comes after you’ve finished making all your changes. Now it is time for the maintenance. Proper maintenance can make or break all the work you’ve just finished. Be sure to check the weather, frequently water ( or not water, depending on your gardens’ needs) and weed as needed.

pexels photo 1311518 2

What Does Your Home Inspection Report Mean

/0 Comments/in /by

Any new first time home buyer who is unfamiliar with the home inspection process will have many questions. Some of the most common questions are about the home inspection report. This is not just about the process but what to do with this long list home inspection details. Here are three things you should absolutely do with your home inspection report.

Use your home inspection report as a negotiation tool

This will not apply to everyone but does apply to most. Very likely you will discover at least one major concern during the home inspection. A concern big enough that you will either want it addressed before you close on the house or you will want to adjust the closing costs to address the problem. Either way, the inspection report is your most important tool in making these negotiations. Your real estate agent will help you navigate these waters, so don’t try to do it on your own. Keep in mind, no matter what the report uncovers you always have the option to back out of the sale or adjust the terms.

Print a copy of your home inspection report

Any good home inspector will tell you the company will keep your inspection report in their records for up to a year. But you would be surprised how quickly a year flies by. Especially when you are busy settling into your new home. As soon as your report is available, print and keep a copy for your records. There will likely come a time when you will need to reference back to the report.

Look at your report after you move into the home

We always tell our clients that their report is like a home to-do list. Some of the findings will need to be addressed immediately. Others you will want to address eventually – so, not quite as pressing but still important. And lastly, some issues you will consider optional. Either you want to address it or you don’t, and either way it’s up to you. No matter what timeline you decide on, make it a point to look at your inspection report within six months after moving into your new home. Most homeowners will completely forget about home inspection findings they deemed important at the time. Use the report to create a home to-do list that you can tackle in your own time.

Divinity Inspection Services takes a slightly different approach to home inspections. Our goal is to educate you on the house you want to purchase in as much detail as possible. Not only do we take the time to complete a thorough inspection of the property, but we also take the time to discuss the inspection with you in detail. This gives you the opportunity to ask for clarification on anything. Be sure you attend the home inspection and be sure you hire the right company.

new construction inspection

Do I Still Need A House Inspection On A Newly Constructed Home?

/0 Comments/in /by

Home inspections are a vital part of the house hunting experience. Up to 90% of homeowners say that a home inspection is a necessity when looking for a new-to-you house.

But what about a brand new house? It’s well-known that older homes come with their own fair share of maintenance issues, but new construction homes don’t share those same problems.

That said, do you still need a professional home inspection if you’re potentially moving into a brand new home? Yes, you do.

Why do I need an inspection on a brand new home?

Old homes can have issues with the electrical, plumbing, roofing, and foundation leveling. But new construction homes aren’t necessarily safer because they’ve just been built.

A new home may look flawless because it has up-to-date appliances and kitchen tile that isn’t from the 1950s. But new homes haven’t had anyone live in them yet to see if anything is a problem.

For example, a new phone might have more storage space and might load faster than an older phone, but that phone might still get bad reviews once it goes on the market.

What kind of problems can a new construction home have?

Believe it or not, a new construction home can have all the problems an older home can have. That’s what makes a housing inspection necessary.

The only difference is that the maintenance problems faced with older homes are usually linked to the age of the house. For new construction homes, the problems are linked to the actual construction of the house.

A house that hasn’t been built correctly can have water intrusion points that can make flooding a problem. The plumbing for the dishwasher and the sink can be incorrect. The water pressure can be bad.

The foundation is also an issue. Older homes have had more time to level, so they’re more likely to have uneven floors. But new construction homes can have foundation issues that might not be apparent until cracks start showing up in your walls and ceilings.

That said, a housing inspector is essential whether you’re moving into an old Victorian mansion or a brand new suburban ranch house.

Looking for a building inspector for a new-construction inspection?

Whether you’re moving into an older home or a new construction house, a home inspection is crucial to preventing a financial disaster. In fact, approximately 70% of surveyed homeowners report that their home inspectors helped to avoid potential problems.

If you’re looking for local home inspection services to conduct a new-construction inspection on your next potential real estate investment, the nationally certified master inspectors at Divinity Inspection Services have got your back. To learn more or to schedule your new-construction inspection, contact Divinity Inspection Services today.