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The Home Inspector and the Real Estate Agent Relationship

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The home inspector and the real estate agent have a unique relationship. In most cases, this relationship is good. Both the home inspector and the real estate agent tend to look out for the home buyer’s best interest when considering a home for purchase. However, you may hear about this relationship becoming a strain on either party or within specific cases. Stories claim some real estate agents try to pressure the home inspector to “take it easy” on their inspection with a concern that any major issue with the house will kill the deal. I promise you that even if a real estate agent tries to pressure a home inspector, they still have the home buyer’s best interest in mind. The relationship between a home inspector and a real estate agent can become very delicate but there are a few things you should know.

Use the Inspector your Agent refers

If you trust your real estate agent then you should trust their reference. Your agent doesn’t just want to sell you a house, they want to sell you a home. When an agent knows and trusts a home inspector to do a good job they will always refer that inspector. You should consider their reference first. If your agent is on your side then you know the home inspector will be too. That being said, you must understand that the home inspector’s job is to make you aware of any potential problems with the home. We are not trying to ruing your “dream home” or break your heart. At the end of the day, you still get to decide if you want to purchase the house or not but now you can make a much more informed decision.

Let the Home Inspector do their job

So many home buyers quake at the thought of a home inspection. Especially first time home buyers. They get so worked up that the home inspector is going to find something that will completely dash their dreams of buying the house they have fallen so in love with. But you have to let the inspector do their job. Do you want to move into a house and find out after 6 months that you need a new roof? Which can cost upwards of $10,000 by the way. Of course you don’t! If there is ever a time to spend money on a home it is to make sure you are aware of exactly what you are purchasing before you complete the transaction.

Trust your instincts

There are a few cases where the home buyer does not feel comfortable with their real estate agent. For whatever reason, they just don’t trust that their agent is on their side. In these same cases, being open and honest with your agent might be all you need. Sometimes it’s a miscommunication, sometimes personalities don’t blend, etc. But whatever the reason might be, don’t stay with an agent you don’t feel comfortable with. Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life – both financially and emotionally. You want to go through that process with someone you trust.

You know you can trust Divinity Inspections to perform a thorough inspection on your home. We will always walk you through our reports, explain everything we find, answer all of your questions, and even give you references if you need any. We also work with some really fantastic real estate agents that we are happy to refer. Because referrals go both ways! Contact us today and tell us how we can help.

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Infrared Cameras and Home Inspections

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Infrared cameras and thermal imaging are some two of the many technologies you might see your home inspector carrying with them to your home inspection. Technology advances with home inspectors as it does with just about every other sector and these gadgets sure do come in handy! Some home inspectors have been using these tools for many years but as they advanced they make inspecting a home and finding hidden issues significantly easier.

Infrared Cameras: What They Do

Infrared cameras are excellent at detecting many issues that might others try to “hide” in a home inspection. For example, an infrared camera can determine how much heat (or lack of heat) a radiator might be emitting. Infrared cameras are also necessary for detecting water stains that have been painted over. To the naked eye you couldn’t see where there might be or have been a water leak but with the infrared camera it’s as easy as taking a picture.

Infrared Images: Unusual Finds

There are some unusual home inspection issues that you may never realize an infrared camera is used to find. Heated floors show up quite nicely in a thermal image and helps us ensure the heated floors are working properly. Even electrical issues can sometimes be spotted with an infrared camera. For example, if a breaker is being overloaded it might look extremely hot in a thermal image. One last unusual find might be air leaks in walls and attics, especially if they are covered by insulation.

Infrared Cameras: New Technologies

At the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show, FLIR Systems announced five new thermal imaging cameras. These new cameras are smaller, easier to manage, and improve image quality. The cameras include two new third generation FLIR ONE thermal camera attachments for smartphones, two dual-sensor thermal cameras from drones, and one compact thermal camera for building inspectors.

Sources:

FLIR Systems introduces five new thermal imaging cameras at CES

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New Year, New Home

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It’s a new year and the perfect time to give your home a refresh! Maybe it’s even the perfect time to buy a new home. Tampa’s real estate market was on the rise in 2016 and you can expect it to stay that way into 2017 as well. So, what can you expect if you plan to make that big move this year? We’ve got a couple ideas for you, collected from sources all over Tampa Bay!

Perfect for first-time buyers

First time home buyers may have felt the suffering over the last five years as the real estate market has slowly and steadily made it’s way back. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), first time home buyers made up approximately 40% of the market. For three straight years, they have only contributed to 32%. In 2016 we saw that number rise to 35% and expect an even bigger increase in 2017.

Patience is the new dream home

The NAR recent data reports that the current supply of existing homes for sale is insufficient to meet the demand, and new construction is not keeping up. This means you will be touring and potentially competing with the same people interested in purchasing the same home.

Demand rise, prices rise

As with all things economic, if demand is increasing then so will the prices. Which also means it is a seller’s market! If you need to sell your home to considering moving into a new one then this might be the perfect time for you! It is possible you can list your home for the price you’re hoping to sell it for.

Start planning now! We’re not even one full month into 2017 yet and you might already be behind. Start the planning process if you’re thinking about buying, selling, or both. Expect the process to take a few months and always start with hiring a real estate agent to help. Of course, don’t forget we offer pre-listing home inspections as well as discounts on home inspections if it is your first time hiring us! Contact us or schedule a home inspection right here on our website.

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The Holiday Cleaning Checklist

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If you are the one hosting a holiday party, then you might already be thinking about your holiday cleaning checklist. Keeping a home organized, much less clean, during the Christmas season can be very challenging. Especially if you have young ones running around and contributing to the mess. Some may even attempt to de-clutter their home before the end of the year to start off on the right foot. Either way, this checklist should get you moving in the right direction. This holiday cleaning checklist can help you get and stay organized, create a sparkling clean home in time for gatherings, or de-clutter your house before the year is up.

One Up and Two Down

Some holiday gifts can replace something you already own. Unfortunately, many times we forget to get rid of the item replaced. You end up with two coffee makers or five sets of pajamas. This year, when you get one item try getting rid of two. This will not only make sure you replace an item, it also helps you to de-clutter. If your child received new socks, find the old or outgrown ones and throw them out.

Not Everything has to go Up

Even an attic full of decorations doesn’t mean the house has to be full of decorations too. This year, especially if you are showing your home for sale, keep the decorations to a minimum. Keep some decorations put away and just use the minimal on both the inside and the outside.

Oosoujii

Oosoujii is a Japanese holiday dedicated to de-cluttering and cleaning the home. The last week of the year is spent focusing on the home. In Oosoujii, each year is seen as separate and distinct, the final week of the old year is devoted to cleaning, decluttering and organizing.

We hope these little tips get you moving in the right direction. There are many tasks you can add to your holiday cleaning checklist and these are only a few to get you started. We do home inspections all throughout the holiday season and you can make an appointment with us directly on our website.

Sources:

8 Ways to Keep Your Home Clean Through the Holidays

https://organizedhome.com/seasonal-spin/cut-clutter-after-christmas

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How to Show your home during the Holiday Season

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If you are showing your home during the holiday season it can be a little tricky. Between holiday decorations, parties, and deterring home theft, the holidays can make it all that much harder. Have no fear, we are here to help! Follow some of these tips to show your home during the holiday season and also have peace of mind.

Keep decorations to a minimum

If you love to saturate your home in decorations during the holidays, you will want to hold off on it. A lot of decorations can be overwhelming and distracting for any person interested in viewing your home. Decorating also means leaving out some of your potentially valuable stuff for grabs. Avoid all of this by decorating very little. You can even wait until a week before Christmas to stop showing the home, decorate, and enjoy the season. You still have control and what you do should be what works best for you.

Curb Appeal vs. Curb Safety

You may never have thought about it, but decorations can also be a hazard. This wire lines, extension chords, and decorations across your walk-way can actually be a tripping hazard. The last thing you want is someone who is viewing your home to trip over things as they walk in.

Selling during the Holiday Season

Many sites claim selling your home through the holiday is great timing! But this also means you need to have excellent pictures and videos of your home. As home-buyers start their process doing online searches, you will want your home’s pictures to stand out! Don’t skimp on this area. Make sure your home is immaculate before taking any pictures.

Comfy and Cozy

Have you ever stepped into a home that just feels cozy? The house makes you want to wrap up in a blanket and sit in front of the fireplace? This is the feeling you want to evoke, especially during the winter and holiday season. Light the fireplace, light some candles, bake some cookies, and decorate a Christmas tree. Create that comfy cozy feeling people will enjoy!

We hope this little tips help as you work your way through the holiday season. Don’t forget Divinity Inspections is still working too so give us a call when you are ready to schedule your pre-listing home inspection or your pre-purchasing home inspection!