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Florida Homeowner Resources for Tampa Bay

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Are you looking for Homeowner resources for your home here in Tampa Bay to help you manage and maintain your property? As your experts for home inspection services, we go the proverbial “extra mile.” Today is all about information to help you with such resources as well! 

Homeownership Assistance ProgramsExclamation Mark - You can find homeowners resources here

If you are a first-time home buyer in Florida, you might be eligible for one of the statewide and regional homeownership assistance programs. Visit HUD.gov, the official website of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for more information and an overview of these programs.

Tax Relief Programs

First-Time Homebuyer Act of 2021

At the time of this blog post (January 2023), the First-Time Homebuyer Act of 2021 is still a bill, i.e., has not yet been signed into law. The bill proposes a tax credit of up to USD 15,000 for qualifying first-time homebuyers.

Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit

Another program you might be eligible for is a tax credit for homeowners who make energy-efficient retrofits to their homes. Visit the IRS website for details,, examples, and frequently asked questions.

In addition, have a look at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ website for more information about Florida incentives for energy-efficient homes.

By the way: If you have a particular interest in energy-efficient upgrades for your home, the Florida PACE Program might be another great resource for you!

Homestead Exemption

As a permanent resident in Florida, you may be eligible for a homestead exemption. This exemption would decrease the taxable value of your property by up to USD 50,000.

Speaking of Property Tax: If you sometimes find the system confusing, here’s a practical overview by the Florida Department of Revenue!

Homeowner Education Courses

Are you a homeowner in the Tampa Bay area looking to brush up on your homeownership knowledge? There are several homeowner education courses you can take. These courses are designed for giving you a better understanding of your rights and responsibilities as a homeowner. 

Even more important, participating in one of the approved courses might be one of the requirements to be eligible for a mortgage or one of the various homeownership assistance programs (check with your local HUD office.)

Example: Fannie Mae offers “HomeView,” a free online certification course that you can take to fit into your own schedule.

Homeowner Repair/Improvement Grants and Assistance Programs

Try applying for a grant if you’re a homeowner in the Tampa Bay area and need extra financial assistance for home repairs or improvement projects:

Looking for Homeowner’s Resources for Residential and Commercial Property Inspection in Tampa Bay?

Guess what? You have already found them here! But seriously: Give us a call – We look forward to hearing from you!

 

inspector holds infrared camera for home inspection

Benefits of Using an Infrared Camera for Home Inspection Purposes

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Home and property Inspectors are tasked with ensuring the safety and quality of various structures and systems. To do this, they must have access to the most advanced tools and technologies available. The infrared camera is one of the tools that have revolutionized the inspection process. Infrared cameras are highly versatile and are used in a wide range of industries, from building inspections to electrical maintenance. With this technology, inspectors can quickly and efficiently detect and identify problems that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. This, in turn, allows them to make well-informed decisions regarding the safety and quality of a structure with greater confidence and accuracy. In short, using an infrared camera for home inspection purposes has many benefits and is becoming more and more commonplace.

What are infrared cameras?picture by an infrared camera for home inspection

Infrared cameras are cameras that use infrared light to take pictures. Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation that is outside the visible light spectrum. Therefore, the human eye cannot see it. Infrared cameras combine the wavelengths of infrared light and a large-format digital camera to create images of extremely high quality in any situation that requires the detection of thermal energy. Thermal energy is the heat that is naturally emitted by everything around us. Infrared cameras can be used in any weather conditions, during the day or night.

How infrared cameras work

There are two main types of infrared cameras for use in inspection:

  • thermal imaging cameras 
  • near-infrared cameras. 

Thermal cameras use infrared light to create an image of a structure’s temperature. Near-infrared cameras produce images based on the amount of near-infrared light reflected by a structure. Since both types of cameras use infrared light that is not visible to the human eye, they “see” things that would not be visible otherwise. When an infrared camera points at a structure, the camera captures thermal energy. It then converts this thermal energy into a digital image of the structure. The temperature of a structure will affect how the camera interprets the image. For example, a hot surface will appear bright red in the image, whereas a cold surface will appear dark blue. This information allows inspectors to spot structural issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, including moisture intrusion, heat loss, and other problems.

Benefits of using infrared cameras

The benefits of using infrared cameras are numerous. For example, infrared cameras are extremely helpful in cold weather. Since infrared cameras measure a structure’s temperature, cold weather does not affect their accuracy. On the contrary, since cold temperatures will cause a structure to emit less thermal energy, infrared cameras are even more useful in cold weather. When combined with thermal mapping technology, infrared cameras can detect issues with a structure before they become visible to the naked eye. This can save time and money since the inspectors can identify potential problems before they result in costly repairs.

Applications of infrared cameras

Infrared cameras are often a part of building inspections. Buildings are complex structures containing many different systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Inspecting these systems is often a time-consuming and challenging process that requires the use of advanced tools and technologies. This is where infrared cameras come into play. When combined with thermal mapping technology, infrared cameras are an extremely useful tool for inspecting each of these systems.

Advantages of using infrared cameras for inspections

Some of the key advantages of using infrared cameras for inspections include increased accuracy and productivity, reduction in time and costs, and the ability to detect hidden issues. For example, infrared cameras can help an inspector to accurately measure the temperature of a structure. They can then use this information to detect potential problems with the structure. In addition, infrared cameras can help an inspector detect issues below the surface of a structure. This includes issues with plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC systems, which are often located below the surface of a building.

Your experienced Building Inspectors in Tampa Bay

It’s true: An infrared camera for home inspection purposes can have many benefits, which is also the case for various other pieces of sophisticated equipment in a building inspector’s tool kit. However, you also want (and need) to be able to trust in your inspector’s personal expertise, experience, reliability, and integrity! For all of these reasons: Contact us today to schedule your home or commercial property inspection!

 

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Housing Market Trends for 2023

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Are you interested in the housing market trends for 2023? With the economy continuing to recover from the pandemic, the housing market is expected to be more competitive than ever. 

In this article, we will take a look at the housing market trends for 2023, including: housing market trends 2022 - supermarket cart with houses and sale poster

  • Current mortgage rates
  • The impact of rising home prices
  • The potential for foreclosure 

We’ll also look at what to expect in terms of rental markets and the effect of new construction on the overall housing market. With all this information in mind, you’ll be ready to make the right decisions when it comes to buying or selling a home in 2023.

Overview of the housing market

The housing market is everything that has to do with buying and selling homes. This includes the residential and commercial real estate markets as well as the secondary market, which is made up of: 

  • Mortgage lending
  • Brokerages
  • Insurance 

The level of activity in these markets is tied to the economy. For example, the demand for housing depends on things like population growth and the number of jobs available. 

The housing market is a complex system with many variables affecting it. This makes it difficult to predict exactly where the market will go in the coming years.

Among the economic factors that can greatly affect the housing market are the following:

  • Interest rates
  • Inflation
  • Unemployment
  • Availability and cost of financing

The health of the overall economy will also have a large effect on the housing market. People often buy real estate as a long-term investment or as a way to make extra money, like by renting it out.

Mortgage rates

With the increasing inflation of 2022, mortgage rates have been steadily rising. At the beginning of November 2022, the average mortgage interest rate was 6.95% (for 30-year fixed mortgages) and 6.29% (for 15-year fixed mortgages). Many experts expect these rates to stay somewhere around 7% for the rest of the year and potentially beyond that.

This, of course, depends on the further development of the inflation rate. A further increase in mortgage rates would mean that the housing market would slow down.

On the other hand, at the end of November 2022, it was reported that for 2023, both Government-sponsored Enterprises (GSE) Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae will back mortgages of more than 1 million (up to $1,089,300) USD for certain high-priced counties in the US. This marks a clear increase in loan limits.

Rising home prices

According to the Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey, the majority of experts think 2023 will be a clear buyers’ market. With the growth of home prices slowing down and a growing inventory, there is a noticeable shift between supply and demand, which will clearly favor the buyers who can have their pick among many more options than before.

Potential for foreclosure

It is important to remember that the federal pandemic protections that stopped homeowners from losing their homes to foreclosure because of problems caused by the COVID pandemic ended in 2021. This has already resulted in a steep increase in foreclosures in 2022.

You can find an overview of the foreclosure rates for all 50 US states in October 2022 here.

Depending on the factors already mentioned above, foreclosure rates can be expected to rise further in 2023. So, if you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s even more important for you to do your research and make an honest assessment of your own finances to see if you can really afford the home you want.

Rental market trends

The rental market has increased in recent years due to the growing number of people who prefer to rent rather than buy (or might not be able to afford to purchase a home.) This has led to an increase in the number of renters in many areas across the country. 

Zillow.com reports that the panelists of the Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey expect “an average of 5.4% rent growth throughout 2023,” therefore growing “more than inflation, stocks, and home values.”

A strong Home Inspection Partner in any Housing Market

Whatever the housing market will bring for 2023 and beyond, keep in mind that you have a reliable expert for your home inspection needs here in Florida! Email or call our teams in Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Brooksville for further information or to schedule your inspection! 

 

Further reading:

 

 

 

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7 Home Maintenance Tips for Your New Home

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After moving into a new house, most people get caught up in the excitement of settling in and exploring their new home. However, as time goes by, maintenance can be something that is easily overlooked. Whether you’ve just moved into a brand-new home or one that is already a bit older, everyone needs to remember to keep on top of the small things. Here are some helpful home maintenance tips for your new home.

tools to use regarding home maintenance tips

1. Consider your Home Inspection Report

In the process of purchasing your home, you have probably had a home inspection done. Take a second look at it to see whether there are some issues that should be addressed now.

2. Change the Light Bulbs

The first maintenance task that you should do every year is to change the light bulbs. This is a simple and easy thing to do, but if it is left for too long, it can cause a huge safety hazard. Make sure to change all of the light bulbs in your home, including the ones in the garage and the outdoor lights. Not only will this keep your home feeling bright and welcoming, but it will also improve the safety of your home and reduce the risk of an accident occurring.

3. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Whether you have a few trees or a large amount of shrubs, it is important to keep them maintained and trimmed. When you have trees growing in your backyard, they can cause a lot of damage to your home and property if they are not kept in check. When trees and shrubs are not properly trimmed, they can grow too close to your roof, causing it to sag and making it more susceptible to damage from strong winds. They can also grow too close to the power lines and transformers, which can cause damage to the house’s wiring and result in an electrical fire.

4. Check Faucets and Drains

As you go about the rest of your daily tasks, take a few minutes to check the faucets and drains in your home. If you have slow-draining water, it is likely due to a buildup of debris in the pipe. To avoid this from happening again, you can use a small drain cleaner or an auger to clear it out. You should also check the faucets in your home for signs of wear and tear. If you notice that something needs to be replaced or fixed, schedule an appointment with a plumber as soon as you can so the problem doesn’t get worse.

5. Add Weather Stripping

If there are any doors or windows in your home that are letting in too much cold air (or heat, for that matter), add in some weather stripping to prevent it from happening. When it comes to windows, check the seal at the bottom of each one and replace any that are not in good condition. For the doors in your home, check the seal around the frame and replace it if necessary.

6. Inspect the Roof and Windows

The roof and windows of your home are likely the oldest parts of the house, so they need the most maintenance. During the first few months of living in your new home, be sure to check the roof regularly for any signs of wear and tear. When it comes to the windows, check to see if they are functioning properly and clean them regularly to prevent dust and dirt from collecting on them.

7. Air Conditioning

If you have an air conditioner in your home, you will find information regarding its condition in your home inspection report as well. Aside from any necessary repairs, make sure regular maintenance of your AC/HVAC is being performed. This is not only necessary to keep your AC system in good shape, but it also prevents potential damages to your home, like the build-up of moisture and, therefore, mold.

Conclusion

Home maintenance is an ongoing process that is necessary to keep your house in good condition. For your new home, staying on top of the small maintenance tasks is important to keep it in good condition for years to come. Don’t forget about the simple things, as they can quickly get pushed to the side when there are bigger projects to take care of.

Divinity Home Inspection Services – Your trusted Inspection Experts in Tampa, Florida

As always, we are your competent partners for professional inspections of your private as well as commercial properties. Keep in mind that this does not only apply to the purchasing/selling process! If you have been living and/or working on your property for a few years or intend to have certain construction projects done, hiring an inspector can make a lot of sense as well. One way or the other – don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information!

 

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Commercial Building Inspection: Accessibility Issues

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Commercial building accessibility issues are a hot topic in the United States right now.

With new laws and regulations popping up all the time on a national and state-wide level, it’s more important than ever to ensure your business is accessible to everyone. This is not only from a legal standpoint, but also so you can open your business to customers from all walks of life.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about accessibility in commercial buildings, from the most common issues to keep an eye out for and how to ensure your commercial building is as accessible as possible.

What does commercial accessibility mean?

Accessibility, in a nutshell, refers to the ease with which people of all abilities can access and use a space.

That means accessibility issues could include things like a lack of wheelchair accessibility, Braille signs for the visually impaired, and audio assistance that’s clear and easy to understand for people with hearing impairments.

The goal of accessibility is to make sure that everyone can enjoy your commercial space equally without having to worry about obstacles getting in their way or the environment disabling them.

Why is addressing accessibility issues so important?

There are a few key reasons why accessibility is so important in commercial buildings and why it’s something you need to consider.

For one, and perhaps most importantly, it’s the law. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all commercial buildings be accessible to people with disabilities and that accessibility issues are addressed, so people aren’t discriminated against.

But accessibility isn’t just about following the letter of the law. It’s also about ensuring your business is open to everyone, regardless of their ability level.

Think about it this way: if your building is inaccessible, you could miss out on a whole group of potential customers who simply can’t enter your space.

What’s more, accessibility can also make your business more efficient. If you have a well-designed accessibility plan in place, it can actually help you save time and money by streamlining things like customer flow and traffic patterns.

What are some common accessibility issues in commercial buildings?

There are a few accessibility issues that tend to crop up more often than others in commercial buildings.

One of the most common accessibility issues is a lack of wheelchair accessibility. This can be anything from a lack of ramps or lifts to a failure to provide adequate wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.

To resolve this, you don’t have to conduct a large-scale project to install ramps around your building. Instead, investing in removable ramp equipment, such as the ramps trains use, is both functional and budget-friendly.

To address the accessibility issue of a lack of Braille signs or other accommodations for the visually impaired, simply researching where the key parts of your business is and installing signage is all it takes to become accessible. 

How to improve your commercial building accessibility?

With all this in mind, it’s worth remembering that every commercial building is different, and what you need in your building may vary from another business. This is why it’s important to consider using a property inspection service.

A professional service will be able to identify any accessibility issues in your commercial building and help you create a plan to address them.

Here at Divinity Inspection Services, our team of experts, who are familiar with all the latest accessibility laws and regulations, will thoroughly inspect your space and identify any potential accessibility issues. We’ll then provide you with a comprehensive report detailing our findings and outlining recommendations for how

Don’t wait to get started on improving your commercial building accessibility — contact us today to schedule your inspection!