Home Inspection Sarasota SHARES Keys to Smooth Sale

Home Inspection Sarasota SHARES Keys to Smooth Sale

Five keys to smooth sales and bargain buys in a slow housing market

(ARA) – Not everyone who relocates has the luxury of doing it when school is out and the yard looks beautiful. If you’re forced to sell your house and/or buy a new one outside peak season, you might have to work a little harder and think creatively.

Anyone who has bought or sold a home has heard the standard advice: Find a good agent, be aware of local home values, fix up the house you’re selling and research school districts and crime rates where you’re buying.

“It’s all good advice, but it’s not always enough,” says Rich Novak, assistant vice president of Home Solutions, with USAA, a full-service financial services provider serving military personnel and their families. “Families who need to move quickly during a tough real estate market may need to go the extra mile to close a sale.”

Keep these five themes in mind from the moment you start planning your next move:

1. Dig deeper: You probably already know to use neighboring home values as a comparison point for selling or buying. But in today’s market, some additional homework can pay off. If you need to sell quickly, for example, keep a close eye on what other houses are selling for in your neighborhood and stay ahead of the market by pricing yours lower. In the wake of the bursting real estate bubble, it’s also important to have a heightened awareness of foreclosures, both where you’re selling and buying. As unfair as it seems, any foreclosures on your street can put a dent in your home’s market value. And if foreclosures are still prevalent in the neighborhood you’re moving to, it could be a warning sign that values could continue to drop after you buy.

2. Be involved: Just because you’re working with a realtor doesn’t mean you can’t do some of your own legwork.

“The first 10 days on the market are the most critical to selling a home because new listings tend to get the most attention from buyers,” says Brenda Wall, relocation director with ERA Colonial Real Estate in San Antonio, Texas. “Anything a seller can do to get their home ready to sell before putting it on the market would be helpful, including de-cluttering, cleaning, painting if needed and making the home look spacious and bright.”

The Internet and social media have opened limitless new strategies to sell your home and find your next one. Try Craigslist, Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube. And don’t be shy, say real estate agents. When you’re selling, post pictures that show your home at its best and upload a narrated video tour – because that’s what you’d want to see as a buyer. At some real estate agencies, a video tour is becoming the new requirement for sellers.

3. Accept a helping hand: Take advantage of a wide range of services, beyond your local realtor’s, that could help you streamline the buying and selling process. Some cost money, such as home “staging” services that can help whip your house into selling shape. Others are free, such as relocation benefits offered by some employers, or the military’s Homeowners Assistance Program. One free service actually helps you while you are out and about looking for a place to live. For example, Home Circle from USAA provides free home search services on the Web and through an iPhone app that gives you access to the same comprehensive listing information real estate agents use, driving directions to the homes you’ve searched and organization of pictures taken to help you keep track of all the homes you’ve seen. Chances are you qualify for some type of assistance through an employer, the government, or an association you belong to – you just have to ask.

4. Get creative: Sometimes it takes out-of-the-box ideas to seal a deal. If you know that a potential buyer is wavering on whether to make an offer on your house, buck convention by making a “reverse offer,” where you try to win the sale with an attractive price. Sellers might also sweeten the pot with extra incentives. Money toward closing costs or prepaid homeowner’s dues are common buyer incentives, but why not set yourself apart by offering a free trip to a beach resort?

If you’re the one buying but can’t find the perfect house, ask your agent to look up houses that were recently taken off the market. You might be able to request a “one-time showing” and get a bargain price on a house the owners thought they couldn’t sell.

5. Remain flexible: According to the experts, buyers and sellers should keep their pride in check and be willing to make some concessions, especially in a tough market. That means not haggling over minor repairs or refusing to leave behind the chandelier your potential buyer loves. Factor in the cost of keeping up your home for several more months versus just accepting a lower selling price today.

“Always think in terms of the bigger picture. Don’t lose a deal over $500,” says Jodi Van Wagner, a Coldwell Banker agent in the Pensacola, Fla., area.

Even in the most sluggish real estate market, an early start and an open mind are two of the best strategies to make your next move go smoothly.
Home Inspection Sarasota also recommends pre-sale home inspections. Click Here to read more. Above All Home Inspecting is your leading pre-sale inspector in the Sarasota Florida area.

Fire Safety – Home Inspections Sarasota

Home Inspections Sarasota wants to share Fire Safety.

How you can make your home – and family – more fire-safe

(ARA) –  A home fire is as devastating as it is dangerous. Fires in the United States cost as much as $347 billion every year, taking into account medical treatments, property damage, fire department costs, lawsuits and more. Even more distressing is the fact that as many as 3,200 civilians and 85 firefighters lose their lives to fire every year. Those figures make it clear why it’s so essential to protect your family and your home from fire.

With the right precautionary steps, your home can be safe and secure. To start, go through your home with this fire safety checklist.

* Check smoke detectors to make sure they’re working properly and that batteries have full power. There should be at least one smoke alarm on each floor of your house.

* Consider investing in residential fire sprinklers. If your home already has them, make sure that they are inspected by trained professionals on a regular basis.

* Make a list of emergency fire, police and medical phone numbers and keep it near your house phone. You could also program the numbers into the cell phones of adult family members in case you have to leave the house before placing the call. Teach children how to call for help in case of an emergency.

* Make sure that your house number is clearly visible from at least 20 feet away. If trees or bushes are obscuring the house number, trim the foliage back.

* Keep flammable liquids away from heating sources. Store them in a cool location away from paper products and cloth materials.

It’s important to remember that while having smoke alarms is essential, they are just the first step in ensuring your family’s safety. They will alert you to a fire, but having a method that gives you more time to escape, like residential fire sprinklers, is an even more effective way to protect your family and home. Residential fire sprinklers are designed to contain and even extinguish a fire before the fire department arrives on scene.

Installing a fire sprinkler system has become more affordable, and is less expensive than installing granite countertops or upgraded cabinets in your home, and sprinkler heads now blend almost seamlessly into your ceiling. With improved technology, according to the National Fire Sprinkler Association, residential fire sprinklers are activated by heat, not smoke, and only the fire sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, which cuts down on water damage while still protecting your family and property.

Once you’ve gone through your fire safety checklist, it’s important to sit down with your family and create a detailed emergency plan. Think of at least two ways to escape from every room in the house and consider purchasing chain-link safety ladders for second-floor rooms. Then, take the time to do a family fire drill, ending in a designated “safe” place that you would go to in a real emergency. Practice a number of times throughout the year to make sure that everyone has the plan memorized. When you know how to escape a fire and protect your home and family, you’ll be able to rest easier.

We hope you found this article helpful, Home Inspections Sarasota wants to help keep families safe!

Home Inspections Sarasota – Talking Dishwashers

Talking Dishwasher Maintenance by Above All Home Inspecting, Sarasota Florida.

September Maintenance Tip – Smoke Detectors

Do you know how old your smoke detector is? Your home’s smoke detectors should be ten years old or newer. At ten years the detectors may become desensitized and need to be replaced. When possible, Above All recommends upgrading your existing detectors with interconnected alarms. These types of alarms are linked together, so if one alarm is activated all alarms will sound.

Most fatal fires occur in residential buildings between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when occupants are more likely to be asleep. More than 90 percent of fire deaths in buildings occur in residential dwellings.

A Johns Hopkins University study, funded by the United States Fire Administration, found that 75 percent of residential fire deaths and 84 percent of residential fire injuries could have been prevented by smoke detectors.

Smoke detectors generally come in two designs; “photo-electric” sensors or “ionization” sensors. A photo-electric detector uses a tiny light source that shines on a light-sensitive sensor. The alarm is triggered when smoke particles from a fire breaks the beam of light. An ionization detector uses an extremely small quantity of radioactive material to make the air inside the smoke detector conduct electricity. Smoke particles from a fire interfere with the electrical current, and therefore trigger the alarm.

There are three easy maintenance tasks recommended for smoke detectors (smoke alarms).

#1 Clean and test smoke detectors

Cleaning helps ensure better operations, and testing helps to ensure that the unit is operating properly.

Clean and test smoke detectors twice a year. For example: March and September.

Clean smoke detectors using a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and cobwebs. If possible, carefully vacuum inside the unit as well. Press the test button on the smoke detector to see if the alarm goes off. Depending on the manufacture of your unit, the button may only test the warning sound, but may not check the internal smoke detection circuitry. Some units, however, have more sophisticated test systems that simulate the presence of smoke in the chamber. Check the instructions of the detector to see if it has this feature. Avoid lighting matches or candles under the detector to see is the alarm goes off, as repeated use of smoke to activate the detector can cause them to fail and not be available to operate during a real fire.

The benefits of this task are high, in that it helps to ensure the safe operation of your smoke detectors for protecting you and your home.

#2 Replace Batteries

Check your manufacturer’s recommendations, but the battery in most smoke detectors should be replaced once per year, even where the smoke detector is wired in and the battery acts only as a back-up power supply. Batteries deteriorate over time and need to be replaced to ensure proper operation of the smoke detector.
The benefits of this task are high, in that it helps to ensure the safe operation of your smoke detectors for protecting you and your home.

Set a schedule, for example every September install new batteries, clean and test your smoke detector.

#3 Replace smoke detector

Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years, according to the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Fire Protection Association, and the US Fire Administrator. Why is it important to replace smoke detectors? The units will accumulate significant levels of dust, dirt, and debris and cannot be safely serviced by you.
The benefits of this task are high, in that it helps to ensure the safe operation of your smoke detectors for protecting you and your home.

Set up reminders in your calendar for example; Replace smoke detector September 2010, September 2020.

Review:

Clean.Test.Batteries.Replace.

Clean – Test September & March

Replace Batteries – Every September

Replace Smoke Detector – Every Ten Years

Locations

If you have recently moved into a home this is a great time to start fresh with new smoke detectors. When practical it is best to install the interconnecting smoke alarms. Check with your local Building Enforcement Municipality for smoke detector requirements and locations.

The National Fire Alarm code requires a smoke detector in each sleeping room, in the hallway adjacent to the sleeping rooms (if hallway is longer then 30 feet it is recommended to install one at each end), one on every floor including basements, On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas, such as dens, living rooms or family rooms. Smoke detectors are not recommended for kitchens. Place smoke detectors at least one foot away from corners and place them on areas that have a constant temperature like a ceiling or high wall.

Smoke detectors can be a great gift for someone. Its unique, funny and saves lives!

Another safety tip brought to you by your Home Inspector Sarasota.

Sarasota Inspector Shares: Pets and allergies don’t have to go hand in paw

Sarasota Inspector Shares:

Pets and allergies don’t have to go hand in paw

(ARA) – Pet owners are often torn between their love of Fido and Fluffy and the discomfort of stuffy noses and watery eyes. In fact, 15 percent of Americans are allergic to animals, and a whopping 11 million are allergic to cats alone, according to WebMD. Although those who suffer from severe allergies may not be able to own pets, mild allergy sufferers can take advantage of these tips and products at home to enjoy sneeze-free time with their furry friends.

“Pets and allergens don’t have to go together. Mild allergies shouldn’t have to stop pet lovers from enjoying their animals,” says Jackie Cooper, senior director of marketing and communications for Eureka.  ”Following some simple tips and investing in pet-specific products can leave you breathing easier in no time.”

Not on the bed: Avoid allowing your dog or cat to sleep with you at night. Pet dander and fur can get absorbed into bedding, heightening allergy symptoms while you sleep. Instead, offer your pet a cozy bed of its own outside your bedroom. This can be as simple as placing a couple towels or an old throw pillow on the floor. Also, consider using allergen-resistant covers on mattresses and pillows.

Accessorize: Consider your allergies when buying toys, litter and other products for your pet. For example, cat owners should opt for natural litter instead of a brand that adds chemicals or scents, while those who are allergic to dogs should avoid toys that may retain saliva.

Sweep it up: Many pet owners would agree that pet hair is the number one problem that comes with owning an animal, and it’s even worse for allergy sufferers. For relief, turn to a vacuum that not only offers superior cleaning, but also specializes in picking up pet hair. For example, the Eureka Pet Pal vacuum offers a Hair Raiser for Pets tool that can be used independently from the vacuum by rubbing the soft rubber tool on surfaces to grab embedded hair and gently lift it away from fabric. In addition to Hair Raiser for Pets, the vacuum also offers a PET Power Paw tool, which features small plastic teeth and a rubber strip to gently grab and clean pet hair from hard-to-reach areas, such as stairs.

Take it outside: Groom your pet at least once a week or more often if you have a long-haired breed or a breed prone to shedding. When grooming, make sure to take your pet outside to avoid excess hair and dander floating around the home. And, of course, wash your hands thoroughly after handling your pet.

Travel smart: When making road trips with your pet in tow, use washable seat covers that can be rinsed off at rest stops. And when en route, keep your pet the furthest safe distance from allergic passengers.

With these tips, pet owners can take some simple steps to stop sneezing and start enjoying quality time with their furry friends. For more information about Eureka products for dealing with pets and allergens, call (800) 282-2886 or visit www.eureka.com.

Three Tips To Make your Utility Meter Run Backward….

Three tips to make your utility meter run backward


(ARA) – What would you do with an extra $2,200 per year? That is the annual energy bill for a typical American home, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE). Dramatically reducing that cost, or even selling power back to the utility company, could mean having enough money for a vacation, a down payment on a car or a boost to your child’s college savings.

If you are wondering how this can be done, a trend emerging in new home construction, “net-zero energy,” is helping homeowners keep energy dollars in their pockets. Builders construct such homes with highly energy-efficient materials, and with the means to generate their own power. The goal is to reduce the yearly total energy bill to zero, and perhaps make the meter run backwards at times.

Lowering heating and cooling costs is critical to achieving net-zero energy, since these typically account for nearly half of a home’s energy use. Keeping warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer is key, along with adding on-site power systems. Steps can include new construction methods for greatly improved insulation, using energy-efficient windows, and installing solar panels or other renewable ways to heat water or create electricity.

1. Build with SIPs

Most homebuyers are familiar with “stick framing” – construction using numerous individual sticks (boards) with the insulation added between them. Yet an increasingly popular building method for high energy efficiency involves a different approach.

Known as structural insulated panels – or SIPs – the body of the house is made of large-size prefabricated wall, ceiling and floor sections with built-in insulation. SIPs work like a giant insulated cooler. They are made of wood panels sandwiching a rigid insulating foam core. The result is fewer gaps in the home and more continuous insulation. Homes built with SIPs are 15 times less leaky and have 47 percent greater insulating capacity than conventional construction, according to DOE.

“SIPs can be used to build any style of home, and are generally stronger than stick framing,” says James Hodgson of Premier Building Systems, North America’s largest SIPs manufacturer. “They can cut heating and cooling costs up to 50 percent, and can even help save money by speeding construction and allowing for smaller furnaces and air conditioners.” SIPs also contribute to healthy indoor air by sealing out pollutants, and create up to two-thirds less waste during construction. (For more information on SIPs, visit www.pbssips.com or call (800) 275-7086 to speak with Premier Building Systems).

2. Install energy-efficient windows

In addition to well-insulated walls, ceilings and floors, another key consideration for net-zero energy homes is efficient windows. Such windows may have double or triple panes with gas fillings and special coatings to help resist heat gain or loss. Specially constructed frames help seal against air leaks.

How the windows are installed in the wall is also important, since much of the heat loss can occur around the window rather than through it. Proper mounting and sealing of the window in the wall can help protect against air leaks.

“Installing windows for high energy efficiency can be tricky,” says Jim Crowley, owner of Crowley Builders in Grass Valley, Calif. “If the window opening isn’t right, it’s like putting a round peg in a square hole; there are going to be gaps.”

Crowley addresses this by using SIPs for the walls. “In addition to providing insulation, SIPs have pre-cut window openings that are straight, square and properly sized. Combine this with proper sealing of the window and it’s the best way we’ve found to get a tight fit.”

3. Generate your own power

More new homes are using environmentally responsible, renewable energy sources on-site to further reduce reliance on utility companies. These systems can include geothermal heat pumps that obtain warmth from the ground, solar panels for electricity or heating water, and windmills that convert wind to energy. When combined with home construction methods like SIPs and energy-efficient windows, such systems can help the home achieve net-zero energy use. In some cases, homeowners have even reduced their consumption enough and generated sufficient power to make the meter run backwards – in essence selling electricity back to the power company.

“Achieving energy self-sufficiency in homes and other buildings seemed pretty radical not too long ago,” says Hodgson. “But building methods have advanced greatly in recent years, saving energy without homeowners having to sacrifice comfort or style. Why build with methods that have been around for a hundred years, when newer, proven methods are available that will outperform what can be done with conventional framing?” Home inspection Sarasota – energy efficiency tips – maintenance tips.

Home Inspection Sarasota fl – Germ Free Home

Tips to fend off germs lurking in your home

Home Inspection Sarasota fl helps homeowners keep their home germ free. Read on….

(ARA) – Germs and bacteria are almost everywhere, including the place you strive to keep the cleanest: your home. To shield against germs, consumers are spending more than $1 billion annually on antimicrobial products, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Because of viruses like H1N1 and other household germs, consumers are taking every precaution necessary to keep themselves and their families healthy, and that starts at home,” says Jackie Cooper, senior director of marketing and communications for Eureka. She suggests the following tips to achieve a clean and germ-free home:

* Cut germs off at the door by keeping antimicrobial wipes or hand sanitizers near the entrances to your home.

* Vacuum often. Use a vacuum with a bacteria-fighting solution to not only suck up dust and dirt but prevent bacteria from growing in or on the vacuum as well. Eureka’s FilterAir vacuum is treated with On-Guard Antimicrobial which inhibits the growth of bacteria on the brushroll and in specific parts of the dust cup.

Also be sure to change your vacuum filter and bag regularly. Filtrete antimicrobial accessories feature Ultra-Fresh to provide advanced protection from odor-causing bacteria in the vacuum’s bag or filter, while providing superior filtration for the home.

Dishwasher Maintenance Tip

August Maintenance Tip

Does a dishwasher require any routine maintenance?

We all love the convenience of having a dishwasher, right! As with any appliance, dishwashers work better and last longer when properly maintained.

So, What Can Go Wrong?

The food drain or “trap” can become clogged with bits of food, preventing the dishwasher from draining properly.
The small holes in the spray arms can become clogged with food particles and minerals from the soap or water with high mineral contents.

Gaskets and seals, particularly around the dishwasher door, can dry out and crack over time.

The water supply hose or the drain hose can dry out and crack, causing leaks which can essentially cause damage and/or fungi growth on the underside of your cabinets.

What Can You Do To Prevent The Above ‘Happenings’!

The food drain trap is removable, so periodically take it out and clean it in the sink. Check your owner’s manual for instructions or go to the manufacture’s website and download a free copy of the manual.

The spray arms can be removed and cleaned in a mixture of warm water and vinegar to remove any mineral deposits. The point of a toothpick may also be useful in cleaning the holes.

Visually check the gaskets and seals around the door to see if there are any small cracks. If you see any cracks, the gasket can easily be replaced. Replacement gaskets can be ordered directly from the manufacturer or purchased at a home improvement store, most often.

Check the supply and drain hoses at least annually. If you see signs of deterioration, replace them. Supply and drain hoses are usually available at a local home improvement store or you can order them from the manufacturer.

Sarasota home inspectors – Five top trends in patio design

Five top trends in patio design

(ARA) – When does a trend become a tradition? With continued interest in creating great outdoor living spaces, the trend for jazzing up the backyard may just be on the verge of becoming a staple of the American home, and as much a requirement as a great kitchen or welcoming bath.

And every summer it seems homeowners find new ways to create a “wow effect” in their outdoor living spaces. The outdoor experts at ConcreteNetwork.com point to five hot trends in patio design to help elevate your backyard patio from a nice patch of bricks to your favorite spot to entertain and relax this summer:

1. Make the backyard a destination

More people are foregoing costly summer vacations in favor of sinking that travel money into creating a getaway spot in their own backyards. Enterprising homeowners are using decorative concrete to create mini theme parks with faux rock water features, sculpted pools with water slides and garden bridges.

2. Cost-sensible, eco-conscious

Environmental awareness doesn’t have to take a backseat to luxury, homeowners are finding. Backyard oases must also emphasize eco-consciousness, incorporating environmentally-friendly materials like concrete, which is sustainable. But they also like the organic look and feel that the material can impart. Concrete patios can mimic the look of natural stone – even lava – without the eco-impact associated with quarrying the real thing. Plus, concrete costs considerably less than many natural stone products.

3. Furniture built to last and last

Anybody can go to the local home improvement store and pick up a patio set. The truly trendy backyard designer turns to permanent backyard furniture, custom-made to fit your yard’s style. Custom concrete furniture can take on any shape, from pool tables and benches to patio tables and planters. It lasts a lifetime and never needs to be painted or refinished.

4. Light my fire

When it comes to creating ambiance, few home improvements pack the wallop of a fireplace. Outdoor hearths are growing in popularity as homeowners continue to recreate all the appeal of their home’s interior outside in the backyard. Whether you choose gas or wood-burning, custom designed or pre-cast, adding a fireplace to your outdoor landscape is sure to light up its appeal.

5. Size – and shape – matter

We’ve all seen patio disasters – the sprawling slab that totally dominates a tiny backyard, or the postage-stamp-sized patio that appears lost in a sea of grass. Homeowners are no longer leaving patio size to chance. Instead, they’re putting a lot of thought and planning into right-sizing their patio to create a living area that meets their needs and fits the profile of their backyard. How the space will be used and how much space you have to work with will be main factors in sizing your concrete patio, according to Scott Cohen of GreenSceneLandscape.com. You can also find a patio size chart  at www.concretenetwork.com/patio/size.html.

Whatever your personal style, and whether you’re aiming to improve your home’s resale value or enhance your enjoyment of your house, upgrading your outdoors is an investment that makes sense. Visit www.concretenetwork.com to learn more.  Courtesy of ARAcontent

Home Inspection Sarasota Helps With Laminate Floors….

Sarasota Home Inspection Helps With Today’s laminate floors – a ‘real’ wood alternative

(ARA) – You love the look of natural wood flooring but are afraid to install hardwood because you know the floor will take a beating from the kids, dogs and the heavy day-to-day traffic all too common in modern family life.

But you don’t have to sacrifice high style looks for boring sensibility when considering a new flooring option in your home – not if you choose laminate, that is.

Today’s best laminates combine the realistic grain and texture of wood with high durability and scratch and indentation resistance that “authentic” wood floors don’t provide, according to Jeff Katz, director – laminate for Tarkett Residential, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable flooring. And not only are today’s laminates available at a fraction of the cost of real wood floors, but they’re right in sync with the latest designs.

“There’s always a new decorating trend around the corner,” Katz says. “It’s imperative for manufacturers to respond to market demand, keeping up with the most up-to-date trends to ensure consumers are getting the latest in style and design, as well as technology.”

One such line is Tarkett’s Trends laminate, a durable new collection featuring eight of the hottest flooring designs, including Old World-inspired antique-stained planks and soft, hand scraped wood grains. Colors and styles in this line will continually rotate out with new introductions to give homeowners the newest, most popular looks in flooring, ultimately providing them with the high style of premium wood floors without the fuss.

“That’s the beauty of laminate products,” Katz says. “They’re the new normal – great-looking products that deliver great performance at a great value.

When shopping for laminate products consumers should look for flooring that is engineered with sturdy inner core board layers – preferably ones that deliver high impact resistance (at least an IC3 rating). This type of rating helps provide excellent indentation resistance, and when combined with highly rated top surface protection (AC3 or better) kids and pets can run and play freely on laminate floors without making a dent or marring up the surface’s good looks. As a result, laminate flooring is so durable versus real wood products that some laminates come with up to a full lifetime warranty.

What’s more, creating a laminate flooring transformation in your home is a relatively simple DIY project. Many of today’s new laminate floors come in easy-to-install planks that simply snap together without the need for messy glue or nails to pound. Laminates can even be used over several types of existing flooring, often eliminating the need for costly sub-floor preparation.

“Consumers now have the choice of selecting laminate floor innovations that provide excellent performance and value, while also reflecting and accommodating their changing tastes,” Katz says. “Laminate flooring solutions keep up with their day-to-day life. That’s something we know will never go out of style.” For more information about the latest trends in laminate flooring, visit www.tarkettna.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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