Sellers have the responsibility of disclosing any defects in the property to the buyer. The seller should disclose defects which could affect the value of the property as well as the living conditions. The defects may relate to insulation, structure, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, fixtures, etc. No defect is too small to be kept away from the buyer.
It is understandable that most sellers feel that disclosing defects may result in a lower price, so why should they subject themselves to this? Firstly, because it is unethical and unfair to those buying your home. If this is not a good enough reason, consider the damage you will suffer if the buyer decides to sue you later.
Some states require sellers to fill in a disclosure form which has to be handed over to the buyer. If the seller does not present this form, the buyer can easily withdraw his offer and get a complete refund of his earnest money deposit. Laws have becomes stringent over the years to protect consumers, in this case the buyers. Some items have to be specifically disclosed and vary from state to state. Federal law requires disclosure related to lead content.
Even if there are no strict laws applicable, one is not allowed to mislead the buyer. You may choose to hide a minor defect but leading the buyer to believe something which is false will surely get you into trouble. If you lie about a particular defect and the seller finds out later, you will be required to reimburse for repairs and perhaps suffer litigation.
Get an inspection done if you must but reveal the condition of the property truthfully. If it is possible you should consider fixing some of the major defects. Even if you are selling your home ‘as is’, it only means that you are not required to renovate or repair defects. You will still have to disclose the defects to the buyer.
Find out the legal obligations of the seller in your state to fulfill your duties completely. Although it is up to the seller to reveal all defects, it is suggested that one should do it. It will provide the buyer a clearer picture and save you from getting slapped with a lawsuit.
http://www.mylongislandhomeinspection.com/
http://www.longislandhomeinspection.net/
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Mistakes Sellers Make When Listing Homes
According to a recent e-mail survey, overpricing a home is the most common mistake sellers have made when listing their homes. This does not prove to be profitable in the long run. It does not pay to be greedy. The sellers must understand the market, and should be aware of the estimated price of the property prevailing in the market. This helps in making the sale easier.
The next biggest mistake sellers make is dealing with the same real estate agent who represents their buyer. This may cause a clash of interest where the agent may close the deal at a price favoring the buyer. It is always better to deal with an agent different from the one representing the buyer.
The failure to reveal defects or problems has proven to be one of the other big mistakes that sellers make. The seller must take proper care in preparation of their home before the sale. The outside view of the home (curb appeal) is very important as that is what leaves a lasting impression on the buyer. The interiors have to be looked into as well. In case of any defects, the seller must either have them repaired or disclose them to the buyer in order to avoid problems arising in the future.
Sellers often fail to market their homes effectively.
Sellers can plan their advertising budget and should choose appropriate mediums for advertising their home. They may choose from newspaper Classifieds, Real Estate Magazines and Internet Ads. With many people using the Internet nowadays to begin their search for a home, advertising on the Internet proves to be a cost-effective medium. Some popular websites on this front are ChoiceOfHomes.com and FSBO.com
Selling a home is not an easy task. Several aspects have to be considered and re-considered. Care should be taken to avoid the most common mistakes as mentioned above.
The next biggest mistake sellers make is dealing with the same real estate agent who represents their buyer. This may cause a clash of interest where the agent may close the deal at a price favoring the buyer. It is always better to deal with an agent different from the one representing the buyer.
The failure to reveal defects or problems has proven to be one of the other big mistakes that sellers make. The seller must take proper care in preparation of their home before the sale. The outside view of the home (curb appeal) is very important as that is what leaves a lasting impression on the buyer. The interiors have to be looked into as well. In case of any defects, the seller must either have them repaired or disclose them to the buyer in order to avoid problems arising in the future.
Sellers often fail to market their homes effectively.
Sellers can plan their advertising budget and should choose appropriate mediums for advertising their home. They may choose from newspaper Classifieds, Real Estate Magazines and Internet Ads. With many people using the Internet nowadays to begin their search for a home, advertising on the Internet proves to be a cost-effective medium. Some popular websites on this front are ChoiceOfHomes.com and FSBO.com
Selling a home is not an easy task. Several aspects have to be considered and re-considered. Care should be taken to avoid the most common mistakes as mentioned above.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Long Island Home Inspection
The process of buying a home or condominium in the Long Island area can be very stressful and even risky. Whether you are buying or selling a home in Long Island, or even if you want to just make sure that no surprise repairs are waiting to happen, you can rely on our professional and certified home inspections to provide you with a clear and impartial assessment on the condition of your home.
1) Make an Informed Decision
Our clients' needs and expectations is our priority. We are committed to providing accurate and detailed information about the home being inspected to allow our clients to make a more informed decision about the home they are buying.
2) Professional Home Inspection Reports
Our easy to understand computerized home inspection reports are thorough and include digital images of the home. The inspection report is forwarded to our clients within 24 to 48 hours as diligent time is spent in outlining and reporting all conditions noted at the site along with recommendations from the inspector.
3) Home Inspection Training
Our professionally Licensed New York state Home Inspectors have the proper tools and expertise to identify issues that your untrained eyes simply aren't trained to find; especially during the time that your emotions are running high with excitement about that perfect home you've found.
4) Home Inspection Choices
We realize that all homes are not the same and either are the reasons why someone buys a home; therefore we offer a variety of home inspections to cater to your needs. Whether it's a complete home inspection, an infrared home inspection or a limited roof inspection you're looking for, or even just a walk through inspection, we can accommodate you.
5) Home Inspection Defects
Most issues that we will find usually fall within the following categories:
Anything that might interfere with your ability to finance, occupy or insure the home;
Safety hazards such as a serious problems with electrical issues that could harm either life or property;
Things that lead to major defects, for example a small roof leak that can lead to major interior damage;
Major defects such as structural failures that could also cause moisture intrusion issues, ultimately leading to mold issues.
6) Choosing a Home Inspector
In choosing the right home inspector don't let price be the determining factor. You may be offered a home inspection for as low as $199. These low cost inspections are usually offered by inspectors that are both inexperienced and under equipped, who rush through multiple inspections a day. They will usually provide you with a basic checklist report prepared instantly at the end of the inspection. There will be no photos or meaningful substance with recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
For a purchase as important and expensive as a home, you shouldn't settle for anything less than a Solid City Home Inspector. Our inspectors are professionally trained, well equipped with cutting edge industry tools and equipment and care enough about the clients, to invest the time to properly assess the condition of your home or property.
7) For Buyers
For a home buyer, we will make sure that you understand every fact about the property you are purchasing. As your home inspectors, we will work hard on your behalf and we personally assure you that all structural and minor defects discovered will be noted in our detailed inspection report, along with the corresponding digital images.
8) For Sellers
For sellers, we will provide you with a report so you can give 100% full disclosure, with no worries that a buyer will be coming back and questioning anything regarding the property. Also as your home inspectors, we can inspect your home and find out if there are any structural or minor problems that you might not be aware of which may cause you to lose a sale.
Anytime that anyone purchases a home, we understand that it is a HUGE investment, and we take great pride in providing everyone involved with accurate details of the property. Client referrals is where most of our business comes from, and this can only be accomplished one way; with happy, satisfied and appreciative clients. During the course of the inspection we take the time to explain our findings to our clients in order to ensure that they have full understanding of the systems and components of the home, along with any defects that we find.
9) Our Home Inspection Commitment
Should we have the privilege of inspecting your home or property, we promise you will have our very best efforts. We will provide you with insight and answers to all of your inspection concerns. At Solid City Home Inspections, you become our client for life, not only on the day of the inspection. Please contact us at anytime; we are here to help you live in comfort.
516-350-9200
http://www.MyLongIslandHomeInspection.com
http://www.LongIslandHomeInspection.net
Contact@SolidCityInspections.com
1) Make an Informed Decision
Our clients' needs and expectations is our priority. We are committed to providing accurate and detailed information about the home being inspected to allow our clients to make a more informed decision about the home they are buying.
2) Professional Home Inspection Reports
Our easy to understand computerized home inspection reports are thorough and include digital images of the home. The inspection report is forwarded to our clients within 24 to 48 hours as diligent time is spent in outlining and reporting all conditions noted at the site along with recommendations from the inspector.
3) Home Inspection Training
Our professionally Licensed New York state Home Inspectors have the proper tools and expertise to identify issues that your untrained eyes simply aren't trained to find; especially during the time that your emotions are running high with excitement about that perfect home you've found.
4) Home Inspection Choices
We realize that all homes are not the same and either are the reasons why someone buys a home; therefore we offer a variety of home inspections to cater to your needs. Whether it's a complete home inspection, an infrared home inspection or a limited roof inspection you're looking for, or even just a walk through inspection, we can accommodate you.
5) Home Inspection Defects
Most issues that we will find usually fall within the following categories:
Anything that might interfere with your ability to finance, occupy or insure the home;
Safety hazards such as a serious problems with electrical issues that could harm either life or property;
Things that lead to major defects, for example a small roof leak that can lead to major interior damage;
Major defects such as structural failures that could also cause moisture intrusion issues, ultimately leading to mold issues.
6) Choosing a Home Inspector
In choosing the right home inspector don't let price be the determining factor. You may be offered a home inspection for as low as $199. These low cost inspections are usually offered by inspectors that are both inexperienced and under equipped, who rush through multiple inspections a day. They will usually provide you with a basic checklist report prepared instantly at the end of the inspection. There will be no photos or meaningful substance with recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
For a purchase as important and expensive as a home, you shouldn't settle for anything less than a Solid City Home Inspector. Our inspectors are professionally trained, well equipped with cutting edge industry tools and equipment and care enough about the clients, to invest the time to properly assess the condition of your home or property.
7) For Buyers
For a home buyer, we will make sure that you understand every fact about the property you are purchasing. As your home inspectors, we will work hard on your behalf and we personally assure you that all structural and minor defects discovered will be noted in our detailed inspection report, along with the corresponding digital images.
8) For Sellers
For sellers, we will provide you with a report so you can give 100% full disclosure, with no worries that a buyer will be coming back and questioning anything regarding the property. Also as your home inspectors, we can inspect your home and find out if there are any structural or minor problems that you might not be aware of which may cause you to lose a sale.
Anytime that anyone purchases a home, we understand that it is a HUGE investment, and we take great pride in providing everyone involved with accurate details of the property. Client referrals is where most of our business comes from, and this can only be accomplished one way; with happy, satisfied and appreciative clients. During the course of the inspection we take the time to explain our findings to our clients in order to ensure that they have full understanding of the systems and components of the home, along with any defects that we find.
9) Our Home Inspection Commitment
Should we have the privilege of inspecting your home or property, we promise you will have our very best efforts. We will provide you with insight and answers to all of your inspection concerns. At Solid City Home Inspections, you become our client for life, not only on the day of the inspection. Please contact us at anytime; we are here to help you live in comfort.
516-350-9200
http://www.MyLongIslandHomeInspection.com
http://www.LongIslandHomeInspection.net
Contact@SolidCityInspections.com
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
When selling your house tempt buyers with your kitchen
Home Staging is a done thing when you are putting your house up for sale. No doubt every room in the house should be tended to with great care but what with the kitchens taking a lead in surveys as a big decision maker when purchasing a home, it’s only logical to give it the extra touch.
A kitchen as we all know is where the family usually gathers around for some good old lend-a-helping-hand, where drawings of children are put up, where bills are paid and generally just where the family spends a large amount of time in. When you’re selling your house, make sure that the kitchen is the deal maker. Spruce up, tidy up and de-clutter to tempt the prospective buyer.
Making the kitchen look spacious is very important. Even if your kitchen isn’t large, just getting rid of unnecessary items (clutter) and bulky furniture might do the trick. De-clutter means leaving the counter tops clean (not necessarily bare) and stowing away appliances and items you never use.
To de-clutter doesn’t mean you stuff things in your cabinet. Prospective buyers are going to open them out. They want to see how much space is there to store their clutter. If your cabinets are going to look crammed, they might not be too happy. So go through your items – vessels and appliances you use once a year can be packed away and put into storage.
If there’s an area in your house you are considering spending some money on- try your kitchen. Repainting before selling is a good start. A fresh coat of (neutral and subtle shade) paint could give the kitchen a bright and clear look. If your countertops are looking washed out and grungy, its time to invest in some decent tile for them. See if the sink is in good condition and if it needs to be replaced. Likewise your faucets and the plumbing should be well-maintained and functioning properly.
Now back to the non-spending tips for tidying up. If your kitchen leads out into an open area, don’t hide this space with blinds when prospective buyers come over. Clean out that outside area and let it add grace to the kitchen. Open out your windows to bring in as much light as possible. But if your kitchen is slightly dark or you’re showing the house in winter, turn on the lights inside to impress. But take care to not overdo the lighting; it has to complement the environment. Lots of natural light and good ventilation is highly recommended.
Make sure all appliances are working and not falling apart. Move out the kitty/ doggy tray out of sight. Conceal liquor bottles (if any) as this may not give an entirely good impression. Put some flower in a vase or place a small potted plant in the kitchen. More so if you have a desk that you place your computer on or usually just work at, clean it but leave it intact. Your buyers need to know how multi-functional your kitchen can get.
Very importantly, keep your kitchen free of nasty odors. But for a good impact, the smell of baking cookies or apple pie wafting from your kitchen is a good idea on the day of showing your house.
Just put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and see if it looks like a kitchen you would want to return to at all odd hours of the day and night. That should help you just as much as the pointers above should. So go spruce up the kitchen to clinch that deal!
A kitchen as we all know is where the family usually gathers around for some good old lend-a-helping-hand, where drawings of children are put up, where bills are paid and generally just where the family spends a large amount of time in. When you’re selling your house, make sure that the kitchen is the deal maker. Spruce up, tidy up and de-clutter to tempt the prospective buyer.
Making the kitchen look spacious is very important. Even if your kitchen isn’t large, just getting rid of unnecessary items (clutter) and bulky furniture might do the trick. De-clutter means leaving the counter tops clean (not necessarily bare) and stowing away appliances and items you never use.
To de-clutter doesn’t mean you stuff things in your cabinet. Prospective buyers are going to open them out. They want to see how much space is there to store their clutter. If your cabinets are going to look crammed, they might not be too happy. So go through your items – vessels and appliances you use once a year can be packed away and put into storage.
If there’s an area in your house you are considering spending some money on- try your kitchen. Repainting before selling is a good start. A fresh coat of (neutral and subtle shade) paint could give the kitchen a bright and clear look. If your countertops are looking washed out and grungy, its time to invest in some decent tile for them. See if the sink is in good condition and if it needs to be replaced. Likewise your faucets and the plumbing should be well-maintained and functioning properly.
Now back to the non-spending tips for tidying up. If your kitchen leads out into an open area, don’t hide this space with blinds when prospective buyers come over. Clean out that outside area and let it add grace to the kitchen. Open out your windows to bring in as much light as possible. But if your kitchen is slightly dark or you’re showing the house in winter, turn on the lights inside to impress. But take care to not overdo the lighting; it has to complement the environment. Lots of natural light and good ventilation is highly recommended.
Make sure all appliances are working and not falling apart. Move out the kitty/ doggy tray out of sight. Conceal liquor bottles (if any) as this may not give an entirely good impression. Put some flower in a vase or place a small potted plant in the kitchen. More so if you have a desk that you place your computer on or usually just work at, clean it but leave it intact. Your buyers need to know how multi-functional your kitchen can get.
Very importantly, keep your kitchen free of nasty odors. But for a good impact, the smell of baking cookies or apple pie wafting from your kitchen is a good idea on the day of showing your house.
Just put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and see if it looks like a kitchen you would want to return to at all odd hours of the day and night. That should help you just as much as the pointers above should. So go spruce up the kitchen to clinch that deal!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Selling Your Home on Your Own? Hire these Three People For a Successful Sale
Cover of Buying a Home (Essential Finance)Selling a home on your own they say is not such a tough job and considering that many have been successful will also encourage you to not hire an agent. But it is not an easy job at all – even if you do manage to sell your home, you may land up with a not-so-sweet deal or the process may get really bumpy along the way. You may not pay to hire an agent but you will have to shell out some money to make your sale successful. You may be familiar with the advertising aspect and the negotiation bits, but what happens when it comes to all the legal parts and finer points? Following these guidelines will help you cover them.
Valuation
Setting the right asking price is of absolute importance. There are several ways to go about it and trying out different methods will in fact get you to an accurate number. Find out what the prices of other homes are in your neighborhood. Talk to people especially others who may be selling in your area. Getting an independent evaluation is the best way to find out the value of your home. Ask an appraiser to conduct a comparative sales search for a better idea. You may have to spend a couple of hundred dollars for a valuation but it will be better than setting the wrong asking price.
Home Inspection
You have to state the condition of the home truthfully to the buyer. To prevent any defects being brought to the negotiation table and then losing out on your sale price because of them is not worth it. Pay some money and hire a home inspector. Take the necessary steps to fix any problems detected. Get another inspection in order to obtain an all-clear certificate.
Attorney
At some point or the other, you may have to hire an attorney to draw up the sales contract. He will be able to tell you about the various local laws that may exist and draw up a fine contract. It is wise to have an attorney by your side to see you through the whole process especially while closing a deal. Many buyers are learning the tricks of dealing with sales by owners. Most are under the impression that buying a home from an owner may be easier because the owner may just want to close the deal quickly. At the closing if you are clueless, they may be armed with the necessary information and try to soften you up in the process. While it surely isn’t a battle, it is important that no person thinks you are inexperienced or can be taken for a ride. An attorney can arm you with the necessary information and confidence to get the best deal out there.
Your attorney can give you a better picture of the various legal documents and procedures involved. He can even advise you on how to deal with your mortgage – whether you need to close it or if the buyer can take over the same, etc. He may act as an Escrow agent or be able to evaluate any complex offers that may come your way. He may even sit you through the negotiation process. An attorney’s advice can be precious so make sure that you hire someone affordable as well as fully qualified to handle Real Estate cases.
These are surely not the only factors you need to take care of when selling your home on your own. Other factors like marketing, negotiation, home staging etc. should all be handled well. The whole point of selling on your own is to save the money you will be handing over to the agent. Yet you will have to shell out some amount to hire the above mentioned professionals. This will ensure that you get a proper deal for your home and the whole ride is a smooth one.
http://www.MyLongIslandHomeInspection.com
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
What does a home inspection include?
An inspection report will review the condition of the home's heating system, central air-conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems. Also included are the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure. Click here to learn more about our services
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Importance of a Home Inspection
Should I spend the money to get a home inspection before purchasing a new home? This question is questioned more by clients who are really low on money they have to spend toward the purchase. I stress that a home inspection report can help them make an informed decision about whether they can truly afford to buy the home. So as a rule I always suggest that we get expert advice about the true condition of the home the buyer is thinking about purchasing.
Home inspections are very beneficial, some clients think they may be a little costly but you must look at the big picture. Would you not rather invest $500-$600 in inspection to find out if you really want to invest 100's of 1000's of dollars on a house? If the inspector finds major problems you will get out of the contract and save a lot of money by not purchasing a “money pit”. If the inspector only discovers minor and maintenance issues you can look at the home inspection as a fact-finding (honey do checklist) that you will spend the first year working on to make sure that you are protecting your purchase. All in all I think home inspections are a very good purchase in your investment and your satisfaction as a new home owner.
Most Realtor's have had a lot of experience working with home inspectors. You want to make sure you choose the right inspector for your house. Make sure they have had the professional training associated with home sale inspections and also make sure they will give you a comprehensive report of their finding. A professional home inspection will help you to buy your new house with the confidence that you are making a wise investment.
A good home inspector such as Solid City Inspections will look at the major components of the home. In the event that access can be obtained they should even inspect the attic area and crawl space of the home. Most great inspectors will require between 3-4 hours to complete a good inspection and many will give you the written report immediately after the inspection with photos of aspects of concern.
The best benefit of getting a home inspection using Solid City Inspections is that you have written proof to take back to the seller concerning the true condition of the home. Here's your opportunity to either re-negotiate the sale price or get the seller to make some repairs before the closing.
Home inspections may also be very helpful to sellers before listing their house.
If you are in the middle of buying a home or looking at a home sometime in the near future the topic of a home inspection will come up. Do you need one? Are you required to have a home inspected. In some cases the answer then is yes. Some cities require that a home be inspected if it is being purchased by means of land contract. However in many cases the answer is no, it isn't mandatory.
Financial organizations may require specific inspections not covered by a basic home inspection. These often required inspections are, well and septic, gas line inspection and warranty and of course a termite inspection.
With Solid City Home Inspections you can be assured you are receiving a thorough and truthful home inspection. Call the pros at Solid City Inspections today for your Long Island Home Inspection, Nassau County Home Inspection, Suffolk County Home Inspection, andNew York Home Inspection needs.
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