What First Time Home Buyers Need to Know.

A regular real estate home inspection and a first time home buyer inspection differs slightly in the fact that I highly recommend a first time home buyer needs to be there during the inspection. Someone who has owned homes before already understands where to look for the main water shut off, The main septic clean-out and where re-set buttons are on the garbage disposal, and The furnace or how to set the temperature on the hot water heater or how to prime the furnace after running out of oil. These are just a few things I like to point out to new home buyers. How do you expect someone to know how to change their furnace filter which only takes a minute, if they didn’t even know they had one! Or how to put a mirror in the chimney clean out to see if it needs cleaning or not. All people know to take lint out of their dryer but new home owners might not know you should clean out the lint vent leading outside at least once a year. New home owners may not understand the importance of making sure outside faucets lead away from the basement or the importance of having proper ventilation in the attic. All good home inspectors have no problem helping out new home buyers at no extra charge for this service and I highly recommend all first time home buyers ask if the Inspector is first time home buyer certified. I also like to let all clients of my inspections to feel free to call anytime about any questions they may have about their home even if it is a year or so later. I enjoy being there for you and being allowed the opportunity to be of assistance. If I didn’t like this profession I would be doing something else

My Experience on Insurance Reports

I have done over 1000 basic Insurance  Inspections and Reconstruction Value reports for companies like Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Tower, USAA and many others.  By having this experience I have an edge on knowing what your insurance company is looking for when adjusting your rates. I have also done countless reports for companies to report on progress of repairs and construction for lenders.  New home buyers should use this as a guideline when looking to purchase a property to know what they will be looking at from their insurance company. When The Insurance company comes out to see your property this is usually what is included in an Exterior Report.

1. Photo’s of all sides of the home

2. Photo’s of all angles of the roof

3.  Identify the type of siding and roof material

4. Does the home have dead blots on all exterior doors

5. Is there any siding , roofing, window , door, chimney or chimney crown, steps, decks or porch damage.

6. Any damaged soffits, eaves, fascia or siding dry rot or paint peeling or gutters missing or pointing in the wrong direction.

7. Are there any decks higher than 36 inches without a railing

8. Any trees over hanging the home with over hanging branches larger than 6 inches

9. Identify and photograph any and all attached and detached structures on the property.

10. Is there a in-ground pool and is it properly fenced and a lock on the gate

11. Is there any aggressive dogs on the property or farm animals

12. How far is the nearest fire hydrant or body of water that can be used for a fire

13. Is there a trampoline or skateboard ramps

14. Is the foundation in need of repair

15. Is there second story exits

16. Is the home vacant or occupied

17. Is the sidewalk/driveway in need of repair

18. Is there a business on premises that creates additional hazards/exposures

19. Is the property in need of maintenance

20. Does the property contain an attractive nuisance

21. Is the property under construction

22. Discover the year built

If the Policy Holder is home ask if they have smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher