Tips for Passing Home Inspection

Tips for Passing Home Inspection

If you are thinking about selling your home, you may want to start thinking about home inspections. As most inspections thoroughly check the home’s infrastructure, foundation and roof, most real estate experts recommend that you look for problems before putting your home on the market. Though older homes might have more concerns, homes of all ages and types should be given a checkup by homeowners prior to entering the market. This article describes the most common problems found by home inspectors and offers some tips on how your home can pass its eventual inspection.

Plumbing

If you know that you will be selling your home, you should try to repair all plumbing leaks as soon as possible. Besides checking for leaks throughout the home’s plumbing system, a home inspector will also check the water pressure by running multiple faucets and flushing toilets. In some cases, an inspection may also include a check of the septic system. If you have experienced drainage problems in your home, you may want to consider contacting a professional to check the septic system prior to the home inspection.

Heating and Cooling Systems

As there are many types of heating and cooling systems, there is no standard test for home inspectors. However, regardless of what type of heating and cooling systems your home utilizes, you should try to ensure that everything is working properly prior to the home inspection. You may also want to consider having your heating and cooling units serviced prior to selling your home.

Electrical System

A typical home inspection will check the electrical panel and circuit breakers that power your property for problems and test outlets throughout the home. The inspector will also check for ground fault interrupt outlets (GFIs) in the kitchen and bathrooms. Designed to automatically shut off power during a short circuit, these special outlets are an important safety feature for every home. If you live in an older home, you may want to have GFIs installed and have your electrical system checked before an inspection.

Roof and Chimney

A home inspection will check for weak or missing shingles and make an assessment regarding the quality of the roof. If any poor shingles are spotted, an inspector might check underneath to see if the building materials are damaged or rotten. To prevent a poor report, you should consider replacing bad shingles and having an expert check the overall quality of the roof.

The inspector will also check the chimney to ensure that the base of the chimney is watertight and that all bricks and mortar are in good condition. Prior to the inspection, you may also want to check to make sure the chimney is clear and that the fireplace is working properly.

Gutters

Prior to the inspection, try to make sure your gutters are clean and rainwater is able to flow without spilling over the sides. Also, downspouts should be pointed away from the house, as poor drainage is often the cause of mold and mildew problems.

Mold and Mildew

If you have seen mold or mildew anywhere in your home, you should consider contacting a cleanup professional prior to the inspection. Regardless of where mold and mildew are found in the home, it is important to both kill the fungus and fix the cause of the problem. As homebuyers are becoming increasingly aware of the effects mold and mildew can have on a home, you might experience difficulty selling your home if you don’t take care of the issue. If you have a basement, take some extra time to check the walls and floors for signs of water damage.

After the initial inspection, try not to be discouraged if the inspector finds a few flaws; very few homes are perfect and inspectors are trained to take note of every possible concern.  Home inspections are designed to assess the working order of the home’s infrastructure and assure the buyer that home’s condition matches the details of the contract. In short, if you take care of the most important repair concerns before you try to sell, you will grant yourself a better chance of passing your home inspection.

The staff at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC writes select articles about important topics related to real estate. For more information about buying a home or selling your current property, visit ColdwellBanker.com today.

Short Sale Primer

Put the “Short” Back in Short Sale

By Linda Yates, Director of Education, Foreclosure.com

Introduction

Protracted, complicated and costly.

The list of adjectives that real estate agents use to describe the short sale process is long and lengthy, but certainly not distinguished. In fact, it is almost always described as anything but “short.”

The short sale is a real estate technique that has been around for years; however, today it is rarely successful because of the headaches that it creates, dragging transactions on for months on end and delivering reduced commissions when closing time finally rolls around.

Why does a short sale seemingly take so long?

For starters, the process requires significant coordination and cooperation from several parties, including the buyer, seller, listing agent(s) and lender. Anytime there are so many moving parts things can get a little tricky … and lengthy.

In addition, a lender is essentially deciding whether or not to sell the property for less than (or "short" of) the amount it loaned the original borrower. It therefore needs time to crunch the numbers to ensure the deal is right for them in the long-term, which could be complicated if, for example, there is more than one "owner" of the financial instrument.

And let’s not forget that lenders today are being inundated with multiple offers on thousands of different properties, which can create a logjam of paperwork as they try and sort through it all.

So does it really benefit you to pursue a short sale?

The short answer is a resounding “Yes” because times are changing -- there are numerous ways in which you can vault your offers to the top of the stacks and do quite well with short sales. All it takes is the knowledge to know how to coordinate these deals properly and be aware of the ways in which to get them done fast.

Consider the following two tips that will make your short sale experience a better (and hopefully more lucrative) one:

First, the obvious: Your short sale packages must be pristine.

Everything must be in order and complete from the moment you submit them to the lenders on behalf of your buyers and sellers. Keep in mind that all lenders are different and, consequently, often have different submission requirements. No two short sales are alike. So know, learn and follow the various submission requirements to a tee the first time (and every time) to ensure optimum results.

Second and not so obvious: Your short sale efforts should always include a forensic document audit.

This is the real key to success with short sales because it can get your packages moved to the front of the line virtually overnight. This process starts with enlisting the help of a legal professional to complete a review of the sellers’ mortgage documents for potential fraud, including possible TILA, RESPA and other consumer rights violations.

It's a huge difference maker.

Recent studies from the Credit Law Group indicate that more than 80 percent of mortgages that were originated since 1999 have some type of consumer rights violations in them. Identifying these violations can create leverage in negotiations, alerting lender legal departments to expedite your files.

• In other words, the audit can be used to threaten the possibility of your client pursuing legal action, which most lenders would prefer to avoid at all costs -- they already have enough on their plates. The prospect of litigation is simply not a viable option if violations are detected because the lender knows it will likely be cost prohibitive.
• And if it does go to court, monetary damages could be awarded based on the severity of the violations, which can be applied to the short sale package to drive down the principal amount of the mortgage.
• Last but not least, no deficiency judgment will likely be filed in a case that undergoes an audit because these can be negotiated away. The reality is that the likelihood of a bank collecting on these is slim to none, meaning that the seller(s) are assured of the best possible outcome.

It's a win-win all around for you and your client.

Clearly, negotiating the murky waters of a short sale requires current knowledge and the support of a team of professionals who all possess the skill sets and goals to get the sale through efficiently and effectively.

It is important to first educate yourself about lenders, including their short sale processes and package requirements. Next, team up with a legal eagle who can help you audit mortgages to strengthen your negotiation position. Do this and it will make the process short, easy and profitable … as its name suggests.

Save Point No Point Lighthouse

Place your on-line vote to restore the Point No Point Lighthouse in Hansville,  WA - Kitsap County.  There is funding available (not taxpayers' money)... but the amount donated is based on which projects receive the most votes!

Here's the article from the Kitsap Sun:

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/apr/15/for-point-no-point-lighthouse-serious-cash-is-on/?partner=yahoo_feeds

Skogen Lane - Bainbridge Islander Home of the Week

Live Everyday in a Far-away Island RetreatNantucket-Style Home on Port Madison Bay

Welcome to the private island community of Skogen Lane, whose bonfires and potlucks foster friendly neighborhood living. This custom, upscale cottage-style home is straight out of Coastal Living Magazine. Its light and airy interior capitalizes on the enchanting and ever changing view of Port Madison Bay with over 48 windows. You will appreciate the private boating easement to Port Madison Bay and the five nearby public parks and road ends with water and beach access. Built in 2007, it offers over 850 square feet of Brazilian redwood decking and 3,790+ square feet of living space. Moreover, a separate guest quarters of 820 square-foot with kitchenette flexibly accommodates a professional office, in-law quarters or media room. To see more of the home Visit: www.bainbridgecoastalliving.com

Cottage Red shingles and lap siding are trimmed in white, true to the home’s east coast-styled front porch of white columns, Brazilian redwood decking and stainless balusters. The nautical theme that runs throughout the home is smartly introduced in frosted front door displays a marine compass etching that is true to the home’s location. Step inside onto sustainable grown Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring. Just off the entry, four bay windows define an anteroom, where guests may gather or comfortable rest in quiet moments. Distinctive detail makes this home an extra-ordinary find.

Enter the 800 square-foot great room, where a dramatic tongue-and-groove beadboard cathedral ceiling is painted Nantucket white. The ceiling slopes from nine to 14 feet high, wrapping kitchen, dining and living areas in incredible scale and trim. Abundant recessed lighting is mounted into all ceiling slopes, while 15 separate windows invite natural light on four sides. Two windows are mounted within an arch, framing the living area’s large, honed granite Heat & Glo fireplace. The fireplace chimney displays vertical board design that imitates beadboard, and a Honduran mahogany wraparound mantel provides options for seasonal décor. Cabinets hide stereo surround sound and provide ample storage for games, movies, and music.

In the dining area, pendant lighting hangs from the 14-foot ceiling to designate dining table placement. A cathedral beadboard arch rises over a grouping of two-story windows, including a full-lite door that opens to the main-story deck. Steel balusters and Brazilian redwood define a five-sided deck that looks to the covenant-protected view of Port Madison Bay. Moored yachts symbolize easy access to Puget Sound. Hot and cold water spigots and propane outlines enhance barbecue entertainment.

Everyone will gravitate to the stunning kitchen, where a cathedral beadboard arch rises above kitchen windows. Pendant lighting shines on a wraparound, honed granite island. Its upper tier serves as a serving/breakfast bar that easily seats eight. The lower tier houses a deep stainless sink, and below the sink on floor level is located an automatic dustpan. A Jenn-Air stainless dishwasher, a refrigerator, double ovens and a 48-inch wide cooktop are interspersed among copious Shaker-style alder cabinets. Deep appliance drawers automatically close and built-in trash bins offer easy disposal. The down-drafted cook top offers a grill and six burners, easily hosting large gatherings. A nearby walk-in pantry is hidden behind a magnetic/chalkboard door, which serves as a reminder of everyday activities.

An arch off the great room opens to the away-room and full bath. Tiny tan-and-white tiled flooring complements a vanity of creamy marble and beadboard. Tiled walls rise over the custom shower that includes a tile-framed window. In the next-door guest bedroom, a rainbow of windows looks to leafy branches. An arch frames an alcove that may serve as a sitting/desk area—or this room may serve as an office or television/media room. Radiant floor heating warms the home’s flexibility with separate zones, including bedroom and recreational/workshop levels. A whole-house fan proves a heat recovery ventilator for extra energy efficiency and quiet, continuous, circulating air. A central vacuum system simplifies cleaning on all levels.

On the bedroom level, step onto cushy carpet into the connecting master bedroom, where five windows view yachts moored in Port Madison Bay. A frosted door opens to the lower deck that runs the full length of the home. Stairs descend on each side of the deck to the sunny yard, where a grove of birch trees dapples sunshine. Back inside, pocket doors reveal the deep walk-in closet with mirrored cabinet, rods and shoe racks. The adjoining master bath provides radiant floor heating in the tiled shower with two showerheads. Two circular sinks are mounted into a granite and beadboard vanity. Tiny white and grey tiles cover the floor and encase a Jacuzzi soaking tub.

A tiled full bath with marble vanity serves two more good-sized bedrooms. One bedroom views Port Madison Bay and the other bedroom views wooded serenity. The lower deck is also accessed by the attractive laundry/mudroom. Its black-and-white tiled flooring and integral stainless sink complement beadboard cabinets.

The home’s daylight lower level includes radiant-heated floors that flow throughout the recreation room and the huge mechanical/storage and workshop/storage rooms. Flexibility suggests an additional sleeping room, perfect teen hangout and even wine storage. Double doors open to the side yard, where a path leads to the separate garage/guest quarters.

The garage level includes a full bath and additional laundry area. The overhead guest quarters/office/studio features 820 square feet of light-filled living space with vaulted ceiling, skylights and bamboo flooring. A slider opens to a private sunny deck that views Port Madison Bay. The large living area accommodates a sitting area and desk; the full-sized bedroom offers a ¾ bath and large closet; and the kitchenette offers a dishwasher, refrigerator, eating bar and breakfast nook. Friends and family will appreciate this extra space that provides endless opportunity. The home also includes a newer well and newer four-bedroom septic system.

The home: 4 bedrooms 4.75 baths, 3,794 sq. ft. plus 820 square-foot guest quarters, .71 acre, MLS 29082926

Address: 15193 Skogen Lane NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 Tour by appointment

Listing agent: Leah Applewhite, Coldwell Banker McKenzie, 10048 NE High School Road, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Direct: 206-387-0439 Email: leah@leahapplewhite.com Website: www.bainbridgecoastalliving.com Driving directions: From Highway 305 on Bainbridge, turn west onto NE West Port Madison Road. Make a switchback right on Skogen Lane NE.

Own a whole Town! Entire Washington Town for sale on Ebay

How many people do you know that can say they own their own town! You don't see properties like this often so I thought I'd share it with you. If you want to own your own zip code, post office, restaurant, gas station, convenience store and owners ranch keep reading. Wauconda, a small town in eastern Washington is up for auction on eBay. The bidding started at $1 and now the price is up to $370K with two days left.

The property had a price tag over one million dollars when it went up for sale in 2008 but the owners have cut that to $359,000 because of the current real estate market.

Check out the owner's description of the property below:

• RESTAURANT/BAR/GRILL Turn-Key 60 seat/15 table, includes all equipment and fixtures, fully remodeled w/new commercial kitchen, huge walk-in cooler, lots of freezer space, commercial s/s gas grill, range, pizza oven, outside dining new deck, bar currently serving beer and wine, liquor available, has 3 dining areas, pool table, piano and room for a band, new floors and roof
• GAS STATION/CONVENIENCE STORE (established 1898) with new gas pumps and underground tank installed in 2006 at an expense of $160,000, includes all general store inventory and equipment, coolers, cash register.
• USPS Government leased POST OFFICE zip code 98859 established in 1902 with a new 20yr lease.
• OWNERS RANCH...Very private, behind the businesses, 4 acre fully fenced horse property, 4 bedroom newly remodeled house, huge master bedroom, laundry room, lots of closet and storage, multiple entrances, makes a great B&B Bed and Breakfast (especially since theres a restaurant around front), 3 stall barn with hay storage, creek, access to thousands of acres of riding trails in the national forest. Plus, room to build a motel (it would be an instant success, there is a shortage in this area).
• Original 100 yr old homestead LOG CABIN has been converted to huge garage/workshop

The owner says she's selling up because she's tired and wants to retire. The businesses are supposed to be thriving, the store in particular because there's no competition for 15 miles in either direction.

See more on Ebay

Review of Premier Architectural Tour on Bainbridge Island

Last weekend was Bainbridge Island’s first architectural tour and what a success! Gorgeous weather, incredible houses in amazing settings, talented interesting people… for the design minded, it was an inspiring two days of fun. Produced by GEM and Seattle Homes and Lifestyle Magazine, it was a thoughtful way for local architects and builders to show off their style. We were able to go inside more than twenty incredible homes and talk directly to their architects. Bainbridge has some amazing residences! Amazing attention to detail and energy saving innovation from Coates Design. (I have to say this was the most intriguing home):

Impressive land use strategies and flexible utility from Peter Brachvogel. (Most gorgeous garage on the island - I can’t wait to see the primary residence):

Stylish modern design on the waterfront from LaRoche. (I felt like I was floating walking through this home – perhaps it was the light colored cork flooring and darker natural wood ceilings. This home was definitely a play on smooth and textured surfaces. I’ve been admiring it from the water for a couple of years now.)

The firms on the tour are just a sampling of the very talented professionals that live right here in the community. If you are remodeling or building new, I encourage you to ‘shop local’: www.tourofarchitects.com. Participants included:

Architects:

Bill Chester, Williarm Chester Architect & Planner

Charlie Wenzlau, Wenslau Architects

Sean Parker, Sean Parker Architect

Ron Holsman, Ronald H. Holsman Architects

Peter O’Connor, O’Connor Architects

Marc LaRoche, Marc LaRoche Architects

Peter Manning, Manning Architecture & Planning

Julie Kriegh, Kriegh Architects

Devin Johnson, Johnson Squared Architecture

Jeb Thornburg, Indigo Architecture & Interiors

Hris Gutche, Ecosmith Architecture & Consulting

Dick Dunbar, Dunbar Architects

Dana Webber, Dana Webber Architect

Lane Williams, Coop 15

Mathew Coates, Coates Design Architects

Peter Brachvogel, BC&J Architects

Nate Thomas, Architects/Thomas

Building Contractors:

Toilsome Construction

Andrew Constan, CDB General Contractors, LLC

Port Blakely Builders, Inc

Bill Agnew/Thom Fowler

Hall Construction

Schuchart/Dow

Jim Bickford

Drury Construction

Brian Russell

Smallwood Design & Construction

Carley Construction, Inc.

Cratsman Building

Fairbank Construction Company

Mike Fisher Construction

Tom Salisbury

Pacific Pointe

Structural Engineers:

Swenson Say Faget, Paul Faget

Jay Oleson PE, Brain Glover SE, Arup

Quantum Consulting Engineers

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/mar/19/mother-in-laws-featured-in-bainbridge-tour/#ixzz0jDtFjJuK

Recent Bainbridge Island homes for sale:

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Bainbridge Island Barn website is live!

Visit my new website highlighting this Bainbridge Barn: www.bainbridgebarn.com