Pre-Listing Home Inspection

A pre-listing home inspection can uncover previously unknown problems - major and minor - allowing sellers the opportunity to make repairs or replacements as needed. By addressing these issues before the home goes on the market, you can list a home with confidence in its condition and will have a better chance of maximizing its value. Being aware of issues in advance will also allow for disclosure of problems when selling, which can result in cleaner offers and a smoother transaction for both parties.

Energy Efficency Made Easy

The average North American household spends $1500 annually on energy bills, a number that may go up as much as 50 percent this year. In the face of higher energy costs this winter, improving energy efficiency is more important than ever to homeowners. Here are some simple and inexpensive steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Why not start this weekend?
Furnace Care

Dirty furnace filters impede air flow and can also affect indoor air quality. Replace your furnace filters or clean them as needed, following the manufacturer's instructions. The furnace won't need to work as hard to deliver heat where it's needed. Also consider installing a programmable thermostat, which will lower the heat at night or when no one is home.

Bundle Up

If you have a tank-style water heater, wrap it in an insulation blanket to prevent needless energy loss.

Change a light bulb

Replace the five most frequently used lights in your home with LED or CFL light bulbs and save more than $60 each year in energy costs.

Power Down

Put electronics such as computers and televisions on a power strip and turn it off when you're not using those items. Consider "smart" power strips that can detect when an item is turned off but still drawing idle current; the strip will automatically shut off the current to selected outlets on the strip.

Seal Drafts

Seal holes, cracks and openings in your home to stop heat loss through the walls and ceiling.
Use Energy Star®Energy Star® products help you save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Energy Star® label is on more than 40 different kinds of products for the home, including lighting, home electronics, heating and cooling equipment and appliances.

Fill it Up

Run washers and dryers at full capacity. They are most efficient when they are fully loaded.
Use Your DishwaterYou'll use up to 35 percent less water by doing a full load of dishes vs. washing them by hand - and use less energy for water heating, too.

Preparing your House for the Home Inspection

Preparing your House for the Home Inspection
1. Make sure all interior and exterior light fixtures work. If an outdoor fixture bulb
is out, the inspector has to note that the fixture does not operate correctly.
2. Provide access to the furnace, water heater and electrical panel. Also, the
inspector must be able to remove the electrical panel cover. If the panel is locked,
remove it.
3. Install a new furnace filter and vacuum the register. It will be looked at during
the inspection and be considered as a part of the overall condition of the furnace
or heat pump.
4. Ensure that windows operate smoothly. If some are stuck or painted shut, the
impression will be that many windows cannot open. Also, remove window
security screws or provide keys for window security locks.
5. Replace all damaged window screens, and make sure all operating windows have
screens.
6. Tighten all door knobs and tighten or repair all handrails. Also check to be sure
that all interior doors will latch to the strike plate.
7. Clear the way to the attic access panel or pull down, especially in a closet. This
means removing any clothing or other personal items in closets under access
panels. The inspector will enter every attic.
8. If you use your attic for storage, remove any items that will inhibit the inspector.
9. Be sure that there is a minimum of one smoke detector per floor. Smoke detectors
in each bedroom are also recommended as they are required per present standards.
10. Provide keys or unlock detached garages, sheds, and outbuildings.
11. Verify all utilities will be on at the time of inspection, and that gas pilots
(including fireplaces) are lit.
12. Remove or restrain pets on site.
13. Empty the washer and dryer so they can be tested. The dishwasher can be run
whether it is full or empty.
Selling a home can be a long and stressful run. When you get to the point of the
inspection, you’re nearing the finish line. Hopefully, the pointers mentioned above will
help you cross it with ease!

Preparing a home for sale

Preparing a home for sale requires more than an average cleaning. Most sellers understand that they must keep their house neat and tidy in order to attract potential buyers, but many may be overwhelmed or sidetracked when faced with seriously removing clutter. Beyond dusting and scrubbing, a de-cluttered home shows off its spaciousness and allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living there. Here are a few proven strategies to help homeowners take control of their space.

Empty it Out

Once you have identified your clutter hot spots it's time to pull everything out of that closet, shelving unit, or drawer and sort through what you really do and do not need. Start slowly and resist the urge to go into a frenzied clean. A successful purge requires time, commitment and motivation.

The Uselessness of Potential

Sometimes the hardest things to let go of are the things we've never used. Giving up on the idea of what that thing could be is an important part of letting it go. This is true for the things we've used but may never use again. A good rule of thumb: if you haven't used it in a year then you probably don't need it.

Give it a Home

Staying organized sometimes means finding a place for something and keeping it there. Key rings, newspaper racks, bill holders, and plastic storage containers can all help calm that "where did I put it?" frantic feeling.

Get it Out

Once you have made a pile of things to be cleared out the final step is making sure it gets out of your house! A yard sale can clear out the clutter and bring in some extra cash. If putting together a sale is too much work, donate your extra goods to your favorite local charity.

Kick the Habit

Once you've cleared out the clutter, it's important to adopt habits that prevent the problem from occurring again. Establish routines to help such as sorting mail over the recycle bin, always keeping a "give away" box in your hallway, and thinking twice about whether or not you really need something before you buy it.

Echo Boomers, The Key to Real Estate Recovery

The seeds of a housing recovery have already been planted, according to a report released recently. In fact, many of them were sown starting around 1979. According to an annual state of the nation’s housing from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, once the U.S. emerges from recession, strong demographic trends will restore health to the housing market. The key is echo boomers, the 75 million Americans born between 1979 and 1995. "There will be 5 million more echo boomers than there were boomers when they first started swelling housing markets," said Eric Belsky, executive director of the Joint Center. As a result, household growth during the next 10 years should range between 12.5 million and 14.8 million, according to the report. All those new households mean demand for many new housing units. "This is a powerful, powerful underpinning of future demand," said Belsky. Source: CNN/Money
Housing confidence is up amid increasing evidence that the market is turning around. The Adversity Index from MSNBC.com and Moody’s Economy.com reported signs of a turnaround in 33 of the nation’s metro areas. While that’s less than 10 percent of all metro areas, it’s still significant, says economist Andrew Gledhill of Economy.com. "There are signs out there that builders are growing modestly more confident about their prospects,” he says. Vallejo, Calif., where housing starts are up 440 percent compared to a year ago, leads the list of improving metros. In Longview, Tex., housing starts increased 263 percent. Others metro areas at the top of the list are Lawrence, Kan.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; Kokomo, Ind.; and Clarksville, Tenn. Housing prices are also increasing in 140 metro areas compared to a year ago. The greatest increase was in Elmira, N.Y., where prices were up 10 percent compared to a year ago. Source: MSNBC
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have received the green light from their regulator to refinance underwater homeowners whose loans are as high as 25% greater than the value of the home. The special refinance plan that Obama administration officials unveiled in February limited the option to loans 5% greater than the value of the home. The higher limits will allow more homeowners to strengthen their finances by taking advantage of lower rates," Federal Housing Finance Agency director James Lockhart said. Fannie Mae said it would accept delivery of the higher limits starting Sept. 1. A Freddie Mac spokesman said it would start accepting the loans "now." The GSE financing program is only available to borrowers with loans that are owned or guaranteed by Fannie and Freddie. They also have to be current on their payments. Source: National Mortgage News

Going 'green'

Going 'green' in the backyard
Easy ways to save money, environmentBy Paul Bianchina, Inman News
Everyone loves the oasis of calm and beauty that's created by a nice green yard. But what about a yard that's "green" at the same time? There are a number of steps you can take to reduce noise, pollution, waste and water usage in your backyard, and save yourself some time and money at the same time. Simple changes all add up, and the following are a few tips to get you started.
Reduce your lawn area: The easiest way to reduce the impact of lawn mowing is to simply reduce the lawn in the first place. Instead, consider planting all or part of your lawn area with lush, green, low-growing ground covers -- you'll get much the same look with a lot less water and a big reduction in maintenance.
Use drought-resistant plants: In non-lawn areas, look for plants that are stingy water users. Depending on where you live, there are any number of beautiful backyard plants that require a minimal amount of watering.
Add mulch or bark to planter areas: The addition of a layer of mulch or decorative bark material not only looks nice and reduces weed growth, it also keeps plants cooler and reduces the evaporation of moisture from the soil, both of which help reduce water consumption.
Cut down on water usage: Instead of the standard rotating or sprayer-type sprinkler nozzles, switch to an irrigation system that uses less water. Soaker hoses, low-flow sprinkler heads, and drip irrigation are all good options for reducing water usage. Also, rather than allow your sprinklers to run until you remember to go out and shut off the faucet, consider the use of sprinkler timers. These can range from sophisticated timers for underground systems to simple hose timers.
Grow some of your own food: Planting a vegetable garden or adding some fruit trees to your yard will have a number of positive benefits. In addition to taking a little strain off your food budget, garden plants help cool the yard and absorb carbon dioxide, and fruit trees can add privacy and shade.
Watch your fertilizers: Talk with local garden and landscape experts to see what the best type of fertilizer and plant food is for your particular region and the types of plants you have. You can save money and reduce pollution by selecting the proper lawn and plant treatments, and using only as much of them as necessary.
Don't burn in the backyard: Get rid of your burn barrel and fill in the burn pit. Backyard burning has been shown by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to create a number of unhealthy conditions, including the release of dioxins, carbon monoxide and particulate matter that increases air pollution, and fine ash that can aggravate breathing problems. Instead, recycle wood, cardboard, paper, plastics and other materials, and properly dispose of the remaining waste by taking it to your local landfill.
Maintain your lawn and garden equipment: Gasoline-powered mowers and other yard maintenance equipment need to be treated in much the same manner as your car. Change spark plugs and oil regularly, have tune-ups performed at recommended times, and clean or replace air filters as needed. This will keep your equipment running smoothly with fewer emissions, and will save you money in fuel costs as well.
Use care when filling gas equipment: Take care not to overfill the tanks or spill any fuel. Spilled gasoline is both a pollutant and a waste of money. Look for approved fuel cans with a flexible spout to simplify filling, and use a funnel whenever necessary to prevent spills. Keep gas cans tightly sealed between fuelings.
Switch from gas-powered equipment: Last but far from least, when it comes time to buy or replace lawn maintenance equipment, give some serious thought to switching from gas-powered equipment to electric or, better yet, equipment that's powered by rechargeable batteries. Great strides have been made in battery technology in recent years, leading to equipment that is powerful, quiet, and much, much cleaner.
For example, Black & Decker recently introduced a battery-powered, 36-volt string trimmer (Model NST2036, $249.99) that can go head to head with gas-powered trimmers. It has plenty of power and a long run time, all without gas, oil, fumes or noise. Also from Black & Decker is the Rechargeable Alligator Lopper (Model NLP1800, $139.99). A cross between a traditional chain saw and a traditional pair of lopping shears, the Alligator uses a chain saw blade and tough metal jaws to saw through logs and branches up to 4 inches in diameter -- once again, without all the hassles, pollution or noise of a conventional gas chain saw.
Easy ways to save money, environmentBy Paul Bianchina, Inman News
Everyone loves the oasis of calm and beauty that's created by a nice green yard. But what about a yard that's "green" at the same time? There are a number of steps you can take to reduce noise, pollution, waste and water usage in your backyard, and save yourself some time and money at the same time. Simple changes all add up, and the following are a few tips to get you started.
Reduce your lawn area: The easiest way to reduce the impact of lawn mowing is to simply reduce the lawn in the first place. Instead, consider planting all or part of your lawn area with lush, green, low-growing ground covers -- you'll get much the same look with a lot less water and a big reduction in maintenance.
Use drought-resistant plants: In non-lawn areas, look for plants that are stingy water users. Depending on where you live, there are any number of beautiful backyard plants that require a minimal amount of watering.
Add mulch or bark to planter areas: The addition of a layer of mulch or decorative bark material not only looks nice and reduces weed growth, it also keeps plants cooler and reduces the evaporation of moisture from the soil, both of which help reduce water consumption.
Cut down on water usage: Instead of the standard rotating or sprayer-type sprinkler nozzles, switch to an irrigation system that uses less water. Soaker hoses, low-flow sprinkler heads, and drip irrigation are all good options for reducing water usage. Also, rather than allow your sprinklers to run until you remember to go out and shut off the faucet, consider the use of sprinkler timers. These can range from sophisticated timers for underground systems to simple hose timers.
Grow some of your own food: Planting a vegetable garden or adding some fruit trees to your yard will have a number of positive benefits. In addition to taking a little strain off your food budget, garden plants help cool the yard and absorb carbon dioxide, and fruit trees can add privacy and shade.
Watch your fertilizers: Talk with local garden and landscape experts to see what the best type of fertilizer and plant food is for your particular region and the types of plants you have. You can save money and reduce pollution by selecting the proper lawn and plant treatments, and using only as much of them as necessary.
Don't burn in the backyard: Get rid of your burn barrel and fill in the burn pit. Backyard burning has been shown by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to create a number of unhealthy conditions, including the release of dioxins, carbon monoxide and particulate matter that increases air pollution, and fine ash that can aggravate breathing problems. Instead, recycle wood, cardboard, paper, plastics and other materials, and properly dispose of the remaining waste by taking it to your local landfill.
Maintain your lawn and garden equipment: Gasoline-powered mowers and other yard maintenance equipment need to be treated in much the same manner as your car. Change spark plugs and oil regularly, have tune-ups performed at recommended times, and clean or replace air filters as needed. This will keep your equipment running smoothly with fewer emissions, and will save you money in fuel costs as well.
Use care when filling gas equipment: Take care not to overfill the tanks or spill any fuel. Spilled gasoline is both a pollutant and a waste of money. Look for approved fuel cans with a flexible spout to simplify filling, and use a funnel whenever necessary to prevent spills. Keep gas cans tightly sealed between fuelings.
Switch from gas-powered equipment: Last but far from least, when it comes time to buy or replace lawn maintenance equipment, give some serious thought to switching from gas-powered equipment to electric or, better yet, equipment that's powered by rechargeable batteries. Great strides have been made in battery technology in recent years, leading to equipment that is powerful, quiet, and much, much cleaner.
For example, Black & Decker recently introduced a battery-powered, 36-volt string trimmer (Model NST2036, $249.99) that can go head to head with gas-powered trimmers. It has plenty of power and a long run time, all without gas, oil, fumes or noise. Also from Black & Decker is the Rechargeable Alligator Lopper (Model NLP1800, $139.99). A cross between a traditional chain saw and a traditional pair of lopping shears, the Alligator uses a chain saw blade and tough metal jaws to saw through logs and branches up to 4 inches in diameter -- once again, without all the hassles, pollution or noise of a conventional gas chain saw.yard
Easy ways to save money, environmentBy Paul Bianchina, Inman News
Everyone loves the oasis of calm and beauty that's created by a nice green yard. But what about a yard that's "green" at the same time? There are a number of steps you can take to reduce noise, pollution, waste and water usage in your backyard, and save yourself some time and money at the same time. Simple changes all add up, and the following are a few tips to get you started.
Reduce your lawn area: The easiest way to reduce the impact of lawn mowing is to simply reduce the lawn in the first place. Instead, consider planting all or part of your lawn area with lush, green, low-growing ground covers -- you'll get much the same look with a lot less water and a big reduction in maintenance.
Use drought-resistant plants: In non-lawn areas, look for plants that are stingy water users. Depending on where you live, there are any number of beautiful backyard plants that require a minimal amount of watering.
Add mulch or bark to planter areas: The addition of a layer of mulch or decorative bark material not only looks nice and reduces weed growth, it also keeps plants cooler and reduces the evaporation of moisture from the soil, both of which help reduce water consumption.
Cut down on water usage: Instead of the standard rotating or sprayer-type sprinkler nozzles, switch to an irrigation system that uses less water. Soaker hoses, low-flow sprinkler heads, and drip irrigation are all good options for reducing water usage. Also, rather than allow your sprinklers to run until you remember to go out and shut off the faucet, consider the use of sprinkler timers. These can range from sophisticated timers for underground systems to simple hose timers.
Grow some of your own food: Planting a vegetable garden or adding some fruit trees to your yard will have a number of positive benefits. In addition to taking a little strain off your food budget, garden plants help cool the yard and absorb carbon dioxide, and fruit trees can add privacy and shade.
Watch your fertilizers: Talk with local garden and landscape experts to see what the best type of fertilizer and plant food is for your particular region and the types of plants you have. You can save money and reduce pollution by selecting the proper lawn and plant treatments, and using only as much of them as necessary.
Don't burn in the backyard: Get rid of your burn barrel and fill in the burn pit. Backyard burning has been shown by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to create a number of unhealthy conditions, including the release of dioxins, carbon monoxide and particulate matter that increases air pollution, and fine ash that can aggravate breathing problems. Instead, recycle wood, cardboard, paper, plastics and other materials, and properly dispose of the remaining waste by taking it to your local landfill.
Maintain your lawn and garden equipment: Gasoline-powered mowers and other yard maintenance equipment need to be treated in much the same manner as your car. Change spark plugs and oil regularly, have tune-ups performed at recommended times, and clean or replace air filters as needed. This will keep your equipment running smoothly with fewer emissions, and will save you money in fuel costs as well.
Use care when filling gas equipment: Take care not to overfill the tanks or spill any fuel. Spilled gasoline is both a pollutant and a waste of money. Look for approved fuel cans with a flexible spout to simplify filling, and use a funnel whenever necessary to prevent spills. Keep gas cans tightly sealed between fuelings.
Switch from gas-powered equipment: Last but far from least, when it comes time to buy or replace lawn maintenance equipment, give some serious thought to switching from gas-powered equipment to electric or, better yet, equipment that's powered by rechargeable batteries. Great strides have been made in battery technology in recent years, leading to equipment that is powerful, quiet, and much, much cleaner.
For example, Black & Decker recently introduced a battery-powered, 36-volt string trimmer (Model NST2036, $249.99) that can go head to head with gas-powered trimmers. It has plenty of power and a long run time, all without gas, oil, fumes or noise. Also from Black & Decker is the Rechargeable Alligator Lopper (Model NLP1800, $139.99). A cross between a traditional chain saw and a traditional pair of lopping shears, the Alligator uses a chain saw blade and tough metal jaws to saw through logs and branches up to 4 inches in diameter -- once again, without all the hassles, pollution or noise of a conventional gas chain saw.

Basement Seepage

Given the right condition, any basement can leak.
No one can predict if a basement will leak in the future, and in many cases, it's not even possible to tell if a basement has leaked in the past. Basement seepage is the result of water concentration along an exterior foundation wall - which then
seeks an entry through foundation cracks. It's important to eliminate the cause, not just seal the entry point. Over time, neglected moisture intrusion problems can create significant structural and indoor air quality problems. However, the majority of wet basement problems can be eliminated, or at least reduced to a tolerable level, by improvements to exterior grading and proper performance of gutters and downspouts.

The most common cause of wet basements is poor surface and roof drainage. In fact experience indicates the vast majority of wet basements are simply caused by surface rain water from improper drainage or slope. Keep in mind, a 1,000 square foot home with an attached garage will have over 1,100 gallons run from it in a one-inch rain. That's a tremendous amount of water. Imagine a downpour on a home with blocked gutters. Conditions change, foundations move, gutters become blocked, landscape changes, and extended periods of drought or rain occur -- all of which can cause changes in the basement. Wet basements are a major concern -- but shouldn't necessarily kill a deal. While basement seepage is a critical issue, often simple
remedies are available and are well within the scope of most homeowners/buyers. Homeowner suggestions include:
For basement seepage, the following is recommend before seeking a specialized contractor: Make sure the land around the house slopes in the right direction. This can require as little as a couple of bags of topsoil or as much as a new driveway. Pay attention to localized low spots like gardens, window wells and the space between sidewalks and foundation walls. Be sure to check the grading below decks and porches as it is often bad. Examine gutters and downspouts. Gutters must be sloped properly to drain. Downspouts must be frequent enough (every 35 feet) to prevent overflow in heavy rain. Look where downspouts discharge. If they go into the ground, the below-ground portion of the drain may be broken or plugged. This almost guarantees a wet basement in the vicinity of the downspout. Malfunctioning integral gutters can be very serious. The water leaking out of the gutters usually ends up in the structure, causing rot and other damage. It is best to have downspouts discharge onto the lawn -- preferably six feet from your home.