Is it time?

Some would-be buyers have emotional reasons to own a home, like having a place of their own where they can raise a family, feel safe and secure and enjoy their friends’ company. Other buyers’ dominant reasons might be financial in nature such as building equity or lowering their cost of housing.

Regardless of what might be motivating people to want their own home, it is easy to justify that now is a good time to purchase. Let’s look at a $250,000 example using a FHA loan.

The total payment will be about $1,835 dollars a month. If the payment is lower than the rent a person is paying, that should encourage a person to continue investigating.

In this example, when you consider the monthly principal reduction, the monthly appreciation and the tax savings, even with money added for monthly maintenance, the net cost of housing is less than half the total house payment.

Considering all those advantages, the would-be buyer is spending over $1,100 per month more to rent than it would be to own. In a year’s time, they would lose close to $14,000 which is more than the down payment of $8,750 required on this price home.

Most would-be buyers understand that a home is a big investment but they may not understand the advantage of the leverage caused by the low down payment mortgage. The benefits extend beyond a return on the down payment but to the value of the home.

In this example, the $8,750 down payment grows to an equity of $73,546 in seven years based on 2% annual appreciation and normal amortization on a 30-year loan. If you calculated that as a rate of return, you’d be challenged to find anything that could compare with it.

To see what your numbers might look like, check out this Rent vs. Own. If you need any help or have any questions, contact us. Part of our greatest satisfaction is helping would-be buyers understand why they should-be buyers.  Fill out the form below for more information.

Saving Up For a Down Payment on a New House?

Coming up with the funds for a down payment is often one of the most difficult hurdles of making a home purchase.  While there are advantages of putting more money down when you buy a house, did you know that you don't need a hefty down payment?  Luckily there are different options available for home buyers:

Loan Options

There are several options available, such as a 5% down conventional loan, or a 3.5% down FHA loan or even a $0 down VA loan.  

Down Payment Assistance

Multiple down payment assistance programs are available for buyers, and you don't have to be a first time home buyer to take advantage of the assistance.  

Contact a lender today to find out if you qualify for one of the loan programs or even for a down payment assistance program.  It might just take one phone call to put the dream of owning a home within your reach.

Glossary of Real Estate Terms

There are a lot of moving parts when purchasing or selling a home, from documents to inspections to loan docs, there's a lot that happens during the typical 30- to 45-day transaction.  To top it off there's a whole set of real estate lingo and terms that most people aren't familiar with.  So if you don't have a "C.L.U.E." about DOM or COE, read below for a glossary of common real estate terms.

1031 exchange or Starker exchange: The delayed exchange of properties that qualifies for tax purposes as a tax-deferred exchange.

1099: The statement of income reported to the IRS for an independent contractor.

24-hour notice: Allowed by law, tenants must be informed of showing 24 hours before you arrive.

Accompanied showings: Those showings where the listing agent must accompany an agent and his or her clients when viewing a listing.

Addendum: An addition to; a document typically attached to the Purchase Contract.

Adjustable rate mortgage (ARM): A type of mortgage loan whose interest rate is tied to an economic index, which fluctuates with the market. Typical ARM periods are one, three, five, and seven years.  ARMs are not as popular as they used to be before the crash.

Agent: The licensed real estate salesperson or broker who represents buyers or sellers.

Amended value: During a sale involving a relocation company, the amended value is the actual sales price after the seller successfully markets and sells his or her home through the broker of his or her choice. The sale is turned over to a third-party relocation company for closing, and the guaranteed offer is amended or changed.

Annual percentage rate (APR): The total costs (interest rate, closing costs, fees, and so on) that are part of a borrower’s loan, expressed as a percentage rate of interest. The total costs are amortized over the term of the loan.

Application fees: Fees that mortgage companies charge buyers at the time of written application for a loan; for example, fees for running credit reports of borrowers, property appraisal fees, and lender-specific fees.

Appraisal: A document of opinion of property value at a specific point in time.

Appraised price (AP): The price the third-party relocation company offers (under most contracts) the seller for his or her property. Generally, the average of two or more independent appraisals.

“As-is”: A contract or offer clause stating that the seller will not repair or correct any problems with the property.  The Arizona Association of REALTORS discontinued the use of the "As-is" Addendum when they rolled out the new 2017 Purchase Contract.  "As-is" is no longer used during a real estate transaction.

Assumable mortgage: One in which the buyer agrees to fulfill the obligations of the existing loan agreement that the seller made with the lender. When assuming a mortgage, a buyer becomes personally liable for the payment of principal and interest. The original mortgagor should receive a written release from the liability when the buyer assumes the original mortgage.

Back on market (BOM): When a property or listing is placed back on the market after being removed from the market recently.

Balloon mortgage: A type of mortgage that is generally paid over a short period of time, but is amortized over a longer period of time. The borrower typically pays a combination of principal and interest. At the end of the loan term, the entire unpaid balance must be repaid.

Backup offer: When an offer is accepted contingent on the fall through or voiding of an accepted first offer on a property.

Bill of sale: Transfers title to personal property in a transaction.

Board of REALTORS® (local): An association of REALTORS® in a specific geographic area.

Broker: A state licensed individual who acts as the agent for the seller or buyer.

Broker of record: The person registered with his or her state licensing authority as the managing broker of a specific real estate sales office.

Broker’s market analysis (BMA): The real estate broker’s opinion of the expected final net sale price, determined after the acquisition of the property by the third-party company.

Broker’s price opinion (BPO): The real estate broker’s opinion of the expected final net sale price, determined prior to the acquisition of the property.

Broker’s tour: A preset time and day when real estate sales agents can view listings by multiple brokerages in the market.

Buyer: The purchaser of a property.

Buyer agency: A real estate broker retained by the buyer who has a fiduciary duty to the buyer.

Buyer agent: The agent who shows the buyer’s property, negotiates the contract or offer for the buyer, and works with the buyer to close the transaction.

Carrying costs: Cost incurred to maintain a property (taxes, interest, insurance, utilities, and so on).

COE:  The date the transaction closes and records with the county.

Closing: The end of a transaction process where the deed is delivered, documents are signed, and funds are dispersed.

Closing Disclosure:  A five-page form that provides final details about the mortgage loan you have chosen.  It includes the loan terms, your projected monthly payments, and how much you will pay in fees and other costs, referred to as closing costs, to get your mortgage.  The lender is required to give you this form at least 3 business days before you close on the mortgage loan.??CLUE: CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) is the insurance industry’s national database that assigns individuals a risk score. CLUE also has an electronic file of a properties insurance history. These files are accessible by insurance companies nationally. These files could impact the ability to sell a property as they might contain information that a prospective buyer might find objectionable, and in some cases not even insurable.

Commission: The compensation paid to the listing brokerage by the seller for selling the property. A buyer agency agreement may require the buyer to pay a commission to his or her agent.

Commission split: The percentage split of commission compensation between the real estate sales brokerage and the real estate sales agent or broker.

Comparative market analysis or Competitive market analysis (CMA):: A study done by real estate sales agents and brokers using active, pending, and sold comparable properties to estimate a listing price for a property.  

Condominium association: An association of all owners in a condominium.

Condominium budget: A financial forecast and report of a condominium association’s expenses and savings.

Condominium by-laws: Rules passed by the condominium association used in the administration of the condominium property.

Condominium declarations: A document that legally establishes a condominium.

Condominium right of first refusal: A person or an association that has the first opportunity to purchase condominium real estate when it becomes available or the right to meet any other offer.

Condominium rules and regulation: Rules of a condominium association by which owners agree to abide.

Contingency: A provision in a contract requiring certain acts to be completed before the contract is binding.

Continue to show: When a property is under contract with contingencies, but the seller requests that the property continue to be shown to prospective buyers until contingencies are released.  The status of the property on the MLS would be CCBS (Contract Contingent on Buyer Sale), or UCB (Under Contract-Backups).

Contract of sale: An agreement between the third-party relocation company and the seller (transferee) whereby the third-party company purchases property owned by the seller.

Conventional mortgage: A type of mortgage that has certain limitations placed on it to meet secondary market guidelines. Mortgage companies, banks, and savings and loans underwrite conventional mortgages.

Cooperating commission: A commission offered to the buyer’s agent brokerage for bringing a buyer to the selling brokerage’s listing.

Cooperative (Co-op): Where the shareholders of the corporation are the inhabitants of the building. Each shareholder has the right to lease a specific unit. The difference between a co-op and a condo is in a co-op, one owns shares in a corporation; in a condo one owns the unit fee simple.

Corporate client: The company with whom the third-party relocation company has an agreement to handle the relocating employees.

Counteroffer: The response to an offer or a bid by the seller or buyer after the original offer or bid.

Credit report: Includes all of the history for a borrower’s credit accounts, outstanding debts, and payment timelines on past or current debts.

Credit score: A score assigned to a borrower’s credit report based on information contained therein.

Curb appeal: The visual impact a property projects from the street.

Days on Market (DOM):  number of days a property has been on the market.

Decree: A judgment of the court that sets out the agreements and rights of the parties.

Desk fees: A fee charged by the real estate company or brokerage for the real estate agent to use a desk.

Destination services: During a company relocation, services provided to the transferee at the new location. They can include familiarization tours, temporary housing, school searches, and so on.

Direct home-selling costs (DHSC): Carrying costs, loss on the sale, repairs, and improvements, commission, closing costs, principal, interest, taxes and insurance, interest on equity loans, and utilities.

Disclosures: Federal, state, county, and local requirements of disclosure that the seller provides and the buyer acknowledges.

Divorce: The legal separation of a husband and wife affected by a court decree that totally dissolves the marriage relationship.

DOM: See Days on market.

Down payment: The amount of cash put toward a purchase by the borrower.

Drive-by: When a buyer or seller agent or broker drives by a property listing or potential listing.

Dual agent: A state-licensed individual who represents the seller and the buyer in a single transaction.

Earnest money deposit: The money given to the seller at the time the offer is made as a sign of the buyer’s good faith.  In Arizona, the earnest money is typically deposited with the title company as soon as there is an accepted offer.

Escrow account for real estate taxes and insurance: An account into which borrowers pay monthly prorations for real estate taxes and property insurance.

Exclusions: Fixtures or personal property that are excluded from the contract or offer to purchase.

Expired (listing): A property listing that has expired per the terms of the listing agreement.

Feedback: The real estate sales agent and/or his or her client’s reaction to a listing or property. Requested by the listing agent.

Fee simple: A form of property ownership where the owner has the right to use and dispose of property at will.

FHA: Federal Housing Administration.

FHA (Federal Housing Administration) Loan Guarantee: A guarantee by the FHA that a percentage of a loan will be underwritten by a mortgage company or banker.

Fixture: Personal property that has become part of the property through permanent attachment.  Per the AAR Purchase Contract, all Fixtures convey with the property at the time of sale.

Flat fee: A predetermined amount of compensation received or paid for a specific service in a real estate transaction.

For sale by owner (FSBO): A property that is for sale by the owner of the property.

Gift letter: A letter to a lender stating that a gift of cash has been made to the buyer(s) and that the person gifting the cash to the buyer is not expecting the gift to be repaid. The exact wording of the gift letter should be requested of the lender.

Gross sale price: The sale price before any concessions.

Guaranteed offer: During a company relocation, the amount, after appraisals, the employer offers the transferring employee for his or her property.

Hazard insurance: Insurance that covers losses to real estate from damages that might affect its value.

Home-finding assistance: During a company relocation, additional assistance provided by a third-party relocation company that can include information about the destination community.

Homeowner’s insurance: Coverage that includes personal liability and theft insurance in addition to hazard insurance.

HUD: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

IDX: (Internet Data Exchange) Allows real estate brokers to advertise each other’s listings posted to listing databases such as the multiple listing service (MLS).

Inclusions: Fixtures or personal property that are included in a contract or offer to purchase.

Independent contractor: A real estate sales agent who conducts real estate business through a broker. This agent does not receive salary or benefits from the broker.

Interest rate float: The borrower decides to delay locking their interest rate on their loan. They can float their rate in expectation of the rate moving down. At the end of the float period, they must lock a rate.

Interest rate lock: When the borrower and lender agree to lock a rate on loan. Can have terms and conditions attached to the lock.

List date: Actual date the property was listed with the current broker.

List price: The price of a property through a listing agreement.

Listing: Brokers written agreement to represent a seller and their property. Agents refer to their inventory of agreements with sellers as listings.

Listing agent: The real estate sales agent that is representing the sellers and their property, through a listing agreement.

Listing agreement: A document that establishes the real estate agent’s agreement with the sellers to represent their property in the market.

Loan: An amount of money that is lent to a borrower fro a lender who agrees to repay the amount plus interest.

Loan application: A document that buyers who are requesting a loan fill out and submit to their lender.

Loan closing costs: The costs a lender charges to close a borrower’s loan. These costs vary from lender to lender and from market to market.

Loan commitment: A written document telling the borrowers that the mortgage company has agreed to lend them a specific amount of money at a specific interest rate for a specific period of time. The loan commitment may also contain conditions upon which the loan commitment is based.

Loan Estimate:  A three-page form that you receive after applying for a mortgage.  It tells you important details about the loan you have requested.  The lender must provide you with a Loan Estimate within three business days of receiving your application.

Loan package: The group of mortgage documents that the borrower’s lender sends to the title company for the buyer to sign prior to closing.  

Loan processor: An administrative individual who is assigned to check, verify, and assemble all of the documents and the buyer’s funds and the borrower’s loan for closing.

Loan underwriter: One who underwrites a loan for another. Some lenders have investors underwrite a buyer’s loan.

Lockbox: A tool that allows secure storage of property keys on the premises for agent use. A combo uses a rotating dial to gain access with a combination; a Supra® (electronic lockbox or ELB) features a keypad.

Managing broker: A person licensed by the state as a broker who is also the broker of record for a real estate sales office. This person manages the daily operations of a real estate sales office.

Market familiarization trip: During a company relocation, a visit by the transferee to the new location to view housing market options and location highlights.

Marketing period: During a company relocation, the period of time in which the transferee may market his or her property (typically 45, 60, or 90 days), as directed by the third-party company’s contract with the employer.

Mortgage banker: One who lends the bank’s funds to borrowers and brings lenders and borrowers together.

Mortgage broker:  A business that or an individual who unites lenders and borrowers and processes mortgage applications.

Mortgage loan servicing company:  A company that collects monthly mortgage payments from borrowers.

Multiple listing service (MLS): A service that compiles available properties for sale by real estate brokers and their agents.

Multiple Offers: If more than one buyer presents an offer on a property.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR): A national association comprised of real estate professionals.

Net sales price: Gross sales price, less concessions, to the buyers.

Niche: A special area or interest.

Off market: A property listing that has been removed from the sale inventory in a market. A property can be temporarily or permanently off market.

Offer to purchase: When a buyer proposes certain terms and presents these terms to the seller.  An offer or acceptance of an offer is not a legally binding until it is in writing.

Office tour/caravan: A walking or driving tour by a real estate sales office of listings represented by agents in the office. Usually held on a set day and time.

Open house (public): When a listing that is on market is available to the public for viewings and showings.

Payoff letter: A written document from a seller’s mortgage company stating the amount of money needed to pay the loan in full by a certain date.

Pending: A real estate contract that has been accepted on a property but the transaction has not closed.  The status of the property is changed to Pending on the MLS.

Personal assistant: A real estate sales agent administrative assistant.

Planned unit development (PUD): Mixed-use development that sets aside areas for residential use, commercial use, and public areas such as schools, parks, and so on.

Pre-approval: A higher level of buyer/borrower prequalification required by a mortgage lender. Some preapprovals have conditions the borrower must meet.

Prepaid interest: Funds paid by the borrower at closing based on the number of days left in the month of closing.

Prepayment penalty: A fine imposed on the borrower by the lender when the loan is paid off before it comes due.

Pre-qualification: The mortgage company tells a buyer in advance of the formal mortgage application, how much money the borrower can afford to borrow. Most pre-qualifications have conditions that the borrower must meet and most buyers have not supplied documents to their lender for review yet.

Preview appointment: When a buyer’s agent views a property alone to see if it meets his or her buyer’s needs.

Principal: The amount of money a buyer borrows.

Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI): The four parts that make up a borrower’s monthly mortgage payment.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI):  A special insurance paid by a borrower in monthly installments, typically for loans of more than 80 percent of the value of the property.

Professional designation: Additional advanced professional training and education completed by a real estate professional.

Professional regulation: A state licensing authority that oversees and disciplines licensees.

Promissory note: A promise-to-pay document used with a contract or an offer to purchase.

Real estate agent: An individual who is licensed by the state and who acts on behalf of his or her client, the buyer or seller. The real estate agent who does not have a broker’s license must work for a licensed broker.

Real estate contract: A binding agreement between buyer and seller. It consists of an offer and an acceptance as well as consideration (i.e., money).

REALTOR®: A licensed real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS, which means the agent must uphold the higher standards of the association and its code of ethics.  

Release deed: A written document stating that a seller or buyer has satisfied his or her obligation on a debt. This document is usually recorded.

Relist: Property that was listed with another broker but relisted with a current broker.

Rider: A separate document that is attached to a document in some way. This is done so that an entire document does not need to be rewritten.

Sale price: The price paid for a property.

Secondary market: An institutional investment market that purchases mortgages from mortgage lenders.

Seller (owner): The owner of a property who has signed a listing agreement or a potential listing agreement to sell their home.

Showing: When a listing is shown to prospective buyers by their agent.

Sign rider: An additional sign placed on a brokerage yard sign; it may include the agent’s name, “open Sunday,” “contract pending,” “sold,” the new price, and so on.

Special assessment: A special and additional charge to a unit in a condominium or cooperative. Also a special real estate tax for improvements that benefit a property.  A common assessment is the Community Facilities District (CFD).

State Association of REALTORS®: An association of Realtors® in a specific state.

Supra®: An electronic lockbox (ELB) that holds keys to a property. The user must have a Supra keypad to use the lockbox.

Temporarily off market (TOM): A listed property that is taken off the market due to illness, travel, repairs, and so on.

Temporary housing: Housing a transferee occupies until permanent housing is selected or becomes available.

Third-party company: A relocation company hired by an employee’s employer to coordinate the employee’s move to a new location.

Trailing spouse: The spouse or partner of the employee being moved to a new location by an employer.

Transaction: The real estate process from offer to closing.

Under contract: A property that has an accepted real estate contract between seller and buyer.  

VA: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

VA Loan Guarantee: A guarantee on a mortgage amount backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  The VA doesn't loan the money, they guarantee it.

Vacate date: During a company relocation, the date on which the seller (transferee) vacates the property (generally the date when responsibility for property expense by the transferee ends) and the third-party company assumes ownership of the property through a buyout.

Virtual tour: A video presentation of a property.

W-2: The Internal Revenue form issued by the employer to an employee to reflect compensation and deductions to compensation.

W-9: The Internal Revenue form requesting taxpayer identification number and certification.

Walk-through: A showing before closing or escrow that permits the buyers one final tour of the property they are purchasing.  The buyer will also confirm that all repairs have been completed by the seller during a walk-through.

Will: A document by which a person disposes of his or her property after death.

Notice:  The information on this page is modified from an article in the REALTOR Magazine.  Users must independently verify the accuracy and currency of the information found here.

An Alternative to Paying Tax Today:  the 1031 Exchange

The cartoon character Wimpy would say that he’d gladly repay you Tuesday for a hamburger today. Some real estate investors say a similar thing to Uncle Sam to be able to hold on to their proceeds from the sale of an investment and agree to pay the tax later.

The benefit of a 1031 exchange is that it allows the investor to defer the tax due from the sale into the replacement property. This allows more money to be reinvested. In the example shown, the investor has 27% more to invest now by deferring the tax into the future.

The property to be exchanged must be like-kind which means real estate for real estate.   Rental property can be exchanged for other rental or investment property.  Personal-use properties like a first or second home are not eligible for exchanges.

There are some critical dates that restrict the validity of the exchange. The investor must identify the replacement property within 45 days of the sale of the relinquished property. The replacement property must be closed within 180 days of the sale of the relinquished property.

• The replacement property must be equal to or greater in value, equity and debt than the one being relinquished.
• All net proceeds must be used in acquiring the replacement property.

There are specific rules involved in constructing a valid tax-deferred exchange. There are three professionals that should be involved: a tax advisor, a real estate professional and a qualified intermediary who will assist in the acquisition and transfer of both the relinquished property and the replacement property. Additional information can be found in IRS Publication 544.

Items that Convey with the Property

 When you sell your home what stays with the property

and what can you take with you? 

Here’s an excerpt from the Arizona Association of Realtors Purchase Contract that clarifies the items that will be included in the sale of the property and convey to the buyer at closing:

1g.Fixtures and Personal Property:

For purposes of this Contract, fixtures shall mean property attached/affixed to the Premises.

Seller agrees that all existing: fixtures on the Premises, personal property specified herein, and means to operate fixtures and property (i.e.- remote controls) shall convey in this sale. Including the following:  

• built-in appliances 
• light fixtures
• storm windows and doors
• ceiling fans and remote controls
• mailbox
• stoves: gas-log, pellet, wood-burning
• central vacuum, hose, and attachments
• media antennas/satellite dishes (affixed)
• timers (affixed)
• draperies and other window coverings
• outdoor fountains and lighting
• towel, curtain and drapery rods
• fireplace equipment (affixed)
• outdoor landscaping (i.e. – shrubbery, trees and unpotted plants)
• wall mounted TV brackets and hardware (excluding TVs)
• floor coverings (affixed)
• free-standing range/oven
• shutters and awnings
• water-misting systems
• garage door openers and remote
• speakers (flush-mounted)
• window and door screens, sun shades
• controls
• storage sheds

If owned by Seller, the following items also are included in this sale:

• affixed alternate power systems serving the Premises (i.e. – solar)
• in-ground pool and spa/hot tub equipment and covers (including any mechanical or other cleaning systems)
• security and/or fire systems and/or alarms
• water purification systems
• water softeners

The purchase contract then allows you to include any other personal property (such as refrigerator, washer and dryer) as well.  Leased items are not included in the sale.  

If you do not want to include any items on the above list, I recommend that you remove the items prior to the listing and photographing the listing for sale and replace with another item if needed.  Or you can list the items that will be excluded from the sale on the listing agreement so we can notify the buyer on the MLS.  We will need to make sure these items are included in the purchase contract before accepting an offer.  Please remember that if not otherwise stated, all the items listed will be sold with the home.

If you have any further questions about what stays with the property when you sell it please contact me.

Seller Pre-Inspections Preserve YOUR Equity!

The home inspection period can be a stressful time for both sellers and buyers.  And rightly so, 42% of transaction fall through due to inspection issues.  Why not help bulletproof the sale of your home and complete a seller pre-inspection BEFORE you list the property?  

In Arizona, the typical home inspection period for the buyer is 10 days!  During those ten days, you are at the mercy of the buyer and their inspector waiting to see if there is something wrong with your house that you don't know about. Then you have to worry if this problem will affect the profit?  Or will the problem or problems cancel the sale altogether?  Wouldn't you rather go into offer negotiations knowing the condition of your property and be in more control of the transaction from the start?  The information you get by completing a pre-listing inspection will help you get your home ready for the market as well as put you in a stronger position when it comes to negotiating with a buyer.  

Here are some FAQ about seller pre-inspections:

What is a Seller's Pre-Inspection?

Instead of waiting until going under contract with a buyer, the seller completes a professional home inspection prior to listing the house on the market for sale.  This inspection is an objective, visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home from the roof to the foundation to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe.  The home inspection can point out items that could cost you thousands in repairs, and of course, there will be the normal wear and tear items that are usually an easy fix.  

Typically in Arizona, a buyer has a 10 day home inspection period that begins at contract acceptance.  If the buyer finds anything wrong with the property during the home inspection period they can elect to cancel the contract within the allotted time set forth in the purchase contract.  A seller pre-inspection puts the seller in a stronger position by knowing the condition of the property prior to pricing and listing the home on the MLS. Providing the home inspection to the buyer provides transparency and peace of mind to the buyer.

What does a Home Inspection Include?

A standard Home Inspection includes an inspection of the condition of the heating system, central air conditioning system, interior plumbing, electrical systems, roof, attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation, basement and structural components.

What Will Not Be Included in the Home Inspection?

The inspection is limited to readily accessible and visible areas.  An inspector will not damage walls, flooring, move furniture, appliances, stored items and they cannot walk on inaccessible or steep roofs or excavate soil.  Latent and concealed defects and deficiencies are excluded from the inspections.  Cosmetic flaws and defects are also not part of most inspections. 

Will the Home Inspector Fix Any Problems Found During the Inspection?

No.  The code of ethics of The American Society of Home Inspectors prohibits its members from doing repair work on properties they inspect.  This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest by the inspector.  The purpose of the home inspection is to provide an unbiased, objective 3rd party report on the condition of the home. 

Will an Inspection of the Pool be Included With a Standard Home Inspection?

Items such as detached buildings, docks, hot tubs, private wells, pools, septic systems, radon, mold, termite, and more can be arranged to be inspected for an additional fee.  

Do I Get a Written Report on the Condition of the Home?

Yes, a written report is provided summarizing any issues found with the home.  Most Home Inspectors also provide pictures of any issues that arise for easy reference.

What is the Difference Between a Home Inspection and an Appraisal?

A Home Inspection evaluates the condition of the structure and systems of a home.  An appraisal determines the fair market value of a property based on its size, location and recent sales of like houses in the area.  Some appraisals, such as FHA and VA, however, have requirements for the condition of the home.  For example, they look for broken windows, broken stairs and if there is a spot for a built-in appliance, then the appliance must be present on the spot.  They also check to make sure the electrical system is safely working and that the heating and cooling systems are operational.   Generally summed up, the property can't be in bad repair, and must be livable. 

If you'd like more information about completing a pre-inspection or if you have other questions about selling a house, please don't hesitate to contact me at 623-252-9350 or cinda@wvhometeam.com.

Try our FREE instant property valuation tool, it's a great place to start when determining the value of your home.  

Professional Staging Consultation Included When You List With Cinda Rose!*

Staging your home sets you up for success and increases your chance of selling your home quickly and for the highest price.   I believe in it so strongly that I include a free staging consultation from a professional stager when you hire me to sell your home.*  Check out the stats: