Signature Home Inspections

These brave women run animal shelters in Ukraine We are preparing to rush emergency aid to our local animal shelter partners in Donetsk and Gorlovka, who report a very dire situation for their staff, volunteers and the 1,100 dogs in their care. 

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If you own a home built between 1975 and 1996, it may contain polybutylene piping. These plastic pipes are often gray, but they can also be white, black, or blue. Even if your poly piping appears to be solid and crack-free from the outside, this is, unfortunately, no indication of the piping’s interior condition. It’s better to replace the piping before any leaks and water damage occur.

It’s also important to speak with your prospective home insurance company if you plan on buying a home with polybutylene piping. Some insurers will charge you higher premiums or restrict your coverage. Others won’t even insure your home--that’s how lousy polybutylene’s reputation is.

Ten Tips to Speed Up Your Home Inspection

Speed up your home sale by preparing your home ahead of time using the following tips. Your home inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing.

Confirm that that the water, electrical and gas services are turned on (including pilot lights).

Make sure your pets won't hinder your home inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from the premises or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home.

Replace burned-out light bulbs to avoid a "light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries.

Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely.

Remove stored items, debris and wood from the foundation. These may be cited as "conducive conditions" for termites.

Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electrical service panels, the water heater, attic and crawlspace.

Unlock any locked areas that your home inspector must access, such as the attic door or hatch, the electrical service panel, the door to the basement, and any exterior gates.

Trim tree limbs so that they're at least 10 feet away from the roof. Trim any shrubs that are too close to the house and can hides pests or hold moisture against the exterior.

Repair or replace any broken or missing items, such as doorknobs, locks or latches, windowpanes or screens, gutters or downspouts, or chimney caps.

Checking these areas before your home inspection is an investment in selling your property. Better yet, have your InterNACHI inspector ensure that your home is Move-In Certified™. Your real estate agent will thank you!

I have a sinking feeling about this addition.

Buying a Foreclosure? 4 Reasons Why You Probably Still Need a Buyer's Agent | realtor.com® Even though the bank is the seller, there are several advantages to enlisting the help of a buyer's agent to help you purchase a foreclosure.