Buyers, What Are You Waiting For?

Recently, the inventory of homes for sale has grown to an all-time high. As a result home prices have declined in many major markets for the first time in almost a decade. Many home buyers are holding out, assuming that they will get a better deal down the road, but savvy buyers are not waiting. They’re finding ways to negotiate good deals now.

Kathleen Kuhn, president and CEO of HouseMaster, one of the most experienced national home inspection organizations in North America, suggests that smart buyers are using the home inspection to further negotiate the price of a home if needed repairs are found. “Smart home buyers understand that the listing price is not necessarily the seller’s bottom line. Buyers can leverage the findings of a credible home inspection to further negotiate the price of the home.”

The home inspection is generally performed shortly after a bid has been accepted or a contract has been signed. Kuhn explains, “A qualified home inspector will perform a visual evaluation of all the major systems – including electrical, plumbing, heating or cooling – as well as visible structural elements, roofing and drainage. Areas of concerns are then documented.”

If a serious condition or defect is found, the home buyer can discuss it with the real estate agent and seller, and negotiate the cost of repair or replacement against the home’s list price. HouseMaster research has shown that 40 percent of resale homes have a serious defect that will cost at least $500 to $1000 to repair or replace.

However, Kuhn points out that a home inspection is not designed solely to be a to-do list for the home seller, and a good home inspector will not only alert a buyer if any defects exist, but will also make note of the home’s good aspects. If the home meets expectations, then the buyer can move forward with confidence. If not, a buyer can choose to negotiate further. Either way, they win. So buyers who have been standing on the sidelines waiting for some magic sign to tell them that home prices are as low as they will go, should ask themselves what they’re really waiting for. Some buyers wait for opportunities; others make them happen.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at housemaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither DBR Franchising, LLC nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances. © Copyright 2008 DBR. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.

Asbestos Removal and Greener Alternatives

There are many things to consider when remodeling or purchasing an older home. Homes built before 1980 have the strong likelihood of containing asbestos. Due to a steady progression of technology and green sustainable methods, there are many ways to ensure your home or property is asbestos free. If you are interested in saving money, remodeling and improving your carbon footprint, here is some information to get you on the right track.

Used in millions of homes throughout the last quarter of the 20^th century, asbestos insulation can become a real dilemma for homeowners due to causing a variety of health problems, including Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Malignant Mesothelioma. These types of cancer take the lives of thousands each year.

Non-regulated asbestos material can be legally performed by homeowners, regular contractors, or licensed asbestos abatement contractors as long as the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) are not violated. Asbestos removal in public facilities, homes and workplaces must be undertaken by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. Once the removal is complete, green insulation options should be given serious consideration, such as: Cellulose, Cotton Fiber and Lcynene.

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC), in a study conducted in 2003, estimated a savings of $50-$65 per square foot for well-constructed green buildings in the U.S. (see table below) during that year. The numbers continue to improve as more eco-friendly options become available, and those kinds of figures have finally begun to attract those who thought eco-friendly construction was just a bunch of hogwash.

Radon Overview

Radon is an odorless, colorless radioactive gas, which is formed by the natural breakdown of uranium of radioactive contaminated soil. Radon can be found in high concentrations in rock and soil that contains granite, shale, phosphate and uranium, or even fill soil containing industrial waste. Radon gas moves through the soil toward the earth’s surface where it either safely dissipates in outdoor air or seeps into buildings through cracks and gaps in the building's foundation. Radon can also be introduced into a building or home through the water-supply, particularly if there is a private well. Certain building products, such as the stone used for a fireplace, can also be a source of radon gas.

Research indicates that once trapped inside a home, radon can accumulate to the point where it can be harmful to the occupants. Actually, it is the breakdown of radon into what is referred to as radon decay products (or radon daughters) that represents the greatest concern. These radioactive products become attached to airborne particles, which can be inhaled and ultimately cause lung tissue damage and cancer. Smokers are especially prone to the adverse effects of long-term radon exposure.

The potential for radon in any particular home is dependent on a number of variable factors such as the underlying soil composition, the type of construction materials and methods used, weather conditions, and even occupant lifestyle. Radon concerns tend to be greatest in hilly or mountainous regions, and less of an issue in sandy coastal areas. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov) and local health departments can provide information on radon and have maps identifying known radon hot spots. But pockets of radon-producing elements can be found almost anywhere.

Radon levels may vary from season to season, day to day, or even by the hour, as pressure differences occur outside or within a structure. Dramatically different radon levels can be found in seemingly identical neighboring homes. Consequently, the only way to determine if there is a radon concern is to perform a test. While radon kits are available for consumer use, it is generally recommended that radon screening or testing be performed by a qualified radon specialist, especially for real estate transactions.

Even with professional testing, it can be difficult to readily determine average annual radon levels in a particular home. Radon levels tend to become elevated when the air pressure within a house is less than that of the radon gas in the soil. This type pressure imbalance can occur with the use of certain appliances and fans, particularly in relatively airtight structures. Fuel-burning appliances that require indoor air for combustion, or draw in air for other purposes, lower indoor air pressure. This action can result in the radon gas being drawn into the building through sub-surface cracks and/or other openings. The adjacent illustration highlights the common radon entry points for a house.

Since radon gas is naturally occurring, it cannot be eliminated; but it can be controlled. Once the radon level in a particular house is quantified using one of several recognized radon-testing methods, steps can be taken to lower the radon level and the potential health concern. The EPA has established a continuous exposure level of 4 (or more) picocuries per liter (pCi/L) as the action level for remediation.

This measurement does not necessarily represent a safe amount of radon; rather it is a guidance point to determine when remedial action is advisable. It is also deemed the point to which conventional radon remediation methods can be expected to lower radon levels in a building. Radon levels below 4 pCi/L are commonly measured in buildings and generally do not require any significant remedial action (subject to the specific situation or occupant concerns), as it may be difficult to achieve significantly lower levels even if a radon mitigation system is installed. In Canada, the Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corporation considers 20 pCi/L as the guidance level for remedial action.

There are several methods that can be used to lower radon levels. These include ventilation systems, pressurization of the basement air, and block wall ventilation. However, the most commonly used and effective radon mitigation method is sub-slab suction. This method makes use of plastic piping, installed through the floor slab of a house, basement, or even crawlspace, and a low-volume, continuously operating fan to create a negative-pressure within the piping to draw in radon-laden air from below the house and vent it harmlessly to the exterior.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at housemaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither DBR Franchising, LLC nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances. © Copyright 2008 DBR. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.

Keeping Critters Out Of Your Home

With the onset of winter your home becomes a refuge, but not just for your family. As temperatures cool down, rodents, including mice, rats and squirrels, often take shelter in homes, causing potential hazards to both health and property. Larger animals such as opossums and raccoons can also move in.

According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), rodents invade an estimated 21 million homes every winter. Rodents can enter homes through almost any opening. Once inside, they can cause severe damage as they can chew through wallboards, cardboard, wood and even electrical wiring, increasing the potential risk of a fire. Rodent droppings can cause allergies and disease.

While most of these pests will return to the outdoors again when it warms, it’s best to inspect now for signs of activity and take steps to evict them if possible. On the inside, look for rodent droppings or food debris in undisturbed areas, including basements, attics, and garages, and food storage and prep areas. Check around the inside and outside perimeter of the house near ground level and at the roof edge or eaves.

Wood is a favorite target of these pests, but they can gnaw through metal or just about any exterior wall material except concrete or masonry. Wood softened by decay is particularly prone to rodent damage. Any suddenly appearing holes at the roof edge, or in the fascia or soffits, may be signs of squirrel or other pest activity.

The NPMA also recommends taking these precautions to keep rodents outside:

• Make sure all holes, cracks and voids are sealed.
  
• Maintain proper drainage at the foundation and install gutters.
  
• Keep branches and other plants cut back from the house.

If you find rodents in your home, call a local pest professional to identify and correct the problem. For more information on rodents and other pests, visit pestworld.org.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at housemaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither HMA Franchise Systems, Inc. nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances.
© Copyright 2008 HMA. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of HMA Franchise Systems, Inc.

Information: A Homebuyers Best Friend

In the past decade, it seems that many prospective home buyers have toiled over studying the housing markets, the mortgage rates and even the stock market. All these elements fall outside a buyer’s control. However, there is always one reliable source of information a prospective home buyer can count on -- the home inspection.

HouseMaster, the most experienced home inspection franchise, notes that too many home buyers are still unaware of the importance of a thorough and proper home inspection. They spend months researching neighborhoods and mortgage providers, but the home inspection often becomes an afterthought when they make an offer on a prospective home.

Kathleen Kuhn, HouseMaster president and CEO, says “Buyers should take the time to research home inspection providers because there is a difference in training and qualifications. The information on an inspection report can influence the final price of the home and help a buyer shape realistic expectations for the home once they move in. So a good home inspector is a critical component in the process.”

Buyers should not balk at the idea of a home inspection that takes two hours or more, depending on the size of the home. This is the average time needed to review all the major elements of a home, and it’s the ideal time for a well-trained home inspector to show prospective homeowners how to locate and operate some key components. This is the time when buyers get a “backstage” tour of how the home works.

A buyer who is prepared with the right information, the right frame of mind, and a little patience can usually find a suitable property in any market. So if you’re time to become a homeowner, do the research and make the move.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at housemaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither HMA Franchise Systems, Inc. nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances.
© Copyright 2008 HMA. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of HMA Franchise Systems, Inc.

Well Water Wisdom

Having a well can seemingly offer greater control over a homeowner’s water source. Yet all wells draw from migrating underground water sources, which are subject to pollution. Homeowners with private wells have to assume command of the supply and not just the in-house water distribution system. That means water samples have to periodically be sent to a qualified lab for purity testing. The lab can suggest remedial measures, if needed.

Homeowners should also inspect and maintain the system that controls the volume and pressure of the water supply. Submersible well pumps are common today. If you have one, it’s important to maintain the protective air pocket in the tank or risk having to replace the pump prematurely. To check, open a faucet and note the time between pump start and stop. If it cycles on and off frequently, follow tank maintenance instructions or call a professional well service.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at housemaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither HMA Franchise Systems, Inc. nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances.

© Copyright 2008 HMA. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of HMA Franchise Systems, Inc.

Download Now! - Homeowner Information Guides

Access and download our complete list of Homeowner Information Guides.

HouseMaster’s experienced technical staff has authored dozens of informational articles on virtually every part of a home — from roofs to basements — as well as common home problems and remedies. Take a minute to browse these quick, one- to three-page resource guides now by clicking the link below.

Homeowner Information Guides

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither HMA Franchise Systems, Inc. nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances.
© Copyright 2008 HMA. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of HMA Franchise Systems, Inc.