FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HOME INSPECTIONS

If you're hiring someone to inspect the home you want to buy, or you're a seller trying to find out if there are any

hidden problems that need fixing before you put your home on the market, here are five things you need to know:

1. You can choose your home inspector.

Your real estate professional can recommend an inspector, or you can find one on your own. Members of the National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. (NAHI), must complete an approved home inspector training program, demonstrate experience and competence as a home inspector, complete a written exam, and adhere to the NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

2. Home inspections are intended to point out adverse conditions, not cosmetic flaws.

You should attend the inspection and follow the inspector throughout the inspection so you can learn what's important and what's not. No house is perfect and an inspection on any home is bound to uncover faults. A home inspector will point out conditions that need repair and/or potential safety-related concerns relating to the home. They won't comment on cosmetic items if they don't impair the integrity of the home. They also do not do destructive testing.

3. Home inspection reports include only the basics.

A home inspector considers hundreds of items during an average inspection. The home inspection should include the home's exterior, steps, porches, decks, chimneys, roof, windows, and doors. Inside, they will look at attics, electrical components, plumbing, central heating and air conditioning, basement/crawlspaces, and garages.

They report on the working order of items such as faucets to see if they leak, or garage doors to see if they close properly. Inspectors may point out termite damage and suggest that you get a separate pest inspection. The final written report should be concise and easy to understand.

4. Home inspectors work for the party who is paying the fee.

The NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics clearly state that members act as an unbiased third party to the real estate transaction and "will discharge the Inspector's duties with integrity and fidelity to the client." A reputable home inspector will not conduct a home inspection or prepare a home inspection report if his or her fee is contingent on untruthful conclusions.

The inspector should maintain client confidentiality and keep all report findings private, unless required by court order. That means it is your choice whether or not to share the report with others. If you're a seller, you don't have to disclose the report to buyers, but you must disclose any failure in the systems or integrity of your home.

5. Inspectors are not responsible for the condition of the home.

Inspectors don't go behind walls or under flooring, so it's possible that a serious problem can be overlooked. Keep in mind that inspectors are not party to the sales transaction, so if you buy a home where an expensive problem surfaces after the sale, you won't be able to make the inspector liable or get the inspector to pay for the damage. In fact, you may not be entitled to any compensation beyond the cost of the inspection.

As a buyer, you need the home inspection to decide if the home is in condition that you can tolerate. You can use the report to show the seller the need for a certain repair or negotiate a better price. You can also take the report to a contractor and use it to make repairs or to remodel a section of the home.

One thing you should not do when buying a home is skip having the home inspected because of cost or undue pressure by the seller.  There's a reason why buyers should beware, and a home inspection gives you the information you need to make a sound buying decision.

THE TOP FIVE MOVING MISTAKES YOU CAN MAKE

Do you know what the Tuesday after Memorial Day is? It is the busiest day of the year for people to move items into  

self-storage and one of the most popular days of the year to move, earning it the name "National Moving Day."

Whether moving across town or across the country, packing up and moving can be stressful, costly and full of surprises. From shady movers and inaccurate price quotes, to overpacking or not allowing enough time to get the move set up, every step of a move has the potential for mistakes that can make a move a nightmare.

These tips will help anyone preparing for a move, whether they currently live in a house, an apartment, a dorm, with friends or with mom and dad.

1. Hiring a shady mover.

We've all heard horror stories about moving scams, and perhaps maybe you've been the victim of a moving scam yourself. You can steer clear of a less-than-upstanding mover by doing your homework. The Better Business Bureau, Angie's List, your state transportation regulator and the U.S. Department of Transportation -- and even your relatives, friends, neighbors and colleagues -- are all good sources of information about whether a moving company is on the up-and-up. Doing some homework online can save you a lot of heartache on moving day.

If you've done your research and still aren't confident in the movers you've come across, you always can go the DIY route -- just be sure you're up for the task.

2. Messing up the quotes.

If you hire a mover, you should be able to have someone from that company come to your place for an in-home moving estimate. If a moving company won't do an in-home estimate, you should think about shopping around for another mover.

Along those lines, don't rely on just one quote from one mover. Contact several movers for quotes. If you really like one mover over another but your favorite company is a little pricey, try negotiating for a lower price. Always make sure to get a moving estimate in writing.

3. Packing too much stuff.

Do you really need those old boxes of baby clothes that you haven't laid eyes on since your 6-year-old was in diapers? Before you move, you need to "edit" your belongings. Think about whether you can trash some of your possessions, donate them to charity, or give them away to friends and relatives. Perhaps you could hold a garage sale to clear out some of the clutter. If you haven't seen, worn or used something in a year, it's best to think hard about whether you need to keep it -- and whether you need to haul it to your new place.

4. Failing to schedule your move well in advance.

During the summer months, good moving companies are booked up quickly. Rather than waiting till the last minute, make sure your move is scheduled weeks -- or, better yet, months -- in advance. You don't want to be scrambling to find a mover the day before you're supposed to head out. Moving already is stressful enough without adding that frustration.

5. Ignoring the need to pack ahead of time.

You'll find very few people who'll say that packing is fun. In fact, a 2013 survey commissioned by SpareFoot found that people who'd moved in the past year identified packing and unpacking as the biggest hassle in the process.

You can lessen the load by beginning to pack well before moving day comes along. Start by boxing up stuff that you won't need right away -- for instance, if you're moving in the summer, pack up your winter clothes so that they're out of the way. Also, be sure to carve out time in your schedule to check items off your packing to-do list.

If you get down to the wire and need help with packing, enlist friends, neighbors, relatives or colleagues to lend a hand. Make sure you've got plenty of food and beverages as a "thank you" for your volunteer helpers. If you can't rustle up any free help, consider hiring laborers to do the packing for you; that may be a small price to pay to alleviate moving-related stress.

Staging Your Home To Help Sell Your Home

If you're getting ready to sell your home, there are a few things you should do first. At the top of the list are repairs, decluttering, and staging your home for a super sale. With the help of your

agent and/or homestager, you can create the perfectly staged home that's eye-catching at first glance.

In today's market that's vital; buyers typically begin their search online. That means they're going to view photos and videos of homes before they decide if they want to actually go to see the home in person.

Start with rooms that tend to be the biggest attractions: the kitchen, master bedroom, and bathrooms. Declutter first. Gather up large trash bags and boxes, then sort through the clutter by either packing up things that will move with you or throwing out trash and unusable items. Use another bag for items that you'll sell or give to charity.

Don't go on to another room until you have cleared away the clutter and the personal belongings in the first room. This process can become highly unsuccessful if you bounce between rooms, moving clutter from one room to the next. The idea is to get organized by having three categories: moving boxes, charity bags, and trash.

Once, you've cleared some space, now lighten and brighten the room. If you have dark or heavy curtains or window coverings and you're selling your home in the spring or summer, consider swapping them out for a lighter color and material that's more seasonal. They don't have to be expensive. They should, however, convey a tone of cheerfulness and help to open up the room and show off its best features.

Chipping and peeling paint, cabinets that look worn, and stained countertops are all signs of wear and tear. While these things alone may not deter buyers, they do give them cause to think twice about your home. However, it's a good thing there are quick and relatively simple tricks like applying fresh paint on the walls and refinishing cabinets and/or built-in shelf-tops. These fast renovations seem like huge improvements and add value to your home.

5 TIPS TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME

We all know that renovated kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. Slabs of granite and gleaming floors make us ooh and ahhh…but do they top the list of projects that provide the best return on investment (ROI)? Not according to Remodeling magazine. Their annual Cost vs. Value Report on remodeling provides some insight into average remodeling costs, and this year, the top of the list in terms of value-add renovations is: a new front door.

Not a new kitchen. A new front door (more on this below). And it's not surprising to experts who understand that flash is great, but foundation is greater.

Basic maintenance, such as the roof and exterior painting, are frequently more important than an awesome kitchen.  If the roof is leaking, buyers won't get beyond that," no matter "how awesome the kitchen is.

It is the "basic systems" - roof, HVAC, plumbing - that buyers want to take for granted. "They assume the roof doesn't leak and the air conditioning and plumbing work. Maintenance can chew up a lot of cash quickly, and people are afraid of that."

Here are 5 unexpected ways to add value to your home:

1. The front door

"The top-ranking home improvement? A new front door, which on

average adds 96.6 percent of the amount you spent to the value to your home," said MSN. But "it has to be the right front door. Keep in mind that sometimes painting the existing front door provides the same payoff."

Even if you have to replace a steel front door, the cost is only $1,162 according to the report, with a resale value of $1,122.

2. The garage door

Another economical renovation that pays dividends is replacing the garage door. A $1,534 investment pays back $1,283, for an 83.7 percent return on investment.

3. Adding a deck

Most people wouldn't think of spending $9,539 on a deck addition at the expense of other, more necessary renovations and updates

when they are getting ready to sell. But for those who want to add a great amenity that also adds value and pays them back later on, a deck is a great way to go. The deck pays back $8,334 for an ROI of 87.4 percent.

4. New windows

No one wants to hear they need to replace their windows. It's thought of as a pricey job that doesn't have much tangible benefit, at least in terms of the "wow" appeal (like a renovated bathroom would have). But spending $10,926 on windows yields a 79.3 percent ROI, which translates to $8,662.

5. Attic bedroom

An addition to the house can cost huge dollars ($103,844 with a 67.5 percent return for a master bedroom, $155,365 with a 71.8 percent return on investment for a two-story addition). Which is why building up instead of out can be a great way to go if you need to add space. An attic bedroom is No. 3 on Remodeling's list of smart renovations, with a cost of $49,438 and an ROI of 84.3 percent, or $41,656.

Haunted mansion on the market for $159,000

A Joliet, Illinois mansion may be the deal of a lifetime -- or it may scare you to death.

The Hiram Scutt Mansion is a national landmark. It's a beautiful, 4,960-square-foot brick home built in 1882 – and it can be yours for just $159,000.

One possible reason: some say the original owners are still there. In fact, ghost hunters say the place is haunted. There have been séances and searches throughout the mansion and there have been two murders and at least two mysterious deaths inside.

Keep that in mind before you make your offer

Sellers: The Five Biggest Turn-Offs For Buyers

A lot of sellers don't listen to their real estate agents, so we'll tell you what your agent wants to say, but can't say to you and this is it - your agent can't get you the price you want unless your home is in pristine move-in condition.

That means no sticking drawers in the kitchen. No leaning fences. No rust-stained plumbing fixtures. We could go on, but maybe we need to make it clear. If you have even one of following "turn-offs," your home won't sell.

Buyers can get instantly turned off. Here are their five biggest turn-offs:

1. Overpricing for the market
 2. Smells
 3. Clutter
 4. Deferred maintenance 

5. Dark, dated décor
 

Overpricing your home

Overpricing your home is like trying to crash the country club without a membership. You'll be found out and escorted out.

If you ignored your agent's advice and listed at a higher price than recommended, you're going to get some negative feedback from buyers. The worst feedback, of course, is silence. That could include no showings and no offers.

The problem with overpricing your home is that the buyers who are qualified to buy your home won't see it because they're shopping in a lower price range. The buyers who do it will quickly realize that there are other homes in the same price range that offer more value.

 

Smells

Smells can come from a number of sources - pets, lack of cleanliness, stale air, water damage, and much more. You may not even notice it, but your real estate agent may have hinted to you that something needs to be done.

There's not a buyer in the world that will buy a home that smells unless they're investors looking for a bargain. Even so, they'll get a forensic inspection to find out the source of the smells. If they find anything like undisclosed water damage, or pet urine under the "new" carpet, then they will either severely discount their offer or walk away.

Clutter

If your tables are full to the edges with photos, figurines, mail, and drinking glasses, buyers' attention is going to more focused on running the gauntlet of your living room without breaking any Hummels than in considering your home for purchase.

Too much furniture confuses the eye - it makes it really difficult for buyers to see the proportions of rooms. If they can't see what they need to know, they move on to the next home.

Deferred maintenance

Deferred maintenance is a polite euphemism for letting your home fall apart. Just like people age due to the effects of the sun, wind and gravity, so do structures like your home. Things wear out, break and weather, and it's your job as a homeowner to keep your home repaired.

Your buyers really want a home that's been well-maintained. They don't want to wonder what needs to fixed next or how much it will cost.

Dated décor

The reason people are looking at your home instead of buying brand new is because of cost and location. They want your neighborhood, but that doesn't mean they want a dated-looking home. Just like they want a home in good repair, they want a home that looks updated, even if it's from a different era.

Harvest gold and avocado green from the seventies; soft blues and mauves from the eighties, jewel tones from the nineties, and onyx and pewter from the oughts are all colorways that can date your home. Textures like popcorn ceilings, shag or berber carpet, and flocked wallpaper can also date your home.

When you're behind the times, buyers don't want to join you. They want to be perceived as savvy and cool.

In conclusion, the market is a brutal mirror. if you're guilty of not putting money into your home because you believe it's an investment that others should pay you to profit, you're in for a rude awakening. You'll be stuck with an asset that isn't selling.

Homeowners Associations: Be Sure To Pay Your Fair Share

Every time a condo sells, the new owner inherits obligations passed on by the former owner or required by the Homeowner's Association (HOA). There are the obligations to obey the rules, pay the homeowner fees and to volunteer for HOA service.

But now and again, someone gets the bright idea that new owners should pay a special fee at closing as a contribution to working capital or reserves. This idea appeals to current members because they are exempt from paying it, like a hotel tax foisted on tourists. It also seems fair since new members haven't contributed to reserves. A newcomer contribution seems to level the playing field.

There are several fatal flaws with these rationales. Requiring new members to pay a special fee redefines the homeowner fee allocation. Redefining the fee allocation requires up to 100% approval by all members. And even if you could get the required vote, unless the fee applies to one and all, present and future, it is neither fair nor legal.

Secondly, while new members have not paid into reserves is true, they don't owe the money. New members are not responsible for reserves which should have been collected in the past. Reserves should be paid by those that are receiving the benefit. So, part of the monthly fees are reserves to pay for repair or replace things like roofs, paint and siding as they deteriorate.

The reserve contribution should equal a month's worth of that deterioration. In other words, current members should pay for the portion of those deteriorating assets they just got the benefit from. New or future owners have received no benefit so owe nothing to reserves. If there is a current shortfall in reserves, it's because past members did not pay enough.

If your operating budget or reserve plan is inadequate, fix it and have current owners pay the freight. If you haven't hired a Professional Reserve Analyst (PRA) credentialed reserve study provider to perform a reserve study, do so as soon as possible. See www.apra-usa.com's Member section for a list of PRAs.

A Reserve Study is an indispensable planning tool that every HOA needs. It will provide a maintenance and funding schedule for the Board that fairly divides costs among all owners along the time line.

So, current members, pay your fair share. New members, pick up the baton passed by the outgoing members. There are obligations that go with that baton, to be sure, but one of them is not paying for the HOA's past mistakes.