HOME INSPECTION

Inspections are highly recommended and can make or break a deal and cause disaster. A home inspection is a crucial step in the home buying process especially when it comes to an existing home. This assesses the condition of the home you plan to purchase so that you can avoid costly surprises down the road. Many wonder if a standard home inspection is all you need to make a sound decision. There are many evaluations that are not included in a standard inspection and it is to your best interest to understand and be educated on what you are paying for.

In Florida we have a high incidence of mold and termites due to the heat and humidity and those are not included in a standard home inspection and require a specific license for mold is through the mold protocol through the Environmental Assessment Association and Termite through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. In addition is the wind mitigation and four point inspections, these helps your insurance rates go down and can get detailed.

You are making a major investment and can save thousand of dollars.  Look up ratings on all companies or if you know any home inspector that has a reputable and highly rated business. These individual's should be licensed by the State and Insured. A bonus is that member belongs to the chamber of commerce, BBB and NationalAssociation of Certified Inspectors. All inspections should be performed in the manner with the Standards of Practice of American Society of Home Inspectors known as (ASHI). 

Wind mitigation is required for many lenders to receive homeowners insurance in Florida and prices may vary depending on design of roof, doors and all windows. This is also a discount for homeowners insurance.

Referrals always works the best. This takes an experienced person or buyer to know if the house needs this service. Depending on the year of home, one, two or three story home the price varies. Typically Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) and inspection is required provided you are borrowing money from a lender.

A four point inspection truly save the maximum money on home insurance. These prices demographically and in Florida along coastlines are looked at very closely.  This consist of roof, plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Wind Mitigation is an additional charge. This is usually required on an older home that is not built with current wind code.

Other items of interest to be concern about, plumbing or electrical issues are common, structural and exterior decay to include facia.

PERSONAL INSPECTION

From my experience as a professional realtor, I visually look for these series of items, run water in every sink to see if any leaks underneath, look at exterior of home for spider cracks. Look at floor tile for tile cracks and garage floor cracks. Look at all room ceilings for water stains to include run water in each sink and look below for leaks. Many sellers may consider their home is in pristine condition until a home inspector comes by, inspect and prepare report for the unknown. All sellers should be notified of the basics of common issues from their realtor on what they may expect.

These as I call spider cracks caused from ground settling after several months or years. Small cracks are usually from Look for water stains in ceiling throughout entire home, shower heads and sinks leaking. Flush all toilets and turn on all water faucet's to ensure hot water temperature is comfortable. Check fans at all speeds.

Water heater is commonly set at 120 degrees. Look at exterior doors  the outside bottom door sweeper and door jam that no air is entering by seeing light. Also any rotted wood at bottom of doors and frames that can be holding moisture. If you can poke a nail through it, it needs to be replaced depending on how sever damage has taken place.

This is where termites can start. If home is in Florida, please secure home owners insurance prior hurricane season. If not you are taking a risk on insurance companies not writing any policies. Ensure you have a knowledgable realtor such as myself to negotiate behind the scenes for any repairs needed. One wrong word can demolish the transaction and home of your dreams.

Once inspection is finished, you will receive a detailed report that you will learn about the home. There are usually findings even if minor. Most inspector are professional and will answer any questions you may have and feel free to contact me your trusted advisor today that is full of resources at 850 496-6412 and I have a pocket full of quality home inspectors. Serving Dr Phillips and Central Florida. With my 19 years plus of experience click here to know more about Kevin Strawter /ABOUT-KEVIN-STRAWTER-P-A---MRP--GRI--ABR-6-14330.html

POINTS TO LOOK FOR

Lock in policy well prior hurricane season if possible, Shop around and compare what you get based on deductible. Click here for more facts https://www.homeinspector.org/Buyers-And-Owners/Homebuyers-Guide/FAQs-about-Home-Inspection

For as opening and closing many doors for many families over 19 years, contact me as a trusted advisor at 850 496-6412. Click here for my free ebook Navigating the buying process as a blessing for you https://kevinstrawter.book.live/read-buyer-book