The Florida Realtors website recently reported on a Miami family that was awarded $2.4 million because of having defective Chinese drywall installed in their home. Defective Chinese drywall can smell like sulfur and corrodes appliances, wiring and other metal. Research is ongoing to determine health hazards and risks of exposure to the drywall.
A potential home buyer concerned with buying a home which may have drywall problems should take the precautionary steps needed to reduce the possibility of discovering the bad drywall after closing. Selling homes in the Orlando-Kissimmee area require that the owner disclose the existence of Chinese drywall and a strong recommendation that the buyer obtain a full and complete home inspection that includes inspecting for defective Chinese drywall.
Seller disclosure
Buyer should ask the owner of the house that they are thinking of buying for a written property disclosure. The seller can alert the buyer of any mechanical, structural or related issues with the home including the existence of Chinese drywall.
In addition to a detailed seller property disclosure, both buyer and seller can complete the Chinese/Defective Drywall Addendum to Contract. This addendum asks the seller to indicate in writing any knowledge they have pertaining to Chinese Drywall in the home. Equally as important, the addendum makes it clear to the buyer that they have the right to conduct an inspection or risk assessment of the property for Chinese drywall prior to closing of the contract.
Disclosing and inspecting for defective Chinese drywall benefits all parties in the transaction. Contact me if you are interested in purchasing a home in the Central Florida area and would like more information on the home buying process.
Showing posts with label home inspection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home inspection. Show all posts
May 27, 2010
If you think you do not need a home inspection, think again.
There is no legitimate reason I can think of to waive having a home inspection when purchasing a house. The cost of the inspection prior to closing could save you thousands of dollars you might otherwise have to pay out for unseen damage or problems that need repaired or replaced. Why would a buyer take a chance and buy a home that has not been inspected?
Bad advice
Someone has told the buyer that there is no need for an inspection.
It could be the jack-of-all-trades family member/friend trying to save the purchaser a few hundred dollars. Armed with just enough knowledge to be dangerous, they will take a quick look around the house and offer their seal of approval without doing a thorough inspection.
Perhaps it is the real estate agent who is giving the bad advice. Shame on any real estate agent who would tell a home buyer there is no need for a home inspection. Buyers should ignore this wrong advice and hire an inspector anyway. The buyer should also pick up the phone and call the agent’s broker and let them know that their agent suggested you not have an inspection.
It is a new/renovated home
Buyers might be lured into a false sense of security and decide against having an inspection when purchasing a new home or a home that has been recently renovated by the seller. There is no doubt that we have some of the very best home builders here in Central Florida. The quality of the homes being built is second to none. But even the Central Florida builders understand the importance of a buyer having their homes inspected prior to closing. The same is true of homes that have been renovated. Just because the seller says repairs or renovations have been made to the home recently does not eliminate the need for an inspection.
The bottom line is if you are buying a home, have it inspected. In our office if a buyer chooses to not have a home inspection they are going to have to sign a waiver acknowledging that this is their decision. The waiver has language that makes it clear that we, as a real estate company, do not encourage this course of action.
Bad advice
Someone has told the buyer that there is no need for an inspection.
It could be the jack-of-all-trades family member/friend trying to save the purchaser a few hundred dollars. Armed with just enough knowledge to be dangerous, they will take a quick look around the house and offer their seal of approval without doing a thorough inspection.
Perhaps it is the real estate agent who is giving the bad advice. Shame on any real estate agent who would tell a home buyer there is no need for a home inspection. Buyers should ignore this wrong advice and hire an inspector anyway. The buyer should also pick up the phone and call the agent’s broker and let them know that their agent suggested you not have an inspection.
It is a new/renovated home
Buyers might be lured into a false sense of security and decide against having an inspection when purchasing a new home or a home that has been recently renovated by the seller. There is no doubt that we have some of the very best home builders here in Central Florida. The quality of the homes being built is second to none. But even the Central Florida builders understand the importance of a buyer having their homes inspected prior to closing. The same is true of homes that have been renovated. Just because the seller says repairs or renovations have been made to the home recently does not eliminate the need for an inspection.
The bottom line is if you are buying a home, have it inspected. In our office if a buyer chooses to not have a home inspection they are going to have to sign a waiver acknowledging that this is their decision. The waiver has language that makes it clear that we, as a real estate company, do not encourage this course of action.
Jan 13, 2010
Sinkholes are making Central Florida news.
This past week there have been reports of sinkholes opening up in the Central Florida counties of Hillsborough and Polk. Sinkholes have even resulted in the lane closures on I-4.
According to the Florida department of Financial Services Florida have more sinkholes that any other State. The report titled; Sinkholes and Catastrophic Ground Collapse notes that all insurance companies must offer sinkhole coverage. However this is most often offered as a rider to the policy and at an extra cost to the home owner. Florida residents concerned about sinkholes should check with their insurer to determine the type of coverage they have on their home.
When buying a home we provide buyers whenever possible a disclosure completed by the seller dealing with the condition of the home and property including sinkhole related issues. The seller has the opportunity to disclose to the buyer:
According to the Florida department of Financial Services Florida have more sinkholes that any other State. The report titled; Sinkholes and Catastrophic Ground Collapse notes that all insurance companies must offer sinkhole coverage. However this is most often offered as a rider to the policy and at an extra cost to the home owner. Florida residents concerned about sinkholes should check with their insurer to determine the type of coverage they have on their home.
When buying a home we provide buyers whenever possible a disclosure completed by the seller dealing with the condition of the home and property including sinkhole related issues. The seller has the opportunity to disclose to the buyer:
- Any sinkhole claims the home owner have filed with their insurance company.
- Is the seller aware of any past or present movement or deterioration of walls or foundations?
- Is the seller aware of any settling, earth movement, upheaval, or earth stability problems on the property or in the neighborhood?
We also strongly encourage home buyers to hire a professional licensed home inspection company as a precaution before finalizing the purchase of the home.
Homes being lost or damaged by sinkholes are not an everyday occurrence but when they do happen people are naturally concerned. Being prepared and receiving available disclosures and inspections can work to ease the concerns of buyers and sellers.
Related Florida real estate blog posts on seller disclosures
Dec 26, 2009
Make sure to include an inspection addendum even when buying a home as is.
Make sure you include an inspection addendum when buying a home "as is". Including an addendum or clause to the contract that allows you the right to inspect a home and cancel the contract during the inspection period is strongly recommended. Having the right to inspect the home and cancel protects you from hidden or unknown defects.
FAR/BAR As Is Contract
When buying a home “as is” you might want to consider using the FAR/BAR As Is contract. The FAR/BAR As Is contract allows the buyer to cancel their contract with the seller if after the inspection the buyer deems the property unacceptable.
FAR as in addendum
Another choice available to you is the FAR As Is With Right to Inspect addendum that you can attach to the contract. The as is addendum gives the buyer the right to inspect the home and to cancel the contract if the cost of repairs exceeds an amount decided on in negotiations or if left blank on the addendum the contract allows for cancellation if the amount exceeds $250.00.
Make sure you protect yourself when buying a home as is. You should be careful about giving up your right to inspect the home you are purchasing and you should negotiate with the seller the ability to cancel the contract if your inspections reveal major issues.
Related Florida real estate blog posts on home inspections
FAR/BAR As Is Contract
When buying a home “as is” you might want to consider using the FAR/BAR As Is contract. The FAR/BAR As Is contract allows the buyer to cancel their contract with the seller if after the inspection the buyer deems the property unacceptable.
FAR as in addendum
Another choice available to you is the FAR As Is With Right to Inspect addendum that you can attach to the contract. The as is addendum gives the buyer the right to inspect the home and to cancel the contract if the cost of repairs exceeds an amount decided on in negotiations or if left blank on the addendum the contract allows for cancellation if the amount exceeds $250.00.
Make sure you protect yourself when buying a home as is. You should be careful about giving up your right to inspect the home you are purchasing and you should negotiate with the seller the ability to cancel the contract if your inspections reveal major issues.
Related Florida real estate blog posts on home inspections
Dec 19, 2009
Should you attend the home inspection?
Once a contract has been negotiated and accepted by both the buyer and seller the home inspection will be one of the next steps in the process. The buyer will want to hire a home inspection company to check the home out from top to bottom. Who should attend the home inspection?
Buyer
As the buyer you should make every effort to attend the inspection. The inspection process is your opportunity to discover hidden defects. The inspector will alert you to repair and maintenance issues. I would not suggest depending on a third party to relay the information to you after the fact. Your real estate agent will most likely be there with you but you should not count on your agent to be your eyes and ears. Schedule a time with the inspection company that allows you to be there.
Seller
If you do plan on attending you will want to make sure you do not interfere with the process. You should stay out of the way of the buyer and their inspector, allowing them the space they need to accomplish their task and to discuss their findings in private. You may want to have warranties and/or recent repairs or maintenance information available should the inspector or buyer ask for them.
The goal of the home inspection is to move both parties one-step closer to closing the transaction. Buyers and sellers who understand their roles in the home inspection will help expedite the process.
Related Florida real estate home inspection blog posts
Buyer
As the buyer you should make every effort to attend the inspection. The inspection process is your opportunity to discover hidden defects. The inspector will alert you to repair and maintenance issues. I would not suggest depending on a third party to relay the information to you after the fact. Your real estate agent will most likely be there with you but you should not count on your agent to be your eyes and ears. Schedule a time with the inspection company that allows you to be there.
Seller
If you do plan on attending you will want to make sure you do not interfere with the process. You should stay out of the way of the buyer and their inspector, allowing them the space they need to accomplish their task and to discuss their findings in private. You may want to have warranties and/or recent repairs or maintenance information available should the inspector or buyer ask for them.
The goal of the home inspection is to move both parties one-step closer to closing the transaction. Buyers and sellers who understand their roles in the home inspection will help expedite the process.
Related Florida real estate home inspection blog posts
Nov 30, 2009
Everyone lives in a flood zone
According to Floodsmart.gov, we all live in a flood zone. The question is whether you live in a low, moderate, or high risk area.
When purchasing a home one of the clauses in the FAR9 contract deals with advising the buyer to verify by survey, the lender, and/or with government agencies which flood zone the house or property is in. The Flood Zone clause also allows the buyer to determine in flood insurance is required.
Determining if the home or property you are considering purchasing will require flood insurance is just one of the many steps you should take before closing on the transaction. Call me to discuss all of the inspections and precautions you should take before closing on your next home.
Related blog posts on home inspection
When purchasing a home one of the clauses in the FAR9 contract deals with advising the buyer to verify by survey, the lender, and/or with government agencies which flood zone the house or property is in. The Flood Zone clause also allows the buyer to determine in flood insurance is required.
Determining if the home or property you are considering purchasing will require flood insurance is just one of the many steps you should take before closing on the transaction. Call me to discuss all of the inspections and precautions you should take before closing on your next home.
Related blog posts on home inspection
Nov 2, 2009
License requirements to be a home inspector
What are the license requirements to be a home inspector in Florida? Starting July 1, 2010 Florida law requires home inspectors to be licensed. The reasoning for this is explained in the Florida law:
Purpose.—The Legislature recognizes that there is a need to require
the licensing of home inspectors and to ensure that consumers of home
inspection services can rely on the competence of home inspectors, as determined
by educational and experience requirements and testing. Therefore,
the Legislature deems it necessary in the interest of the public welfare to
regulate home inspectors in this state. CHAPTER 2007-235
Related Florida real estate view blog posts about home inspections
Purpose.—The Legislature recognizes that there is a need to require
the licensing of home inspectors and to ensure that consumers of home
inspection services can rely on the competence of home inspectors, as determined
by educational and experience requirements and testing. Therefore,
the Legislature deems it necessary in the interest of the public welfare to
regulate home inspectors in this state. CHAPTER 2007-235
Related Florida real estate view blog posts about home inspections
Sep 13, 2009
Researchers to present their Chinese Drywall findings
Researchers are scheduled to present their Chinese Drywall findings at an upcoming symposium to be held in Tampa in November. Findings should include information on:
- Analysis of materials
- Emissions Testing
- Exposure Assessment and Toxicology
- Remediation/Repair
- Disposal
Hopefully there will be additional details and information available about Chinese Drywall after the symposium.
We present buyers and sellers with addendum that alert them to the importance of inspecting for and disclosing any know Chinese Drywall issues. We encourage home buyers to obtain all of the inspections they deem necessary before closing.
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Have a pest inspection company inspect your home before you purchase your home
Sep 2, 2009
If you are buying a home make sure a qualified home inspector prepares you a home inspection report
If you are buying a home make sure a qualified home inspector prepares you a home inspection report. Their report should disclose material defects that you otherwise might miss.
The inspection report could include but not limited to; paved areas, walls, siding, trim, windows, doors, roof, garage, crawlspace if applicable, wood destroying organisms including termites, air and heating, electrical, plumbing, radon, lead base paint, asbestos, mold and Chinese drywall.
Buying a home without a qualified home inspection is a risk buyers should avoid.
The inspection report could include but not limited to; paved areas, walls, siding, trim, windows, doors, roof, garage, crawlspace if applicable, wood destroying organisms including termites, air and heating, electrical, plumbing, radon, lead base paint, asbestos, mold and Chinese drywall.
Buying a home without a qualified home inspection is a risk buyers should avoid.
Aug 11, 2009
Do not accept the opinion of your real estate agent regarding the condition of a property, hire a home inspector.
A real estate agent’s opinion of the condition of a property you are purchasing is just that, an opinion. As a home buyer you should not rely on the agent’s opinion regarding the physical and/or mechanical condition of the home.
Most agents will suggest that buyers seek the opinion of a professional, licensed home inspector prior to closing on the home. In the State of Florida, the purchase contract allows for a home inspection to be conducted by the buyer within an agreed upon time frame acceptable to both buyer and seller.
Homebuyers need to take advantage of this contingency when purchasing a home. You should be cautious and never purchase a home without a professional home inspection.
Related Florida real estate views:
Watch out for a home inspection scam
Buyers may be tempted to forego a home inspection
Most agents will suggest that buyers seek the opinion of a professional, licensed home inspector prior to closing on the home. In the State of Florida, the purchase contract allows for a home inspection to be conducted by the buyer within an agreed upon time frame acceptable to both buyer and seller.
Homebuyers need to take advantage of this contingency when purchasing a home. You should be cautious and never purchase a home without a professional home inspection.
Related Florida real estate views:
Watch out for a home inspection scam
Buyers may be tempted to forego a home inspection
Jul 15, 2009
Florida real estate agents promote the healthy homes call to action as part of our business
The Florida Department of Health announced that they would be responding to the United States’ Surgeon General’s Call to Action to promote healthy homes. The goal is to reduce or eliminate health hazards found in the home.
As real estate agents we continually do our part in support of helping current and future homeowners maintain a healthy home. We strongly encourage buyers to conduct a number of professional inspections that might reveal problems with the home. These inspections can include, water testing, septic testing, mold inspections, Chinese drywall inspections, radon inspections, electrical inspections and pest inspections. These inspection reports often reveal issues that need repaired or remedied before the buyer closes on the transaction.
Additionally agents will encourage buyers and sellers to sign up for a home warranty plan. Having home warranty coverage on your home when selling or immediately after buying can provide a peace of mind that should a major issue develop that impact the homes condition, the owner will be able to quickly have the issue resolved at a minimal cost.
I support the government’s initiative to promote healthy housing. It is something that the agents and I do daily as part of our careers. If you are buying a home and want information on the inspection or home warranty process, contact me.
As real estate agents we continually do our part in support of helping current and future homeowners maintain a healthy home. We strongly encourage buyers to conduct a number of professional inspections that might reveal problems with the home. These inspections can include, water testing, septic testing, mold inspections, Chinese drywall inspections, radon inspections, electrical inspections and pest inspections. These inspection reports often reveal issues that need repaired or remedied before the buyer closes on the transaction.
Additionally agents will encourage buyers and sellers to sign up for a home warranty plan. Having home warranty coverage on your home when selling or immediately after buying can provide a peace of mind that should a major issue develop that impact the homes condition, the owner will be able to quickly have the issue resolved at a minimal cost.
I support the government’s initiative to promote healthy housing. It is something that the agents and I do daily as part of our careers. If you are buying a home and want information on the inspection or home warranty process, contact me.
Jul 1, 2009
Don't make a common home buying mistake that could cost you thousands!
What is one common home buying mistake that could cost you thousands of dollars as a homeowner? If one of your guesses is failing to have the home inspected by qualified home inspectors, you would be correct. Failing to have the major components of the home inspected for electrical, heating & cooling, roof, plumbing, wood destroying pests and other mechanical issues could cost you thousands after you have purchased the home.
I cannot think of a good reason to forgo a home inspection. As a real estate agent I certainly would not allow my parents buy a home without having the home inspected. Reasons buyers have decided not to have a home inspection have included time constraints, the cost of the inspection or someone they trusted gave them wrong advice. None of these reasons are valid. Taking the time, spending the money and ignoring bad advice now could prevent you from spending hours and thousands of dollars dealing with problems that could have been discovered and avoided.
Related Florida real estate views:
Potential housing health risks
Questions that you should ask your home inspector
As is with right to inspect
I cannot think of a good reason to forgo a home inspection. As a real estate agent I certainly would not allow my parents buy a home without having the home inspected. Reasons buyers have decided not to have a home inspection have included time constraints, the cost of the inspection or someone they trusted gave them wrong advice. None of these reasons are valid. Taking the time, spending the money and ignoring bad advice now could prevent you from spending hours and thousands of dollars dealing with problems that could have been discovered and avoided.
Related Florida real estate views:
Potential housing health risks
Questions that you should ask your home inspector
As is with right to inspect
Jun 21, 2009
HUD looks to improve methods to detect and control housing hazards
HUD has announced that it is offering $4 million in grant money to “advance the recognition and control of residential health and safety hazards or improve our understanding of the link between housing and health.”
Real estate agents do their part
As real estate agents we help the consumer understand what they can do to make sure they are purchasing a healthy house. Potential housing health risks include pest/insect problems, radon gas, Chinese drywall, well and septic issues, lead base paint and mold.
Our help consists of identifying and disclosing any material facts that are readily visible to us, asking the seller to complete a comprehensive seller disclosure detailing the condition of the home, notifying the buyer and seller in writing of potential health risks with approved real estate addendums and written government notices and strongly encouraging the consumer to complete any and all home inspections they deem necessary to be completely satisfied with the overall condition of the home.
As a REALTOR I agree with HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan who is quoted in the press release as stating, “Anything HUD can do to continue to improve the methods for protecting our children from dangerous home hazards is crucial to American families, their children and their future,"
Related Florida real estate views:
20,000 lung cancer deaths each year are due to radon
Sellers who do not complete a written home disclosure
Hiring the right home inspector
Real estate agents do their part
As real estate agents we help the consumer understand what they can do to make sure they are purchasing a healthy house. Potential housing health risks include pest/insect problems, radon gas, Chinese drywall, well and septic issues, lead base paint and mold.
Our help consists of identifying and disclosing any material facts that are readily visible to us, asking the seller to complete a comprehensive seller disclosure detailing the condition of the home, notifying the buyer and seller in writing of potential health risks with approved real estate addendums and written government notices and strongly encouraging the consumer to complete any and all home inspections they deem necessary to be completely satisfied with the overall condition of the home.
As a REALTOR I agree with HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan who is quoted in the press release as stating, “Anything HUD can do to continue to improve the methods for protecting our children from dangerous home hazards is crucial to American families, their children and their future,"
Related Florida real estate views:
20,000 lung cancer deaths each year are due to radon
Sellers who do not complete a written home disclosure
Hiring the right home inspector
Apr 18, 2009
Was my home built with Chinese Drywall?
Search for homes
Q: I am hearing about homes being built with Chinese drywall, how do I know if my home was built using Chinese drywall?
Having your home assessed by a a qualified inspection company is strongly recommended if you are concerned or believe your home may have Chinese drywall. As a result of the building material shortages that began in 2003, many builders throughout the State of Florida used Chinese imported drywall . This type of drywall may cause the release of sulfur and other materials which may pose health risks. These fumes may cause air-conditioning evaporator coils to corrode and fail, and pipes and wiring to deteriorate. You can also find more information about Chinese drywall by searching Google.
Related Florida real estate views:
Home sellers watch out for home inspection scam
Does Florida require a written home disclosure form?
Hiring a home inspector
Q: I am hearing about homes being built with Chinese drywall, how do I know if my home was built using Chinese drywall?
Having your home assessed by a a qualified inspection company is strongly recommended if you are concerned or believe your home may have Chinese drywall. As a result of the building material shortages that began in 2003, many builders throughout the State of Florida used Chinese imported drywall . This type of drywall may cause the release of sulfur and other materials which may pose health risks. These fumes may cause air-conditioning evaporator coils to corrode and fail, and pipes and wiring to deteriorate. You can also find more information about Chinese drywall by searching Google.
Related Florida real estate views:
Home sellers watch out for home inspection scam
Does Florida require a written home disclosure form?
Hiring a home inspector
Oct 5, 2008
Hiring a home inspector
Immediately after entering a contract to purchase a home you need to have the home inspected. Hiring the right home inspector will help you determine if there are major problems with the home that need to be corrected prior to closing.
I would suggest interviewing several home inspectors before deciding on the one you will use to inspect the home you are buying. Questions that you should ask your home inspector include:
I would suggest interviewing several home inspectors before deciding on the one you will use to inspect the home you are buying. Questions that you should ask your home inspector include:
- The price they will charge.
- Verify that they are licensed by the State.
- Do they have any designations or certifications?
- Are they also licensed in one or more trades/skills such as electrical, contractor, A/C?
- How long does their typical inspection take?
- Do the inspect for termites?
- What state of the art tools do they use when inspecting?
- Do they take pictures of hard to see areas and areas in need of repair?
- What type of guarantee do they offer?
- Do they have references?
Asking the right questions when hiring a home inspector could help you avoid costly repairs after moving into your home or could prevent you from purchasing the home because of it's undisclosed condition issues.
Related Florida real estate views:
What does it mean to buy a house as is?
Have a home inspection before buying
What are the repair obligations to the home seller when using the FAR contract?
- Greg Staker - 407-304-0255
Sep 11, 2008
Have a home inspection before buying
As Realtors we cannot offer a professional opinion as to the condition of a home or property. The seller of a home or property may provide a disclosure to potential buyers detailing any material facts that affect the home.
Even when a buyer receives a disclosure from a seller, we strongly encourage the buyer to hire a professional to inspect the home or property on their behalf. Failure on the buyer's part to get a home inspection places the buyer at a risk that they should seek to avoid.
To obtain additional information about purchasing a home, give me a call.
Related Florida real estate views:
Cleaning up after Tropical Storm Fay. Water damage and mold prevention
Should you buy a home in "as is" condition?
What are the repair obligations to the home seller when using the FAR contract?
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Even when a buyer receives a disclosure from a seller, we strongly encourage the buyer to hire a professional to inspect the home or property on their behalf. Failure on the buyer's part to get a home inspection places the buyer at a risk that they should seek to avoid.
To obtain additional information about purchasing a home, give me a call.
Related Florida real estate views:
Cleaning up after Tropical Storm Fay. Water damage and mold prevention
Should you buy a home in "as is" condition?
What are the repair obligations to the home seller when using the FAR contract?
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Mar 25, 2008
Florida residents can receive a free home wind inspection
My Florida video discusses how to apply for a free Florida wind inspection to help save on insurance.
Related Florida real estate views:
Kissimmee - Hurricane Preparation Expo
If a hurricane results in flooding, is your home protected?
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jan 16, 2008
The home inspection is one of the most important steps to home ownership
You just made an offer on your potential dream home and the seller has accepted it. Congratulations! Now it is time to get down to business with the tasks you need to accomplish to make sure you are able to successfully close on your new home. One of these tasks is to get an inspection done on the home.
Visit this home inspection page to find out what you should be asking a company you are considering hiring for your home inspection needs.
Related Florida real estate views:
Don’t get scammed buying land in Florida
Home inspectors recommend caution when buying foreclosed homes
Don’t buy a home without a home inspection
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Visit this home inspection page to find out what you should be asking a company you are considering hiring for your home inspection needs.
Related Florida real estate views:
Don’t get scammed buying land in Florida
Home inspectors recommend caution when buying foreclosed homes
Don’t buy a home without a home inspection
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
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