How can a Home Inspection Pave the Way for a Smoother Real Estate Transaction?

When it comes to selling your home the last thing you want to hold up a sale is because of a problem identified in the home inspection.  While it might not be your number one item on your to-do list as you try to prepare yourself for the move, it can be an integral piece of the puzzle.  Here are some of the most common problem a home inspector can find:

• Bedroom windows- All rooms listed as bedrooms must have an operating window with a 5 square feet clearance for fire escape.  They must also have heat- if one room does not fit these descriptions it is not considered a bedroom.
• Furnaces and Compressors- Rust in the heat exchange and missing insulation where it is required by code at the time the home was built are two of the most common problems.
• Electrical Issues- Electrical code violations include electrical junctions not enclosed in junction box, a lack of GFCI outlets in the bathrooms and kitchens, or reverse-polarity on outlets.
• Lifesaving equipment- smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are required by law in most states and not having them is considered a code violation.
• Plumbing- Dripping faucets, loose toilets, and improper drainage are some on the most common plumbing problems.
• Structural problems- It can be expensive to fix if they aren’t taken care of properly but they can also prolong a sale.  These can include rotten wood trim around windows and doors, rotten or delaminating siding and missing flashing on roofs or above windows and doors.
• Extra rooms- If you added a room or fixed up your basement lately, make sure you have the proper permits in place.

How can a Home Inspection Pave the Way for a Smoother Real Estate Transaction?

When it comes to selling your home the last thing you want to hold up a sale is because of a problem identified in the home inspection.  While it might not be your number one item on your to-do list as you try to prepare yourself for the move, it can be an integral piece of the puzzle.  Here are some of the most common problem a home inspector can find:

• Bedroom windows- All rooms listed as bedrooms must have an operating window with a 5 square feet clearance for fire escape.  They must also have heat- if one room does not fit these descriptions it is not considered a bedroom.
• Furnaces and Compressors- Rust in the heat exchange and missing insulation where it is required by code at the time the home was built are two of the most common problems.
• Electrical Issues- Electrical code violations include electrical junctions not enclosed in junction box, a lack of GFCI outlets in the bathrooms and kitchens, or reverse-polarity on outlets.
• Lifesaving equipment- smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are required by law in most states and not having them is considered a code violation.
• Plumbing- Dripping faucets, loose toilets, and improper drainage are some on the most common plumbing problems.
• Structural problems- It can be expensive to fix if they aren’t taken care of properly but they can also prolong a sale.  These can include rotten wood trim around windows and doors, rotten or delaminating siding and missing flashing on roofs or above windows and doors.
• Extra rooms- If you added a room or fixed up your basement lately, make sure you have the proper permits in place.

How to Keep Your Stainless Steel Appliances Shining?

Stainless steel appliances are the latest trend when it comes to kitchen appliances and can add a POP to your kitchen remodel. They guarantee a balanced heating of foods all while never disturbing flavors. But they can be a pain to clean and keep clean! Here’s how you can take the pain out of cleaning and keep them looking fresh:

1.  Clean with water and a cloth- Microfiber cloths are the best option when cleaning your appliance because they absorb the water and are safe to use without scratching the surface.  You will want to avoid using paper towel or any cloth/towel with a rough surface.  Dry the appliances along the grain to avoid water spots. 


2. Only use a drop of dish soap- Use mild dish soap and warm water for most cases but be gentle.  If the stain or marks will not come out, use white vinegar as a cleaner.


3. Glass cleaner- To remove fingerprints, use glass cleaner with a microfiber cloth.  This will eliminate the unwanted fingerprints!


4.  Keep a stainless steel cleaner on hand- Be sure to read the directions before you use the cleaner and test it in an unnoticeable location.