A Few Items the Atlanta Home Inspector checks under your home

May 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment

insulation catastrophe

It is important, no matter the age of the home, to have a home inspection performed during a real estate transaction. Don’t assume that a brand new construction will not have any issues. The Atlanta home inspector sees many new constructions, as well as historic and typical home structures. It is not uncommon to find just as many issues with new builds as with the historic properties. Here are some items Atlanta home inspections looks for when underneath a home of any age:

 

  1. Moisture levels – Moisture levels underneath a home can help the Atlanta Home Inspector uncover issues from inside the home.  For instance, if there are signs of water damage below the area where the refrigerator sits, this could be an indication of a water line leak. Other important areas are underneath the toilets, sinks, tubs and showers – anywhere there could be a sealing or plumbing issue. However, moisture issues in the crawlspace are not limited to a leak. It could mean that the area just isn’t properly ventilated. This is a key element in the inspection, because a high moisture level contributes to wood rot and promotes the growth of mold and mildew. Span and load is the support system of the home. Buckling, breaking or rotting support systems can fail due to an elevated moisture level.

 

 

  1. Electrical – There should not be any loose wires dangling or strewn about within the crawlspace. Junction boxes should not be open and all wires should be properly contained. Loose, exposed wiring can not only electrocute someone, but possibly start a fire.

 

 

 

 

  1. Ductwork – Ductwork should be properly connected and supported. There should not be any kinks or binds in the connections to ensure proper airflow throughout the system. Also, the ductwork should be in place and not hanging, bulging, or gaping open.

 

 

 

  1. Wildlife – Wildlife evidence can be found underneath homes. Sometimes, the wildlife itself is found. Bugs that can threaten the structure of the home can be found and also snakes are sometimes present.

 

 

 

These are just a few of the items the Atlanta Home Inspection team will search for at your property. Remember it is important to be armed with information so that you and your client can make the best decisions moving forward.

 

Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection in Atlanta. We won’t let you buy the money pit.  You can also schedule your Atlanta home inspection today online.  We create Peace of Mind One Atlanta home inspection at a time.  Be sure to check out all the other reasons other customers chose IHI Home Inspections at our original website.

 

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Log Home Retreats: What the Atlanta Home Inspector Looks for

February 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Cabin in north georgiaWhile nothing can compare to the emotion, the ambiance, or the restorative nature of the mountains, there are a few contrasts to consider regarding the composition of your log home retreat.
We dislike spoiling your relaxation, so here are a few items the Atlanta Home Inspector suggests to keep in mind about your log home:
• Look to see if there is any timber rot or any sort of past water damage. Make sure to check the top, ends, and corners of logs.
• Fungus or mildew can appear on logs in dark streaks. Look for any indicators of this occurrence.
• Check all of the logs for gaps, but remember that a little cracking of your house logs is to be expected.
• Look for visible damage from insects, such as termites. Always look along the exterior walls, all of the overhanging roof trim, gable trim, and edges for little round holes made by carpenter bees, as well.
• Check your porches and decks – it is extremely common to discover water damage and mold underneath porches and decks, particularly if the flashing has not been installed properly. Also check to see that decks and porches are attached properly.
• Logs should not be touching the soil. A clearance of 12 inches would be recommended.
• Interior and exterior doors will indicate shrinking log walls. If doors are opening and closing properly – walls have not decreased in size.
• Rafters and framework especially where the roof surface area is situated on the log walls needs assessed to determine if there is at least a 18” or more overhang.

If you need assistance determining these aspects of your log home, don’t hesitate to enlist the services of a North Georgia home inspector. The Atlanta Home Inspector will record the findings in a computerized report and provide you with pertinent information to help maintain the conditions of your mountain escape.

Visit our website at http://www.ihihomeinspections.com to book your Atlanta home inspection today!

http://http://www.youtube.com/user/ihihomeinspections?feature=guide .

To read our maintenance tips visit http://www.ahomeinspectoratlantaga.com, and

to book an inspection online visit our website http://www.ihihomeinspections.com .

We look forward to working with clients and agents during the real estate process. Experience the IHI Difference. 404-788-2581

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Le Grande, A John Weiland Community – The Atlanta Home Inspector Exceeds Expectations during Home Inspection

February 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Le Grande subdivision

            Le Grande Subdivision 3 Home inspections are not only important to us, but also to clients in the Atlanta subdivision of Le Grande. This prestigious John Weiland community      boasts new design concepts and spacious living conveniently located for the daily commute. It is our privilege to exceed the expectations of our clients through exemplary service and attention to detail. We pride ourselves on informing clients and agents, so that the decision-making process is seamless. To see what we do visit our youtube video site at: http://http://www.youtube.com/user/ihihomeinspections?feature=guide .     

  To read our maintenance tips visit http://www.ahomeinspectoratlantaga.com, and

to book an inspection online visit our website http://www.ihihomeinspections.com .

We look forward to working with clients and agents during the real estate process. Experience the IHI Difference. 404-788-2581

Le Grande Subdivision, a John Weiland Community in Atlanta!

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Not Everyone Can Walk on a Roof

October 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

 

Not everyone can walk on a roof. Let’s face it,  some of us suffer vertigo, Acrophobia, or are just plain chicken.  However, at IHI Home Inspections  great pride is taken in roof top walking. Some home inspectors do not walk the roof. This means that they can only report those details that are seen from the ground.  Here is a little hint… if it isn’t seen, then it isn’t put into the Inspection Report. Think about this for a moment – let’s say there was a hole the size of a quarter in a rooftop vent boot. This might sound like a very nit picky issue if you do not understand the consequences of this find. The significance, is that water, debris, and any other outside element, can get into this boot, and onto your roof, or into your attic. The water damage will  cause your roof to rot. Do you suppose that a home inspector standing on the ground, would see such a detail?  This is a little scary if you are buying a home. Make sure you and your real estate agent know your home inspection options before it is too late.

Call IHI Home Inspections today 404-788-2581 or visit us online http://www.ihihomeinspections.com. Become our fans on Facebook  Atlanta Home Inspector           Follow us on Twitter Gahomeinspector 

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Adjustable Rate Mortgage – Is it right for me?

September 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

   Buying a home is a common rite of passage for most people. Settling down, creating stability, establishing a sense of community and responsibility are a just a few of the benefits of owning versus renting.  Another benefit is the investment, and the equity that a home can provide.  However, when it comes to the financing options – what should you do? When considering mortgage options, which can aid you as the buyer, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

  • Am I interested in a low payment?
  • Do I intend to live in this house for more than 5 years?
  • Is a 30 year commitment unrealistic?

Electing to take an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) over a fixed rate loan is one of the financing options that you will be presented.  ARMs tend to carry lower mortgage rates up- front and, therefore, lower monthly mortgage payments. However, the word adjustable is in the very title, so it stands to reason that the mortgage payment will fluctuate as the rate adjusts over time.  While this might seem a bit scary, since you aren’t sure what the stock market will do tomorrow, it could still be a feasible option if you are not expecting to commit to your current home for more than 5 years. In other words, why pay a higher, set rate, when you know that you are vacating the home in 5 years or less.  However, as the loan adjusts, be prepared for the possibility of a much higher rate down the road.

On the other hand, if you plan on making a lifelong commitment to your property, and are more comfortable knowing what each monthly installment will cost you ahead of time and without variance,  then a conventional fixed rate mortgage is most likely what you will feel more at ease with.  While the initial rate may be slightly higher than the initial rate on an adjustable mortgage, the comfort of knowing is sometimes the best decision in a hectic life where most things are always changing. 

As in any financial decision, it is best to consult an authority on mortgage lending. Find a mortgage loan expert who can explain the different options available, any risk factors involved, and the best solutions for you.

 

Filed Under: Feature Stories, Home Buyers Information, Mortgage Guidelines Tagged With: , , , ,

Heat Pump Efficiency

September 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

With the NFL first game of the season out of the way, it made me realize that before long it will be winter in Atlanta! (That’s not to say that autumn will go unrecognized.) However, in our region, we seldom have to turn on the heat until the winter months, which made me start to think about the home inspections in Atlanta that I perform.  

During Atlanta home inspections, I always check the furnace or heat pump.  Did you know that heat pumps are an efficient choice when the temperatures are 32 degrees or higher? With that being said, when it drops below that temperature, the heat pump must “ask” for a little assistance. This assistance comes in the form of electric heat strips (also known as auxiliary heat), which increase the operating cost of the entire system. Sometimes, this can even be as much as 5 times the normal operation.  

So, how would a homeowner avoid using the auxiliary heat? Well, it is always a good idea to service the heat pump to ensure that it is working properly. By keeping dirt and debris out of the unit, the air will flow more freely, as well.  

It is also a great idea to keep the thermostat set at a constant temperature. Typically, somewhere below 70 degrees will keep the usage down – meaning the bill will more than likely

 be less. 

It is always good to know how to conserve energy and save money at the same time.

 

 Do us a favor if you or someone you know is about to buy that perfect home, please recommend us to them. When you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home inspection in Atlanta, GA from the home inspector Atlanta, GA, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581

 

 

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Do you see the Atlanta Home Inspector?

May 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

 

 

    Do you see the home inspector?

Sometimes he is in the most interesting places!

Whether it is up high

or down low

the Atlanta Home Inspector is sure to go

                                                      to great lengths to show

you what you need to know.

IHI Home Inspections  404-788-2581 

 

 Do us a favor if you or someone you know is about to buy that perfect home, please recommend us to them. When you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home inspection in Atlanta, GA from the home inspector Atlanta, GA, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, they serve Atlanta and all of North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection in Atlanta. We won’t let you buy the money pit.  You can also schedule your Atlanta home inspection today online.  We create Peace of Mind One Atlanta home inspection at a time.  Be sure to check out all the other reasons other customers chose IHI Home Inspections at our original website. 

 

 

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Homes Get More Affordable On March Jobs Data

April 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The home inspector in Atlanta Georgia is happy to share the following information.

Americans continue to get back to work.

Last Friday, in its Non-Farm Payrolls report for the month of March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced 120,000 net new jobs created, plus combined revisions in the January and February reports of +4,000 jobs.

The March report marks the 18th straight month of job growth nationwide — the first time that’s happened in 5 years.

The Unemployment Rate dipped in March, too, falling one-tenth of one percent to 8.2%. This is its lowest national Unemployment Rate since February 2009.

Clearly, the jobs market is moving in the right direction. Yet, after the Non-Farm Payrolls report was released Friday morning, stock markets dropped and bond markets gained — the opposite of what a casual market observer would expect.

It happened because, although job growth was strong, Wall Street decided it just wasn’t strong enough. The market expected 200,000 jobs created in March at least and the actual reported figure fell short.

Lucky for you, Wall Street’s pain is Main Street’s gain. After the jobs report was released, mortgage rates immediately dropped to a 3-week low, making homes more affordable in GA and throughout all 50 states.

The market’s reaction is an excellent example of how important jobs data can be to home affordability — especially in a recovering economy.

The economy shed 7 million jobs between 2008-2009 and has since added more than half of them back. Wall Street pays close attention to job creation because more working Americans means more consumer spending, and more consumer spending means more economic growth.

Rate shoppers caught a bit of a break on the March payroll data. By all accounts, the labor market recovery in underway and, as it improves, higher mortgage rates are likely nationwide. For now, though, there’s a window for low mortgage rates that buyers and would-be refinancing households can try to exploit.

If you’re actively shopping for a home or a mortgage, today’s mortgage rates may be at “last chance”-like levels. Once rates rise, they’re expected to rise for good.

Do us a favor if you or someone you know is about to buy that perfect home, please recommend us to them. When you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home inspection in Atlanta, GA from the home inspector Atlanta, GA, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, they serve Atlanta and all of North Georgia.

Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection in Atlanta. We won’t let you buy the money pit.  You can also schedule your Atlanta home inspection today online.  We create Peace of Mind One Atlanta home inspection at a time.  Be sure to check out all the other reasons other customers chose IHI Home Inspections at our original website. 

Filed Under: Home Buyers Information, News You Can Use, The Economy Tagged With: , , , , ,

Jobs Report Due Friday; Mortgage Rates Expected To Change

April 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The home inspector in Atlanta wanted to share this information.  If you’re out shopping for a home this week, or trying to lock a mortgage rate, with Friday comes home affordability risk. Consider locking your mortgage rate today.

The March Non-Farm Payrolls report is due for release Friday morning and mortgage rates are expected to move. Unfortunately for the home buyers and rate shoppers of Canton , we can’t know in which direction that will be.

The prudent play may be to lock your mortgage rate today.

On the first Friday of each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its Non-Farm Payrolls report. More commonly called “the jobs report”, the release is a bona fide market-mover, month after month.

Depending on how the March jobs data reads, FHA and conforming mortgage rates could rise — or fall — by a measurable amount post-release. This is because today’s mortgage market is closely tied to the economy, and the economy is closely tied to job growth.

The connection between jobs and mortgage rates is basic.

More workers leads to higher levels of consumer spending nationwide and consumer spending accounts for the majority of the U.S. economy.

In addition, when more workers are paid, more taxes are paid, too. Local, state and federal governments collect more monies when payrolls are rising which, in turn, benefits projects that purchase new goods and services, and, in many cases, results in the hiring of additional personnel.

Job creation can be a powerful, self-reinforcing cycle.

Between 2008 and 2009, the economy shed 7 million jobs. It has since recovered half of them. Friday, analysts expect to count another 200,000 jobs created. If the actual number of jobs created exceeds estimates, look for stock markets to gain and bond markets to lose. This leads to higher mortgage rates — especially with the Federal Reserve zeroed in on the labor market.

If the actual number of jobs created in March falls short of expectations, however, mortgage rates may fall.

Unfortunately, by the time the report is released, it will be too late to act on it. The release is made at 8:30 AM ET and bond markets are closed for Good Friday.’

Want more information about jobs and rates before buying a home in Atlanta GA, check out the following post about home sales.

Do us a favor if you or someone you know is about to buy that perfect home, please recommend us to them. When you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home inspection in Atlanta, GA from the home inspector Atlanta, GA, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, they serve Atlanta and all of North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection in Atlanta. We won’t let you buy the money pit.  You can also schedule your Atlanta home inspection today online.  We create Peace of Mind One Atlanta home inspection at a time.  Be sure to check out all the other reasons other customers chose IHI Home Inspections at our original website. 

Filed Under: Home Buyers Information, News You Can Use, The Economy Tagged With: , , , , , ,

FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums Increasing April 9, 2012

April 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Planning to use an FHA-backed mortgage for your next home loan? You might want to get your application in gear today.

Beginning next week, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is changing the way it charges mortgage insurance to U.S. homeowners. For the fourth time since 2010, FHA mortgage insurance premiums are rising for all FHA-backed homeowners.

For FHA Case Numbers assigned on, or after, Monday, April 9, 2012, there are two planned changes.

First, FHA Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premiums (UFMIP) will increase by 75 basis points to 1.75%, or $1,750 per $100,000 borrowed. Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium is paid at closing, and typically added to an FHA borrower’s loan size.

The current UFMIP rate is 1.000 percent.

Second, annual FHA mortgage insurance premiums are rising. All new FHA-backed loans will be subject to a 10 basis point increase in annual mortgage insurance premiums, costing homeowners an extra $100 per $100,000 borrowed per year.

The new FHA annual mortgage insurance premium schedule follows :

  • 15-year loan term, loan-to-value > 90% : 0.60% MIP per year
  • 15-year loan term, loan-to-value <= 90% : 0.35% MIP per year
  • 15-year loan term, loan-to-value <= 78% : 0.00% MIP per year
  • 30-year loan term, loan-to-value > 95% : 1.25% MIP per year
  • 30-year loan term, loan-to-value <= 95% : 1.20% MIP per year

In addition, for loans above $625,500, beginning with FHA Case Numbers assigned on, or after, June 11, 2012, there will be an additional 25 basis point increase in annual MIP.

To calculate your monthly MIP obligation as a FHA homeowners, multiply your starting loan size by your insurance rate from the list above, then divide by 12.

Note that the FHA mortgage insurance changes apply to new FHA Case Numbers only. If you have an FHA mortgage approval in-process, or an existing FHA home loan, you are not subject to the new MIP schedule. To avoid paying the FHA’s new MIP schedule, therefore, begin your FHA mortgage application today.

Once your FHA Case Number is assigned, you’re locked in to today’s lower premiums. 

Do us a favor if you or someone you know is about to buy that perfect home, please recommend us to them. When you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home inspection in Atlanta, GA from the home inspector Atlanta, GA, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, they serve Atlanta and all of North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection in Atlanta. We won’t let you buy the money pit.  You can also schedule your Atlanta home inspection today online.  We create Peace of Mind One Atlanta home inspection at a time.  Be sure to check out all the other reasons other customers chose IHI Home Inspections at our original website. 

Filed Under: Home Buyers Information, Mortgage Guidelines, News You Can Use Tagged With: , , , ,
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