Home Sellers Information

A Few Items the Atlanta Home Inspector checks under your home

May 15, 2013 By atlantahomeinspector Leave a Comment

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Filed Under: DIY Projects, Featured, Home Buyers Information, Home Sellers Information Tagged With: a home inspector atlanta ga, Atlanta Home Inspection, atlanta home inspections, Atlanta Home Inspector, Atlanta Home Inspectors, Canton Home Inspections ga, Home Inspection Atlanta GA, Home inspectors Atlanta, Inspector Atlanta

Listings needed for Buyers in Canton GA

March 9, 2013 By atlantahomeinspector Leave a Comment

We need listings. Want to sale, and move up? Now is a great time!

Increasing sales combined with decreasing inventory of listings reduced the months of supply to 4.2 months in December, 2012, reflecting the change from a “Buyer’s Market” to a “Seller’s Market” condition during 2012 Call Us today at 404-788-2580! It’s a great market!

Want to just find out what it’s worth? CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH TODAY

Visit my Best Atlanta Real Estate For Sale website today for local information.

Check out my Facebook page for Cherokee Real Estate Deals

Filed Under: Feature Stories, Home Sellers Information, News You Can Use, Real Estate Info Tagged With: canton homes for sale, cherokee County homes for sale, homes for sale canton GA, homes for sale cherokee county

Log Home Retreats: What the Atlanta Home Inspector Looks for

February 21, 2013 By atlantahomeinspector Leave a Comment

While 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!

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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

Filed Under: Home Buyers Information, Home Sellers Information, Hot Topics, This Week's Top Story Tagged With: a home inspector atlanta ga, atlanta home inspections, Atlanta Home Inspector, canton ga inspection company services, home inspection reports georgia, home inspectors north georgia, inspection company real estate woodstock ga, marietta georgia home inspections, north georgia mountain home inspections, real estate inspections atlanta

10 items to help you prepare to sell your home

January 8, 2013 By atlantahomeinspector Leave a Comment

Now that the new year is in full swing, you may be considering placing your home on the market. You may have already called an agent to represent you, and you may already be shopping for your new residence. It is important to assess your current home prior to any open house or client walk through, though. If you want to maximize your top dollar and perhaps sell your property quickly, you may want to check out the Atlanta Home Inspectors to do list:

1. Repair or remove screen doors with holes and tears

2. Pressure wash windows, sidewalks, and siding

3. Paint your front door and polish the doorknob

4. Pull weeds, seed bare spots, and lay down mulch

5. Touch up holes, dings and cracks in paint

6. Clean grout and re-caulk sinks, bathtubs and showers

7. Buy new cabinet hardware

8. Fix leaky faucets and toilets

9. Spray lubricant on squeaky doors

10. Get clutter into storage and out of the way

These may seem like no-brainers, but they are chores that are often overlooked. Hectic work and family schedules can keep homeowners from maintaining a residence. However, the simple little details will help sell a property. Another idea to consider is a Pre-Listing home inspection . Any surprises can be found early and fixed, so that you can come closer to receiving your requested value amount on the home. Also by unveiling them in advance, they can be used as negotiation tools.

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: DIY Projects, Home Sellers Information, Real Estate Info Tagged With: a home inspector atlanta ga, atlanta home inspections, Atlanta Home Inspectors, Atlanta real estate information, Canton Home Inspections ga, Home Inspector Atlanta GA, Inspector Atlanta

Why the FOR SALE sign is Still in Your Front Yard

November 19, 2012 By atlantahomeinspector Leave a Comment

Has your house been on the market for several months – years even? Have you evaluated the situation completely to determine why the For Sale sign is still perfectly perched in the front lawn? There are a number of circumstances that can prevent a home from selling. The Atlanta Home Inspector would like to share a few of the reasons.

v Is it “move-in” ready? – Unless someone is specifically looking for a home to fix or remodel, chances are they would much rather move-in and not have to lift a finger to make it inhabitable. A pre-listing home inspection could help you find problem areas that you may be unaware of – areas that would cause the home not to sell.

v Where is it located? – Location truly is important. If the home sits on a heavily traveled, noisy roadway it will not be attractive to someone with children, pets, or a 3^rd shift work schedule.

v Is the price realistic? – Many times there are unreal expectations regarding worth. It is difficult to separate the emotional attachments, upgrades and all other ties that bind the person selling the home to the property. However, in order to remain competitive a realistic value must be placed on the home and a realistic asking price.

v Does anyone realize the house is for sale? – Making sure a marketing plan is in place for the property is essential. In today’s hi-tech society, internet searches help consumers with the decision-making process. If your home is not visible on the internet, then it is not visible to those who search it hoping to find a new home!

While this list points out a few reasons, there could be other factors that cause a home to sit on the market for an extended amount of time. From the neighbors to the transportation availability, if your house has been listed for a while and nothing seems to be happening, make sure you are frequently communicating with your listing agent to ensure that they are providing you the best service available.

Filed Under: Home Sellers Information, News You Can Use Tagged With: atlanta georgia home inspectors, Atlanta Home Inspection, home inspection in atlanta

Rodents, Chemicals, Asbestos Beware!

March 7, 2012 By atlantahomeinspector Leave a Comment

Chances are, if you have recently had an Atlanta Home Inspection, you noticed the Atlanta Home Inspectors wearing special white jumpsuits when entering attics, basements and crawlspaces. Although the suits subtley remind us of astronaut gear, and they make the inspectors look quite sytlish- it actually is a protective outerwear. Tyvek® clad home inspectors are able to enter into areas where squirrels, oil, and perhaps toxic substances could be found. Rodents, chemicals, asbestos beware! The polyethylene fibers and random pattern bonding of the material make home inspectors invincible… sort of. When suited up, the inspectors are resistant to water, chemicals, UV rays, and depending on the grade of suit, fire.

A DuPont researcher named Jim white, invented Tyvek® in 1955. However, it wasn’t until 10 years later that DuPont officially trademarked the product as Tyvek®. DuPont still manufactures the product today. The synthetic can be found in clothing, envelopes,tape, and home wrap – to name a few. Builders install Tyvek® as a moisture barrier. It also works to prevent air infiltration.

Keeping safe is just one of the many facets of being an Atlanta Home Inspector. They boldly enter where most men don’t dare to go (insert chuckle here), to keep home buyers and home sellers safe. It is always a good idea to have a home inspection in Atlanta or wherever you live, in order to protect your family and your investments. Ask about special tests such as radon, air quality and pest control when buying a new home. Understading what a home inspection is and what the benefits are to you is an important piece of the real estate puzzle.

Filed Under: Feature Stories, Home Buyers Information, Home Sellers Information, News You Can Use Tagged With: a home inspecctor in atlanta ga, atlanta home inspections, home inspector service woodstock ga, inspection services canton ga, marietta home inspector, north georgia home inspections

High Demand on Existing Homes Provides Positive Outlook

February 23, 2012 By atlantahomeinspector Leave a Comment

Existing home supply

An “existing home” is one that’s been previously occupied and cannot be categorized as new construction. As Atlanta home inspection providers we see several of both types of homes. Due to the populated areas where we provide home inspections in Atlanta, Ga there is a continuous flow of buyers in “existing home” transactions. Could this be an indicator that a housing recovery is beginning nationwide?

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the January 2012 Existing Home Sales showed a 4 percent increase as compared to December’s revised figures. There was also a 20-month high in home resales during this January’s reports.

The good news is that demand is high in Canton, Woodstock, Roswell, Kennesaw and other surrounding cities not only for home sales, but for the services needed to complete real estate transactions. This would indicate that Marietta home inspections are on the rise, as well. There is still a positive outlook for those who wish to sell their homes. Since housing stock is at a 5 year low, the demand is higher than the supply, which makes for a higher price on the homes. Higher price on the homes, means more money in the seller’s pockets.

Interestingly enough, at the current pace of sales, today’s complete home inventory would “sell out” in 6.1 months.

Analysts say that a 6-month supply is a market in balance. Anything less is Bull Market territory.

As contract failures subside, Existing Home Sales are expected to rise even faster. Many buyers have tried to buy but could not for reasons such as: appraisals coming in lower than contract pricing, home inspection issues that could not be negotiated, and mortgage denials.

First-time buyers continue to power the home resale market. In January, 33% of all sales were made to first-time buyers, up four points from last year. This statistic suggests that renters are moving into homeownership, an important component in a sustained housing market recovery.

Given high demand and shrinking supply, we should expect for Bradshaw Farms, Bridgemill, and Harmony on the Lakes home prices to rise in the coming months, if they haven’t already. Thankfully, mortgage rates remain near all-time lows.

Filed Under: Feature Stories, Home Sellers Information, Housing Analysis, Real Estate Info Tagged With: a home inspector in atlanta ga, canton ga inspection services, Existing Home Sales, Existing Home Supply, home inspection reports atlanta, home selling information, marietta home inspector, NAR

Bricks – Energy Efficient and Value Enhancing

February 20, 2012 By atlantahomeinspector Leave a Comment

Dorothy, Toto and her cohorts followed the Yellow Brick Road, and it would seem that 60% of homebuyers are discovering that there is “no place like a Brick Home”. The Atlanta home inspector encounters brick homes that are still standing today, which were built hundreds of years ago. In fact, companies such as ACME Brick provide a 100 year limited Gurantee for Homebuyers.

Brick doesn’t rot, is energy efficient and enhances the resale value of a home. Imagine not having to paint, caulk or stain. Not to mention, bricks will not burn, so fire insurance premiums are drastically reduced. The composition of brick keeps your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Sometimes Atlanta Home Inspections will encounter a situation that will require further assistance from a structural engineer, but with bricks, that is more rare.

Today, you can shop online for various patterns and colors of brick. Some websites offer more than 1000 syles and offer a side by side comparison of brick versus other cladding choices. However, the most popular method of brick shopping is through a vendor, who will provide samples for you to view before purchase.

Consider all the options when building, buying or selling your home. Brick exteriors enhance resale values possibly by 6% or more.

If you have a brick exterior (or any other form of cladding) call IHI Home Inspections for your buying, selling, or renovation inspection needs. Conveniently click at htt://www.ihihomeinspections.com anytime day or night 24/7, 365. If you prefer speaking with someone to schedule your inspection, we can be reached at 404-788-2581. Make sure to inquire about promotions and special discounts. We serve Cherokee County, Georgia and surrounding counties. Canton home inspections, Woodstock home inspections, Marietta home inspections and Kennesaw home inspections - just to name a few of our home inspections in Atlanta, GA service area.

If there is anything we can do for you…
just let us know!

Filed Under: Home Owner Information, Home Sellers Information, News You Can Use Tagged With: Atlanta Home Inspector, Atlanta Home Inspectors, Canton Home Inspections ga, Home Inspector In Atlanta, Inspection Atlanta Ga, Woodstock home inspectors

Love at First Sight, Enhance Your Curb Appeal

February 15, 2012 By atlantahomeinspector Leave a Comment

A home buyer’s first impression doesn’t happen after they cross the threshold. It happens as soon as they pull up to the curb outside of the home. Even though we never want to judge a book by it’s cover, it’s human nature to form an opinion based on that first glance. As Atlanta Home Inspectors we remain non- judgemental, but sometimes we do fall in love at first sight with a home’s curb appeal. So how do you attract buyers to your home?

From fixing up the deck on the front porch to adding some colorful flowers to the landscaping, there are plenty of elements to make your home look more inviting.

Start by determining your home’s best exterior features, and then assess some improvements that you can tackle on your own and get the biggest bang for your buck. Here are some simple ways to help boost your curb appeal:

* Clean up clutter
Getting rid of clutter and scrubbing down grime should be the first steps in giving your home’s exterior a fresh new glow. Start by removing any unused items or dead plants from the yard. Clean out the gutters and consider power washing the front of the house. It might not look dirty, but you’d be amazed at how much dirt can accumulate and cause a dingy, dull appearance.

* Spruce up landscaping
Take pride in your front yard and make sure to keep up with regular lawn maintenance. This could mean adding some new shrubs, plants or flowers to the house, but start by fixing up and trimming down all existing yard features. Consider lining walkways with an attractive fence or adding a splash of color with potted plants or bright flowers. A few garden fix-ups can go a long way to improve an outsider’s first impression of your home.

* Add fresh features
If it’s in the budget, hit up a local home and garden store to find some simple products to enhance existing elements. Maybe it’s a new mailbox, trendy yard decor, or even a shiny new fixture for the front door. You can also add a couple pieces of furniture to create a more welcoming atmosphere to the front porch. Consider a visit to second-hand shops or garage sales; you never know when a fresh coat of paint can make one man’s trash another man’s treasure.

* Prep your deck
The exterior of your home doesn’t stop at the front yard – make sure it looks inviting all the way around. Start by prepping the deck and applying a new coat of wood stain to enhance and beautify, while protecting your investment for the future. The Flood brand of wood care products provides a complete line – from prepping and cleaning to staining and sealing – to help you get the job done and make your deck the place to be.

There are plenty of projects that can make a huge difference to improve the look of your home without requiring you to spend a fortune on remodeling. Get a head start on a few of these weekend projects. Your home just might be the envy of all your neighbors this summer.

Filed Under: Home Sellers Information, This Week's Top Story Tagged With: a home inspector atlanta ga, atlanta home inspections, Atlanta Home Inspectors, canton inspectors, curb appeal, georgia home inspections

5 Simple Ways To Declutter Your Home

January 30, 2012 By atlantahomeinspector Leave a Comment

When a home is listed for sale, its “clutter” can be the difference between a rapid sale and no sale at all.

Clutter, in its strictest sense, is defined as anything untidy; or in a disorderly state. In real estate, the term is broadened to include unnecessary furniture pieces; unwieldy artwork or collections; stacks of papers and/or magazines; and anything that otherwise restricts the open flow of a home’s floor plan.

In other words, clutter is anything that distracts from your home’s natural footprint.

As a home seller in Woodstock , understanding how your home’s clutter can affect a buyer is paramount to helping your home sell faster, and at a higher contract price.

First, there’s the psychological angle. A potential home buyer may see clutter and think “mess”. Few people want to buy a house they find messy or otherwise disorganized.

Second, there’s the practical angle. A home that appears full of “things” also appears as if its lacking in storage space. This, too, can turn off buyers.

When you list your home for sale, here are basic tips to de-clutter your home. Some of this advice may not be practical with respect to your home, in particular, so make sure to ask your real estate agent for follow-up help.

In each room, remove photos, trophies, plaques and other personal items on display.
Remove large collections such as dolls, cars, miniature cans, and the like.
Remove worn throw rugs
Remove items from kitchen countertops, including small appliances
Remove items from bathroom countertops

You should also consider removing distinctive artwork from your walls, or replacing pieces with items that are more bland.

The over-reaching goal of de-cluttering is to depersonalize and neutralize your home so a buyer can visualize himself/herself living there. De-cluttering your home can also make your home appear larger, accentuating the features of each room.

It’s no wonder that minimally-cluttered homes tend to have a wider appeal among buyers.

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 & Bonnie 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: Around The Home, Home Sellers Information Tagged With: Clutter, Home Sales, Listing