Sunday, April 13, 2008

Obama, Clinton, McCain

Do you know who you are going to vote for in this presidential election? Some things to think about with regard to the housing market and real estate. Which candidate(s) is consumer friendly, as far as mortgage rates, bailing out the current housing crisis, and protecting consumers from unfair practices by mortgage companies and others involved in the housing industry.

I encourage you to take a look at this issue with all the candidates and make your decision based on what Sen. Obama, Sen. Clinton, or Sen. McCain would do in this realm.

Call or e-mail me and we can discuss what I feel is best for the real estate industry as a whole and you, as a consumer.

dianablair@cox.net or 480-529-2693

Friday, April 4, 2008

Home Inspections

There are some things you need to know before hiring a home inspector.

1. Make sure the inspector is ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) certified. This is a rigorous education and testing method and only those who pass the test and do a number of specified inspections with a certified inspector are then given the ASHI certification.

2. Find out how long the inspector has been doing inspections. If they have just started out, you might want to look elsewhere.

3. Some home inspectors also perform termite inspections. In order to do a termite inspection, the inspector has to be certified by the state to perform these types of inspections. Sometimes having a home inspector perform the termite inspections, as well can save you money.

4. Will you get a report on the spot? Some inspection companies only give you a summary at the time of inspection and will get the whole inspection report to you at a later time. If time is running out on your inspection period, you will want to have the whole report as soon as possible so that you can make an informed decision as to what to ask for with regard to repairs.

5. Your real estate agent can recommend a home inspector and/or a termite inspector to you. An agent who has been in the business for a while will have someone they work with and trust.

Don't forget, you hired the home inspector, so they work for you. Ask questions, especially if you don't understand something.

To get started in finding the perfect home for you - please call me at 480-529-2693 or e-mail me at dianablair@cox.net.