Buying a Home
When you buy a home, it is one of the largest investments you will make in life. You are not just choosing a house, it is the place in which you will raise your family. Being prepared in the beginning will make this process less overwhelming and chaotic. The items on this page are meant to provide you with detailed information and to assist you in making an intelligent and informed decision. Remember, if you have any questions about the process, we’re only a phone call, text, or email away!
Hiring a Home Inspector
Designed to help you understand the overall condition of a property, home inspections could potentially save you considerable time in the purchase process and potentially hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs. Here are the types of inspections to consider when hiring your home inspector:
Standard Home Inspection
Areas which may be covered include lot grounds, roofs, exterior surfaces, garage/carport, structure, attic, basement, crawl space, electrical, heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing, fireplace/wood burning devices, and appliance condition. Remember to review your inspection rights that are clearly stated in the Purchase & Sales Agreement and that they may vary from area to area. In some cases homes can be sold “as-is” even though an inspection may take place. You still have the right to a professional home inspection. It may be the best money you spend.
Radon Gas Inspection
Radon gas levels are detected and measured in this type of inspection. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that between 15,000 – 22,000 deaths per year result from radon gas exposure, therefore they recommend that all homes be tested for radon gas. The EPA recommends that homes containing 4.0 or more Pico Curies per liter be remedied. The cost of said remediation is normally the responsibility of the seller.
Termite Pest Inspection
A termite pest inspector will inspect the property for the presence of wood-destroying insects (WDI) or wood destroying organisms (WDO, i.e. fungus) and conducive conditions that exist. Inspection requirements vary by state, and most home inspectors will include any visible insects or damage on their reports. Some may also have a licensed termite pest inspection company in their arsenal.
Asbestos Inspection
Lab analysis will determine if asbestos fibers are present and evaluate their condition. If friable or non-friable conditions exist, buyers should seek professional assistance. Consult your home inspector if you suspect this is present. They are a one stop shop.
Composition Board Siding
Consult your home inspector if this product exists on the home you are purchasing. The condition of this type of siding and any areas of high moisture should be evaluated during the home inspection. This is a key product manufactured to replicate traditional wood siding at a fraction of the cost.
Lead Paint Inspection
The painted surfaces of a home can be evaluated to determine the presence of lead paint. Homes that were constructed prior to 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead exposure can be harmful to young children and babies. Children with lead in their bodies can suffer from damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems, and headaches. Download the lead based paint pamphlet for more information.
Septic
SeptiChekTM is an evaluation performed by an on-site waste management professional. It involves accessing the cover of the septic tank to examine the fluid level inside the septic tank. The tank is then pumped to check the condition of the tank and its baffles. The leaching field is probed to check the level of sub-surface liquid waste (effluent). This test alerts the buyer to a wide range of potentially costly septic system repairs or failures. The SeptiChekTM evaluation provides more reliable information of potential problems than a septic dye test. This is typically a buyer expense. If the house is on a septic system, the seller should provide a Subsewage Disclosure & Permit if one is on file with the state.
Pool/Hot Tub Inspection
This determines the overall condition and operability of a pool and/or hot tub’s equipment. Additionally, the condition of the pool deck will be inspected for deterioration and/or other noticeable defects if they are open and accessible at the time of inspection.
Private Well Flow and Potability Inspection
Some loans may require this. It is designed to determine whether or not a private well adequately supplies water to the house. Samples are sent to a lab for potability (drinkability) analysis.
Stucco Siding Inspection
There are two types of stucco siding buyers need to be aware of: cement-based “traditional” stucco and synthetic stucco. An inspection of the siding’s application according to manufacturer’s installation specifications is recommended. Synthetic stucco siding is commonly referred to as Exterior Insulated Finish System (EIFS).
- When considering a home with stucco exterior, we recommend an inspection be conducted to determine the condition of the siding.
- Synthetic stucco is predominately found in the Southeast but it is present in homes in other areas of the country as well.
- Hidden structural damage has been documented in synthetic stucco homes in 34 states.
- Moisture readings are taken to determine if the system has already experienced water intrusion.
For Parents with Children When Moving
Moving is one of the most stressful life events there is, reports CBS News Minnesota, beating the pain of divorce and having kids! As a parent who’s planning to move soon, expect to have your work cut out for you. You’ll have to keep thousands of little details straight, troubleshoot problems constantly, and also look after your kids. It can be more than a little stressful, sometimes to the point of being overwhelming.
Organization and planning are your best friends – having a plan for the move and starting move-related work early can help you pull it off seamlessly and minimize the stress. To help ensure everything goes well and you don’t hit too many roadblocks along the way, we offer this mini-guide on how to move smoothly.
Consider your kids’ needs
If you didn’t know, moving is especially tough for kids because they leave behind everything they know and love. As such, be extra gentle and reassuring, and broach the subject of the move as early as you can.
- Initial conversation: Talk to your child about the move to minimize resistance, temper tantrums, and meltdowns. Be reassuring, highlight the positives, and draw pictures of the move to help them understand what to expect.
- Needs and living preferences: Your child may need some things from your new location, which you should account for. Some examples are education options, socialization, entertainment, and medical treatment. Also, they might prefer some home types over others.
- Practical logistics: Finally, also consider how you’re going to look after your kids while moving. You may need to hire babysitters, help your kids pack, have the new home cleaned and childproofed, help them settle in, and more.
Leave 3-6 months for home-buying
Buying a home doesn’t happen overnight. Home-buying involves preparing your credit score, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, networking with realtors, finding a new home within your budget, selling off your old home (if applicable), negotiating with the seller, closing, and, finally, moving! Start as early as you can. When you’re ready to purchase a home in the Middle TN area, reach out to expert realtor Lory Breckler.
Create a living expenses and moving budget
Having a living expenses budget for your first few weeks in your new location can help you see to all your expenses, save money, and have peace of mind. Research the costs of living at your destination before you move to avoid unpleasant surprises. Also, consider moving expenses. Having a moving budget can help you see to all necessary expenses.
Touch base with old friends
Moving back to your home town? Harness the power of the internet to reconnect with your high school classmates from your hometown or nearby areas. By inputting relevant details such as the name, graduation year, and school into a search engine, you can swiftly locate and reconnect with old friends.
Book reputable movers in advance
Having experienced movers in your corner can make your life much easier. Good movers can assist with everything from packing and organizing to transport and safety. Keep in mind that the best movers tend to be fully booked, especially during busy times (like the holidays). As such, make sure you book your movers weeks in advance to guarantee access to their services.
Create a moving checklist
Moving involves countless tasks big and small. Examples include packing, gathering documents, registering for services, having your mail forwarded, closing contracts, informing your acquaintances, hiring handymen, and much more. Creating a moving checklist, running up to the date of the move, will help you stay organized and on track.
Start packing early
Packing is harder than you think and, also, incredibly time-consuming. It involves getting rid of things you don’t need, putting items in temporary storage, gathering boxes, organizing your stuff, and more. Doing it early will help you avoid stress. Prepare a room in your home for your packing material. Label your boxes and tape them up securely. You can put delicate items in special crates or bubble wrap for extra protection.
Use a home maintenance app for repairs
A home maintenance app serves as a handy digital tool that can guide you through the process of making repairs in your new home. It provides step-by-step tutorials, allows you to discover more options for professional services, and lets you track your repairs. This modern solution not only helps you save time and resources but also empowers you to maintain and improve your home’s value with ease.
Conclusion
Having a moving checklist and starting work on moving-related tasks early is an excellent way to ensure you remain on track, avoid problems, and keep your stress levels way down. Working with experienced movers can also reduce your workload greatly. Note that feeling settled in at your new location could take a few weeks – having a routine for you and your kids will be immensely helpful.
Image via Unsplash
For Retirees
Browse these resource links from RetireGuide:
retireguide.com/guides/downsizing-for-retirement/
retireguide.com/guides/aging-in-place/
Do you suspect nursing home abuse? Here’s what you need to know.
https://www.levinperconti.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-nursing-home-abuse.html
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