Q - I am preparing to sell my home this spring. I would like to read up on the in's and out's of the real estate process ( in Canada) before I place my home on the market. Where can I get this kind of information?
A - There is a book on the market that covers all the bases. It is entitled: 'The Real Estate Process: Pros Discuss Buying and Selling Your Home.' It contains information from 4 professionals that you may encounter during the real estate process - real estate agent - lawyer - home inspector - home stager.
Each professional wrote the section pertaining to their expertise. I authored the real estate section and edited the book. It is available on Amazon or through my website.
The book includes the following sections:
First - What does the real estate agent do for you and how does this work? It is a step by step explanation. It covers areas such as -- What happens when you call a real estate agent? How are appointments set up? How are showings handled? Are Open Houses useful? Are they safe? What should be taken into account when doing Open Houses? What is included in an offer? What clauses are important? How does the real estate agent get paid? It also discusses some financing options and provides explanation of mortgage terms.
Second - The legal process is more of a mystery than it should be. A lawyer walks you through what is involved both when you are selling real estate or buying. It is a thorough explanation and provides a greater understanding of your legal implications as well as how your property gets registered. Among the topics are: charges on title both removable and not removable, purchase tax or land transfer tax, survey certificate, title insurance, mortgage disclosure statement, statutory declarations, statement of adjustments and much more.
Third - Is it necessary to get a home inspection? What does a home inspector really do? Equally important is to understand what the home inspector does not do. Is a home inspection a guarantee of some kind? Can anyone do a home inspection? How does the home inspector interact with the real estate agent, the buyer and the owner. What are some of the myths and misconceptions about home inspections.
Fourth - If you are selling, you may wish to consider getting assistance from a home stager. When potential buyers come to view your home, it is vital to make a good first impression. You have only one opportunity to make a good impression! You want your home to be memorable both from the outside and the inside. A home stager has the skills to make your home look its best.
The real estate process has become more complex over the years and the consumer is not sufficiently aware of this process. This prompted me to put together this book with key professionals contributing their expertise. I am certain this book will enlighten you and give you confidence when you enter the real estate market.
Showing posts with label Home Inspectors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home Inspectors. Show all posts
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Friday, August 12, 2011
Home Inspectors - What they Do and Don't Do
Q - I have been advised to hire a home inspector to check out the home I'm about to purchase. Will the home inspector guarantee my roof, plumbing, electrical work etc.?
A - No! You have to remember that he is only doing a visual inspection. He can't see behind the walls or empty closets to get a better view. He can't remove the insulation to check underneath or guarantee that the roof doesn't leak and so on.
However, the inspector does have a list of hundreds of items that he does check. With his experience, he can often point to possible problem areas. For example, he can inspect the roof for visible signs of deterioration. He can examine the electrical system and advise you of possible shortcomings. He can check all accessible plumbing areas and see their condition. He can examine the foundation and see if there are any cracks.
The home inspector is not a specialist in plumbing, electricity, heating, drains, roofing, engineering or other specific trades He is a generalist. He is someone who has had some experience in one or more disciplines pertaining to the building industry. It is with this experienced eye that he carefully examines the condition of the home.
In some areas, home inspectors are required to be licensed and insured. This means that a home inspector must meet certain qualifications in order to be deemed qualified.
Be sure you discuss with your home inspector what his services entail so that you do not have unrealistic expectations. The home inspector does not get involved in property values.
A - No! You have to remember that he is only doing a visual inspection. He can't see behind the walls or empty closets to get a better view. He can't remove the insulation to check underneath or guarantee that the roof doesn't leak and so on.
However, the inspector does have a list of hundreds of items that he does check. With his experience, he can often point to possible problem areas. For example, he can inspect the roof for visible signs of deterioration. He can examine the electrical system and advise you of possible shortcomings. He can check all accessible plumbing areas and see their condition. He can examine the foundation and see if there are any cracks.
The home inspector is not a specialist in plumbing, electricity, heating, drains, roofing, engineering or other specific trades He is a generalist. He is someone who has had some experience in one or more disciplines pertaining to the building industry. It is with this experienced eye that he carefully examines the condition of the home.
In some areas, home inspectors are required to be licensed and insured. This means that a home inspector must meet certain qualifications in order to be deemed qualified.
Be sure you discuss with your home inspector what his services entail so that you do not have unrealistic expectations. The home inspector does not get involved in property values.
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