PatO Homes - the Right Move!

Email from President of National Association of Realtors

Below is an email sent out by Pat V Combs...2007 National Association or Realtor President

CNN: "Looking for Ways Out of the Subprime Mortgage Crisis,"
USA Today: "Neighborhood Finds Real Estate Loans Too Good to Be True" Washington Post: "Foreclosure Rate Hits Historic High"

We've all seen the headlines. What consumers need now is a lifeline, and I am writing to ask all REALTORS® to help address this growing problem.

1. Download our newest brochure, "How to Avoid Foreclosure and Keep Your Home," which provides outstanding information for existing homeowners who may not be able to afford their current mortgage, including phone numbers, counseling services and just plain good advice. Download here.

2. Download the brochure, "How to Avoid Predatory Lending" and use it to help prospective homeowners avoid unfair lending practices. Download here.

3. Visit NAR's subprime Web page for additional information on this growing problem and plenty of great resources for you and your clients. More info here.

These are practical, user-friendly resources that you can use in the field to help prospective and current homeowners keep their homes - and build wealth - for the long term. Again, visit the subprime Web page to order copies of these brochures.

REALTORS® help build communities one home at a time. We know that foreclosures can decimate our communities and our businesses.

If every REALTOR® uses these three simple tools, we can save consumers who are drowning in insurmountable mortgage debt and preserve the quality of life in all communities we serve.

Sincerely,

Pat V. Combs,
2007 President
National Association of REALTORS®

For more information visit www.realtor.org

Integrity Home Inspections

Wayne Peterson, of Integrity Home Inspections answers the question,
What is a Home Inspection...  and do I need one?

A home inspection is a visual inspection of a home's operating systems and physical structure.  Integrity Home Inspections visually checks to ensure that there are no big surprises when you are purchasing your new or used home.   
A home inspection is not a warranty, or a guarantee.  It is not an insurance policy, nor does it limit an insurance company's responsibility in a loss. A home inspector cannot see through walls, appliances, furniture or soil.  A home inspection is a professional opinion of your home at the time it is inspected to help the homebuyer be more knowledgeable about potential costly repairs needed to your home.

So what do we look at during the inspection?  The following is only a partial list of what we evaluate:
Exterior Components:
•    Landscaping - its effects on the foundation.
•    Foundation – if it is performing as intended in these shifting clay soils.
•    Siding, trim, exterior windows and storms or screens - general condition of each.
•    Roof, chimney, flashing, valleys - evidence of water penetration, materials, and condition.
•    Gutters, downspouts - general condition, and its ability to carry off rainwater.
•    Driveways, patios, decks, porches - general condition of each.
•    Air conditioner compressor - general condition, and a check of temperatures at each duct register
Interior Components:
•    Walls, floors, ceilings, windows - general conditions of each.
•    Plumbing system - all visible fixtures, pipes and drains tested for operation.
•    Electrical system - outside entrance wiring, service panel and visible wiring inspected. Testing of every available outlet and ground fault circuit interrupter.
•    Appliances - operation of oven, microwave, dishwasher, disposal.
•    Heating system - visible portion of heating plant and components, and a check of temperatures at each duct register.
•    Attic - visible roof sheathing, ventilation, insulation and framing.

We will be on your roof and under your home. We will turn on every switch and open every door.  We will turn on every faucet.  We will be in the attic and open the electrical panel box.  Our goal is that nothing will go unobserved because we want to provide you with the best service possible!
The FHA currently recommends homebuyers to get a home inspected before purchase.  Appraisals are not home inspections.  An appraisal is for the lender and it estimates the value of a house and to make sure the house has a fair market value for loan purposes.  A home inspection is for the BUYER.  It gives the buyer an impartial physical evaluation of the overall condition of the home and items that need to be repaired or replaced. It is your responsibility to become an informed buyer. 

Quality and Dependability as solid as the name:  Integrity Home Inspections
Call to schedule your inspection now!  214-564-4535

Thanksgiving & remodels?

Happy Thanksgiving!!!
In case you find some time this weekend to think about things around the house ... here's an article with tips - 10 Cheap fixes to boost your home's value. 
Then, call me when you're ready to buy or sell  :)
Enjoy the holiday!

November home -maintenance Checklist

( Great article I came across...enjoy)

Outside you'll need to check gutters and problem tree limbs. Indoors you'll want to tend to your large appliances and tackle overflowing closets.

• 10 ways to winterize your home -- now
• 14 winter-prep tips for your yard
• Do it yourself or hire a pro?

November is a good month to move some maintenance efforts indoors. This month also provides an opportunity to see if your hard work during earlier months paid off -- nothing tests waterproofing efforts like a hard November rain.

READ MORE

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