Frequently Asked Questions

A portion of a down payment given to the seller by a potential buyer, indicating the buyer's intent to complete the purchase of the property.

2. Should I Get a Home Inspection? What Does a Home Inspector do?

For you're own safety, and to make sure you are getting your money's worth in the home you choose, using a home inspector is highly recommended. A home inspector will check a home's plumbing, heating and cooling, electrical systems, and look for structural problems like a damp or leaky basement.

Before you sign any offer, your real estate agent should make sure that it includes an inspection clause or other language which says that your purchase obligation is contingent on the findings of a professional home inspector.

A home cannot "pass" or "fail" an inspection, and an inspector will not say whether he thinks the home is worth the money you are offering. The inspector's job is to make the buyer aware of any recommended or necessary repairs.

A seller may be willing to renegotiate a price to accommodate needed repairs, or you may decide that the home will take too much work and money. A professional inspection will help you make a clear-headed decision. 

Remember the purpose of a home inspection is to help you learn things about the home that are not easily discoverable during your home-buying tour. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A "LAUNDRY LIST" OF MINOR REPAIRS FOR SELLERS TO COMPLETE.

3. What is an Appraisal?

A portion of a down payment given to the seller by a potential buyer, indicating the buyer's intent to complete the purchase of the property.

4. What is a Home Warranty? What are the Benefits of Getting One?

A home warranty is usually a one-year service agreement that covers the repair or replacement of many major home systems and appliances that typically breakdown over time due to normal wear and tear. 

You can be covered against the expenses of unexpected repair or replacement for a full year after closing, less the standard deductible. Think about it, no matter how closely you inspect a home before you buy, you just can't predict certain things. There could be breakdowns from normal wear and tear, and there's always the possibility of mechanical failure during the first year of ownership. Things like internal plumbing, electrical wiring, or vital parts of the air conditioning and heating systems can give out unexpectedly. Even working components like the washer, dryer, oven, refrigerator, and other items sometimes fail. Each warranty has some limitations; carefully read your policy. Pre-existing conditions may be a factor.

5. Do I need a professional photographer to photograph my home? How important are the pictures, really?

There are many things you can do to help improve your home's value. From simple less costly projects like painting to more costly projects like updating your Kitchen. For some helpful tips, watch the short video above.

7. What is a Survey Location Report?