Home Inspection Tip

A home inspection is important whether you're buying or selling a home. Where does radon testing fit into the picture?

Let's look first at considerations from a home seller's perspective. If your inspector or another qualified professional has already tested your home for radon, the buyer wants assurance the testing was done correctly. She may ask that testing be redone if certain conditions aren't met.

Did testing comply with the EPA radon checklist or your state's protocol? Was testing done within the past two years? Have you made any renovations on your home since testing was done? Does your prospective buyer want to live in a basement or level lower than where testing was done?

She may also ask for a new test if your state or local government requires the disclosure of radon information to buyers and that disclosure hasn't been made. If you haven't yet had your home tested for radon, have it done as soon as possible. Test in the lowest level of the home that can be regularly occupied. Test in an area such as a basement or playroom area if that area could be used by your buyer.
If you do the radon test yourself, carefully follow the testing protocol for your area or EPA's Radon Testing Checklist. If you hire a contractor to test your home, you'll protect yourself by hiring a qualified individual or company.

How do you find a qualified professional to do the testing? Ask your home inspector. Also, your state should have an office that deals with radon issues. They may be able to provide you with a list of testers in your area. Many states require radon professionals to be licensed, certified, or registered.
If your state doesn't regulate radon related services, ask your home inspector or a reliable contractor if he holds a license, or a proficiency or certification credential. Has he completed training in measuring radon and properly dealing with radon issues? You may also want to contact the American Society of Home Inspectors, the National Association of Home Inspectors, or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

Let's look at the other side of the coin. What if you're buying a home? The EPA says if you are thinking of buying a home, you can choose to accept an earlier test result from the seller. Or you can ask the seller for a new test to be done by a qualified radon tester. Before you accept the seller's test results, ask a few questions. What did previous tests show? Who did the actual testing? Where in the home was the previous testing done? Was it in the level in which you plan to live? Have any changes been made to the home since it was tested? For example, have there been any alterations to the heating and cooling systems?

If you accept the seller's test results, be sure the test complied with the EPA checklist or relevant state protocols. If you think a new test is needed, discuss it with the seller as soon as possible. If you decide to use a qualified radon tester to have it retested yourself, contact your state radon office for a copy of their approved list of radon testing individuals and companies.

If the seller hasn't had the home tested, ask that it be done. Consider including radon testing provisions in the contract. Note where in the home the testing will be done and who will do the testing. Also note the type of test to be done and when it will be done. How will the seller and buyer share the test results? Who pays for the cost of testing?

You'll want to be sure radon testing is done on the level you intend to occupy, whether it's the first floor or basement area. If you decide to finish or renovate an unfinished area after you buy the home, a radon test should be taken before starting the project and again after the project is finished. Generally, it's less expensive to install a radon-reduction system before (or during) renovations rather than afterward. Of course if you are in the market for a new lake home please call the Spouses Selling Houses team. Until next time. Ebbie:)

Hows the Market Report

Here is this month's "Hows the Market" report from Ebbie

 

Signs of Recovery Are Many

The various small businesses that drive the country's housing market are reporting signs that the industry may be making a real and sustained comeback.

At the start of this year's spring selling season, home builders and real estate professionals alike expressed optimism about the growing number of prospective buyers showing up at open houses and inquiring about current house listings. It now appears that interest has translated into sales in many markets.

Mark Prather, whose real estate agency, ERA Buy America Real Estate Services is on the border of Los Angeles and Orange counties, states, "We had a terrific March, better April, and May is going to be the best closing month since 2006."

Other success stories are being reported across the nation, as business is being driven by pent-up demand. Many people had put off buying a home since prior to the recession, and prices are lower after plummeting during the housing crisis. In addition, rising rents are making buying more attractive, and mortgage rates are at record lows.  The National Association of Realtors states that more than 1.3 million previously occupied homes were sold from January through April—a 7 percent increase from more than 1.2 million a year ago.

If now is the time for your new lake home, or if you wish to list your home for sale, please call the Spouses Selling Houses. Until next time! Ebbie :)

Be Prepared For Any Home Emergency

Sometimes disaster strikes, despite your best efforts to prevent it. And that means you should always be ready for the unexpected.
The right emergency gear will help you protect your home and family, as well as deal with unpleasant realities like a post-storm power outage or broken windows.

Here are the most critical tools and products to have on hand when things go wrong.

Essential detection and safety devices

Throughout the house
Place wireless water alarms under sinks, behind the fridge, anywhere that water would pool if there's a leak -- they'll sound off at the slightest hint of moisture.

Keep a fire extinguisher on every floor of your home, and an extra one in the kitchen, where the majority of fires start (some insurance policies will give you a discount on your premium for having them). Get multipurpose A:B:C extinguishers that douse flames from three types of fires: ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical. Opt for a five-pound fire extinguisher, which is light enough for most people to use easily. Check the pressure gauges periodically and have the extinguishers recharged when the pressure drops.

Supplement hard-wired smoke detectors (if you have them) with at least one battery-powered model per floor, especially in the kitchen and near bedrooms. Go with a model with a sealed-in, 10-year lithium battery to spare you frequent battery replacement.


Danger zones: Common threats to your home
For the best protection, opt for separate carbon monoxide alarms instead of combination smoke/CO detectors. Place one on every level of the home and outside each bedroom or sleeping area so that occupants will wake up if it goes off at night. Plug-in versions with battery backups are convenient and discreet.

Basement, laundry, and mechanical room
A sump pump alarm has a sensor wire and probe that detect rapidly rising water levels, tipping you off to a potential flood. Reliance Controls sump pump alarm, $15; homedepot.com
An automatic shutoff valve for your water heater cuts off the supply to the device as soon as it senses a leak of any kind.

Save big on homeowners insurance

If you forget to turn off the water supply to your washing machine when you're finished sudsing your duds, then this is the gizmo for you: a switch that automatically opens the valve as soon as you turn the machine on, and then closes it when the rinse cycle is over.

Upstairs bedrooms
Place sturdy escape ladders in each bedroom near a window. Practice setting them up in case you have to do it quickly.

Must-have tools for your emergency kit
Collect all your gear in a waterproof plastic tub and stow it in an easy-to-access spot in your house.
1. Duct tape. Use it for on-the-fly repairs and temporary fixes.
2. Blanket. Mylar is warm and lightweight, and folds up small.
3. Multitool. Get one with a pair of pliers and a can opener.
4. Radio/phone charger. A hand crank will allow you to juice up the battery.
5. Work gloves. Leather grips protect your mitts during poststorm cleanup.
6. Nylon rope. Use it to secure heavy outdoor furniture or tie down a flapping door.
7. Lantern. A battery-operated model is safer than candles.

And add these multitaskers:
8. Fishing line. Use it wherever rope is too thick to get the job done.
9. Vinyl tablecloth. Lay it down to create a clean zone in any area.
10. Baby wipes. They'll remove grime from your hands and practically any surface.
Make sure to include first-aid supplies, three days' worth of bottled water and nonperishable food, and a list of important phone numbers.

We hope you always find our blog information helpful. If you're looking to buy or sell a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, please contact the Spouses Selling Houses team. Until next time! Ebbie :)

Mortgage Interest Rate Report

Long-term mortgage interest rates stayed below 4 percent for another month in April and close to historical lows, according to data from mortgage finance company Freddie Mac, as mixed economic data kept them from rising.

April 5

During the first week of the month, the average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage (FRM) slipped down to 3.98 percent, excluding fees, from 3.99 percent the week before. The average rate on a 15-year FRM dropped to 3.21 percent from 3.23 percent and the one-year adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) was unchanged at 2.78 percent.

April 12

The next week, rates took a dramatic dive, with the 30-year FRM average plunging to 3.88 percent and the 15-year rate falling to 3.11 percent, a new all-time record low. The one-year ARM inched up to 2.80 percent however. Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist Frank Nothaft blamed "a weaker than expected employment report for March" for the drop in rates.

April 19

Rates moved up slightly in the third week "amid signs that inflation remains in check," said Nothaft. The average rate on a 30-year FRM rose to 3.90 percent and the 15-year FRM increased to 3.13 percent. The one-year ARM also rose slightly to 2.81 percent.

April 26

At the end of the month the 30-year FRM headed back down to an average of 3.88 percent, with the 15-year FRM slipped down to 3.12 percent. The one-year ARM average fell to 2.74 percent.
Fixed mortgage rates held near record lows this week as the markets waited for the Federal Reserve's April 25 monetary policy announcement following two days of deliberations. The Fed stated that it expects economic growth to remain moderate and then pick up gradually.

What's Next for Interest Rates?

The Federal Reserve recently announced upwardly revised expectations for 2012 GDP and unemployment rate improvement. With these and many other signs of at least some economic growth, there is room for interest rates to move slightly higher in May. The 30-year fixed is not likely to go much higher than 4.10 percent, but it could plausibly move about 4 percent during the month.

If you are in the market for a new lake home please contact the Spouses Selling Houses team. Until next time. Ebbie :)

Home maintenance checklist for the month of May

Summer is almost here, and it’s time to get your house in order for the hotter months. Here are tips to put your furnace to bed, store your space heaters, prep your cooling system, repair window screens and more.

When the weather turns warm, follow the impulse to fling open the windows and let in the fresh air and light: The sun's ultraviolet rays are lethal to many harmful bacteria. May's the time to ready your home for summer.

Baby your cooling system
Before firing up your air conditioner, change or clean the filter. You'll want to change it every couple of months while the system is in use. The owner's manual will explain how to change filters and clean coils and fins in the exterior evaporator unit. With the air conditioning turned off, check the evaporator unit for dirt, brushing and dusting it. Trim any surrounding shrubs. Remove the pan from the bottom of the unit, clean and replace it. Keep algae, mildew and mold from forming:

• Central air conditioning units have a pipe that drips evaporated moisture onto the ground. If this clogs, water can back up into the house. Each spring, clean the line by removing the cap at the access hole on top of the pipe. Pour a cup of bleach into it, letting the bleach drain to the ground. If a clog has formed farther up the pipe, attach the suction end of a wet-dry vacuum to the pipe's end, wrap duct tape around the joint to create a temporary seal and run the vacuum briefly to remove the clog.
• Window units: Stop the growth of algae and mold (and musty smells) by pouring two capfuls of bleach into the condensation pan (the drip pan located under the cooling coils). Do this monthly while you're using the air conditioner. Also, dust the unit regularly.
• Evaporative coolers: Open the unit and remove the drip pan. Examine it for leaks or rust. Replace cooler pads each spring.

Put the furnace to bed for the summer
Check the furnace filter, holding it up to the light to see if it's dark and dirty and in need of a change. The instruction manual will tell you where to find these filters and how to remove and replace them. Vacuum the openings and grilles at heating and ventilation vents, registers and ducts.

Service the furnace and air conditioner
The transition from cool to warm weather is the sign that it's time to take care of the appliances that keep you comfortable through the year. Call a professional to perform annual service on a furnace, air conditioner or evaporative cooler. Act early to book an appointment so you can avoid the summer rush. Call the company that installed the appliance or search online for licensed heating, ventilation and air conditioning specialists.

Replace vacuum cleaner bags
Remove the vacuum cleaner bag outdoors so you don't release dust and allergens back into the house. Wear a bandana or dust mask to protect your lungs. While you have the vacuum cleaner open, dust it inside and wipe down the inside parts with a thin rag dipped in warm, soapy water and wrung out well. Keep water from the motor and electrical parts. Soak the vacuum tools in a bucket of soapy warm water, rinse and dry them. Let the machine air dry before installing a fresh bag and closing it up. Check the owner's manual to learn how often to wash or replace filters in some newer vacuum cleaners.

Vacuum refrigerator coils
Remove the front cover from the refrigerator and use the wand attachment on the vacuum cleaner to carefully suck out the dust and dried bits of macaroni and dog food that have worked their way under the fridge.

Store free-standing electric heaters
Dust, vacuum or wipe down their surfaces and check cords and plugs for fraying and loose wires before putting them into storage.

Wash windows
Cleaning all the windows and window coverings in your home is a big, satisfying and several-hours-long project. Choose a sunny day and, if possible, get someone to work with you. Remove curtains and blinds if you can. Clean windows and window trim, inside and out. Start by brushing (with a dry broom) or dusting the trim. If it's really dirty, wipe it down with a rag and soapy water. Outdoors, use a hose to rinse off the soap. To clean the glass, use a good-quality squeegee, the tool of professional window washers . Before purchasing a squeegee, check the width of your smallest windows. Assemble a pole (unscrew the handle from a broom) that fits your squeegee's handle, a microfiber cloth and a bucket. Use a few drops of liquid dish soap or a teaspoon of TSP in a two-gallon bucket of warm water. Many professionals like TSP, or trisodium phosphate, a powdered stain remover and degreaser found at hardware stores, for a streak-free finish.

Clean and repair window screens
On a sunny day, take window screens out of storage and lay them on the grass, sidewalk or deck. Dust with a soft cloth or brush off dust with a clean paint brush. Dip a big (roughly the size of your hand), soft-bristle brush in warm, soapy water and gently scrub each side of the screen. Hose off each screen and put them in the sun to dry. Avoid tearing or pulling screens from their frames. You can mend small tears with a needle and thread.
If you need to replace an entire screen, it isn't hard. The mesh is held in place by a strip of tubing that fits into a channel along the edge of the metal frame. Buy the mesh and tubing by the yard at a hardware store (bring measurements or the frame with you to the store, along with a sample of the tubing your window needs) and follow these steps:

• Remove the old tubing (use a screwdriver to pry it out) and lift off the screen.
• Cut the replacement screen larger than needed, fit it tightly to the frame while tucking the tubing back into the channel with a screwdriver. If you've got many screens to replace, consider buying a special tool to push tubing into the channel.

If you don't want to do this yourself, search online for window dealers who'll fix broken screens, calling several to compare prices.

Maintain exterior siding
Paint looks nice, but its main job, especially outside, is to protect from the deteriorating effects of dirt, sunlight and moisture. A paint job lasts an average of six to eight years, depending on weather and environmental conditions. Because it can cost thousands of dollars, do what you can to extend its life. As soon as the weather's warm, examine the outside of the house. Trim shrubs that touch siding, windows or trim. Maintain a space of at least two feet between the home and plants in order to keep away damaging insects and moisture. Make sure that soil and landscape bark touch only the foundation, not siding. Where mold grows on siding, spray with bleach and water, let dry and rinse with a garden hose, scrubbing and repeating if necessary. Spray off winter dust, mud and debris with a garden hose and sprayer attachment. Hire a professional to use a power washer unless you're experienced. These machines can do a lot of damage by dislodging or breaking shingles or siding, creating openings for mold and moisture. If you see blistering, peeling or thinning paint, move quickly to get at least three bids and schedule the paint job before fall.

Check outdoor hoses and irrigation systems
Freezing and thawing can heave the ground and even crack pipes and hoses, so turn on the water pressure and see how your irrigation system responds before you need it. Look for leaks, breaks, pooling water or clogged sprinkler heads. Repair, replace or call in the pros to get your irrigation system ready to run.

Remember if you are in the market for a new home at Lake of the Ozarks, please let the Spouses Selling Houses team assist you. Until next time. Ebbie :)

Showing Your Home

Your house should always be available for show, even though it may occasionally be inconvenient for you. Let your listing agent put a lock box in a convenient place to make it easy for other agents to show your home to homebuyers. Otherwise, agents will have to schedule appointments, which is an inconvenience.  Most will just skip your home to show the house of someone else who is more cooperative.
Most agents will call and give you at least a couple of hours notice before showing your property. If you refuse to let them show it at that time, they will just skip your house. Even if they come back another time, it will probably be with different buyers and you may have just lost a chance to sell your home.

Try Not to be Home

Homebuyers will feel like intruders if you are home when they visit, and they might not be as receptive toward viewing your home. Visit the local coffee house, yogurt shop, or take the kids to the local park. If you absolutely cannot leave, try to remain in an out of they way area of the house and do not move from room to room. Do not volunteer any information, but answer any questions the agent may ask.

Lighting

When you know someone is coming by to tour your home, turn on all the indoor and outdoor lights – even during the day. At night, a lit house gives a "homey" impression when viewed from the street. During the daytime, turning on the lights prevents harsh shadows from sunlight and it brightens up any dim areas. Your house looks more homey and cheerful with the lights on.

Fragrances

Do not use scented sprays to prepare for visitors. It is too obvious and many people find the smells of those sprays offensive, not to mention that some may be allergic. If you want to have a pleasant aroma in your house, have a potpourri pot or something natural. Or turn on a stove burner (or the oven) for a moment and put a drop of vanilla extract on it. It will smell like you have been cooking.

Pet Control

If you have pets, make sure your listing agent puts a notice with your listing in the multiple listing service. The last thing you want is to have your pet running out the front door and getting lost. If you know someone is coming, it would be best to try to take the pets with you while the homebuyers tour your home. If you cannot do that, It is best to keep dogs in a penned area in the back yard. Try to keep indoor cats in a specific room when you expect visitors, and put a sign on the door. Most of the time, an indoor cat will hide when buyers come to view your property, but they may panic and try to escape.

The Kitchen Trash

Especially if your kitchen trash can does not have a lid, make sure you empty it every time someone comes to look at your home – even if your trash can is kept under the kitchen sink. Remember that you want to send a positive image about every aspect of your home. Kitchen trash does not send a positive message. You may go through more plastic bags than usual, but it will be worth it.

Keep the House Tidy

Not everyone makes his or her bed every day, but when selling a home it is recommended that you develop the habit. Pick up papers, do not leave empty glasses in the family room, keep everything freshly dusted and vacuumed. Try your best to have it look like a model home – a home with furniture but nobody really lives there.

Just a few simple tips for showing your home. If you are looking to sell your home or looking for your dream home at the lake, please call the Spouses Selling Houses. Until next time. Ebbie :)