The case for Zigging while others are Zagging...List in the Winter!

Here's why it may make sense for you: People are still shopping for homes in good winter weather and those looking are serious buyers. The competition is not as fierce since fewer homes are listed in the wintertime. Typically, company transfers happen at the beginning of the calendar year and your home can be marketed to this niche. (I went back to check my records and when I was in corporate America I always moved in January / February!) Depending on your decorating ability, your home may be more festive and attractive to buyers during the holiday season. Frankly, there's not much of a down side to listing now and you'll be ahead of the massive spring influx of listings. Of course the best thing to do is ask yourself where you want to be living in 6 months and begin planning for that reality now.

10 Questions to Ask a Home Inspector

This article appeared in REBAC's most recent newsletter...it's a great list and I recommend everyone hire a qualified home inspector prior to buying!

1. What does your inspection cover?

The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable requirements in your state if applicable and will comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront.

2. How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed?

The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals.

3. Are you specifically experienced in residential inspection?

Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection.

4. Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection?

Some inspector associations and state regulations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in the inspection. Other associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of interest.

5. How long will the inspection take?

The average on-site inspection time for a single inspector is two to three hours for a typical single-family house or large condo / town home.

6. How much will it cost?

A typical range might be $200-$400, but consider the value of the home inspection in terms of the investment being made. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality.

7. What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?

Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector's reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. It's great to get an inspector who will email you the report at the end of the inspection.

8. Can I attend the inspection?

This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector's refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of an expert.

9. Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association?

There are many state and national associations for home inspectors. Request to see their membership ID, and perform whatever due diligence you deem appropriate.

10. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?

One can never know it all, and the inspector's commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism and service to the consumer.

Losing Ground to Condos?

Here's an interesting article from the New York Times entitled Preservationists in Chicago Fear Losing Ground to Condos

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