I have to apologize for the long delay in following up with another post to my blog.  I will make a concerted effort to post more frequently.  

Although the weather does not feel like it, we are now officially in the "spring market" stage of the real estate calendar.  Many buyers and sellers are looking for settlements after the close of the school calendar in June.  If you are in that category, just a quick word of advice regarding planning for your move:  The end of June and end of July are the two busiest moving times of the year.  Movers get booked for those dates very quickly.  Once your real estate transaction is secure -- meaning that the inspections, etc., have been completed satisfactorily -- call to book your mover as soon as possible.  That should prevent you from not being able to work with the mover of your choice.  If you are reading this blog and looking for good movers, please contact me so I can forward the name and phone number of an outstanding mover who can handle moves just about anywhere in the world.

The spring market is the busiest real estate season of the year.  As a follow up to my last post about finding a home inspector  my friend, a home inspector, offered the following brief suggestions for buyers and sellers:

Three Tips for Buyers

1.   New is not always nice!   There have been a lot of newcomers to the “building or rehab business" in this last boom.   The quality of the workmanship for many of these newcomers can be incomplete, improper, or not up to current standards.  Beware that many problems that will result will not manifest themselves for many months or even a few years.  Also, the warranty is only as good as the person who issues it.  Look for reputable, experienced contractors.

2.  What did they say!   Check info from sellers.   When did the roof leak?  How often did they say the basement gets went?  Who did that plumbing repair?  When did the stream in the rear yard flood?  Look at the Sellers Disclosure.  Ask for an explanation and an update before closing.  Be clear and be sure that you understand what is being presented.

3.  Is it straight!  Walls and ceilings that are not straight and level may just indicate normal settling or may never be explained.   But these can also represent major structural failures.  Beware and get a qualified opinion.

 Three Tips of Sellers

1.   Tell It All!   Today’s legal standard is “Seller Beware”!  To save  potential conflicts or lawsuits, be sure to disclose all known defects or repairs to any potential buyers.   Show and document everything.  

2. Patience!   Be patient with all of the new contingencies and inspections people will ask for.  Remember you may be doing the same to the sellers of next house you buy.

3. Avoid “Let’s make a deal again”!  The house is finally under agreement;  It hard enough in this market to get your deal.   But then along comes the buyer’s home inspection.  Now the buyer wants this and did not realize that.  Avoid the renegotiation surprises by getting a home inspection done before you put the house on the market.   This can also be part of your disclosure.

The above comments were posted by Vince Tecce of the Building Inspector of America.  Vince can be reached at 215-321-3151.  I have personally worked with Vince for years and he does comprehensive and excellent home inspections.  His website is at the following URL: http://www.TheBuildingInspectorofAmerica.com.