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  • For Sale By Owners: Positives and Negatives

    When deciding how to go about the undertaking of selling their homes, homeowners should carefully consider the pros and cons of hiring a real estate agent. While most sellers choose to hire an agent to advise them with the sale, a minority of them choose to sell it themselves. In 2006, these "for sale by owner" (or FSBO) sellers totaled 12% in 2006, according to the National Association of Realtors. FSBO sellers stand to protect an enormous amount of money, but to do this effectively, they must … [Read More...]

    Electrical Safety At Home

    In this video Maggiore Inspections discusses electrical safety in the home. … [Read More...]

    Reverse Polarity Outlets

    In this video Maggiore Inspections discusses reverse polarity in an electrical system. … [Read More...]

    10 Tips to Speed Up Your Home Inspection

    This video summarizes 10 tips to speed up your next home inspection. … [Read More...]

    Childproofing Your Home

    In this video Paul Maggiore discusses childproofing a home with 12 different child safety devices. … [Read More...]

    What Really Matters In A Home Inspection

    In this short video Certified Professional Inspector, Paul Maggiore, discusses "What Really Matters in a Home Inspection". … [Read More...]

    How To Shut Off Your Home’s Main Water Supply

    This short video summarizes the importance of knowing how to locate and operate a home's water main supply shut off valve. A little knowledge may avert disaster and save thousands in repair bills. … [Read More...]

    Safeguard Your Home From Burglary

    Some interesting statistics concerning break-ins in the United States: Theft makes up more than three-quarters of all reported crime. In 2005, law enforcement agencies reported more than 2 million burglary offenses. According to a survey, burglars enter homes through the following locations: 81% enter through the first floor; 34% of burglars enter through the front door; 23% enter through a first-floor window; 22% enter through the back door; 9% enter through the … [Read More...]

    Tips For Selling Your Home

    Interesting article on how to sell your home in a down market. The article outlines 5 tips to sell your home which underscore how the real estate market has changed in recent years. Tips For Selling Your Home In A Down market … [Read More...]

    Your Next Customer Is Not Who You Think

    I just read an interesting article that discusses the diverse market we live in today means there is no "Today's Buyer". In a nutshell the article explains the country is poised to grow from 309 million people to 400 million people in the next 30 years. This will have a tremendous impact on real estate demand but the clients buying homes are changing fast. I found it interesting that only 1 in 5 households are a married couple with children. That is a whole different blog post in itself but … [Read More...]

    Deficient Water Shut-Off Valves

    One minor defect I see fairly often are hot and/or cold water shut off valves that are severely corroded.   For those who aren't aware water shut-off valves are an integral part of a home's plumbing system and every home usually has several located at different plumbing fixtures. The most important valve is, of course, the main shut-off valve which will shut-off the water flow to the entire home.  It is important to know exactly where this valve is located in the event of a leak within the … [Read More...]

    Pending Sales of U.S. Existing Homes Rise by 8.2% – Triple Forecasts

    Even though the housing market is still extremely weak, it was nice to read the sales of existing homes beat analyst estimates for May. This article touches on that and also briefly explains how new home sales and prices fell for the month of May. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-29/pending-sales-of-u-s-existing-homes-rise-8-2-.html … [Read More...]

    Protected: K&N on F250 5.4L

    This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: … [Read More...]

    Home Prices Get Boost From Seasonal Swing

    It's good to see some positive news when in comes to the current state of our housing crisis. Even though the numbers aren't seasonally adjusted it just may be a sign of positive momemtum. Only time will tell and there are still many questions to be answered. http://www.builderonline.com/home-prices/home-prices-get-boost-from-seasonal-swing.aspx?cid=BLDR110628003 … [Read More...]

    Private Water Wells

    If your family gets drinking water from a private well, do you know if your water is safe to drink? What health risks could you and your family face? Where can you go for help or advice? The EPA regulates public water systems; it does not have the authority to regulate private drinking water wells. Approximately 15% of Americans rely on their own private drinking water supplies, and these supplies are not subject to EPA standards, although some state and local governments do set rules to protect … [Read More...]

    Water Quality

    Drinking Water The United States has one of the safest water supplies in the world. However, national statistics don’t tell you specifically about the quality and safety of the water coming out of your tap. That’s because drinking water quality varies from place to place, depending on the condition of the source water from which it is drawn, and the treatment it receives. Now you have a new way to find information about your drinking water if it comes from a public water supplier … [Read More...]

    Air Quality in the Home

    Indoor air quality is generally worse than most people believe, but there are things you can do about it. Some Quick Facts: Indoor air quality can be worse than that of outdoor air. Problems can arise from moisture, insects, pets, appliances, radon, materials used in household products and furnishings, smoke, and other sources. Effects range from minor annoyances to major health risks. Remedies include ventilation, cleaning, moisture control, inspections, and following … [Read More...]

    NAR: resale real estate prices to fall 2% in 2011

    Just read an interesting article that covered the National Association of Realtors index that tracks pending home sales, median sales price of existing homes, new single family home sales, and the national unemployment rate to name a few.  The article stated that pending sales of existing homes rose 5.1 percent in March but dropped 11.4 percent compared to the same month last year. The NAR also anticipates a 1.8 percent drop in the median price of U.S. existing homes in 2011, to $169,800, … [Read More...]

    Water Damage Prevention and Protection

    Water may be essential to life, but, as a destructive force, water can diminish the value of your home or building. Homes as well as commercial buildings can suffer water damage that results in increased maintenance costs, a decrease in the value of the property, lowered productivity, and potential liability associated with a decline in indoor air quality. The best way to protect against this potential loss is to ensure that the building components which enclose the structure, known as the … [Read More...]

    Gutters and Downspouts are Critical for Proper Water Drainage

    If you own a home or are planning to build one the use of gutters and downspouts should be reviewed and given some serious consideration.  As a resident and home inspector here in Southwest Florida I've seen what water can do to a home over an extended period of time.  We live in an environment where afternoon thunderstorms are the norm.  To many homeowners gutters and downspouts become an area to cut costs and this is unfortunate since they play an integral role in protecting our homes from … [Read More...]

    Buying a Fixer Upper Home

    Purchasing a fixer upper home may seem like a risky proposition to many people.  It may turn out to be a terrific deal or it could become an absolute nightmare filled with unexpected disasters.  One of the keys to buying a fixer upper is to properly do your homework and of course have the property completely inspected by a professional.   There are many advantages to buying a fixer upper, some of these include the following: A lower purchase price Lower competition to purchase the … [Read More...]

    Remodeling is a Poor Investment Strategy

    Remodeling can dramatically increase the quality of life for building occupants, but if you are considering a remodel strictly as an investment, think twice about it. Remodeling is rarely a sound monetary investment. According to a report published by Remodeling Magazine, most remodeling projects add only 60% to 80% of their cost to the home, and no projects, on average, yield any positive return. Home upgrades are thus more accurately described as consumer spending than as true … [Read More...]

    10 Tips to Speed Up Your Home Inspection

    Sellers can speed their home inspection by following these suggestions. The inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing. 1. Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning. 2. Ensure pets won't hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from the premises or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home. 3. Replace burned-out light bulbs to avoid a "light is inoperable" report that may suggest an … [Read More...]

    More Foreclosures On The Way

    Foreclosure filings are at their lowest levels in three years...but not for long according to industry experts. The number of foreclosure fell substantially in the first quarter of 2011 - a 15% drop from the previous quarter and down 27% from the previous year. It is safe to assume these numbers won't last long.  The CEO of RealtyTrac, James J. Saccacio, stated recently that, "Weak demand, declining home prices, and the lack of credit availability are weighing heavily on the housing market, … [Read More...]

    Air Conditioning and Cooling Your Home

    As the Summer months approach you may be thinking about how expensive your electric bills may become. Here in Florida it seems like the temperature climbs about as high as our electric bills in July or August. One easy way to lower those large electric bills is by cutting down on home air conditioning to conserve power and save money. The way to achieve this and stay comfortable is by using ceiling fans. Ceiling fans don't cool the air but they keep the air moving throughout a home. As the air … [Read More...]

    How Qualified Is Your Home Inspector

    When you buy a home, even if it's almost brand new, get a home inspection! It's amazing how many people purchase a home without ever having it properly inspected. The main things that a home inspector looks at are the main things a potential buyer needs to know - that the structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems are safe and free of major defects. The main question that home buyers should be asking is "How qualified is our home inspector?". Just because a home is clean, in a nice … [Read More...]

    Tips For Navigating Your Home Search

    Most people agree that it's  a great time to purchase a home.  This article by Teasha Bivins outlines eight tips to successfully navigate your home search.  We can't have too much guidance when it comes to making one of the largest investments of our life.  I felt this simple article touched on some really important points.  You can find the entire article at this link - 8 Tips for Navigating Your Home Search - and remember that Maggiore Inspections is proud to provide the best home … [Read More...]

    National Home Inspection Month Reminds Homebuyers to Protect Investment

    A recent article I read mentioned the fact that home sales are on the rise and outpacing last year's numbers.  This is great news and due in part to the large inventory of unsold houses that have lowered the median home price to very attractive levels for home buyers.  The article reminds home buyers how important it is to employ a professional, certified, and licensed home inspector.  Many of the homes with attractive prices have been sitting vacant for months and may come with defects due … [Read More...]

    The Importance of a Home Inspection

    The importance of a good home inspection can't be overstated. For the majority of people it is the largest investment they will ever make and the actual cost of a home inspection is quite small in comparison to the contract price of the property inspected. Why is a home inspection important some people ask? For starters it is vital that a home buyer ensure that the home is free of major defects prior to closing on the property. These major defects or deficiencies may relate to the structure or … [Read More...]

    Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires

    I frequently see dryer exhaust ducts that are blocked with lint during inspections.  Many times I encounter this while I'm inspecting the roof - and find the wire screen on the gooseneck completely clogged.   This type of lint build-up blocks air flow and can cause excessive heat to build up which results in fires in some dryers.  The CPSC estimated in 1998 that clothes dryers were associated with 15,600 fires that resulted in 20 deaths and 370 injuries.  To help prevent fires the following … [Read More...]

    Test Smoke Alarms (Detectors) Monthly and Replace Batteries Annually for Safety

    It is remarkable how many smoke alarms (detectors) I inspect that don't function properly. An easy way to avoid a possible tragedy in the event of a fire is to have functional smoke alarms in place. Properly maintaining these devices is of the utmost importance. All smoke alarms in your home should be tested monthly and the batteries should be replaced on an annual basis. It is also important to create a fire escape plan for your family and practice the plan at least twice each year. Both of … [Read More...]

    Carbon Monoxide Detectors Can Save Lives

    Unfortunately about 200 people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with home fuel-burning heating equipment. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when any fuel is incompletely burned. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to flu-like illnesses and include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and irregular breathing. Carbon monoxide can leak from faulty furnaces or fuel-fired heaters or can be trapped inside by a blocked chimney or flue. … [Read More...]

    Protect Your Home This Hurricane Season

    Well it's that time of year again.  This year is really flying by and it's hard to believe hurricane season is almost here.  For those who don't know hurricane season extends from June 1st through September 30th each year.  Hopefully this coming season will be an uneventful one like last year but I'm not willing to gamble on it.  The truth is we can all take proactive steps to protect our property against hurricane damage.  This post will summarize a few ways to strengthen your home from … [Read More...]

    Is your garage door auto-reverse functioning properly?

    The answer is a resounding "no" on many of my home inspections.  In approximately half of my inspections the automatic garage door opener does not auto-reverse when met with resistance.  This is real safety hazard.   Injuries from garage doors account for about 20,000 ER visits every year and 60 children have been killed since 1982 from garage doors that did not auto-reverse when met with contact.  Since 1991 garage doors have been required to come equipped with a mechanism that … [Read More...]

    Why Seller Pre-Listing Home Inspections Work

    I read a great article that accurately explained why Seller Home Inspections are a sound decision and great way to market the sale of a home. If you're considering selling and want a competitive advantage in this buyers market you should give it some serious consideration. These inspections are the ultimate gesture in forthrightness on the part of the seller. Our company offers Move-In Certified seller home inspections in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and North Port, Florida. The article was … [Read More...]

    Is it a good time to buy a Home? That could depend on your lender.

    In my opinion it is a great time to buy a home but not everyone shares my view. Some analysts believe we haven't seen the bottom which is scary. One thing is definitely certain...many properties are selling at prices well below the cost to purchase the bricks, sticks, and land to construct your own home. If you are a first time home buyer entering the market then you are well positioned to scoop up a distressed home selling well below it's actual construction cost. That being said, it may be … [Read More...]

    Making An Offer On A Home

    I know from experience that purchasing a home naturally evokes a great deal of emotion.  The thought of living in that new home is exciting.  This is all the more reason to have a real estate agent on your side to help in negotiating the best possible deal.  I felt this article by Phoebe Chongchua at Realty Times was a great read for anyone preparing to make an offer on a home - you can read her article here  The X Factor--Why Making An Offer On A Home Should Be Based On Value To You … [Read More...]

    Closing Costs Explained

    It's become a great time to buy a home here in Florida. If you're contemplating the purchase of a home you need to plan for all the costs associated with closing the transaction. I read a great article which explains 7 different costs you should plan for when buying your home. The article is written by Carla Hill at Realty Times.  You can read the article at this link - Realty Times-Closing Costs Explained … [Read More...]