Mold: the scourge of the Earth. An insidious entity, it can take over a home with almost no indication. So, the question is: do I really need mold remediation? 

You just might. To find out, all you have to do is look for these 5 signs. 

1. Your Home is Musty

One sign that you might need mold remediation is that your home smells musty. Musty smells generally come about due to water. Water attracts mold spores which then give off the foul odor that’s come to be known as “must”. 

Now, this doesn’t necessarily indicate the need for mold remediation. In some cases, musty smells appear simply because a home hasn’t been aired out in a while. But if you can’t find the source of the smells, you should, at the very least, have a mold remediation company come in for a test. 

2. You’re Experiencing Specific Health Symptoms

Though it’s not always the case, mold exposure can sometimes lead to allergies. If you notice the symptoms of such allergies, you could very well be exposed to mold in your home. 

Symptoms to look out for include a sore throat, a cough, watery eyes, excess sneezing, and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms to keep in mind include congestion and wheezing. 

3. There are Water Stains on Your Walls/Ceilings

Where water goes, mold follows. So, if you notice water stains on your walls or your ceilings, there’s a decent chance that there’s mold buried within them. 

Remember, mold is not always a surface-level entity. Often times, it hides underneath things, wreaking havoc on human health and causing damage to the property at large. So, don’t want until it’s presented itself visually; take action the second you notice signs of water. 

4. Your Home Was Recently Flooded

A sure sign that you need mold remediation is that your home was recently flooded. If mass amounts of water existed in your residence for prolonged periods of time, there’s no chance that it didn’t attract mold spores. These spores are there whether you can see them or not, and, with time, will grow to the point that your entire home is under attack. 

Mold remediation should be a standard part of every flood cleanup project. First, you need to get the water out. Then, you need to call up your local toxic mold remediation company. 

5. You’re Thinking of Buying a New Home

The last sign you need mold remediation is that you’re thinking about buying a new home. Simply put, the home could contain mold. To ensure that it doesn’t, you need the professionals to come in and inspect it. 

Now That You Know the Answer to “Do I Really Need Mold Remediation?” . . . 

Now that you know the answer to “do I really need mold remediation?”, you might have other home-related questions. If so, you needn’t look much further. Our website has you covered. 

Take a look at our other articles now! 

You’re thinking of buying a new home. Perhaps you need a house that’s larger because your family is growing.  Or you’re looking to invest in your retirement. Or leave your family a nest egg when you’re gone.

People have a number of reasons to buy a home. But whatever your reason for wanting to buy, you need to know what should a home buyer consider when buying a house. This essential information will help you make the most out of your investment and negotiate a better deal.

The last thing you want to do is make the mistakes that many uninformed home buyers make because they lack important information. Here’s what you need to ask before you buy.

What is the Condition of the Roof?

Replacing the roof is a big expense. It can cost home buyers thousands of dollars to replace. If the home seller doesn’t include the information that the roof is in poor condition, it can cost you a lot if you find out too late.

Because the roof is up high, it might not be easy to see from the ground. And unless you have someone climb a ladder to look at the roof’s condition, you may never know until it’s too late.

If the roof is in poor condition, but you still want to buy the house, you can use the roof to negotiate your price down. Contact a few roofing companies and get an estimate of the approximate price before you present the deduction to the seller.

If you want the house and the seller wants to get it off the market, you can easily take the cost of replacing or repairing the roof off the price you’ll pay at closing.

How Old is the Air Conditioning Unit?

Most homes have central air conditioning throughout the house. The cost of replacing an air conditioning unit can run around up to nine thousand dollars for the installation and purchase of the air conditioner. 

If the air conditioning unit is more than ten years old, there’s a chance it may need to be replaced while you own the home. A home inspector can test the condition of the AC.  

But if the temperature outside is below 65 degrees your home inspector won’t be able to test it. The reason: the AC unit can be severely damaged if it’s turned on in cold weather.

Your home inspector won’t be able to test it which can leave you at a disadvantage if you don’t know if or how well it works. And many contracts have a clause in them that the home seller isn’t responsible for replacing things that aren’t broken.

Sure you can try to put the money a new AC would cost in escrow until the weather gets warmer. But that means your title agency or attorney will need to hold the money in their account. A seller probably won’t agree to this.

Should You Hire a Home Inspector? 

The answer is yes. If you’re thinking about being a new homeowner, you want to know the condition and issues of the home you’re buying. Although the home inspector can’t check the air conditioning unit in cold weather, they can check the other systems in the house.

Some of these major systems include electric and plumbing. These systems when broken down or in poor condition can be a safety hazard. They can also cost the homeowners a lot of money to update.

If the home inspector finds electrical issues or the need for plumbing repair, you can probably deduct that from the price of the home if you still want the house. Or  on the other hand, you might decide to walk away from the sale.

While a typical home inspection in Florida may cost around $300, it is well worth the price if the information the inspector provides can save you thousands of dollars or help you avoid a bad investment.

Does the Community Have a Home Owner’s Association?

Many residential communities are operated by a homeowner association, also known as the HOA. Associations charge a monthly fee to use their amenities and maintain the grounds.

Some examples include mowing your lawn, removing trash, paving roads, running sprinklers, and keeping the community property looking nice.

HOA’s also have rules that are written in a bylaws document. Before you put down your earnest deposit, make sure you’re comfortable with the rules the association expects you to comply with. 

Are you comfortable with the monthly fee for what they offer? Are you willing to pay the membership fee for a new homeowner which can be around $2,000? Answering these questions will let you know if the community and you make a good fit.

Does the Home Need to Be Remodeled?

It’s highly likely if the former homeowner has lived there for many years, or rented the property, that it needs to be updated. You might be looking for a turnkey home and not want to take on a renovation.

On the other hand, remodeling a home can give you the opportunity to customize the home’s design to your preferences. You can choose the kitchen countertops and cabinets you like.

You can remove a wall for an open concept look. Or make any changes that make it feel like you. And with today’s kitchen software technology, designing a kitchen is much easier. Check it out.

The Takeaway: What Should a Home Buyer Consider When Buying a House?

Now you have some solid answers to the question: What should a home buyer consider when buying a house? As you can see, knowing the answers beforehand can help you decide if this is your dream home or you should continue looking elsewhere.

Looking for more helpful real estate tips? Explore more content on our blog.

Hundreds of thousands of homes sell each year, so how do you get yours to be one of them?

You may be wondering, “How long does it take to sell a house?” It can be confusing to get started, and you might feel overwhelmed. When you have a basic understanding of the timeline, it can help you feel a little calmer.

Continue reading this article, and we will go over the average time to sell a house and more.

Understand Your Market

Depending on your market, your home could be off the market as soon as you put it up. If you’re in a seller’s market and there is less inventory than there are buyers, it is likely that your home will fly off the shelf.

On the other hand, if you’re in a buyer’s market, you’re likely to wait quite a bit longer. Knowing the type of market you’re in will allow you to put the best strategy for selling your home together.

If you need to sell your house fast, you might look into people and services that can help you get the job done. Real estate agents and cash home buyers are a couple of options to consider.

Timeline for Each Step of Home Selling

While you can’t nail down exactly how long it will take to sell your home, there are some basic guidelines.

List, Show, Wait

The first step to selling your home is listing the home and waiting for offers. Your home is likely to be on the market for at least 1 to 3 months before you even get an offer.

If you need to sell your home fast, this could be a problem, but if you plan ahead, it shouldn’t be as stressful. Your home is likely to be off the market for 65-95 days.

Accepting an Offer

Once you have an offer, it won’t be long until you know whether it is going to work or not. Most deadlines on accepting offers are 24, 48, or 72 hours after you get it.

The sooner you accept an offer, the sooner your house is going to sell.

Home Inspection

Depending on the contract you’ve agreed upon with the buyer, it might take 5 or 10 days to go through the home inspection process. Some buyers will even waive the inspection if it’s a competitive market, and they really want the property.

Post Inspection Counteroffer

Once the buyers get the home inspection report, they may present an adjusted offer and ask for repairs. This usually takes 48 hours or less to go through. If you still agree on the offer, you can keep moving forward.

The Closing Process

It takes around 30 days to close on a house once the home inspection is complete. The reason it takes this long is that the lender, title company, and the county records department needs to have time to do all of their work.

If you really need to get through the process quickly, you should look for an all-cash buyer.

Avoid These Home Selling Mistakes

Don’t leave your home on the market for too long. If your home is on the market for a long time, buyers start to wonder why it’s still on the market and are wary of looking at it.

Selling in the off-season is another big mistake. Winter is the slowest time for selling a home due to the weather and holidays. Try waiting to sell your house in the spring instead.

What Makes a Home Sell Quickly?

When you’re desperate to sell your home fast, there are some things you need to think about.

Location Is Key

While you can’t change the home’s location, you can use that location to boost your marketing efforts. If it’s close to good schools, shopping, or an attraction, you can talk about that in your listing.

If your home is in a remote location, you might have a few challenges getting people to see why it’s a plus and not a minus. Come up with creative ways to make people see how close it is to everything that matters without having to be too close to the hustle and bustle.

Your Price Point

Before you put your house up on the market, you should look at other homes and their price points. How much are the comparable homes in the area selling for?

If you can make your pricing more attractive than the other similar homes, you are likely to sell your home faster.

Is Your Home Move-In Ready?

Most people don’t want to have to do a lot of extra work in the home they move into. The more you can do to make the home move-in ready, the faster you’ll sell your home.

If there are any walls with bright paint, change that color out for a more neutral color that other people are more likely to enjoy looking at. If you have doors that don’t work properly, you should fix these as well. People like being able to open and close their doors and feel secure in their new environment.

How Long Does It Take to Sell a House? – Now You Know

The answer to “How long does it take to sell a house?” is very subjective as you can see from the information above. If you need to get your house off your hands fast and you don’t care so much about getting the most money, you might take a different path than someone who has time.

Do you want to learn more about real estate, homes, and other important information? Keep reading our blog to get the information you need.

Trees are a beautiful addition to your yard… except when they aren’t.

The trees on your property can turn into dangerous hazards as they get older and weaker. At some point, the best way to keep your home and your family safe is to get rid of the tree altogether.

But that process might not be as easy as you think. While you might be tempted to grab the chainsaw and start cutting, you have to learn how to remove trees from your property the right way.

We’ve put together this guide to show you how to do that.

But before we get into the details, we have to ask an even more important question.

Are You Legally Allowed to Remove Tress From Your Property?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It all depends on where you live and what type of tree you want to get rid of.

But if you own your property, don’t you own the tree, too?

Not necessarily.

Many cities have what is called a Tree Protection Ordinance, which prevents certain trees from being cut down. Just because you own your property doesn’t mean you have a legal right to cut down a tree that’s growing there.

You might have to get a permit in order to remove any trees from your yard. You should get in touch with your city or an arborist in your area if you aren’t sure whether or not you can get rid of a tree.

The Exceptions

Of course, there are always a few exceptions that might let you remove a tree even if it is protected by the city.

You can almost always cut down trees that have any of the following issues:

• Dead
• Diseased
• Pest infested
• Dangerous

You can also remove any trees from your property that have already fallen.

However, before you remove any tree from your property, even if it fits into one of these exceptions, you should double-check with the city anyway. This will prevent you from making a mistake that can lead to other problems.

How to Remove Trees From Your Property

There are a few different ways you can remove trees from your property. Here’s a closer look at some of the different methods and which one is best for your circumstances.

Do It Yourself

If you have the right tools and the necessary know-how, you can, in theory, remove a tree from your property on your own. But this is a big—and dangerous—job. If you have never chopped down a tree by yourself before, you shouldn’t try this option.

You must familiarize yourself with a chainsaw again and start sharpening the dull chains. Though it is easy to get one locally or online on BestofMachinery, taking down a tree safely is a serious feat. You will need additional hands to help you.

For example, it’s hard to predict how a tree will fall when you’re cutting it. Even if you come up with a plan, it can still end up falling in a different direction.

This means it can damage your home or your vehicles. Even worse, a falling tree can pose a serious threat to you or your family.

If you don’t know how to remove a tree on your own, you should stick to hiring a professional instead.

Hire a Professional

It’s a good idea to hire a professional for any type of tree removal job. They have all the right equipment and experience to get the tree off your property safely and quickly.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking hiring a professional will cost you more money than doing the job yourself.

While hiring a tree removal company can be expensive, repairing your house or replacing a car will cost much, much more. Because of this, hiring a professional is often a better financial decision in the long run.

How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?

The average cost to remove a tree from your yard is about $700. However, the exact cost depends on a number of factors, including the size of the tree and its accessibility. You may end up paying closer to $2,000 for some jobs.

This might lead you to ask another question: “Is tree removal tax deductible?”

If you meet the right requirements, the answer might be yes (you can read the above guide to learn more). This can help lower the price if your tree removal job is on the steeper side of things.

Signs You Need to Remove One of Your Trees

Since the trees on your property have likely been there long before you bought your home, you might not spend a lot of time thinking about them. However, there are a few important signs you should know that serve as warning bells.

If you notice any of these things, it might be time to remove your tree:

• The tree is dead
• The tree has a disease (which can affect its stability)
• The tree is in the way of power cables or other structures
• The tree has developed a “lean” (meaning it’s tilting in one direction)

These are all signs you tree might start dropping heavy branches or even fall over completely. If you’re worried about your tree and think it might be turning into a hazard, you should get in touch with an arborist in your area. They’ll be able to recommend the best course of action for your tree.

Understanding the Tree Removal Process

Every state (and city) has different rules and regulations regarding the removal of trees from your property. It’s important to research how to remove trees in your area to ensure you’re following all the right steps.

Want to learn some other helpful landscaping tips?

We’ve got your covered! Don’t hesitate to scroll through the rest of our blog today!

Are you looking to save time and money on future costly home repairs?

One of the best things you can do to prevent costly repairs is to inspect your home on a regular basis. But, you need to make sure you’re inspecting your home the right way. 

How do you do that?

Check out this DIY home inspection guide to learn how to conduct your very own home inspection. 

Exterior DIY Home Inspection 

Let’s start by talking about what you should inspect on the exterior of your home:

Chimney 

When it comes to inspecting the exterior of your home, we suggest starting at the top and working your way down. Climb onto your roof and make sure your chimney is straight and not missing any bricks or mortar. 

Also, make sure you check the tightness of the flashing. This is the sheet of metal that prevents the point where the chimney and roof meet from leaking. 

Roof 

After inspecting your chimney, it’s time to check out your roof. The type of inspection you do will depend on the material of your roof. 

In general, though, you should make sure that your roof isn’t sinking or curling, and that there isn’t any mold or rot. If you have a shingled roof, you should make sure there aren’t any shingles missing. 

If there are, make sure to replace them immediately. If your roof is in really bad condition, then you may need to replace it entirely. You can check out this guide to learn how to know when to replace your roof. 

Additionally, you should be checking asphalt roofing for alligatoring, blistering, or curling shingles. Wooden roofs should be checked for rotting and splits and flat roofs for holes, and tile and slate roofs for broken pieces.

You should also check for moss and other debris on your roof. 

Gutters 

Another important area to inspect on the outside of your home is your gutters. You want to make sure your gutters are rust-free, clean, and properly attached to your house. 

You also want to make sure there isn’t any bending or sagging in the middle of the gutters. Most importantly, make sure your gutters are directing water away from your home. 

Windows and Doors 

When scoping out your windows and doors, the first thing you want to check for are tears or wear to the weatherstripping. 

You also want to look for cracks on the window glaze as well as other signs of wear on the windows, such as peeling paint. We also suggest opening and closing your windows a couple of times each to make sure there aren’t any sticky points. 

You should also scope out the weep holes in the window sill to make sure that they haven’t been caulked over, as this can affect drainage. 

Garage

Another very important area of your home to inspect is your garage. We suggest opening and closing your garage a couple of times and listening for any squeaks or loud noises. 

You should also look for cracks in the door as well as dents in the tracks. Additionally, make sure there aren’t any tripping hazards created by rakes or shovels. 

Water and Septic

To inspect your water and septic, we suggest getting a sample of your well water and sending it out to your county cooperative extension. They’ll be able to test it for unhealthy chemicals and bacteria. 

You should also make sure that the well cover is sealed tightly. You can check the sump pump by pouring water into it and making sure that it turns on automatically. Additionally, you should check around the septic tank for overly lush vegetation/moss as this may be a sign that the tank is full or failing. 

Foundation 

Last but not least, make sure you check your home’s foundation. Check your home from the side and make sure there isn’t any sagging or leaning.

Make sure that all framing is straight and that the fascia and roof ridge are level. 

Interior DIY Home Inspection 

After inspecting the exterior of your home, here’s what you need to do to inspect the interior.

Attic 

It’s very important to check your attic for decay or water stains as this could indicate that there’s a leak in the roof. 

It’s a good idea to inspect your attic during the daytime with the lights off. This way, you can easily spot holes in the roofing that are letting light in. 

You should also check for signs of animal activity, and you should check your insulation for dampness or tears. 

Bedroom 

In the bedrooms, you want to make sure that all walls, ceilings, and floors are level and stain-free. Make sure all the windows and doors open and close easily, and make sure that your paint and wall coverings are in good shape. 

You also want to make sure that all of your electrical outlets are in proper working order. 

Bathrooms 

Make sure all of your toilets and sinks are functioning properly and that all of your fixtures are attached securely. 

Additionally, you should check for rot and water stains under your vanity tops. 

Kitchen 

In your kitchen, you want to make sure your pipes don’t have any leaks or rot. Make sure all of your appliances are operating smoothly, and check to make sure that all cabinets and drawers open and close properly. 

You should also check your oven door gasket for signs of wear and tear, and make sure that you’ve recently changed out your water filters. 

Are You Ready to Perform Your DIY Home Inspection? 

With this checklist, you should be more than ready to perform your DIY home inspection. Whether you’re selling your home or planning to live there for another 50 years, performing a DIY home inspection is a good idea. 

Be sure to check back in with our blog for more home improvement tips and tricks. 

Has your toilet clogged up? Is there sewage coming up from the drain in your bathtub? This is an indication that your septic tank needs servicing.

Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of needing a septic tank cleaning.

1. Drains Are Slow

The drains in your kitchen and bathrooms should allow the water to flow easily down. If the water is taking a while to drain out you might have a clogged pipe. First, try an unclogging solution or a plunger to rid the drain of the clog. If that doesn’t help then you might have a full septic tank.

Another sign of a full septic tank is if you hear a gurgling sound coming from your drains after you’ve run your faucet or flushed the toilet. If you are experiencing these issues, it is time to contact a professional for a septic inspection.

2. Standing Water

If you suspect you are having a septic system issue pay attention to the area of your yard where the tank is located. If you have any standing water or soggy areas near your septic tack then you might have a leak in your tank that is creating moisture.

When your tank is working correctly there will be no wastewater or moisture in the surrounding area. If you notice that there is water pooling up or if the grass is extremely green and lush in that area then you have a problem.

3. Foul Odor

Sometimes the first sign that you have a septic tank issue will be from a foul smell. A system that is working properly has been designed to prevent these smells from making their way to the surface through the pipes in your home.

If you start to notice a foul odor coming from your bathroom or kitchen drains then it is time to call a professional. There can be options for toilet rentals that may help our your situation immensely.

4. Backed Up Sewage

If you are having sewage backing up then this is one of the worst indications of a septic system failure. This is when the wastewater from your septic tank has run out of places to go and begins to back up into your bathtubs, sinks, and possibly into your basement.

When your septic system fails in this way it can be an extremely bad situation. The wastewater is harmful to you, your family, and your pets, especially if it has seeped into your basement. If this has happened to you, call your septic system professional and a water remediation company that can help clean up the mess and repair any damage that may have occurred.

Learn More About When You Need a Septic Tank Cleaning Professional!

These are all great signs that you are in need of a septic tank cleaning professional. If you have noticed some of the early indicators that your septic system is beginning to fail, don’t hesitate and call today!

For more household tips and information be sure to visit our blog daily!

There’s nothing like watching a movie on the big screen, right?

The sound, the dark room, and the massive screen all add to the effect, making for a truly dramatic movie experience. If you’re a huge fan of going to the movies, why not bring the movies to you?

With a home theater, you can experience the thrill of watching your favorite blockbuster on the big screen but in the comfort of your own home. With blankets, snacks, and no noisy eaters, it’s the ideal option for every movie lover. It’ll also add plenty of appeal if you ever choose to sell!

Start planning yours with our home theater setup ideas. 

1. Old-School Movie Projector

If you want to take the more old-school route for when setting up your home theater, opt for a projector. It adds plenty of charm to your space and is a great way to maximize your ‘screen’ without splashing a ton of cash on a huge TV.

For an all-around great projector that isn’t too expensive, take a look at the BenQ HT2050A. The image is clear and color accurate, and works best with ambient lighting. Unfortunately, you can’t go above 1080p, but for the price you can’t be too upset.

It’s also super easy to install. Even if you’re not a DIY fanatic or tech expert, you shouldn’t find it too hard to get this up and running. 

If you’ve got more cash to spare, go for 4K with the BenQ HT3550. It’s still on the cheaper end of 4K projectors, but creates incredibly sharp, clear images. With this projector, you’ll never want to leave your movie room setup again!

2. Cinema Worthy TV

If a projector isn’t really your style, don’t worry! There are plenty of incredible cinematic TVs that will transform your space when setting up a home theater. To make a real movie room, you want to focus on picture quality and size, which can mean spending quite a bit of money.

One of the middle-range TVs that still provides great quality picture is the Sony X950G. This model comes in different size options, ranging from 55 inches to 85 inches, so you can get a TV to fit your room perfectly. 

With HDR and a 120 Hz refresh rate, there’s no doubt this TV gives stunning pictures! For sharp, smooth, and colorful film, this is a great option. It also manages really well with darker-filmed shots, making sure you don’t miss a second of the action.

3. Luxurious Theater Seating

When it comes to tips for setting up your home theater, picking your seating is crucial. You don’t want to be uncomfortable when watching your favorite movies, so pick your theater seats wisely!

Whilst you could opt for a couch, that doesn’t really give the same atmosphere as a movie theater. Instead, take a look at this commercial theater seating. With bespoke, customized designs, you can create exactly the look you want with no compromises.

Recline, put your legs up, and enjoy your movie from the some of the most luxurious chairs on the market. 

4. Cinematic Sound System

Without quality sound, your home theater isn’t going to be complete. The best option for a lot of atmosphere and an immersive experience is a surround sound system. 

The Sonos 5.1 surround sound set is one of the best on the market. Set up each speaker at different points of your room to be transported into the center of the movie. The sound quality’s unbeatable and if you’re setting up a movie room this is a must-have. 

If you’re on a budget though, the surround system might be a bit out of reach. Opt instead for the Roku Smart Soundbar. Simple to use, great sound, and super budget-friendly it’s a brilliant option for any home theater. 

5. Dim the Lights

Lighting is another vital aspect of any home theater. Without the right lighting, you won’t be able to properly immerse yourself in the movie and the picture from your TV or projector won’t look as good. 

If you’ve got the budget, opt for a dimmer switch on your lights. By doing this you won’t be plunged into darkness every time you turn off the lights but you can still keep them low enough to not disturb your movie.

If you can’t get a dimmer switch, set up some ambient lighting. Place lamps towards the back of the room so they’re out of your eye line. Choose warm-toned bulbs, opting for yellow rather than white light to keep it from glaring on your TV screen.

6. Keep it Cool With a Mini Fridge

Now you’ve got the basics set up, it’s time to have some fun! One of the most useful and exciting additions to any home theater is a mini-fridge. Stock it with snacks, drinks, and even a couple of cold beers.

By having a mini-fridge, you’ll prevent unwanted trips to the kitchen every time you need a refreshment. No one wants to be getting up and down during a movie! It’ll also add to the luxury of your experience, bringing everything a cinema has right to your home.

Personalize Your Home Theater Setup Ideas

Once you’ve taken note of our home theater setup ideas, it’s important you customize them to suit your room. No space is the same, so make sure each choice you make works with your room.

For home improvement ideas and property news, be sure to check out some of the other blogs on our website.

In 2019, more than 5.34 million homebuyers found new homes.

As part of that process, they almost all needed to get the home inspected. A home inspection gives you an idea of what’s going on behind the scenes and helps you identify repair issues before you commit to buying the house.

An experienced home inspector needs to perform the inspection. However, for many first-time homebuyers, finding someone they can trust can feel overwhelming.

It doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to choose a home inspector you can trust so you can buy your dream home without worry.

1. Start by Talking With Your Real Estate Agent

The best place to start looking for a home inspector is by talking to the people you know. Ask your real estate agent for recommendations. They’re familiar with the industry and can help you narrow down your choices.

If your real estate agent doesn’t have someone they trust, ask your friends and family for advice. Often, someone in your network will know or have previous experience with an inspector and can give you their information.

If you’re completely new to the area and want to have more names to choose from, don’t hesitate to search online for a “home inspector near me.” You’ll still want to do your due diligence with the names the internet pulls up, but you’ll at least have a good place to start.

2. Read up on Reviews

Once you have a few names of local home inspection companies, take the time to research their reputations. Start by reading reviews online and see what their previous clients have to say. If most of them were happy with the inspection report and the quality of service, you’ll likely have the same experience.

However, you’ll also want to pay attention to any complaints people have. See if more than one person mentions the same issues and pay attention to what those issues were.

If the issue seems like a personal disagreement with the inspector, don’t worry about it. However, if the problem stems from the quality of their inspection or the report they generate, keep looking.

3. Make Sure the Company Is Fully Licensed

Once you’ve read up on reviews and know what to expect from the inspector, take the time to research each company. Ideally, you’ll want to work with someone that’s local to the area. This way, they’ll already be familiar with issues common in the neighborhood or city.

You’ll need to make sure the company is fully licensed. Most professional home inspection companies publish their license number on their websites. You can use this number to make sure their license is current with your local government.

If the company isn’t licensed, keep looking. Remember, the home inspection is what tells you if a property is worth what the seller is asking for. You need to be able to trust the inspection report.

4. Look for Inspectors That Only Do Home Inspections

Some home inspectors also provide home repairs. They can provide you with estimates for any needed repairs with your home inspection report.

While this might seem like a great idea and a way to kill two birds with one stone, it’s not in your best interest. You have no way of knowing whether the inspection report accurately reflects the home’s condition or if the inspector is looking to make some extra money.

Look for a home inspection company that provides home inspections and nothing else. This way, you’ll know that they’re being honest with you on the inspection report.

Don’t worry—you can always ask them for referrals of contractors they trust in the area. You just don’t want the inspector to be that contractor.

5. Make Sure You Can Accompany Them During the Inspection

Ideally, you should be able to accompany the inspector when they’re walking through the house. This will help you better understand the types of issues you can expect and the types of repairs you’ll need to take care of.

They’ll be able to point out flaws that you might miss on your walkthrough and will better prepare you for the reality of owning that particular home.

If an inspector doesn’t let homebuyers attend the walkthrough, keep looking.

6. Get Estimates From Several Inspectors

Professional home inspection companies charge for their inspections in different ways. What one company may deem a more expensive job, another may be able to do at a fraction of the cost.

You need to be able to compare their rates before you choose an inspector. Shop around and get quotes from several companies.

Choose the inspector that you feel most confident in working with both in terms of quality and price.

7. Ask for References and Follow up With Them

Once you have a few inspectors you’re willing to work with, take the time to ask for references. Reputable companies always have clients that are willing to discuss their experience with you.

Take the time to follow up with those references and see what their previous clients thought of their work. Ask if they have any concerns about the inspection report or if they ended up finding more issues after move-in that the inspector missed.

As a general rule, if the previous clients would use the inspector again, they’re likely worth working with.

Now You Know How to Choose a Home Inspector

Buying a house can be stressful, but getting your home inspected is one of the most important things you can do. It helps you make sure that the house is worth the money and gives you an idea of the types of repairs you’ll need to take care of.

Now that you know how to choose a home inspector, you’re ready to start contacting companies. Remember, it’s okay to take your time and you don’t have to go with the inspector your real estate agent recommends. Always go with your gut and choose a company that you feel you can trust.

If you’re looking for more helpful tips to make the home buying process easier, check out our latest posts.

Are you sweltering on hot summer days? No matter how much you turn up the air conditioner, your home just won’t cool down.

If this is happening frequently, it may be time to invest in a new HVAC system. Although they can last 15-25 years, they do eventually wear out.

However, a new system can bring a lot of advantages to your home and can increase your home’s value.

If you’re ready to find the best home HVAC systems, read on to get started. We’ve created this ultimate guide to purchasing HVAC systems to make sure you know exactly what to look for.

Cost

Price is always a major consideration when making any large purchase, and there are a few costs to think about with your new HVAC system.

First is the purchase cost of the system. This can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the system, so do your due diligence by reading reviews and shopping around to find the best model.

Next, think about the installation cost, which will be separate from the purchase cost. Find an expert HVAC contractor in your area who can install your new system.

Lastly, consider how the new system will affect your electricity bills. The good news is that this is likely to save you money, as most new HVAC systems are much more energy-efficient than their predecessors.

Some systems may also qualify for tax savings, as an incentive to make your home more efficient.

The Best Home HVAC Systems Are the Right Size

What are the best HVAC systems? While there are many great options, the best system for you is likely to be the one that’s the right size for your home.

When selecting a system, take into consideration the size of your home. If you purchase a system too small, it won’t have the power to heat or cool all the rooms in your home. This is likely to result in cold winters and hot summers!

If you purchase a system that’s too large for your home, you’re likely to have excessively high electricity bills. The system may also experience more wear and tear if it’s the wrong size, meaning it will wear out sooner than it should.

If you’re ever in doubt, seek advice before purchasing your system to make sure it’s the right size for your property.

Local Servicing

You want your new heating and cooling system to last for years to come, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. This will require regular maintenance.

Before purchasing a new system, especially if it’s a less common brand, make sure there is an HVAC company in your area that specializes in that system. Or, call your trusted HVAC contractor first and ask what is the best HVAC brand for your climate and type of home.

This way, you’ll never have any trouble with repairs or sourcing replacement parts.

Is Your Duct Work Up to Scratch?

The best HVAC system is one that will work efficiently in your home. For this to happen, you need not only a good HVAC unit, but also a good ductwork system.

Ductwork is what moves the cold air or heat throughout your home, so it’s essential for keeping your home at the right temperature.

If your system has breakages, poorly sealed joints, or is old and brittle, then your new HVAC system won’t work well, no matter how great it is. To avoid this, have your ductwork inspected and make any needed repairs before installing your new system.

Do You Need Air Conditioning?

When researching a new HVAC system, decide if you need air-conditioning and heating, or just heating. While air conditioning increases the cost of the system, it is very nice to have.

Air conditioning doesn’t just help with our daily comfort, but can also help with getting good sleep. Sleeping in a colder environment can lead to better quality sleep, creating a better mood, and increased productivity.

When deciding if you want air conditioning for your home, consider your average climate, along with your personal preference. That being said, air-conditioning can also add to the value of your home and is something many potential homebuyers look for.

If you’re hoping to sell your home in the future, it’s something to consider.

How Energy-Efficient Will it Be?

We all want our homes to be as efficient as they can— this helps reduce waste and also saves us money. When looking for a new HVAC system, take note of a few energy ratings.

It’s useful to purchase the most efficient system that you can, as the higher initial cost will pay off over time, thanks to lower energy bills.

AFUE

This stands for average fuel utilization efficiency. This rating measures the efficiency of a gas or oil furnace. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system.

SEER

SEER stands for seasonal efficiency energy ratio. It is a measure of efficiency in air conditioners and heat pumps. As with AFUE, a higher rating indicates higher efficiency.

HSPF

This is a measure of the heating seasonal performance factor. It measures the efficiency of heat pumps. Again, look for the highest possible rating you can find to reduce energy consumption.

Find Your Perfect HVAC System Today

Now that you know how to find the best home HVAC systems, use these tips to purchase the perfect system for your home.

A new HVAC system can bring comfort to you and your family all year round, can save money on bills, and can also reduce the need for repairs, common with older HVAC systems. Upgrade today and start enjoying the benefits!

Did you find this article helpful? If so, please browse some of our additional content.

Are you looking to buy a new home? Have you considered buying a duplex?

If not, then it’s time to think about duplex living. There are a lot of benefits that come with buying a duplex. 

Interested in learning more?

Check out this guide to discover the top benefits of buying a duplex. 

1. Affordability

One of the biggest benefits of buying a duplex is the cost. If you don’t have the money to buy a house, a duplex can be an affordable alternative. 

Even if you do have enough money to buy your own house, you may still want to consider buying a duplex. Buying a duplex can save you thousands of dollars, and you can put the extra money you save towards other important things, like your vacation fund or your retirement fund. 

2. Great Rental/Airbnb Potential 

Another major benefit of buying a home in a duplex development is that it has excellent rental/Airbnb potential. 

When you buy a duplex, you can rent out the other side of it via Airbnb or some other vacation rental service. Or, if you want more consistent income, you can rent out the other unit to a family member or a tenant. 

This can be a great way to pay down your mortgage or make extra income for other expenses in your life. 

3. More Options 

Another great thing about purchasing a duplex is that you have all kinds of options at your disposal when it comes to utilizing the extra space. 

If you don’t want to rent out the other side of your duplex, you can convert it into a workspace, an art studio, or a gym. Or, you can decorate it and reserve it as a guest house for when friends and family come to visit. 

4. Learn the Landlord Business 

There’s a lot to learn with becoming a landlord. You need to learn about property management, tenant-landlord laws, lease agreements, tenant screening, and much more. This can be a lot to digest for a lot of first-time landlords. 

If you’re nervous about diving headfirst into the business, buying a duplex is a great place to start. This is because it’s a lot easier to learn the ropes when you live right next to your rental property!

Plus, this way you get to start small with just one property. Then, once you get the hang of things, you can branch out. 

5. Tax Benefits 

Buying a duplex also comes with tax benefits!

When you buy a home, you can deduct the mortgage interest you pay from your taxes. If you buy a duplex and live on one side, then you’re only able to write off that side. 

However, if you rent out the other side, you can take advantage of additional write-offs. 

You Can’t Deny the Benefits of Buying a Duplex 

Now that you know the benefits of buying a duplex, it’s time to start shopping! Before you know it, you’ll be living in the duplex of your dreams. 

Be sure to check back in with our blog for more home buying tips and tricks.