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If you are in the process of buying a home, there is a good chance you will have some questions about what to expect during your home inspections. For your protection, we strongly recommend getting a home inspection. There are several aspects of this process that anyone buying a home should understand.

The first thing to remember is that you as a buyer will be responsible for the cost of all inspections and tests. This is to protect your best interests – it ensures you are in control of who inspects the property, and are therefore able to get an unbiased opinion of the home. If the seller were to pay for the inspections, you would no longer have that control and peace of mind.

Your real estate consultant will be happy to recommend inspectors for you, but remember you are not obligated to choose any of them. Feel free to do your own research and choose a home inspector that fits your needs.

As a buyer, you probably have questions regarding the home inspection process. Have no fear, we are here to help! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get from our clients…

Number One. When should you get a home inspection?

Once you are in contract on a home, you will have a period of time referred to as the “Specified Inspection Period”. This timeframe is typically the first 7-10 days after acceptance and is your opportunity to conduct any and all inspections you wish to have on the property.

Number Two. What types of inspections should I get?

There are several types of inspections to choose from. At the very least, we recommend getting a general home inspection, which is an examination of the premises looking for any major issues affecting the safety and security of your home.

The most common additional inspections that may be completed are those for mold, radon, pests, and lead based paint.

Keep in mind that the Specified Inspection Period is your opportunity to conduct any and all desired inspections on the property. If you would like something inspected that I haven’t mentioned, you may do so as long as it is completed during the negotiated timeframe.

Number Three. How long do inspections take and what do they cost?

Home inspections can take anywhere between 2 and 5 hours and cost approximately $300 to over $500 dollars depending on the age, size of the home, and services selected. We recommend being present during the inspection so that you are able to address any concerns you may have with your inspector. After the inspection, you will receive a detailed report from the inspector and you can discuss any repairs you would like the seller to make with your agent.

I hope this information helps you to better understand what you should expect during a home inspection. If you have any more questions or are thinking of buying or selling a home in the Central Ohio area, give us a call at 614.855.8700!

 

A DIY and First Time Home Buyer Experience

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We are so excited to share with you our newest video blog! Join our Closing Manager, Emily as she shares with us her experiences as a first time home buyer and takes us on an adventure through her latest DIY projects.

Many people would ask Emily what exactly she was looking for in a home. Emily and her husband Calvin looked at only two homes during their home search. When they sat down to talk about their search, the most important things on their list were location, walkability, and character.

Part of the reason Emily and Calvin found a place so quickly was because they were looking at homes that no one else wanted. They knew that to get history for their price point in an awesome location, they would be signing up for a fixer-upper.

Buying a home and renovating it is a very personal and emotional process - especially the first time around. Not only was it one of the largest financial investments that Emily and Calvin would ever make, but it was choosing how they would spend their time and money, where they would start a family, entertain friends, and make memories for years to come.

Emily's biggest takeaway was to trust her instincts. She looked to many for help but finally realized that you could ask ten people their opinion and get twelve different answers. At the end of the day she realized she needed to trust her gut because her and Calvin were the ones who would have to deal with the outcome.

Emily and Calvin couldn't be happier with their home and the direction they are heading. To keep up to date with Emily's DIY journey, visit her blog here.   

If you would like more information about the home buying process, call us today at 614.855.8700! 

 

 

Where Can You Find The Best Vendors In Central Ohio?

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In the real estate industry, we work with many different vendors on a daily basis. Because of our history and the many relationships that we have formed over the years, we wanted to let you know that you can always use The Raines Group as a resource for finding great service providers in Central Ohio. We have acquired a long list of qualified vendors that we believe to be the best around.

The vendors we recommend come from a myriad of industries. Some of their services include:

• Air duct cleaning
• Remodeling
• Electricians
• Handymen
• Insurance agents
• Chimney repair
• Attorneys
• General Contractors

The list goes on... Whatever you may need, please don't hesitate to contact us. To access our full list of preferred vendors, visit our website: http://www.therainesgroup.com/business-category.php

With over 100 years of combined real estate experience and over 400 families served in 2015, put The Raines Group to work for you!

 

How To Increase The Number of Showings On Your Property

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Selling Your Central Ohio Home? Get A FREE Home Price Evaluation

Selling your house is a numbers game. The more showings you can attract, the likelier you are to receive an offer. This starts with enhancing your home’s curb appeal. Buyers today begin their search on the web. They know the address, they know the price, and they’ve seen interior photos of the property. If they’re interested, they’re going to want to stop by and see the house from the outside before they determine whether they want to walk through or see the neighborhood.

So, first and foremost, create some curb appeal! Make them want to come inside. Make it warm and inviting. Start with these tips.

1. Landscaping. Add some shrubbery. Plant some trees and flowers and make it colorful!

2. Walkways, patio area, and the driveway. Make sure these spaces are clear, free of debris and look inviting and appealing.

3. The house number. Make it large and legible, either over the garage door, on the mailbox, or both.

4. Landscape lighting. This is especially popular in today’s housing climate. You want landscape lighting to be surrounding the entire home, including the driveway, the walkway, and the patio.

5. Freshen the mulch. Wherever’s there’s mulch, freshen it up. If you don’t have any, consider adding some.

Finally, look at the whole property objectively and see if anything needs to be painted or freshened up. Anything that can be brightened or fixed up to be more appealing will cause a buyer to look more favorably upon your home. We want them to call. We want them to come inside. Look at it through their eyes and make those necessary improvements to get more showings.

With over 100 years of combined real estate experience and over 400 families served in 2015, put The Raines Group to work for you!