Columbia SC home inspections are an integral part of the real estate buying process. While inspections are not always required, most experts agree they are important. A thorough home inspection provides a home buyer with the peace of mind that there aren't major issues with the house they're considering buying. In some cases, an inspection may reveal problems that need to be addressed before the sale of the home can be consummated. Here are six home inspection issues likely to kill a real estate deal.
Columbia SC Home Inspections – The Bad News
A qualified home inspector is trained to look at and document everything in the home inspection ranging from a blown fuse to a cracked foundation. Some issues are, of course, worse than others. If you're contemplating buying a home being inspected, it's imperative you concentrate on issues discovered that pose a structural or home systems threat. They could cost thousands of dollars in repairs.
Those issues will ultimately affect the likelihood the sale will go through as planned. Naturally, everything is negotiable in a home sale, but home inspection problems need to be resolved before the seller and the buyer are satisfied.
Let's look at Columbia SC home inspections issues that may derail a home sale.
Asbestos
Public awareness of asbestos has been raised substantially since the early days when this cancer-causing material was used as artificial snow in stage and movie productions. The poppy field scene in the movie, "The Wizard of Oz," is one example. Homes built before 1975 could contain asbestos in the felt material used in roofing or the roof penetration sealant. In addition, the tape used to seal ventilation and heating ducts, cement board siding and older tiles may also contain harmful asbestos.
One home inspector points says the presence of asbestos isn't a major issue unless it's disturbed or removed during remodeling. Usually, the asbestos can be covered with other materials to protect it from damage. However, deteriorating asbestos insulation found around pipes can be a serious health issue. It's important a qualified asbestos abatement contractor remove it prior to the home closing.
Basement Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring, carcinogenic and radioactive gas. It is often found in the crawl spaces or basements of older homes. The problem with radon is it can filter up through the entire home's structure. While most homes are free of radon gas, if an inspector discovers radon in the course of his Columbia SC home inspections, it should be remedied. Cost estimates range between $1,500 and $2,500.
Buried Oil Tank
Homes built between 1930 and the 1990s often have oil tanks buried on the property. If an inspection discovers the tank is leaking or deteriorating, it must be dug up and removed. An intact tank with no leakage can cost more than $5,000 to dig up and dispose of. If the tank is leaking, the cost could more than double – especially if the groundwater has been adversely affected. A tank that was buried properly, shows no signs or leaking or deteriorating, and was professionally decommissioned can remain on the property – but the home buyer assume's the risk and responsibility of removing the tank in the future if a problem occurs. It's best to address buried oil tank issues in advance.
Wiring Exposed
Exposed wiring can present a safety hazard. Do-it-yourselfers who haven't been properly trained are often responsible for exposed wiring issues. In addition, the knob-and-tube wiring common in homes built prior to 1930 rarely lasts and should be updated by a qualified electrical contractor.
Black Mold
Columbia SC home inspections that include black mold in their reports are often deal breakers. They can stop a mortgage financing commitment dead in its tracks. If you have a spouse or family member with respiratory conditions it's probably a good idea to move on to another property. At a minimum, have the seller hire a professional remediation company to get rid of the black mold. And, be sure to have the home re-tested after the work is completed.
Termites
A home inspection that reveals termite damage will be difficult to sell. Fixing the damage is usually expensive and time-consuming. In addition, a home with termite damage requires an additional inspection by a structural engineering expert to examine the integrity of the home's framing to see if additional support is required. Home buyers who elect to buy a house with termite damage should do so only after they receive documentation from a termite company stating the house is covered by a termite warranty.
A Final Word on Columbia SC Home Inspections
If you're selling your home, major issues revealed by a home inspection scare away potential buyers. But before you panic and rush out to try and fix the issue yourself or pay someone to do so, consider negotiating with the buyer. If the buyer likes the home enough, they may be willing to offer a little less and have the work performed once they become the new owners. However, buyers should be aware of this: know how much the proposed repairs will cost, and how much you're willing to spend. In the long run that will save you money, time and headaches.
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Columbia SC insurance… what does it have in common with energy efficient homes? According to green construction experts, it is expected the number of U.S. homes using energy efficient solar panels may soon reach a million. The concept of solar power has been around almost as long as man has wondered about harnessing the sun's energy. While solar water heaters were first used in California in the 1890s, it wasn't until the 1970s when oil prices were rising that solar began gaining traction as an alternate energy source. Oil-rich middle-eastern countries placed an embargo on oil shipped to the U.S. The state of California was among the first to offer a 55% tax credit for solar systems purchased by businesses and homeowners. By the 1980s large solar thermal power plants started being built and photovoltaic power plants began as demonstration facilities to test the accumulation and utilization of solar energy.
Delivering solar energy in an effective, affordable manner has always been the biggest challenge. Generating electricity by solar (either a thermal facility or photovoltaic) is still more expensive than using natural gas. Today, roughly 11% of California's total electricity system is from renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal) and of that total, solar comprises less than 1% – primarily due to cost concerns. With this in mind, let's answer the question, "Does it cost more to insure a solar home?"
Columbia SC Insurance – Solar Costs
As mentioned above, it is expected that the number of American homes that have switched to solar energy will reach the million mark sometime this year. That number may not sound very impressive given the length of time solar capture technology has been in existence. However, just a decade ago the U.S. had only 30,000 solar homes. The growth in the market since that time has been extensive.
Despite the rise in solar popularity, a number of prospective solar homeowners are still "on the fence" when it comes to the decision of whether to go solar. The most frequent questions concern the cost of installation and maintenance, aesthetics and design, and what affect going solar will have on their Columbia SC insurance premiums. As one homeowner contemplating a solar home asked, "What will it cost me to insure my home with a few hundred pounds or more of silicon and glass on my rooftop?"
To answer that question let's look at the facts. Understanding them will probably convince you that most homeowners have less reason to be concerned than they may think. Solar panels for residential homes are becoming more affordable than ever – in addition to getting more aesthetically pleasing. So, reducing your home's carbon footprint with sustainable energy won't mean a substantial increase in your homeowners' insurance premiums. Consider these reasons:
A house is a house and a green home is still a home.
It's possible to purchase a third-party insurance policy to cover just your solar panels. However, most standard Columbia SC insurance policies provide that coverage. For example:
Coverage on the dwelling. Most standard homeowners' policies provide coverage on the dwelling or the home's structure, including the frame, the walls and the roof. Solar panels mounted on the rooftop are considered part of the home's structure and are usually covered. As a matter of fact, depending on the design of the solar panels they may even provide your roof with added protection from rain, hail and high winds.
Coverage on other structures. Some solar powered homes receive their energy from ground-mounted solar panels. Ground-mounted panels use the same technology as roof-mounted panels. A Columbia SC insurance policy featuring coverage for other structures would likely include ground-mounted solar panels just like they would a tool shed, detached garage, or workshop.
Of course, specific coverage limits vary according to the insurance provider and the type of policy, but the basic concept of home insurance remains consistent. Furthermore, a home is still a home regardless of whether it's powered by renewable energy or not.
Saving with solar.
With the growth in energy efficiency and sustainability, the topic of green insurance has received more attention than ever. Homeowners who are environmentally conscious will be happy to know there may even be money-saving opportunities when it comes to insurance premiums. Let's look at two examples:
Premium discounts are available for homes meeting certain energy-efficient and sustainability standards, and solar power should certainly contribute to that goal. One popular example is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. While the LEED standards are strict, your Columbia SC insurance provider may offer a discount if your home meets the program requirements. In addition, as an energy-efficient homeowner, you could become the beneficiary from the highly-regarded reputation of other low-risk consumers known for their commitment to responsibility, creditworthiness and trust. Those traits may translate into lower premiums.
Lastly, the more you know and understand about solar energy and installing solar panels in your home, the better off you'll be when it comes to anticipating all the costs associated with solar. Remember, the technology has come a long way – and will likely progress even further in the near future.
As always, we recommend you discuss insuring a solar-powered home with your Columbia SC insurance agent. Learning more about the costs may separate fact from fiction and shine a little light on the subject of going solar.
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Columbia SC home selling tips are a valuable commodity. Knowing what will help sell your home faster and for the best price gives you a distinct advantage over sellers who don't pay attention to market indicators. Sellers who allow themselves to get caught up in the emotional value of their homes while ignoring the real value based on recent comparable sales are likely not to sell as quickly – if at all.
In today's environmentally-conscious society, one of the more popular topics among home sellers is how their home's "green" features affect their ability to sell. Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons.
Columbia SC Home Selling – Will Green Make More Green?
Regardless of whether they are active environmentalists, a greater number of home buyers are familiar with and appreciate energy efficient homes. They've read about Energy Star-rated appliances, LEED certification and sustainable homes. They've heard about solar panels, home geothermal systems and smart home technology.
Builders of homes with energy efficient features in the Columbia SC home selling market usually go to great lengths to make their prospects aware of what green homes offer. Simply put, they've invested a large amount of money installing the features in hopes of recouping their costs when they sell. However, the big questions are, "Do most buyers really care?" "Will they pay a higher sales price for green features?" "Does 'going green' help sell a home?" The answer – as is the case with most subjective topics – is, it depends.
Features, fixtures and finishes are fickle.
Home buyers are attracted to and are likely to pay more for features they can actually touch and feel. Tangible features that increase the home owning experience may include extras like a spa-like or whirlpool bath tub, a media room, a chef's kitchen, or an exercise room. They are less likely to pay more for improvements to the home they can't see like the roof, new plumbing, new electrical, or a new heating and air conditioning system.
Energy efficient homes with green features rank somewhere in the middle of the tangibles versus intangibles. Younger buyers may be more attracted to the "hip factor" provided by rooftop solar panels or energy saving smart home technology that can be controlled from their smartphone or tablet. Often the hip factor is enough for a home buyer to pay more, but not always.
So, what about my wallet?
Chances are, environmentally friendly features won't motivate a buyer enough to pay more than a home is worth. However, if a green home includes money-saving features from which the buyer may benefit, his interest may be piqued.
In the Columbia SC home selling market, it's even more difficult for sellers to recoup the costs they paid for solar panels, a high-tech thermostat or other energy efficient features. While the expense to buy and install the green features are usually included in the home's sales price, it's less likely the sellers will recover the costs, dollar-for-dollar. A remodeled kitchen with new appliances stands a better chance of producing a return on the seller's time, money and effort.
New construction: to green or not to green?
When it comes to new home construction, home buyers are the ones that ultimately decide the cost versus benefit. For example, a successful single family home builder in New York recently built a variety of similarly sized homes to sell. They were able to sell many of the homes on the strength of the floor plans and other features, then added custom-built features based on each buyer's individual needs and tastes.
The home builder gave buyers the option of installing a complete home geothermal heating and cooling system. While the cost was roughly $50,000 extra, the buyers were given an immediate $30,000 federal government tax credit. In addition, the cost of the system was already built into the mortgage, requiring no additional outlay of cash by the buyer.
The program was set up whereby the buyers would realize the savings through lower energy bills of several hundred dollars a month. It was projected to pay for itself in roughly five years. As attractive as the prospect of recouping their investment in just five years was, only half the buyers chose the system. The other half just didn't want it or feel the need to "pay" for it.
So why are some home buyers more interested in green features and their benefits than others? It all boils down to two factors: personal preference and financial wherewithal. If a buyer doesn't plan to stay in a home longer than a few years, they're less likely to have time to benefit from the additional cost. In addition, when they're ready to enter the Columbia SC home selling arena their future buyer probably won't be motivated to pay more – especially if the market has become depressed. Therefore, home buyers who plan to own the home for a longer time period, or those with a personal commitment to protecting the environment are definitely the target audience.
The market's small, but growing.
There is a small but increasing segment of today's home buying market that's genuinely concerned about the environment. These people want sustainable homes. They want to contribute to improving our surroundings and saving energy. They are less concerned about the costs of green home features. They will pay more for those features – regardless of the hip factor. The cost savings they enjoy is a plus, but it's not the most important issue in their decision-making process.
One thing's for sure: green features and energy efficiency is here to stay. More consumers will see them and learn about them in the Columbia SC home selling market. So, it may not be a big consideration for buyers or sellers today, but that will change in the near future.
See more articles pertaining to Columbia SC home selling in the Columbia SC Home Selling Tips section of our site below Columbia SC Real Estate Categories in the column to your right.
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Columbia SC homes for sale always include a certain number of properties that have been recently renovated. While there are often benefits in purchasing a home that's been remodeled or substantially improved, there are important distinctions that need to be considered. First and foremost is, a newly renovated home isn't the same product as a newly built home. This article will examine what to look for when you're contemplating buying a flip – a property purchased by an investor for the sole purpose of performing a renovation or remodeling project in anticipation of selling it for a profit.
Columbia SC Homes for Sale – The Flip Side
Another consideration regarding a newly-renovated home is the perception that the remodeled home is move-in ready, hassle-free and well worth the asking price. While a freshly improved home can often command top dollar, there are recommendations to consider before you fall in love with a flip house and sign the sales contract.
House-flipping "reality shows" on cable television usually portray the buying, renovating and re-selling process as a fast, easy and profitable investment venture – complete with "happily ever after" endings. Rarely are there follow-up features to see how the newly-renovated house withstands daily use and wear and tear. Even more rare is a story about the purchasers of the flipped houses to see what their experiences have been and if they are satisfied with their purchase.
As is the case with most buy and sell investment opportunities, in the home-flipping business time is money. As a result, some flippers and remodeling contractors are anxious to move on to the next project – sometimes before the first one is completely finished. Such a practice inevitably leads to shoddy workmanship caused by cutting corners or rushing to take on another job. In addition, there are often unexpected expenses that threaten to wreck the budget and diminish anticipated profits.
If you're contemplating looking at Columbia SC homes for sale and have an interest in a flipped house, these tips may help you avoid disappointing surprises after you buy it and move in.
Have an Eye for Detail
Try to disassociate yourself from the newness the house features. The shiny new appliances, polished brass hardware, marble baths or ceramic tile all appear very nice. They can add beauty and value to the house, but they can also be used superficially to distract your attention or even cover up hidden problems in the house. By paying attention to the details you'll be able to get a better picture of the quality of workmanship performed during the renovation.Look for obvious signs of shoddy or careless work. Consider the following:
- Outlet plates or light switch plates that aren't flush with the wall or are crooked
- Crown molding or wainscoting that doesn't meet properly at the mitered corners
- Noticeable gaps between the countertops and the wall
- Gaps or unfinished grout in the bathroom tile
- Doors, drawers and cabinets that don't close properly or are crooked
A handful of cosmetic blemishes or noticeable mistakes could mean there are other issues that aren't readily seen. While we've all heard not to judge the proverbial book by its cover, in this case if you see shoddy work on the surface, who knows what may lie behind the walls, under the floors or above the ceiling? The electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems could also be substandard.
Have the Home Inspected
Just because some Columbia SC homes for sale may have been newly-renovated, as mentioned earlier, that doesn't mean they are in like-new condition. Don't assume, therefore, the flipped house doesn't need to be inspected. On the contrary, it's more reason to make sure the home is inspected – by a qualified inspector.
A licensed, experienced home inspector will check the renovation contractor's work, and he might see issues most buyers would probably miss. The inspector is infinitely more familiar with local building codes and can tell if the work was performed properly. He can also check the house for shoddy workmanship done to cut corners or save time. While it's true the renovation was probably inspected and approved by the local building inspector, typically such a review is performed only for health and safety reasons. A home inspection will be much more thorough and can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in the long run.
Use Extra Due Diligence
If you're contemplating purchasing a flipped home, exercise more due diligence than ever. Ensure the contractor had the proper permits for the renovation. Make sure they were all approved, signed and completed. If the permits aren't readily available or you don't receive copies, look them up online or visit the local building department. They will have a file on the construction improvement project, and the permits are a matter of public record. Don't finalize the contract or close on the sale without ensuring all the required permits were officially approved and completed. Failure to do so could mean you, as the new homeowner, could find yourself responsible for shoddy workmanship that doesn't meet the required standards.
Know the Flipper
Be an investigative reporter when it comes to finding out all you can about the flipper from whom you're buying the house. If the owner is the contractor, does he know what he's doing? What are his qualifications? Is he licensed builder? As real estate agent – specializing in Columbia SC homes for sale – we can assist in this effort.
Usually, the better and more successful investors have been flipping houses for years. A flipper with a strong track record, good references and a valued reputation will likely be more open and honest in answering questions, providing requested documentation and other paperwork like contracts and warranties. Remember, a successful investor/flipper is like any other good business person – he or she wants satisfied customers.
Just beware of the marked increase in the number of homes that have been bought in the past year or two with the sole purpose of being remodeled and added back to the inventory of Columbia SC homes for sale. As the volume of these flipped homes increases, so does the possibility of shoddy workmanship, inattention to detail and outright deception – all in an effort to maximize profit.
See more articles pertaining to Columbia SC homes for sale in the two sections of articles on Columbia SC Real Estate and Columbia SC Homes for Sale just below Columbia SC Real Estate Categories in the column to your right.
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Columbia SC home selling should be a happy occasion. Often, however, the next step – moving out of one home and into the next – can be stressful at best and sometimes downright traumatic. Taking a few necessary precautions can make it less worrisome, maybe almost enjoyable.
Columbia SC Home Selling – A Moving Experience
Most people dread moving because of the unforeseen problems that seem to occur at every turn. A torrential rain comes as soon as the movers are loading the truck. Your car loaded with items you wanted to personally transport has an untimely flat tire. You know the drill… these things never happen at a good time, but why do they happen on an already-stressful moving day?
Following the Columbia SC home selling experience, most of the common moving nightmares fall into one of these three categories. Let’s take a look at what usually happens and how we can best avoid them.
Incompetent Movers
You'd think in this day and age, a reputable moving company wouldn’t have incompetent or untrained people serving its customers. However, as with any other business, it happens. It’s not uncommon for many moving horror stories to revolve around unscrupulous, inexperienced or downright bad movers.
Columbia SC home selling – and especially moving – is a time-sensitive process. As such, when movers are late or – worse yet – don’t show up the resulting domino-effect can be frustrating and borderline disastrous. If you’re an understanding customer, you may give them a certain window of time before you call the moving company and complain. More times than not, you’re met with excuses about why your movers are running late or haven’t shown up yet. These excuses range from traffic jams to mechanical breakdowns to delays on a previous move. No matter the reason, you’re ready to move and they aren’t there.
Movers who are inexperienced, untrained or careless add to the stress, worry and anger levels. More frustrating for homeowners having just completed the Columbia SC home selling process is that the end may not be in sight. Just when you think the hard part is over, the moving process often ends up being the worst experience.
A moving crew shows up with an undersized truck – despite your best description of what was needed to be moved, how many rooms of furniture, packed boxes, etc. Didn’t they listen when they booked your move? How can they be so incompetent and stay in business?
You watch in horror as the movers scratch your brand new mahogany dining room table and break your grandmother’s antique mirror. And those are just the damages you can see – there’s no telling what other horrors await when they move your belongings into your new home.
There is good news, however. There are relatively easy ways to avoid the moving pitfalls. Spend some time researching your movers prior to hiring them. Make sure they are licensed and insured. Ask for references and contact them to get their feedback. Check with the local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to find out more about their business reputation and professionalism. It’s probably a good idea to purchase additional insurance for your possessions, depending on the moving company’s liability limits. Consult your insurance agent for more information.
Traffic Problems
Things that occur on the road to and from your move can often cause or contribute to added stress.
Traffic jams can delay the moving truck, sometimes to the point there may not be enough time to handle the move on a particular day. Again, the domino-effect means since you can’t move out on time, the floor refinishers can’t get in the house to do what they need to do for the new buyers, and the new buyers can’t move until the floors are completed. Often, a few hours delay may result in several days of additional delays – and possibly additional expenses.
Traffic accidents, of course, mean the moving truck will have to wait until the damaged vehicles are moved and traffic is returned to normal. Depending on the time, location and severity of the accident this could take an hour or longer. Worse still is if the accident actually involves the moving truck carrying your possessions. Then, not only do you have the delay to contend with, but any damages that may have occurred.
Mechanical failures or breakdowns are fairly common in older moving trucks due in part to the number of miles they are driven and the wear and tear they endure. In the event of a breakdown, you’ll have to wait for the moving company to send a second truck to transfer your furniture and other possessions. That creates additional delays and increases the chances damage may occur during the transfer.
Parking problems, surprisingly, account for added stress levels during a move. Especially in the case of a move to a downtown apartment complex where parking is limited or restricted, the moving truck may have to wait for an appropriate parking space. An alternative – though not a good one – is for the truck to park farther away than expected, thereby slowing down the moving process and potentially causing you to have to pay extra for the delay or long-carry charges.
While there’s virtually nothing you can do to prevent traffic accidents or breakdowns, it may be possible to reserve a parking space accessible to your new location. In addition, you can choose a moving company with experienced drivers and whose vehicles are in good operating condition.
Poor Organization
One way to potentially avoid most moving problems following your Columbia SC home selling is to plan as carefully as possible. A plan including each step of the relocation process complete with attention to detail and an allowance for delays may give you additional peace of mind. Although it’s impossible to predict and plan for every potential problem, expecting the unexpected is usually a good preparation and planning tool. When possible, have a back-up plan just in case.
Additional examples of poor organization include packing problems or not being prepared when the movers arrive. The list can range from forgetting the piano won’t fit through the front door to not having the various boxes labeled properly.
In addition, paperwork problems can often lead to additional delays. If you forget to transfer the utilities, when the movers arrive at your new home you may not have electricity or water.
Lastly, safety issues should be of utmost concern during the moving process. Remember, there will be many items that will be out of place. That could mean potential trip, slip and fall hazards. Plus, many homeowners find themselves distracted when negotiating steps, stairs or when driving in unfamiliar surroundings.
Hopefully some of these tips will help you have a smoothe moving day. Remember to also Find us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter. We post tips there each day as well.