The Federal Housing Administration know as “FHA”, provides mortgage insurance on loans made by FHA-approved lenders throughout the United States. FHA insures mortgages on single-family and multifamily homes and is the largest insurer of mortgages in the U.S., insuring over 34 million properties since its creation in 1934. FHA mortgage insurance provides lenders with protection […]
Attracting Young Buyers to an Older Home
Who are today’s fist-time home buyers and what are they looking for? These are important questions for homeowners interested in trading up or selling a home. Many first-time buyers are seeking to make a move from a rental property, while others are moving from living with a relative or friend. When asked for the reasons […]
Bring Your Kitchen Outdoors
Interest in outdoor living continues to expand, as homeowners seek to make use of the space they have – both inside and out. Screened porches, outside fireplaces and entertainment areas, and even outdoor kitchens are additions to existing home, and part of the plan for new homes under construction. When it comes to outdoor kitchens, […]
Composting Done Simply
Composting may sound complicated, but it can actually be as simple as two plastic garbage cans. What exactly is composting? It is a process of creating organic material by combining waste (such as yard trimming and food waste), adding bulking agents such as woop chips to accelerate the breakdown of the organic material, and, once […]
Roof Inspection May Head Off Expenses
Just when you thought it was safe, you discover even your roof has enemies. They come unarmed, but the sun, wind, and rain, among others, can inflict costly damage to a roof nonetheless. That’s where your local Louisville Home Inspector can save the day. The heat and ultraviolet rays of the sun can degrade roofing […]
Pre-inspected Homes Help Make the Sale
What is a sure-fire way to add to the anxiety of a home sale? Failing to get a pre-sale home inspection! Having a home inspected before a buyer ever walks through the door can help eliminate unpleasant surprises and perhaps even allow the home to sell for a higher price. How does a pre-listing home […]
Landscaping Adds Value to Your Home
If you believe that landscaping adds value to your home, you’re not alone. According to a recent Gallup poll, homeowners answered they believed landscaping adds almost fifteen percent to the value of their home. Other recent studies have backed them up. A 2009 study compared improvements inside and outside the home, and homeowners reaped $1.06 […]
Buyers First Look Outside for Value When Buying the Next Home
What remodeling projects provide the most bang for your buck when it’s time to sell your home? Doors and windows lead the way, according to the 2013 edition of Remodeling Magazine’s Cost-to-Value Survey. The magazine has conducted this survey for almost three decades, providing insight to homeowners regarding what home improvements will provide the highest […]
Model Home Tips Reduce Selling Time
What do model homes have that an occupied home doesn’t have? A lack of clutter ranks high on the list. When it comes to selling a home, applying “model home” techniques can lead to a quicker sale and possibly a higher selling price. Scientists consider sight to be the fastest-acting and most powerful sense, with […]
Tackling the To-do List
As a Louisville Home Inspector I am often asked, should I hire a handyman or should I hire a contractor. The decision often comes down to the size and scope of the job and the time frame being considered. A handyman may be the right service provider to call when repair or installation issues are […]