Home Inspections and their REAL Purpose!

Yesterday, along with 6 other realtors from our office, I attended a mock inspection with a local Home Inspector. Even though I attend every home inspection with or on behalf of my clients, I always seem to learn something!
Yesterday was no different. Realtors cannot misrepresent or act as professionals in other areas - we are not inspectors, builders, lawyers, accountants, mold remediators...... we are real estate agents. We have studied contract law, real estate law, and introductory courses on some of the above items - but only someone who does it for a living is completely "in-the-know".
One key take-away from yesterday is what the inspector is really doing there. They are looking for safety issues. If your inspector is constantly saying "this is not to code" - they are doing you a dis-service. Most homes have things that are not to code, because the codes change regularly. They were probably to code at the time of being built or installed, but they aren't now. Is this a problem? Not usually. Unless it presents an unsafe situation for you and your family. Of course, we all know of the "homeowner fix-its", but again - if it is poorly done it does not matter unless it is unsafe.
I love home inspections - it helps the Buyer learn about their future home or cottage. Where are the shut-off valves, how the systems work, and more importantly, they offer a blueprint for the Buyer of future maintenance. The home inspector will point out what may need repair/maintenance or replacement within the next year, 5 years, 10 years - it gives the new home owner a guide, a plan to help with reducing surprises.
There was also discussion around mold - every home has mold - did you know that? There are also often very easy fixes for this very common occurrence. Many Buyers will eliminate a property that has signs of mold - but this can be a big mistake - that could be the perfect home or cottage and it is passed over. Don't get me wrong - mold can also be a very serious issue! I am just saying not to dismiss a property without getting more information.
Currently there is no mandatory regulations in place for home inspectors, but over the next few months there are big changes coming. Ask some very important questions before hiring a home inspector - what designations does he/she have, what association do they belong to? Did you know that OAHI members (Ontario Association of Home Inspectors) voluntarily follow a set of regulations? Good to know!
We are lucky in our County that we have some excellent home inspectors. They are extremely knowledgeable, ethical, and thorough. Please -- never buy a home or cottage without an inspection!

Reflection and Cottage Life Show

Well, another year has passed. I know it is a cliche to make resolutions in January, but in real estate it actually makes sense. It is part of my business plan - reviewing the past year, successes and challenges and coming up with plans to maintain, increase, or improve where necessary.
I really enjoy this time of year. Reviewing reminds me that I am on track and doing a good job. We get lost in the day-to-day so easily. This past week has been my review period, and I must say, I am very happy. The market in 2012 in the Haliburton Highlands was static. There were 237 sales in 2013, and there were 237 sales in 2012. Weird but true! The average sale price in 2013 was $239,686, and the average sale price in 2012 was $248,000 - so prices went down slightly, but basically maintained value, and # of sales.
Looking at the statistics, my personal business grew 363%! Wow!
One of my biggest challenges over the past year is "fitting in" technology. Sitting down to my blogs, facebook and twitter are big challenges after a very busy day - so here is where I get back to my resolution (goal is a better word!). More blogging! Continued education is always there, and this year I am taking courses for ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative). I am excited about this one.....more education on how best to represent and protect my buyers - always a good thing!
The Cottage Life Show is coming the last weekend in March, so now is the time to start preparing. I know that for Sellers it is difficult to think about getting your cottage listed in the middle of January, but it needs to be done. RE/MAX has a huge presence at the Toronto Cottage Life Show, and it is where we start to get the Buyers warmed up, by showing off the new listings that will be available - so call me for your quotes! Trudging through deep snow is what I do! Cross country skies and snow shoes are in my trunk and ready for use.
Bring on Spring - it will be here faster than you think! Have a wonderful 2014 everyone!