Things to Look for In A Home Inspection

Breakfast area has a nice view of the backyard.

 A home inspector’s job is to make sure you as a homebuyer know what you are buying from the inside out.  Their job is to point out items or conditions on your property which may be in need of repair, maybe a risk to other components of the building or its occupants, or may affect the property’s ability to qualify for certain types of financing or insurance.  Home inspections will vary by home inspector and the location of the country the home is located.  There are eight important factors that will be in every report.

1. Exterior

Not every defect is noticeable on the exterior of a home.  A good home inspector will look for cracks, peeling or damaged siding.  This includes looking for stains, old paint or peeling paint.  They will look to see if you have a clearance between the ground and siding materials on the walls.  This also leads to an inspector checking to make sure there are no climbing vines going up the wall or that trees are planted too close to the home.  The last thing will be to make sure the windows, doors and flashings are in working order and the vents and hoods installation is done properly.

2. Roof/Attic

A bad or damaged roof can lead to big problems.  An inspector will inspect not only the exterior roof but also the attic.  They want to make sure that the structure and integrity of the roof and roofing materials are strong.  They will inspect what type of shingles are used, the conditions of the shingles, if there is proper flashing, the condition of the vents, and the chimney condition on the roof.  In the attic, they will inspect the insulation, the soffit vents, gable vents, ridge vents, exhaust vents, appliance vents and the electrical splices.  They will make sure there is no evidence of damage or decay and look for water spots or staining.

3. Foundation/Grounds

When inspecting the home inspector will make sure the foundation is in good shape.  They will look for proper grading (drainage) away from the base of the home, standing water near the home or in the yard, the condition of the gutters and the downspouts, and make sure the downspouts and the gutters are directing water away from the foundation.  Also, any sheds, detached garages, fences or any other structure in your yard will be inspected making sure they are in good condition and free from rot or termite damage. They will also make sure that the driveways and sidewalks are not cracking or shifting.

4.  You definitely want the interior of your home to be kept up and damage-free.
There will be normal wear and tear, but an inspector takes this into consideration.  They will make sure the walls and ceilings are painted and in good condition. Other things will note are cracks on the walls or ceilings, cracked windows, doors incorrectly closing and opening and not sealed, moisture spots, and level flooring with no moisture or soft spots.

5.  Structure

A very important part of the inspection involves the bones of the house.  An inspector wants to make sure it is liveable. They will make sure:
-Foundation is in good condition – if the foundation is cracked or shifting this will affect the structural integrity of the home
-Door frames are straight allowing doors to swing in and out of the frame with ease
-Window frames are straight on all four sides & without gaps
-Ridge and fascia board lines are level & straight
-Baseboards around all interior walls are flush with the flooring & not lifting or separated
-Flooring (especially hardwood) is flat and not bowed or lifting
-Exterior walls are straight and free of bowing or sagging
-Digitally measure the foundation to see if it is flat and level

6. Electrical

An electrical problem can not only be a fire hazard but can be very expensive to repair.  They will make sure:
-DIY repair jobs – electrical systems should never be DIY jobs as this can cause significant damage to the entire system
-Light switches work & all bulbs light up (a bulb that isn’t lit may just need to be replaced, but can also mean faulty wiring)
-Absence of electrical faults
-All cables are attached to service panel with cable connectors
-Visible wiring is in good condition, secured, protected, & without exposed splices
-Branch circuits are free from aluminum cables
-All wall outlets are working & intact (not pulled out of the wall)
-GFCI outlets are installed where required (bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, crawl spaces, exteriors & anywhere a water source is present.)

7. Plumbing

Another expensive project so it should be working and in order before you purchase the home.  An inspector will look for:
-Visible pipes intact, free from damage
-Pipes are free from signs of leaking or staining on surrounding materials
-Toilets are dry around the base & free of warped or water-stained flooring
-Water heater working properly, free of rust, vented properly
-Well water pump produces steady flow and doesn’t short cycle
-All faucets (indoor & outdoor) in working condition, sealed, & without leaks
-Hot water available at all indoor faucets
-Water runs clear through all faucets
-All drains are clear, don’t bubble, and drain at a reasonable pace
-Yard is free from soft spots, without pooling or soggy areas

8. HVAC

The HVAC is the heating and cooling system of a home.  They will make sure everything is working properly and has been well maintained.

-HVAC is in working condition, properly sized and properly fused
-Air conditioner system produces adequate cold air
-Air filters are clean and maintained
-Condensate is properly and safely drained from the evaporator coil
-Type of heating/cooling system (gas, electric, heat pump)
-Furnace flues slope up to vents with no open seams
-Vents are clear and properly ventilated
-Ductwork isn’t damaged or old
-Absence of odors from gas

Remember that no home is perfect, but make sure there are imperfections that you can live with or easily fix.  An inspector’s goal is to make sure you have all of the information you need to make an informed decision on if the home is right for you.

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Tips To Keep Cozy in Your Home This Winter

Nice landscaped yard and driveway leads you to this home.

We are already in the fall of 2023 and the weather will soon be a bit colder. Professionals in the industry have come up with some fall maintenance tips to help you ensure a cozy winter. 

1. HVAC Check-Up:

The colder months can be hard on your heating system, especially if you live farther north in the country. Before the cold weather hits, make sure to have a professional HVAC inspection on your unit. An inspection will include replacing filters, checking for leaks and making any necessary repairs.

2. Fireplace and Chimney Inspection:

Everyone enjoys a nice fire in the fireplace during those cold winter days and nights. In order to make sure you can enjoy them worry free, you will want to have your fireplace and chimney inspected. Do this by a certified technician who can ensure it is done correctly to make sure everything is safe and efficient.

3. Roof and Gutters:

During the winter, snow and ice are not your roof and gutters friend. Before winter, check your roof for damaged shingles. Also clean your gutters out to make sure they are clutter free to prevent ice dams and water damage.

4. Seal Gaps and Cracks:

Start by checking all your home’s windows, doors and the exterior. There should be no gaps or cracks for cold drafts to seep in. The object is to keep the warm in and the cold out by sealing any cracks and gaps with weatherstripping or caulk.

5. Insulate Pipes:

A frozen pipe can burst and leave a big mess. You want to make sure that any exposed pipe is insulated so that it will not freeze. Areas such as the basement, garage or crawl space are unheated and get very cold.

6. Yard Cleanup:

Once the leaves fall during the fall months, you will want to clean up your yard. When you are tidying up, trim back overhanging branches, remove leaves and cover all of your outdoor furniture.

7. Test Alarms and Detectors:

Every change of season it is a good idea to test your smoke detectors and your carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they are working correctly and will work when the power is off. It is a good idea to go ahead and replace the batteries during this time.

Create a Winter Emergency Kit:

This can be a lifesaver! A winter emergency kit includes things such as blankets, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit. You always want to be prepared for the unexpected.

Remember when following these tips, you will ensure you have a cozy and safe winter!

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Six Musts Before You Buy a Home

This home has an open floorplan that is separated by the custom wood ceiling beams.

Purchasing a home is one of life’s biggest adventures and you want to make sure your decision is the best for the long run. This is why it is so important to do these six important things before you take the plunge into homeownership.

Figure out how much home you can afford

You do not want to be house poor, which means you purchased a home that you really cannot afford. A good rule of thumb is to never spend more than 30% of your take home pay on a home. This means that it not only includes the price of the home, but also things like mortgage interest, taxes, insurance, maintenance and renovations. Some professionals in the industry also advise not to spend over 28% of your gross monthly income on housing costs and no more than 36% on total debt. They call this the 28/36 rule.

When a mortgage lender wants to see how much you can afford, they usually use the 28/36 rule. You do not want to exceed more with your debt-to-income ratio. If this happens you will end up paying a higher interest rate if you even are qualified for a mortgage.

Budget for closing costs

Closing costs can be different for different areas of the country and the different loans that are available. If you purchase a home for $250,000, you will need to come up with around $5,000 to $17,500 for closing costs. Closing costs include a charge for obtaining your credit score, application fee, property taxes, appraisal fee, loan interest, homeowners insurance and title insurance.

“The biggest mistake that first time homeowners make is they forget that they need closing costs – not just the down payment of say 10% or 20%,” says Barbara Corcoran.

Save for a down payment

There are some loans out there that do not require a down payment, but these are far and few in between. Usually a down payment is the buyer’s choice of how much they want to put down. Just remember, that the less you put down up front, the more the mortgage loan will be which will make your payments higher. Most in the industry will suggest at least a 20% down payment which will clear you of any private mortgage insurance.

Check your credit score

Your credit score can be the ticket to a mortgage and good rates. “This is the number that mortgage lenders will look at to determine whether you are creditworthy, and thus dictates whether you’ll qualify for a home loan, and the rates you will get. Major lenders often require a minimum credit score of at least 620, if not more,” reports Realtor.com.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

This is a must when it comes to making an offer. A pre-approval lets a seller know you can afford their home and you mean business. “In hot markets, mortgage pre-approval is almost required for a seller to take your offer seriously. That’s because it spells out exactly how much a lender has agreed to loan you, thus assuring the seller that you’r both willing and able,” says Realtor.com.

Make sure the neighborhood is a good fit

You want to be able to grow into your home and your neighborhood. Getting to know the area is a must. You would hate to move in and not be able to sleep the first night because of a street light outside your bedroom window. “You’re not just buying the property you’re looking at. You’re also buying into the whole neighborhood. That’s why you have to be certain that it has the vibe and amenities you want,” explains Realtor.com.

A Realtor can help you through the home buying process from start to finish. A real estate agent knows the ends and outs of the current market and will help your buying process be a huge success.

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A Perfect Facelift for Your Home’s Exterior

The kitchen island is the home to the kitchen sink and the dishwasher.

Everyone always thinks of updating their home’s interior, but what about the exterior? The exterior is your first layer of protection and the first thing people see. Here are several ways to enhance the exterior of the home from professionals in the industry.

A Safe Space

Hardie siding is the first big step to take when you are upgrading the exterior of your home. Good quality siding will help defend against storms, exterior fires, and pests. The siding will not do its job if it is not installed by a professional.

“A product that has withstood the test of time is important. But so is selecting a qualified contractor,” says Evan Crow, a custom homebuilder.

Minimal Upkeep

Protecting your home is not the only thing that siding is important for. You want the siding to also be easy to maintain. “To take care of your Hardie siding, inspect your gutters and downspouts regularly. Other than that, I encourage an annual soft wash with mild detergent, to prevent both aesthetic and integrity damage,” advises Crowe.

Personalized Curb Appeal

Any home renovation can be both fun and stressful all at the sametime. But it is nice when a visitor, or you drive up to a wonderful home with great curb appeal. Not only will Hardie siding give you protection, it will also give your home a great new look. “From trim boards to smooth lap siding to stucco-like panels, James Hardie has a number of authentic , cutting edge products,” says Crowe.

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Upgrades To Make a Home More Appealing

In today’s market, buyers seek energy-efficient and eco-friendly features when searching for a new home. According to the National Association of Realtors‘ 2023 Realtors and Sustainability Report, almost half of consumers in the current market are focusing on sustainability.

“Buyers often seek homes that either lessen their environmental footprint or reduce their monthly energy costs. There is value in promoting green features and energy information to future home buyers,” says Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and VP of Research at NAR.

In the report, there are many green features that are most important. These include proximity to frequently visited places, a comfortable living space, utility bills plus operating costs, and a home’s windows, doors and siding. These all can be changed while the location of your home cannot.

ENERGY STAR also points out that there are other features that can be updated that will make your home not only more comfortable but energy efficient as well. Make sure your HVAC system is maintained and working properly. This also goes with your hot water heater which should ideally be upgraded to a heat pump water heater. Upgrade to a smart thermostat that can regulate temperature settings and reduce the cost of your energy bill. Proper sealing and insulation in your attic can also help with the heating and cooling of your home. Air can also seep out of windows, so upgrading to energy-efficient windows will reduce the transfer of heat.

Not only will an energy-efficient home sell for more money, but you can also benefit from tax credits and rebates for energy-efficient upgrades. Focusing on energy efficiency and eco-friendly features will make your home very appealing to buyers.

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And the Winner Is….. Homeownership

The living room has tons of natural lighting that seeps through all the windows.

The current housing market sees high mortgage rates, concerns about another recession and inflationary pressure. Even with these trends, it is a great time to buy a home because the long-term benefits are still worth it.

If you ask a homeowner who has had their home for 5, 10, or more years they will tell you they have no regrets. The main reason is due to the growth in a home’s value over time. According to Fannie Mae, seventy percent of those that were surveyed said that buying a home is a safe investment.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) reveals how much homes have increased in price over the last five years. The highest overall increase was seen in the Mountain region at 68.9%. Next came South Atlantic with a 67.5% increase, then East South Central at 63%, New England came in with 57.5%, East North Central and West South Central at 51.8%, Middle Atlantic came in at 49.4%, West North Central with 48.8% and last is Pacific with 48%.

As far as the percent change in home prices was drastic. The highest was in the Mountain region at 457.5% and the lowest was in East North Central at 214.2%. The Pacific region had a 334.1% increase, South Atlantic by 320.4%, 302.4% in West South Central, West North Central 270.1%, and Middle Atlantic with 239.9%.

Talk to a Realtor who will help you with the options of purchasing a new home. They can also let you know the great long-term benefits of owning a home.

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June 2023 Sees a Positive Move When It Comes to Builder Confidence

For the first time in the past year or so, builder confidence has moved into the positive range. The confidence booster is due to the heavy buyer demand, low home inventory and the increase in productivity in the supply chain. The National Association of Home Builders had a lot of great data to share about the housing market.

As of June 2023, builders’ confidence in newly-built single-family homes rose to fifty-five points. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) this is the sixth straight month that there has been an increase in builder confidence.

“Builders are feeling cautiously optimistic about market conditions given low levels of existing home inventory and ongoing gradual improvements for supply chains,” said NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey, a custom home builder and developer from Birmingham, Ala. “However, access for builder and developer loans has become more difficult to obtain over the last year, which will ultimately result in lower lot supplies as the industry tries to expand off cycle lows.”

“A bottom is forming for single-family home building as builder sentiment continues to gradually rise from the beginning of the year,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “This month marks the first time in a year that both the current and future sales components of the HMI have exceeded 60, as some buyers adjust to a new normal in terms of interest rates. The Federal Reserve nearing the end of its tightening cycle is also good news for future market conditions in terms of mortgage rates and the cost of financing for builder and developer loans.”

A Healthy Lawn During the Hot Summer Months Can Be Accomplished

The hot summer can wreak havoc on your nice green lawn. A lawn can go dormant and turn brown which is not a nice look for your landscaping. Here are five steps to take to keep a healthy green lawn.

1. Mow at the right height

You want to make sure to mow your lawn at a good height so your grass stays nice and green. Cutting your grass at a taller height can shad the soil helping to keep in the moisture which allows for a robust root system. Shorter grass can dry out the roots causing ample opportunity for weeds to grow. A good rule of thumb is to cut off about 1/3 of the grass each time.

2. Let clippings lie

If you are OCD then this could be a hard task. Leaving the grass clippings can look untidy at times but if done the correct way this will not happen. Timing your cuts and cutting at the proper height will just give off enough clippings to be beneficial. The clippings will actually help your grass to stay healthy.  Sometimes called ‘grasscycling’, this will save you time and money – as the fine mulch clippings will act as a natural fertilizer to provide nutrients back to your lawn.

3. Clean up after your pets

Your four-legged family members can also be a bad thing for your yard. Their waste will leave dead spots in the lawn. When your pet goes potty, flush the area with water to dilute the urine.

4. Water properly

Too much or too little can be hazardous to a lawn. A deep soak every so often is the best. Continuously watering a lawn will cause mold issues but water too little will lead to brown dead grass.

5. Tackle tough lawn weeds

Weeds are the enemy when it comes to the lawn. When given the right environment, weeds will overtake the lawn. A lawn needs to be protected by using weed control on your lawn. There are many types on the market that will kill the weeds which include dandelion, chickweed, knotweed, plantain, henbit, spurge and many others commonly found in home lawns.

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Make Your New Custom Home Design Exceptional

At Ron Lee Homes, we specialize in semi-custom and fully custom-built homes for our many home buyers. Because of this, we have an extensive portfolio of house plans that include a mix and match of features that we have introduced throughout the years to our discerning custom home buyers. Through specialized requests and the new and unique custom features constantly being introduced throughout the real estate market, we have an incredible variety of specialty offerings we can propose for any floorplan design.

Whether it’s a specific type of wine cellar, butler’s pantry, mud room, custom closet, walk-through shower, etc., we have worked with our new home buyers to try to provide them with their dream home design. Our floorplans are constantly being evaluated for efficiency, as well. Making our designs not only built to an exceptional quality but making them as friendly to your budget as possible is all part of our custom home building process.

When building new, custom homes, we take into account much more than just the interior amenities and features. We are looking to design and build for you a complete plan, where the exterior can be just as important as the interior. We have created extensive outdoor spaces, such as custom, covered, screened-in porches with an outdoor patio area, covered and outdoor kitchens and catering areas, outdoor fireplaces, design for outdoor entertainment, including sound systems and televisions, pool and fountain designs, hot tubs, and so much more!

If you are ready to start your custom home building journey, get in touch with us to Schedule Your Consultation to discuss your new home floorplan and exterior design! Call 985-966-0086 or email Info@RonLeeHomes.com.

Buying vs. Renting – Building Wealth Through Real Estate

It is sometimes said that real estate is a great investment. Sometimes people equate this fact to owning property and earning rental income, purchasing land and developing it for commercial and residential real estate ventures, or the value of land or property as it appreciates over time.

According to the a report released by the National Association of Realtors, on average, homeowners in the low, middle, and upper income levels nationally accumulated $98,900, $122,100, and $150,800 in wealth by owning their own home. Putting aside the equity earned while making mortgage payments on a home that you own, as well as the interest that can be written off for tax purposes, the benefits of owning vs. renting translates into actual accumulated wealth, according to this report.

The report by the National Association of Realtors focused on the “built-in” wealth of home appreciation. The amount of equity in a home that appreciates in value over time automatically adds money to a homeowner’s portfolio. Specifically, around the state of Louisiana, the low, middle, and upper income homeowners in the New Orleans-Metairie metro areas accumulated $41,110, $75,030, and $75,680 respectively. In Baton Rouge, low, middle, and upper income homeowners achieved an additional $60,020, $73,500, and $102,980 in additional personal wealth.

Owning a home has so many more benefits than renting because all of the money put into the home and the payments made on the homes is money working for you. In the West St. Tammany Parish area, rents and mortgage payments are now closer in price than ever. Consider purchasing a new home for sale or building a custom home. If you’re ready to begin, Contact Us for a Consultation Today!

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