WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT HOME INSPECTIONS?

We all know that building inspections are common

 in the real estate world...

Here's a few things you should know before your inspection

Buyers

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

• Uncover problems that are not obvious to the untrained eye
• Allows you the opportunity to negotiate how the problems will be addressed
• Gives you the chance to ask questions about the property and it's systems
• Spending $300 now is better than finding out your new home may need a $3,000 repair next month
• You may find out some routine maintenance tips
• The inspector is an objective professional without a stake in the sale of the property
• A good inspection provides peace of mind

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW?

• Home inspectors in Maine are not required to be licensed, although there are some organizations such as ASHI and MeCHIPS that set standards and expertise requirements from their members
• Home inspectors will NOT tell you the value of the home or advice on negotiating
• A house can not FAIL an inspection - an inspection just provides you with information about the current condition of the property
• You should be present for your inspection so you can ask questions as you go along
• Look for an inspector who provides a written report - there is a lot of information to absorb
• Ask what is included in the inspection (Radon, septic, mold, etc...are usually extra)

Sellers

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

• Avoid unexpected surprises when the buyer does their inspection
• Give you the chance to make needed repairs on your terms or disclose that some things are "as is"
• Gives you the chance to do regular maintenance suggested by inspector to prevent them from becoming buyer issues
• Providing a recent inspection to potential buyers may give them peace of mind

PREPARING FOR YOUR INSPECTION

• Clean your house - the buyers will most likely be there
• Clear access to your attic and basement or crawl space
• Leave keys to sheds, outbuildings and garages
• Make sure furnace, water heater, electrical panel, etc are accessible
• Make sure utilities are on and pilot lights lit if you are not living there
• Leave out any repair documents

If you would like more information about home inspections or inspectors,

give us a call at (207)784-3800 or click the link below to e-mail us

TOP THINGS TO DO IN MAINE - SPRING 2012

One of the greatest things about living in Maine

 is all there is to do and see. 

 With the weather warming up and the snow pretty much gone...spring fever has set in. 

If you are anything like us, you are ready to get out and about.  With that in mind, 

we thought we would share some of what is going on in area this spring:

 


Sunday River Parrothead Festival - April 6th - 8th
Live music, costume contest, pond skimming and a Spam carving contest...yes Spam...how can this not be fun?

Lewiston-Auburn Film Festival - April 13th - 15th
Here's your chance to view films from all over the world and local film makers  in 7 Lewiston-Auburn venues.  (Look for  Praxis Production Studios with their film The Associates)


Kora Shrine Circus - Dates from April 13th - 21st
Three locations - Androscoggin Bank Colisee, Cumberland County Civic Center and Augusta Civic Center -  should make it easy for everyone to see this show. 

Touch-A-Truck - April 28th

Your little ones will love checking out all the great trucks at Central Maine Community College.  We will be there with our truck...stop by and say "Hi".

Maine Home Show - April 28th - 29th
Over 100 booths of exhibitors and lots of giveaways.  Get great ideas for your home and stop by our booth while you are there!

Androscoggin Pet Expo - May 12th - 13th
Doggie Dress Up Contest, workshops and door prizes all about pets...what fun!

SeaDog's Mother's Day 5K - May 13th
Who knew Slugger was a runner? Run the 5K with Slugger and his Mom or bring your little one to the free kid's Fun Run.

Northern New England Home, Garden & Flower Show - May 18th -20th
Visit the Fryburg Fairgrounds and get some great ideas for your home and garden. 

Maine is a great place to live, is you are interested

purchasing a home in Maine, please call us at (207)784-3800

or e-mail us by clicking here...

Now get out there, shake off the cabin fever and have fun!

WHO DECIDES THE LISTING PRICE?

When you are ready to sell...who decides the listing price? 

So how do you decide the right price to get your property sold

for top dollar and in a timely manner in today's market?

This is where a skilled, experienced real estate agent is a must...

an expert real estate agent will help you gather the information you need

to make an informed decision about how to price your property. 

Are you in a hurry to sell or do you have a year to move?

Are you behind on your mortgage payments?

Is your mortgage paid off?

Do you need to find another home to purchase?

Each situation is unique and so pricing your property

 is a personal decision that is specific to your situation. 

Before you price your home, there are a few things you must do...

1.  Know your options  - in today's market you may think selling is not an option because of the amout you owe.  Are you a candidate for a short-sale?  Do you even know what your home is worth?  You may be in better shape than you expected.

2.  Know how to prepare your home for showings.  Believe it or not, the way your home shows makes a difference in the price buyers are willing to pay.

3.  Know how to beat out your competition.  In order to beat the competition, you have to know who you are competing against, what is the condition of their property, what is their price, how long have they been on the market...

4.  Discover market trends.  The real estate market is different from area to area.  What is happening in Lewiston/Auburn is different from what is happening in Portland or in Lisbon.  

5.  Know what an absorbtion rate is and why it is important to you.  An absorbtion rate will tell you how saturated the market is in your area at the current time.  If the market is more saturated, you have more competition.

6.  Know how many properties in your area that are similar to yours have sold recently.   What price did they sell for?  How long were they on the market? 

Once you and your chosen real estate agent have explored all these areas,

you are ready to make an informed decision about what is the best price for your property

to sell it for top dollar in the timeframe that is right for you.

Top Ten Things To Remember When Moving

Moving is such a busy time...

there is a lot to do in a relatively short period of time. 

So, here is our top 10 things to remember when moving....

10.  Change your address...this may sound obvious, but did you remember your magazine subscriptions, credit card bills, driver's license, etc?

 9. Insurance...Not only do you need to insure your new home, you will need to cancel the insurance on your old home.

 8. Utilities... make sure you have not only scheduled a disconnection of service for your old address, but make sure you arrange for new service at the new home...there is nothing worse than trying to move in with no water and electricity.

 7. Order new checks....yes those checks have your old address.      

 6.   Check the attic.  Remember all those things you stowed away in the attic or hidden cubby...it is time to dig them out an pack them up.

 5.   Tape the bottom of your boxes...there is nothing worse than your personal belongings all over the lawn of your new home before you are even moved in.

 4.   Mark each box with which room it goes to and what is in it...you think you will remember where to find your coffee mug, but in that pile of boxes...who knows!

 3. Pack a "Tool Box" with all the necessities for moving day... a box cutter to open boxes, cleaning supplies, trash bags, toilet paper, etc

 2.   Arrange for child care on moving day.  They may think they want to be there, but the little ones will be bored quick.

 1.   Don't forget the money!  You will need a certified check and your driver's license at closing, so make sure they are not packed away!

Happy Moving!