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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/home-inspection/</link>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-find-a-reputable-santa-cruz-home-inspector.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-find-a-reputable-santa-cruz-home-inspector.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>How to Find a Reputable Santa Cruz Home Inspector</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Before you sign on the dotted line for your new Santa Cruz home, be sure to get the information you need to make a sound financial decision. That includes getting a thorough home inspection by a qualified professional. 

This may seem like one more hoop to jump through, but a detailed and complete inspection can reveal some unpleasant surprises about your new Santa Cruz home purchase. It can also impact the price you pay for the property. Remember, part of your offer should include a clause that specifies who will pay for any necessary repairs discovered by the inspection. 

When looking for an inspector:

&bull;&nbsp;Ask your friends: Word of mouth is still the best way to go, as their good experience can lead to yours. 

&bull;&nbsp;Ask your real estate agent: Agents have worked with many buyers and sellers and have heard the stories of money saved by a solid inspection. 

&bull;&nbsp;Ask Google or the Yellow Pages: If no one has a good recommendation, you can always go in blind. Research any prospects you find thoroughly. 

No matter how you find inspectors names, take the time to check them out. 

Once you have a home inspector in mind, be sure to:

&bull;&nbsp;Check licensing: Licensing varies from state to state. Know the rules for your area. 

&bull;&nbsp;Check references: Any reputable inspector should have a list of happy former clients. Call a few of them.

&bull;&nbsp;Check the Better Business Bureau: A few minutes can save you some headaches. You don't want an inspector with 20 complaints lodged against him no matter how wonderful Uncle Eddie says he is. 

&bull;&nbsp;Request sample reports: Review sample reports from the inspector. The reports should be thorough. 

&bull;&nbsp;Check qualifications: Make sure your inspector has a background in engineering, architecture or contracting work. You want someone who can recognize and identify problems. Ask inspectors about their education, experience and professional association membership (such as the American Society of Home Inspectors). 

If youre looking to buy a Santa Cruz home, give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com. Ill take you step-by-step through the buying process, including getting the home thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional.

For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links: 

Check Licensing

Better Business Bureau

American Society of Home Inspectors&nbsp;

&nbsp;
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            <pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/are-you-sharing-your-santa-cruz-home-with-termites.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/are-you-sharing-your-santa-cruz-home-with-termites.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Are You Sharing Your Santa Cruz Home with Termites?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Few things are as unsettling as the suspicion that termites are attacking your Santa Cruz home. This is one thing you do not want to stay in denial about. Here are some steps to help you face the possibility and prevent problems:

&bull;&nbsp;Don't let any wooden parts of your Santa Cruz home touch soil directly.&nbsp; As always, the best solution is prevention. If wooden parts of your house are touching the soil directly, a professional can remedy it by installing metal shields and re-grading the soil along the foundation to improve drainage and create a gap between soil and wooden structures.

&bull;&nbsp;Determine whether you do have termites. Subterranean termites build characteristic mud tubes for movement between nests. The appearance of these tubes is often the first sign of infestation. Detection can become difficult if such tubes are hidden inside walls, or termites are entering in cracks occurring in concrete slabs or foundations. 

&bull;&nbsp;Use bait stations as monitoring tools. Most are designed using untreated wood or cardboard as monitoring devices. They use bait and a termiticide to kill the termites when they come to the trap. Ideally, the termiticide is boric acid. Before the termites perish, they transmit the boric acid to their nest mates. This process kills many, if not all, of the termites in the colony. You must check these traps often.

&bull;&nbsp;Call in a professional termite control company. Hiring a professional is the best way to ensure that all termite infestation is gone. You may be able to find a &lsquo;green exterminator. If not, you may be able to encourage a conventional exterminator to try some less-toxic approaches. Common treatments now include use of nematodes (microscopic worms), which are especially good for chemically-sensitive individuals or environmentally-sensitive areas. Nematodes are pumped into the infested area, where they kill the termites. Another green option is desiccating dusts like diatomaceous earth (DE). These are non-toxic substances that dehydrate and kill insects.

If youre looking for a Santa Cruz home that does not have termites and was built to prevent infestations, I can help you find one. Contact me now at 831.662.6522 or Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Determine whether you do have termites

Bait stations&nbsp;

Professional termite control company&nbsp;

&nbsp;
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            <pubDate>Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/get-a-deal-on-luxury-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/get-a-deal-on-luxury-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Get a Deal on Luxury Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
In todays precarious job market, many luxury homeowners are finding they cant afford their massive, custom-designed properties any longer. As the once rich are having to quickly sell or abandon their Santa Cruz real estate, you might be able to snag a good deal on a distressed luxury home.

There are many horror stories associated with short sales and foreclosures, but if you do your research, are patient and can act quickly, you might be able to purchase the home of your dreams. If you want to take advantage of this sour market, then consider the following guidelines &mdash; and happy house hunting! 

&bull;&nbsp;Find an agent who has experience with distressed real estate. Interview Santa Cruz real estate agents to find out their history of dealing with foreclosures and short sales.

&bull;&nbsp;Research comparables. Investigate to make sure its actually a good deal by looking at other luxury homes that have sold in the area. Your agent can give you valuable information on comparables.

&bull;&nbsp;Be patient. Its easy to get anxious when it comes to making such a large purchase, but remember that these properties are in turmoil &mdash; which can take some time to resolve.

&bull;&nbsp;Hire a home inspector. If youre going to be investing big bucks, pay a home inspector up front to check out the home. Just because its a luxury property doesnt mean that it hasnt been neglected for the past couple of years. Youll want to know what kind of damage and repairs youll be dealing with.

&bull;&nbsp;Make an offer quickly. Other potential buyers and real estate investors will be keeping an eye out for enticing properties too, so be ready for competition.

&bull;&nbsp;Have your finances together. Pay as much as possible in cash. It will be more enticing to the lender, who actually makes the final decision on a short sale or foreclosure. 

If you want to purchase luxury Santa Cruz real estate at a great price, consider distressed properties going to short sale or foreclosure. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com, if youre ready to start looking or would like more information. 

For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:&nbsp; 

Interview Santa Cruz real estate agents

Short sales

Foreclosures
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            <pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/4-santa-cruz-home-remodeling-myths-debunked.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/4-santa-cruz-home-remodeling-myths-debunked.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>4 Santa Cruz Home Remodeling Myths Debunked</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Home improvement shows tell you that you can add 20 to 40 thousand dollars to the value of your Santa Cruz home by doing a simple remodel on virtually any room or outdoor space.&nbsp; While you can get a return on your investment for most remodeling projects, the increase to your home value is not always as high as the home improvement shows claim.

Myth #1:&nbsp; If you put 20 thousand dollars into a kitchen remodel, your homes value will increase by 40 thousand dollars.

Fact:&nbsp; The average kitchen remodel costs 40 thousand dollars.&nbsp; This is on a mid-range remodel, not a high-end remodel.&nbsp; The average return you can expect is 80 to 95 percent or about 36 thousand dollars on a 40 thousand dollar remodel.

Myth #2: Updating a bathroom can add as much as 20 thousand dollars to your bottom line.

Fact:&nbsp; The average bathroom remodel will net about a 70 percent return.&nbsp; To gain the type of return some of the home improvement shows claim, you would need to add another bathroom to your Santa Cruz home.

Myth #3:&nbsp; Hardwood floors return 100 percent of the money you invest in them.

Fact:&nbsp; Hardwood will get you a big bang for your buck, but not every buyer wants the upkeep associated with hardwood.&nbsp; Children and pets can be tough on wood floors.

Myth #4:&nbsp; Adding an outdoor space will be counted as living space when you resell.

Fact:&nbsp; Although outdoor space is wonderful, it is not considered living space by appraisers.&nbsp; According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the living space or square footage that counts in a home appraisal is the space above grade (ground) that is finished (has walls, floors, and ceilings), heated from the same source and all connected.

For help on what to do to improve the resale value of your Santa Cruz home, give me a call at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Average kitchen remodel

Living space or square footage

Home appraisal
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-real-estate-investing-buying-a-short-sale-steps-6-through-10.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-real-estate-investing-buying-a-short-sale-steps-6-through-10.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate Investing:  Buying a Short Sale Steps 6 through 10</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you havent read &ldquo;Santa Cruz Real Estate Investing:&nbsp; Buying a Short Sale Steps 1 through 5,&rdquo; start there.&nbsp; This blog post provides steps 5 through 9 of the short sale process.

6.&nbsp; Visit the Santa Cruz real estate on your short list.&nbsp; Youve already searched for short sales, researched them and narrowed your list to a few short sales that meet your criteria and have the best chance of making it to closing.&nbsp; Now its time to personally visit the few on your short list.&nbsp; Your primary purpose in visiting the property is to get an estimate as to how much its going to cost you to repair the home.&nbsp; As a real estate investor, you want a property that needs some work so that the average home buyer wont want it, and you can get it at a lower-than-average price.&nbsp;&nbsp; But, you also want a property that is in good enough condition that the cost of the property plus repairs still gives you a good return on your investment.

7.&nbsp;Get a home inspection.&nbsp; Since short sales are typically sold &ldquo;as is,&rdquo; its crucial that you have a licensed home inspector evaluate the condition of the short sale that youve decided is the one you want to buy.&nbsp; An inspection will find problems you might not have been able to see in your initial visit to the home.&nbsp; It will also give you a more precise idea of how much its going to cost you to repair and renovate the property.

8.&nbsp;Make an offer.&nbsp; Now that you've found the short sale you want to buy, youre ready to prepare an offer.&nbsp; Have your Santa Cruz real estate agent prepare all the documentation and submit the offer to the sellers agent.&nbsp; The sellers agent will submit the documentation to the lender.&nbsp; Hopefully, youve chosen a short sale with only one lender, but if there is more than one lender, remember that all lenders have to agree on the terms of the sale.

9.&nbsp;Make a counter offer or walk away.&nbsp; After getting your offer, the lender has his real estate agent evaluate the offer.&nbsp; More than likely the lender will make a counteroffer.&nbsp; Thats the time for you to do a final evaluation.&nbsp; Double check your numbers using the higher purchase price and ask yourself, &ldquo;Is this property really going to give me the profit I want?&rdquo;&nbsp; If the answer to this question is no, or if youve already reached the maximum youre willing to pay for the property, its time to walk away.

10.&nbsp;Finalize the deal.&nbsp; After you, the seller and the lender have all reached an agreement, get everything in writing and officially record it.&nbsp; Go to closing, and the property is now yours.&nbsp; Congratulations!

If youre a Santa Cruz real estate investor looking for a well-priced property to invest in, I can help.&nbsp; Give me a call today at (831) 662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/sell-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-how-to-avoid-deal-killing-surprises.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/sell-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-how-to-avoid-deal-killing-surprises.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Sell Your Santa Cruz Real Estate:  How to Avoid Deal-Killing Surprises</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Getting from &ldquo;I want to sell my house&rdquo; to &ldquo;SOLD&rdquo; is often a long and stressful process.&nbsp; The last thing you want to do is find someone who wants to buy your house and then lose him or her.&nbsp;

Here are five ways to avoid deal-killing surprises:

&bull;&nbsp;Get a home inspection.&nbsp; If you truly dont want any surprises, get a home inspection before you put your home on the market.&nbsp; Then make all repairs needed; or disclose the problems up front, and tell the potential buyers how much youve reduced the price instead of making the repairs.

&bull;&nbsp;Do not ask for favors.&nbsp; You dont want to suddenly ask the buyers if you can delay closing for six months or if you can keep the crystal dining room chandelier.

&bull;&nbsp;Go over the contract in detail.&nbsp; Ask your agent to have the buyers agent go over the details of the contract with the buyers before they sign it.&nbsp; Even if the buyers say they understand the contract, ask the agent to discuss the details with them.&nbsp; This prevents misunderstandings and provides time to make contract changes well before the closing, if needed.

&bull;&nbsp;Be honest.&nbsp; If your hot-water heater breaks two days before the closing, dont pretend that you love cold-water showers.&nbsp; Tell the buyers what happened and that itll be replaced before closing.&nbsp; Being honest up front builds trust.

&bull;&nbsp;Remain calm.&nbsp; If the buyers ask questions or make comments about the house that make you feel like they dont love the house as much as you do, let it go.&nbsp; This is a business deal.&nbsp; You need to sell the house; they want to buy it.&nbsp; Who cares what they say?&nbsp; Remember the childhood saying about sticks and stones&hellip;

If youre ready to sell your Santa Cruz real estate, Id love the opportunity to interview for the job.&nbsp; Give me a call today at (831) 662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com to schedule an interview.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.
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            <pubDate>Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/inspect-santa-cruz-homes-as-you-search.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/inspect-santa-cruz-homes-as-you-search.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Inspect Santa Cruz Homes as You Search</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You know my recommendation is that everyone should have a professional property inspection before they close on a house. Wouldnt it also be a good idea to discover problems with a piece of property before you ever make an offer? With some attention to detail, you can find out a lot about the condition of Santa Cruz homes. 

Heres a pre-offer, do-it-yourself property inspection checklist to get you started:

&bull;&nbsp;Basement - A basement can give you information about the structure of a house, especially if the basement is unfinished. Youll want to make sure there are no cracks, the electrical wiring is organized, and there is no evidence of water damage. If there isnt a basement, examine the exposed foundation on the exterior of the house.

&bull;&nbsp;Electrical panel  Upon examination, it should look orderly and neat. If it is, that doesnt mean youre in the clear, but a disorganized panel can often be a sign of shoddy electrical work throughout the house.

&bull;&nbsp;Faucets and fixtures  Is there hot water? Does the shower drip? Does the oven work? Does the toilet run? Not every problem is a major issue, but itll give you a good idea of how much care went into the propertys construction and maintenance.

&bull;&nbsp;Attic - Not only should you be looking at available storage space, youll want to see how well the insulation was fitted. That can make a huge difference in your monthly electric and gas bills.

&bull;&nbsp;Roof - Missing shingles or interior water damage in Santa Cruz homes are bad signs.

&bull;&nbsp;Windows - Make sure they all open and close properly and that you cant find any drafts, gaps or condensation.

&bull;&nbsp;Interior and exterior finishings  Check out the baseboards and siding to see what kind of shape theyre in. If the builders didnt pay much attention to what you CAN see, imagine what the internal structure might look like.

Want to work with a professional real estate agent who can help you weed out badly-built or poorly-maintained Santa Cruz homes before you make an offer?&nbsp; Give me a call today at 831-662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com , I'm happy to offer my assistance. 

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-find-the-perfect-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-find-the-perfect-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>How to Find the Perfect Santa Cruz Real Estate Agent</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Internet has made researching real estate easy for anyone who knows how to surf online. Whether researching real estate to sell homes or to find for their next big investment, many property owners and home buyers think theyll save a lot of money by doing all the work themselves.

However, statistics show that youre more likely to sell your property quicker or find your dream house faster when you work with a professional Santa Cruz real estate agent.&nbsp; Working with an agent provides you with an expanded housing database, years of property-purchasing knowledge and valuable contacts for everything from inspections to loans. 

The trick is to find the right Santa Cruz real estate agent to fit your needs.&nbsp; Here are 5 tips to help you find your perfect fit:

1.&nbsp;Knowledgeable  Youll want to find an agent who is experienced and doesnt always agree with you. If theyre constantly telling you yes, then they may not be working in your best interest.

2.&nbsp;Hard working  Agents whove been in the real estate business for decades could be burned out and new recruits might not be as skilled. Look for an agent who has experience in your neighborhood, loves the work and has the energy to get the job done.

3.&nbsp;Responsive  Communication is key, so you want to find an agent who gives you constant updates.

4.&nbsp;Objective  When it comes to your home, making decisions can become extremely personal. You want an agent who will keep a level head and help you ensure youre not making emotional or irrational decisions.

5.&nbsp;Innovative  A resourceful real estate agent who is always looking for new ways to market your property or looking in new places to find you a house will help you achieve your goals quicker.

Dont endure the frustration of marching through the real estate maze alone. With the right agent by your side, youll experience less stress, get what you want faster and save money in the long run. 

If youre looking for an experienced, energetic, resourceful Santa Cruz real estate agent or just have a few questions, give me a call at 831-662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com. 

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

&nbsp;
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            <pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/6-problems-to-look-for-before-buying-an-older-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/6-problems-to-look-for-before-buying-an-older-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>6 Problems to Look for Before Buying an Older Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Are visions of renovating a stately, older Santa Cruz home dancing in your head?&nbsp; Older homes offer a unique beauty that cant be found in newer homes. And, rehabbing them can be rewarding.&nbsp; But, think twice before taking on this difficult and expensive task.Here are six problems to look for in the older home youre thinking about buying:

1.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plumbing problems.&nbsp; The plumbing in older homes can be inefficient or downright unreliable.&nbsp; Homes that are 25 years old or older almost always have plumbing problems with the most common problem being lead pipes.&nbsp; Even after lead pipes were replaced in the late 1940s, the earliest galvanized steel pipes still contained lead. Lead also was present in much of the solder used to join copper pipes as recently as the mid-1980s.

2.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Electrical issues.&nbsp; Electricity in older homes may not be grounded and wiring may not be safely installed.&nbsp; Even if the electricity is grounded, it may not be available in the quantity needed for todays home and the vast array of gadgets that depend on electricity.&nbsp; Electrical boxes in vintage homes were typically 60 or 100 amps. Today's standard is 200 amps.

3.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Lack of insulation.&nbsp; Older homes are typically drafty, cold and uncomfortable. Not to mention expensive to heat and cool.&nbsp; Check the type of insulation that was used.&nbsp;&nbsp; Many older homes were insulated with newspaper, asbestos, or not insulated at all. 

4.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Cracked foundations.&nbsp; The foundation materials used in older homes, such as cement and cinder blocks, crack and leak over time.&nbsp; These days the exterior sides of foundations are commonly sealed; not so with older homes.&nbsp; As a result, water seepage occurs and can lead to structural threats and health issues such as mold.

The wisest thing to do before buying an older home is to have it thoroughly inspected by a professional home inspector.&nbsp; Then, calculate exactly how much time and money itll take to renovate the home so it matches the vision in your head.

Whether your dream is to buy an older or newer Santa Cruz home, I can help.&nbsp; Give me a call today at 831-662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com
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            <pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/5-things-to-ask-before-hiring-a-santa-cruz-home-inspector.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/5-things-to-ask-before-hiring-a-santa-cruz-home-inspector.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>5 Things to Ask Before Hiring a Santa Cruz Home Inspector</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Whether youre preparing to sell or buy a Santa Cruz home, getting a home inspection is one of the most important steps you can take toward a successful real estate transaction.&nbsp; In order to get a thorough home inspection, you need to hire an experienced, professional inspector.

Here five things to ask before hiring a Santa Cruz home inspector:

1.&nbsp;Are you certified?&nbsp; The oldest and largest organization of home inspectors is the American Society of Home Inspectors.&nbsp; Another noteworthy organization is the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors.&nbsp; Both these groups provide training and certification. If a home inspector is certified by either of these organizations, you know youre getting a qualified inspector.

2.&nbsp;May I see a sample report?&nbsp; Ask the inspector to send you a sample inspection report.&nbsp; If you receive a report that is 4 or 5 pages long, keep looking.&nbsp; This is not the inspector for you.&nbsp; A typical inspection report is 20 to 50 pages long and often includes color photos.

3.&nbsp;How long will the inspection take?&nbsp; You don't want someone who will be in and out in 90 minutes.&nbsp; A thorough inspection should take 3 hours or more.&nbsp; You want to make sure that the inspector takes the time to go through everything completely.

4.&nbsp;Whats included in the inspection?&nbsp; Home inspections vary widely.&nbsp; Make sure everything you want to have inspected is covered including major items like the roof, heating and cooling systems, foundation, plumbing and wiring.

5.&nbsp;What are your re-inspection fees?&nbsp; If the inspection turns up a problem that the seller is willing to fix, ask if there is a fee to re-inspect the Santa Cruz home after the repairs have been finished.&nbsp; Many inspectors will come back to check the repairs without charging you, but ask.

A home inspection is not fool-proof.&nbsp; But, by asking your Santa Cruz home inspector these five questions, you greatly reduce the likelihood of hiring an inspector who might overlook expensive or even dangerous defects.

Need a referral to a professional home inspector?&nbsp; Give me a call today at 831-662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

American Society of Home Inspectors

International Association of Certified Home Inspectors

Home inspections
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            <pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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