Part of due diligence for profitable real estate investments is property inspection. A 20/20 understanding of property condition eliminates the risk of making costly mistakes and bolsters your negotiating leverage.

Meet the Decision Maker

Assuming you are evaluating a property to purchase, conduct the inspection with whomever can make the decision to sell, usually the owner. Inspecting with the decision-maker develops rapport and ensures a mutual understanding of the condition. Surprisingly, many owners are not aware of the true condition of their property; on the other hand, others may inform you about problems that are not readily apparent.

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Prior to meeting, ask the seller to bring a copies of the deed, survey, tax bill, leases, and receipts for any major work on the property. These documents will familiarize you with the property; moreover, the search of the same will cause the seller to invest time in the negotiation. The more time invested, the more they will want to reach an agreement-nobody wants to invest time for nothing.

Inspection Tools

For a thorough inspection, you need the proper tools. Your inspection toolbag might include: a cro-bar, binoculars, electrical tester, camera, tape measure, flashlight, extra batteries, sandwich bag, clipboard, square, purchase contracts, cordless drill, marble, and probe (screwdriver).

1) Exterior Inspection

Begin with an exterior assessment. With clipboard and pad, record impressions about neighboring property, driveways, walkways, stairways, and handicap access. Note the parking situation, grading, and landscaping. Inspect the condition of exterior walls, doors, and windows. Use your binoculars to check the roof, or if possible inspect it close-up. Is it cracking or thick with too many layers? Are the gutters and downspouts in good condition? Water is destructive, so pay attention to drainage. Look for soggy conditions, peeling paint, cracking mortar, algae and mildew.

2) Major Systems Inspection

The basement is one of the most telling parts of a property. From there, begin assessing the major systems. Inspect the foundation by studying the exterior walls for sandy, cracked, or deteriorated mortar. To find air leaks, look for cobwebs-spiders spin them near openings to prey upon insects who enter from outside. Explain this entomology lesson to the seller as you pick at those energy inefficient cracks. Check the sump for water which indicates leakage. Water attracts termites, so use your screwdriver to probe joists for rotten wood.

Take notes about the heating and cooling systems. Try to find a date on the furnace or boiler, and on the hot water heater. Look for maintenance records and read the entries. Pay attention to the plumbing. Copper and plastic pipes resist corrosion, unlike galvanized pipes which corrode and crack. Check to see if the electrical system has been upgraded from fuses to circuit breakers. Read the main breaker to learn the amperage (e.g. 110, 220.) The more amperage, the more capacity for amenities. Also, investigate the exhaust duct work from the furnace and hot water heater. Poor connections and soot indicate dangerous, possibly fatal carbon-monoxide leaks.

3) Living Area Inspection

Next, inspect the living area. Check for an alarm system and smoke detectors. Note the smell-it can affect value. Tally the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. (According to FHA, a “bedroom” is not a bedroom if you must walk through it to access another room.) Many older homes lack closet space, so make note. Inspect the composition and condition of floors and walls. Test all windows and doors for ease of use. Also check that all electrical sockets are grounded (three prong) and functional (you can use an inexpensive electrical tester.)

A large part of any home’s appeal is determined by the quality of its kitchen and bathrooms. In the upstairs bathroom, simultaneously flush the toilet and run the sink and shower to test water pressure. Make special note of updates, exhaust fans, storage space, and other amenities such as washer, drier, jacuzzi, etc.

Beside all of your inspection assessments, estimate costs of repair. For help, consult with a general contractor or simply pick up an R.S. Means construction cost guide from the hardware store.

Presenting the Inspection Report

Once you have fully evaluated your inspection data, you can use the various “value-deficiencies” to leverage your case. Remember however, even neglectful owners grow attached to real estate and can be easily offended. Yes, properties in less-than-retail condition should sell for less than retail. Notwithstanding, defects should be presented in a friendly, helpful way. Make it your mission to help the seller find the value of the property. To add credibility and maximize your negotiating potential, enhance your findings with an inspection by an independent third-party.

Concluding Carefully

Although property condition affects value, a profitable transaction is determined by cash flow or equity. Money can fix even the worst looking property. Make your decision based on the numbers, not the condition.

How to Conduct a Residential Property Inspection

Whether you are a first time condo buyer, relocating, moving up or downsizing, whether your condo is new or antique, or is located in Ardsley, Bronxville, Dobbs Ferry, Eastchester, Hastings-On-Hudson, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Pelham, Scarsdale, Tuckahoe, or Yonkers or anywhere else in the lower Westchester area, you can depend upon the Westchester home inspectors to provide you with a thorough home inspection. An inspection is a visual examination of the structure and systems of a building. If you are thinking of buying a home, condominium, mobile home, or commercial building, you should have it thoroughly inspected before the final purchase by an experienced and impartial professional condo inspector. A complete inspection includes a visual examination of the condo from top to bottom. The inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system, central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and doors. Only those items that are visible and accessible by normal means are included in the report. The best time to consult the inspector is right after you’ve made an offer on your new condo. The real estate contract usually allows for a grace period to inspect the Westchester condo. Ask your professional agent to include this inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional inspection. A professional inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. A Westchester inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a building, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of minor or major repairs or replacement.

If the inspector finds problems in a condo, it does not necessarily mean you shouldn’t buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to make repairs because of significant problems discovered by the inspector. If your budget is tight, or if you do not wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the property for you. The choice is yours.

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Even if the inspection report turns out that nothing was substantially wrong with the condo, you can complete your purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and its equipment and systems. You may have learned a few things about your property from the inspection report, and will want to keep that information for your future reference. Above all, you can rest assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision and that you will be able to enjoy or occupy your new condo the way you want. The inspection fee for a typical condominium or co-op varies and is relative to the property size and features. The cost should not be a factor in the decision whether or not to have a physical inspection. You might save many times the cost of the inspection if you are able to have the seller perform repairs based on significant problems revealed by the inspector. Prices generally start at about 0 for an experienced inspector.

Condo Inspection in Westchester

When it comes to mobile homes, the inspection process is a bit 'different. They are very different than you typical home and specific details are checked and must be addressed, built not controlled in a normal house. Here is a brief list, including mobile homes other than standard houses, and why they need another home inspection.

Mobile Home vs. normal home

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Mobile homes (prefabricated houses, as they are now called) are not the same as a site built home built. HaveA number of points that make them significantly different.

1) metal legs: the mobile homes resting on metal legs that rust over time, move or may dissolve in the houses the main sources causing many problems. Their traditional home is built on a solid foundation that will not rust. However, based on seismic activity, the establishment of a normal house move.

2) aluminum wiring: Many mobile homes have aluminum wiring. If so then it needs to be checked and maintained. Theirhome with traditional cabling, typically copper. However, this can vary and in some cases do not require an audit.

3) water pipes: the water pipes and connections are often not sealed and can break off and start small leaks that are costly repairs. Cracks in pipes, traditional house can also cause damage mounted, however, because the tubes are different at other houses, these questions tend not occur more frequently in a buildinghome.

4) Walls and ceilings: As expected, it can not properly insulated walls and ceilings that are too excessive and use the heating or air conditioning, and this means that the extra money. The walls of the campers are usually thinner than traditional house. With a non-mobile home, the walls must comply with a different level of control.

5) WINDS: A major problem with mobile homes, the house has a more traditional face to the wind. Wind can cause damage to aRV is easier for a non-mobile home. This is because the foundation is not so sure (if it were, would not be as "mobile" are). The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has put in place specific wind zones in different parts of the district. It identifies the severity of high winds in the area, the stability and integrity of a finished product, could affect mobile home. For example, Florida has areas with different levels of wind, like the wind Wind Zone 2 and Zone 3 (SouthFlorida Wind Zone 3, the area of ​​strong wind).

These are five specific problems, which has a cell phone that is not the traditional houses. But regardless of whether a cell phone or a traditional house for further testing is necessary if the integrity of your home or a home that you want to make the purchase. Over time, you can not really pick up items and store them in places that you can create hidden problems with your home. Every day new products are on the market to make our homes safer to livea. However, if you do not know that your home has problems and issues, then you do not need these items at home, until it is too late. For these reasons, we can understand why it is important to have checked at home regularly.

Mobile Home Inspection Inspection vs. normal home

I am on a journey of jet-lag, as hard core, a challenge could be an astronaut. Borneo calling, because I've never been there. In just five hours to Los Angeles, 12 in Tokyo, Singapore and 7 to 3 to Kota. Mind you this is only a path without turning times. Seats in economy class, I expect that drain my body, a plum, my muscles disappear, clogged pores and I will blow up with "Jet-belly", but it's ok. Bottom line is, I love airplanes. The proximity of this madness that only a 5-day visitand I'm almost spending as much time on the ground that I want in the air.

Il miglior vantaggio del mio lavoro sono la revisione del sito, il testimone ha esperienza di prima mano ciò che il mio gruppo, se sei un nuovo obiettivo per me è, è. This is way beyond my world. Before leaving, I asked some friends, they ask, "Where is Borneo?" Only 10% answered correctly. This time Terry and I bring the wonders of his steadfastness in tow. But he proves to be a good air-warriors.

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Upon our arrival flight, I see clearlywhite beaches, turquoise reefs and coconut trees, which stretch as far as the eye can see. At the airport we were greeted by Martin, who will accompany us and answer the 7,000 questions that I prepared for this country. E 'sauna hot. We pass by cacao and coffee plantations for our first stay at the Shangri La Tanjung Aru Resort, an oasis of luxury overlooking the South China Sea. In the distance are 5 coral islands. A short bar you go to a store to sea caves and snorkelingWorld class diving. Also outside, Pulau Tiga, with its mud volcanoes, where it was shot on the first Survivor Series.

Here we are treated like a couple of pot bellied pigs with an updated suite of fruits and orchids, as well as a massage on the beach. I feel like nirvana with a mantra "I am not worthy," but I caught Revel in all the comforts. It 's a hell of time have activities. And the breakfast buffet was spectacular Malaysian to be taken from the alimentary canal.

KotaKinabalu (also known as "KK") is the capital of Sabah, with 340,000 inhabitants. My expectations were of Borneo 5 'monitors and tribal leaders to head hunting, but here I am greeted with Starbucks and mega-malls. The city is worn out and fights hard to develop. Founded by the British in 1881, also has a lot of history of World War II. The city is the breathtaking scenery of 13,600 ft Mount Kinabalu, UNESCO WH site to be the most biologically diverse mountain in the world. It contains the complete ecosystemand is a botanical paradise. There is a surprising variety of plants and rare animals such as insect-eating plants, fungi and raffelsia funky, the world's largest flower petals in 3 '. It 'lasts two years and lasts only seven days bud. The lush national park the size of Singapore. Hillside tribes are on the slopes. The mountain is afraid of them because they believe it is the last resting place of the spirits of their ancestors.

For leisure time we museums, tours, craft market and waterVillage. I buy gifts of pearls, organic tea, coffee, batiks and baskets. As Americans, we feel like the VIP visitors, as the majority of visitors from Australia, Britain, Japan and Europe. The locals are so friendly and kind. There are 30 ethnic groups speaking 80 different languages, who live together in harmony. Many are animists who worship all living beings. The main tribes are the Dusun women priests, the Bajau as "Cowboys of the Sea" and Murad that are known to livetypical longhouse. They are the descendants of the famous head-hunters, the once fiercely protected their lands and their houses decorated with "trophies", the heads of their invaders were stopped. Many here see Polynesian. Bahasa Malaysia is the main language, a dialect that sounds like me are speaking in tongues. Second language is English.

In August, I bring two groups here. We are on the inside, the essence of Borneo, with its pristine rain forests, wetlands and lush Exploreenough animals feel you have entered a living zoo. (See our website to order my journey in this adventure-label.) We are the culture and history, but the most interesting part for me to learn to see the rare pygmy elephants, Sumatran rhinos, crocodiles, giant, bearded pigs , gibbons, macaques and proboscis monkeys everywhere (which is with Jimmy Duranti noses.) are the pride of Sepilok, the largest orangutan sanctuary, where you can get up close and personal with these "wild menBorneo. "

Evenings on the beach here is a surreal beauty that surrounds an aside and it's really romantic. I am sorry to leave, but it is time to have another resort I booked my tour group. The Shangri-La Rasa Ria is a piece of heaven on earth where you can not do anything or everything. There are morning yoga, Tai Chi, golf, ATVs, horses, parasailing, a huge spa and much more. The lessons are written in Malay, the kitchen, where, sarong packaging, beads, air pistol and weaving. But what makesThis resort is ultra-special is its Nature Reserve. The hotel helps finance orangutan orphans here. When the jungle continues to decline and extinction in the wild these gentle creatures will face. (. Orangutan Foundation International) Dr. Galdikas AIF says grimly, "If this extreme action today is a forest could be taken in 5 to 7 years, and the wild orang-utan with them."

We witness an operation of a watch on the "man of the jungle", the second largest study monkeys in the world. Genetically theyare 96.4% and are considered human beings on earth sentimental. We are guided by the lane up to seven tracks protected baby orangutans, most of the illegal logging that has destroyed their homes having orphans. Unlike other primates, they like to play fight. "Limon" has had a hard life at first. His mother was killed and eaten by plantation workers. They considered a pet chained to the wall of a wooden box for 4 years of the police saved him forestry. When he arrived,was a lot of bones and die. For 10 days he refused to eat one day, a sweet pineapple changed his life. He devoured it in parts and then Limon has not stopped eating. Now it is 5 times heavier and stuffed silly. After graduation, he is released back into the woods. It is touching moments like these, travel with my passion for attention.

The small country of Brunei is only 30 minutes flying time and has always been my dream destination list. " Yet so closeno time. I have studied this sultanate, in which 460,000 residents of higher income per capita in the world enjoyed by offshore oil. Everything is free for them and the Sultan of Brunei is richer than Bill Gates. There is zero nightlife and alcohol is banned, but I need the stamp on my passport, because it is there.

I look forward to my return and experience the real mystique of Borneo. The best way is always to go home. Board as Singapore Airlines, I feel they have won 6Pound of all seafood consumed me. I sleep like a baby in the house long distance via Taipei. The wonder of it all is that my luggage was able to follow me round 19,000 km round-the fact that I still love airplanes.

Briefly in Borneo: AFS Sight Inspection