Home Inspection Basics

So, you're buying a home in Marquette, Michigan, but want to make sure you secure the best deal possible? Here are a couple things to consider: If your new home will be a temorary residence (3-5 years), understanding the rental market before purchasing will give you the ability to use the home as...

  As a Home Inspector, I find a wide variety of issues. Most are fixable, most are relatively minor. Not always though.   I have, on occasion, found major structural issues that had never been disclosed. I call them out for what they are.  How do you resolve the issue brought up in the Home Insp...

    Question?  When is a new home finished?   Is it when all the walls are drwalled?   Taped?   Painted?     when electrical is roughed in?   When all the baseboard has been installed? 

  Even on newer construction, I often find code violations that affect the value of a property. Toilets, for instance, that won't flush well because the sewer stack is undersized (but appears to be proper sized). In my view, after many years as a home inspector, the buyer should most always get ...

Investing in the right rental property can bring steady cash flow, but how do you find the right property? Over the years, I've purchased 6 rentals in Wisconsin and Michigan. One thing I learned early on, is, don't under estimate the repair costs. It might seem like a great deal, but does the pri...

  We all know interest rates will go up. It's just a matter of time. For those of you considering a home purchase in 2015, now would be a good time to start a checklist. I have mentioned the importance of choosing the right buyer agent, in another post. The agent can help you with a checklist. A...

I recently upgraded my Iphone 4S to the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. For what it's worth, I think this phablet is awesome. It has considerably more RAM than even the Iphone 6+, has a larger and better screen and resolution, is cross platform integrated i.e. with gmail, google + ect...and then, it has t...

  Over the years I have bought 6 homes and sold 4. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a realtor to work with to help you buy your first, or next home. 1. Lay out your expectations, and see if you and the realtor are well matched. If not, find another one. It is important to have rea...

  Winter is back in upper Michigan. There are some specific challenges Realtors and those with homes for sale face here due to the heavy lake effect snow each year. I've complied a few tips based on my experieince as a Home Inspector who sees the good, the bad, and the ugly on a regular basis. 1...

In the Real Estate market, there are a number of unique issues that Veterans encounter. Responding to their needs is more than good service, it's an opportunity to give something back, and in some small measure, a way to say thanks! As a Veteran myself, I learned early on, how to navigate the VA ...