What to Inspect When You’re Inspecting

Tips On Home Inspections

All home inspection should be done by an ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) certified inspector. These guys will look at everything from the foundation to the roof. They’ll inspect the electrical, plumbing, roof condition, foundation and everything in between. An inspection can cost anywhere from $585 to $ 650, depending on the size of the home.

Pest inspection of termites or beetles and all water damage. Approximately $235

Sewer – buyers are responsible for sewer lines until they hit the city main. For $75 your inspector can take a video camera into the pipe to check the condition of the pipes.

When to Get a Second Opinion:

Pest/Termite Inspections:

Recently a seller supplied an inspection report that had been done by an out-of-area pest inspection company. The report stated that there was no pest damage to the seller’s property.

I encouraged my buyers to get a second opinion.  My clients employed a highly respected local company to do another inspection. The local company found $6500 worth of pest damage. Ultimately, I was able to negotiate a $6500 credit for this discrepancy.

Sometimes home inspectors will call for a second inspection. It could be for anything from electrical wiring follow up to having a structural engineer come to look at the foundation.

Anytime that this is suggested it is recommended that you have professionals look before removing your inspection contingency. (An inspection contingency is a period of time during an escrow that a buyer is allowed to investigate the condition of a home and neighborhood.)

Jason - Harry Clark 

Paul

what's behind there

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Below Market Priced Loft in Posh David Baker Building, Emeryville

Down the street from Pixar Studios is the David Baker designed lofts at 1500 Park Street.  This is one of my favorite loft spaces in the East Bay.  This building is in an ultra urban area of Emeryville and boasts the most lush, secluded garden as the entry.  Once inside this building you will feel like you are in Eames territory.  With a maple plywood mailbox area to the floor to ceiling windows, the modern space gives a nod to mid-century modernist.

Currently listed in this building is unit 223 offered at $249,300. (Listed with Jason of All Emeryville Properties) This is a below market rate unit for moderate household incomes making $75,000 per year as a single person or $85,700 combined for a couple.  Click Here for more information regarding the City of Emeryville and below market rates.  The first time home buyer coordinator for the City of Emeryville is Janet Peterson, 510-596-4316.  It is important to note that if you purchase a home at a below market rate, you will have to sell your property at a below market rate, unless you own this unit for 25 years.  (From my understanding, below market rates are set by the county of Alameda, and prices change with the economy.  Please call Janet if you have more questions.)

Need Space? Emeryville Townhome is Coming Soon!

My spacious townhouse listing in Emeryville is sure to please the home buyer who wants it all. A home close to shops, transportation and restaurants with lush maintenance-free gardens and landscaping, and space! Imagine 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, plus a laundry room, fireplace, patio and granite kitchen! Okay, it is my job to entice you to visit my new listing, and I hope I did! Over the next few days, the seller and I will be working on the final touches and we will be open this Sunday. Stay tuned!

Wouldn't You Like to Live Here?

If you didn't know, I am a second generation Realtor. Check out this cool listing my mom is bringing on the market this weekend. I will be helping her this Sunday at her Open House. (Sunday June 25th from 2-5 PM) This is a stunning 1312 square foot 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom townhome in Emeryville. Emeryville has no city transfer tax so, home buyers save thousands of dollars on their closing costs.

Email me if you want a private showing! deidrejoyner@comcast.net