What to look for when buying a house you will share with your pet

 

House Hunters often focus on a home's structural integrity, curb appeal, and neighborhood features when searching for their perfect property. However, for many buyers, their pets are just as much a part of the family as their children. Taking pet safety into consideration during home tours is critical in finding the right home. Here are a few key pet safety factors they should keep in mind:   1. Fencing and Yard Security For clients with dogs, a secure backyard is often a top priority. Look for fencing that is in good repair, with no gaps, loose panels, or areas a pet could dig under or jump over. Pay attention to landscaping as well—some common plants, like azaleas and sago palms, are toxic to pets.   2. Flooring and Interior Surfaces Hardwood and tile floors are pet-friendly for easy cleaning, but also check for loose tiles, slippery surfaces, or steep stairs that could pose risks, especially for older pets. Carpeting in multi-pet households can trap allergens and odors if not properly maintained.   3. Hazards in the Home Layout Open staircases, lofts with low railings, or large gaps in banisters can be dangerous for both pets and small children. Also, homes with tight spaces behind appliances or cabinets may provide tempting hiding spots that could lead to trouble.   4. Nearby Traffic and Noise Homes near busy roads or with minimal yard setbacks may not be ideal for owners of outdoor pets. High-traffic areas can be hazardous and stressful for animals. Additionally, consider proximity to loud businesses or train lines that might frighten sensitive pets.   5. Access to Green Spaces Highlight nearby dog parks, trails, or pet-friendly amenities. Easy access to outdoor recreation can be a major selling point for pet owners looking to maintain an active lifestyle with their companions. By keeping an eye out for these pet-focused details, buyers can be better prepared as they evaluate their next home for every member of the family, with two legs or four.

Oh no, the homeowner is attending the inspection

 Given that a person's home is often their greatest financial asset, it’s not uncommon that homeowners want to attend the inspection. After all, if someone is going to be poking around in all the corners and closets, running water in the bathrooms, and turning the heat on and off, most of us would want to be there too. It’s typically best for homeowners to leave supervision of their home during the inspection to the real estate agent, but some are not satisfied in doing that. So, how do you handle a homeowner at the inspection?

First, never forget it’s their home, and we, the inspector, buyer, and agents, are all guests. While we do have a job to perform, we are visitors in their home and should not forget that. Being respectful of the homeowner's requests, questions, and instructions is important. Second, never forget that the homeowner has an interest in the sale, so buyers should always feel secure in talking privately with their inspector. Just because the homeowner is at the inspection does not make them part of the inspection.

Homeowners should be informed that while the inspection is about their house, the information discovered is for the buyer, and inspectors may not share their thoughts, even if asked. Most inspectors have a set routine to ensure that they look at everything required, so homeowners should not feel a need to show them around the house unless it is an unusual home with hidden areas. Homeowners are often eager to show inspectors the upgrades or improvements they have made over the years, not understanding that the inspector is there to evaluate the house in its current condition, and these conversations can be distracting or even red flags if they were DIY projects. 

After the inspection, many inspectors review or point out some of the issues they found, but while many homeowners may want to be a part of this conversation, they should not. The potential for the owner to become defensive or attempt to explain away a defect is high, and the danger of concessions without time to reflect or investigate can also happen on both sides of the transaction. 

 

It’s usually best for a homeowner to not attend the inspection however, if they do, they should be present but not a participant. Having time to evaluate their potential purchase is something every buyer should have the freedom to do without distraction.

Don't Forget the Sewer Scope When Recommending Inspections for Your Buyer

As a real estate professional, you work hard to ensure your clients make informed decisions when buying or selling a home. One of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of a home inspection is the sewer system. A sewer scope inspection can save your clients thousands of dollars and prevent future headaches, making it an essential service to consider during the home-buying process.

 

Why Sewer Scope Inspections Matter

Most standard home inspections do not include a detailed review of the sewer line, yet it’s one of the most expensive components of a home to repair. Over time, sewer lines can become damaged due to root intrusion, shifting soil, aging pipes, and blockages. Without a proper inspection, these issues may go unnoticed until they cause significant damage, leading to costly repairs.

 

A sewer scope inspection involves inserting a specialized camera into the sewer line to assess its condition. This allows homebuyers to see firsthand whether the line is in good shape or if there are hidden problems that need to be addressed before closing.

 

The Hidden Risks of Ignoring Sewer Lines

When a buyer moves into a home without knowing the condition of the sewer system, they may be in for an unpleasant surprise. Common issues found in sewer lines include:

• Tree Root Intrusion: Roots naturally seek water sources and can infiltrate sewer pipes, leading to severe blockages or even pipe collapse.
• Bellied or Sagging Pipes: A sag in the sewer line can collect debris and lead to backups.
• Old or Deteriorating Pipes: Many homes, especially those built before the 1980s, have clay or cast-iron pipes that degrade over time, leading to leaks and structural failures.
• Blockages and Buildup: Grease, debris, or foreign objects can create obstructions that affect drainage and increase the likelihood of backups.

 

Protecting Your Clients’ Investment

A sewer scope inspection provides buyers with peace of mind and negotiating power. If issues are discovered, buyers can request repairs or replacements as part of their negotiation, potentially saving them thousands of dollars. Alternatively, if the inspection confirms the sewer line is in good condition, it reassures buyers that they are making a sound investment.

 

Partner with a Trusted Home Inspector

By recommending sewer scope inspections to your clients, you are positioning yourself as a knowledgeable and proactive real estate professional. At Carey Home Inspection, we provide thorough sewer scope inspections with clear, detailed reports to help your clients make informed decisions.

 

Let’s work together to protect your clients from unexpected repair costs and ensure they move into their new homes with confidence. If you’d like to learn more about our sewer scope inspection services or schedule an inspection for your next listing, feel free to reach out.

Looking forward to partnering with you!

 

Videos

Check out a sewer inspection in action

Orangeburg Pipe inspection

Grease in a sewer line

Cut the Stress out of the Home Inspection

 

The home inspector and the buyer arrived at your listing ten minutes ago. Your seller is on pins and needles already knowing that their house is nice, but not perfect. You’ve let them know you will call as soon as you hear back from the buyer's agent, and the phone just rang. It’s the buyer's agent. No one needs the stress. There is a way to eliminate, or significantly reduce those calls. As a home inspector we have run into various situations where we needed to call the agent or seller, and have several suggestions on how to avoid it.

 

Make sure your seller turns everything on.
It’s not uncommon for sellers to disconnect or turn off services in a vacant house. I don’t blame them, it’s a safe thing to do to turn off the water or other appliances. In New York home inspectors are not required to turn on systems that are shut down, in some states like Massachusetts it’s actually against the law for a home inspector to do so. Without knowing why a system is turned off no one should turn it back on. It may be under repair or turned off for safety reasons. Confirming with the seller that the electric, water, heat and other systems are on can save a return trip or a call for someone to come out to the house during the inspection. Not only should main shut offs be on, individual systems should also be on. Water heaters and dishwashers are what we find most often shut down.

 

Make sure access to everything is available.
This includes all rooms, the garage, the basement, and the attic. If it’s just a few boxes or some clothing blocking the attic opening most inspectors will take the time to move them. Moving an entire UHaul truck of boxes in the garage to get to the electric panel may be a different story. Not having access means the buyer may want the inspector to return which can just delay the process. Sometimes we encounter locked rooms which always raises red flags, but often these rooms contain access to other systems such as the attic or garage. Making sure all doors are unlocked, the garage is accessible and there is a clear path to the electric panel, water services, heat, and sewer access is important. Another thing we’ve run into more than once is the lock box on the front door, but the storm door locked. This results in everyone standing outside waiting for the seller to return with a key.

 

Leave instructions for things only the seller knows.
A lot happens during an inspection, there isn’t always time to learn all the quirky things about a house. If there is a sub-panel for the addition behind the portrait of grandma in the second floor hallway, the inspector may never find it. Too often inspectors have to call sellers to find out the GFCI reset for the garage is behind the refrigerator in the kitchen or some other hidden spot. Another thing to remember is home inspectors are not always privileged to the conversations the buyers and sellers have had. If everyone knows the second floor tub leaks, let the inspector know before they have to call the agent about water dripping from the first floor ceiling.

 

With just a few things, sellers can eliminate many of the calls that are made to listing agents at inspection and provide for a smooth inspection. 

 

For more tips on what to do before an inspection, attend our upcoming CE class at the GCAR on 10 Things to do Before Your Home Inspection, or ask your broker to have us present it at your office. 

The "Shelf Life" of Homes: A Friendly Reminder from Your Home Inspector

 You’ve probably heard the saying, “Nothing lasts forever.” It’s true for sunny days, leftover pizza, and, unfortunately, houses. Well, not the house itself (unless we’re talking about termites, but that’s a topic for another day). I’m talking about the systems and components that keep a home humming along smoothly. As agents, you already know this, but a little reminder never hurts — especially when your clients are dreaming of a forever home with a forever roof. Spoiler alert: there’s no such thing.

Let’s dive into the lifespan of some household staples. Feel free to keep this handy for the next time a buyer gasps at the idea of replacing a water heater.

Appliances: Reliable, But Not Eternal
The washing machine may have survived countless loads of soccer uniforms, but its lifespan is usually around 10-12 years. Refrigerators can go a bit longer at 12-15 years, but eventually, even they get tired of keeping leftovers cool. Dishwashers tend to quit after 10 years, often at the most inconvenient time (like the night after Thanksgiving). Pro tip: Remind your buyers that appliances aren’t built to last like Grandma’s old oven that doubled as a space heater for the entire kitchen.

HVAC Systems: Keeping Cool and Cozy… for a While
Heating systems, like furnaces, typically last 15-20 years, while air conditioners tap out at 10-15 years. Regular maintenance can stretch their lifespans, but eventually, they’ll be ready for retirement — just like all of us. Suggest to your clients that setting aside a “HVAC rainy day fund” is always a smart idea.

Water Heaters: Hot Water, Cold Truth
Traditional tank water heaters generally last about 8-12 years. Tankless ones can stick around longer, closer to 20 years. Still, they’re not forever companions. If a buyer’s dreaming of 30 years of endless hot showers, it’s time to gently lower expectations.

The “Invisible” Stuff: Insulation, Windows, and Roofs
Attic insulation may not come with an expiration date stamped on it, but it can degrade, settle, or become less effective after 15-20 years. Windows, while better at aging gracefully, may need attention after 20-30 years. And roofs? It depends on the material, but asphalt shingles typically wave the white flag after 20-25 years. If your buyers are staring at a roof with a heavy sigh, remind them: “It’s a roof, not a miracle worker.”

Floors: They Take a Beating
Flooring is another often-overlooked feature that has a limited lifespan. Hardwood can last a lifetime if cared for, but carpet usually needs replacing every 8-10 years. Laminate and vinyl may push to 15, but they’ll eventually show their age (kind of like us after a decade or two of home inspections!).

So, when your clients are fantasizing about a maintenance-free home, remember to bring them back to reality. “Forever home” might be a misnomer, but with regular upkeep and a little TLC, homes can still bring years of joy — and just a few replacement projects.

 

For a full list of how long things can be expected to last in a home, click here.

5 Essential Tips for a Successful Winter Home Inspection

 Winter in the northeast brings its unique set of challenges for the real estate market. As a trusted home inspector, I understand how the colder months can add complexity to the buying and selling process. That’s why I’ve put together five essential tips to help you and your clients ensure a smoother and more effective winter home inspection. These actionable insights can make a significant difference during the home inspection.

 

1. Keep Driveways and Walkways Clear

Snow and ice can create significant obstacles for inspectors, buyers, and agents. Before the inspection, ensure all driveways, walkways, and access points to the home are thoroughly cleared of snow and ice. Not only does this provide safe access, but it also allows the inspector to fully assess these exterior elements, such as concrete or asphalt conditions, drainage issues, and potential trip hazards. Encourage your clients to salt or sand icy areas to reduce risks.

2. Ensure Accessibility to Key Systems

In the colder months, certain areas of the home—like the attic, crawl spaces, or mechanical rooms—might be harder to access due to stored items, snow drifts, or ice buildup. Encourage homeowners to clear these areas in advance. For example, attic hatches should be free of obstructions, and basement utility rooms should allow enough space for a thorough inspection of heating systems, water heaters, and sump pumps. Easy accessibility ensures no aspect of the home is overlooked.

3. Maintain Comfortable Indoor Temperatures

During a winter inspection, indoor temperature is key. Homes should be heated to a comfortable level so inspectors can accurately evaluate heating systems, insulation, and draft issues. A cold interior might raise red flags about heating performance or energy efficiency, even if the system is functioning correctly. Additionally, if the home is vacant, ensuring the heat is on helps prevent frozen pipes, which can lead to costly damage.

4. Address Snow-Covered Features

Snow can obscure critical exterior features like roofs, gutters, decks, and patios. While inspectors will do their best to evaluate these areas, heavy snow may limit visibility. If possible, homeowners should clear snow from these areas before the inspection. If that’s not feasible, providing recent photos or documentation of the roof, gutters, and other covered features can help fill in the gaps. This proactive approach ensures buyers have a complete understanding of the property’s condition.

5. Prepare Interior Entryways for Snow

Winter weather often means snow and slush tracked indoors on shoes and boots. Before the inspection, homeowners should prepare interior entryways by placing durable mats, boot trays, or towels near entrances. This helps protect flooring and provides a clean, safe area for inspectors and buyers to remove footwear. A well-prepared entryway not only maintains the home’s cleanliness but also creates a positive first impression.

Bonus Tip: Communicate Expectations

Clear communication between agents, buyers, sellers, and inspectors is vital for a successful winter home inspection. Discuss the unique challenges of winter inspections with your clients and set realistic expectations. Understanding that certain limitations—like snow-covered roofs—are unavoidable helps manage concerns and keeps the process on track.
 

By taking these steps, you can help facilitate a thorough, efficient inspection process that puts buyers and sellers at ease, even in the heart of winter. If you have any questions or need assistance preparing a property for inspection, feel free to reach out. I’m always here to help ensure your transactions move forward seamlessly.

https://www.careyhomeinspection.com/home.html

In a time of low inventory some need to find the diamond in the rough

 

When housing inventory is low, many may find it difficult to find their dream home. For some buyers, a house which needs a bit of work may be a better option. Rehabilitation loans, like the FHA 203K loan, allow home buyers to purchase a home and borrow funds to make needed repairs. There are requirements involved, and the home must appraise, after repairs, sufficient for the total borrowed. However, repairs can be more than just what’s required to fix issues, they can also include upgrades and improvements. This can be a cost effective solution for those who want to build that dream home but can’t wait for or afford new construction. FHA 203K loans often have lower payment requirements and require lower down payments than conventional loans making them more affordable. One of the early steps in using a FHA 203k loan is to set an appointment with a HUB approved 203K Consultant to review the home, the budget, and the needed repairs to insure the project is feasible. Your consultant will also prepare the paperwork for the FHA appraiser and loan officer to use in approving the loan. As repairs are being completed, your consultant will also set inspection intervals to confirm the work is completed and to approve payments to your contractor from your loan funds. Using a FHA 203k can mean some additional work and forms, but using the right consultant, loan officer, and contractor will make the process run smoothly and can help your buyer see their dream home hidden in a house others have ignored. Carey Home Inspection has completed several 203K projects across the region and are open to helping your next buyer begin the process.