Clermont, FL

Buyers and investors often look to foreclosure sales to find real estate bargains. But newcomers to this market could find some unpleasant surprises if they go in blind. All homes should be thoroughly inspected by a professional home inspector before sealing the deal.

Why inspect if you can’t negotiate?
Foreclosure homes are usually “as-is” sales. This means that buyers cannot negotiate for the cost of needed repairs, as they may do in a traditional home purchase. Buyers must absorb repair costs themselves and consider this in their purchase offer at auction. So why get a professional inspection on a foreclosure property?

Too many foreclosure buyers think they’re getting a deal when, in fact, they might be purchasing a property with substantial and costly defects. The repair of these major issues could exceed the savings gained in buying a foreclosed property.

Sellers at foreclosure auctions are not usually obligated to disclose defects. But buyers can empower themselves by getting a professional property inspection before the auction that will provide valuable insights about the condition of the home. If pre-auction property inspections are not permitted at the foreclosure sale, buyers will need to weigh that risk carefully.

Knowledge is Power
Even with a significant influx of newly foreclosed properties due to the sub prime mortgage mess, the foreclosure market can be competitive, and it is often dominated by experienced real estate investors. Armed with the right information you can make informed bids and find the best home at the best deal. After all, a bargain isn’t a bargain if it costs more than expected down the line.

Remember, buying foreclosed properties can be a risky business, so be certain to consult with needed professionals, including a reputable, certified home inspector, to address questions about specific issues. More homebuyer and home maintenance tips are available on my blog.

Check your know-how on various homeownership related matters. See how many questions you can answer correctly. (The answers are listed at the end.)

True or False?
1. Gutters should be hung as level as possible.
2. Flat roofs are more prone to leakage than other roofs.
3. When purchasing an A/C system, a larger capacity than required is advisable.
4. Grout and caulk are pretty much interchangeable when used in a bathroom.
5. A slight gap around three sides of an exterior door (without a storm door) can cause an energy loss equivalent to an opening the size of a brick.
6. A carpenter ant and a termite each have a sweet tooth.
7. Most basement water penetration problems are caused by underground springs.
8. A ton of A/C capacity generally will cool the average house.
9. Setting your heat thermostat at 72 degrees F will direct your furnace to deliver air to the room registers at a steady 72 degrees F.
10.) The ambient temperature in a room with an activated ceiling fan will be lower than a room without a fan.

Here are the answers:
1. False – gutters should be angled toward the roof’s downspouts/drains to facilitate water flow.
2. True – flat roofs will leak unless they receive diligent inspection and maintenance.
3. False – a larger than required A/C will reach the thermostat setting before it has removed a reasonable amount of moisture from the air causing a “cave effect” (cold & damp).
4. False – caulk remains flexible after application and is designed for use around edges of bathtubs and shower stalls where movement may occur, while grout dries hard and is designed for use around rigid tiles.
5. True – it’s amazing how much energy is lost to missing weather stripping.
6. False – termites prefer cellulose (wood, etc.) while carpenter ants enjoy their (your) sweets. They only gnaw out word for nesting purposes.
7. False – while springs are sometimes a problem, most water penetration problems are caused by roof and surface water that is not directed away from the foundation.
8. False – One ton is equivalent to approximately 12,000 BTUs; the average size house typically requires 30,000 to 42,000 BTUs of cooling capacity.
9. False – forced air furnaces deliver steady register temperatures in the 130-140 degrees F range. Heat pumps typically deliver hot air in the 90-100 degrees F range.
10. False – while the room may feel cool due to the movement of the air, the ambient temperature will actually be marginally higher due to the heat generated by the fan’s motor.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. Improve your Homeowner IQ by subscribing to the complimentary HouseMaster Homeowner Electronic Newsletter. This monthly how-to newsletter is full of household information and maintenance tips. It pays to be informed.

For those of you interested in visiting Clermont, Florida in the near future, I have compiled a little list of area hotels/motels that may help you out. All listed acaccommodations are either within or near the following cities: Clermont, Minneola, Groveland, Mascotte and Montverde. Good luck!

1. Days Inn and Suites Clermont: 20390 North US HWY 27 Clermont, Fl. 34715 Phone: 352-429-0483

2. Hampton Inn and Suites Clermont: 2200 E. Hwy 50 Clermont, Fl. 34711 Phone: 352-536-1380

3. Holiday Inn Express and Suites: 105 Summer Bay Blvd. Clermont, Fl. 34711 Phone: 877-863-4780

4. Holiday Inn Express Clermont: 1810 S. Hwy 27 Clermont, FL. 34711 Phone: 352-243-7878

5. Fairfield Inn and Suites Clermont: 1750 Hunt Trace Rd. Clermont, Fl. 34711 Phone: 352-394-6585

6. Howard Johnson Express Clermont: 20329 US Hwy 27 North Clermont, Fl. 34715 Phone: 352-429-9033

7. Value Place: 16311 State Rd. 50 Clermont, Fl. 34711 Phone: 352-241-8841

I hope this helps you out in your plans to stay in beautiful Clermont, Florida!

Until Next Time...

Johnny Davis

I just got off the phone with Darren over at the Clermont, Florida YMCA. He has informed me that the next men's league in Clermont will be either the end of February 2009 or the beginning of March 2009. Instead of team fees this year, the YMCA will be charging individual fees. I played in this league last season and it is a pretty competitive league. The refs do a fairly good job of keeping things under control. If you think you might be interested in playing, be sure to contact Darren 352-394-7243 and get on his email list. Good luck, I'll see you on the court!

Until Next Time,

Johnny Davis

Clermont Florida residents be careful!!! There is a motorcycle cop that likes to sit at the bottom of the hill at the intersection of Oakley Seaver Blvd and Citrus Tower Blvd. The speed limit coming through that area is 30 MPH. Before you say it, I know...it is hard to idle 30 MPH while going down the hill. That is the speed limit and we must abide by it.

And before you ask, no, I did not get pulled over today!! I just wanted to warn you all who come through this area to be conscience of your speed. I am sure you can find a better way to spend $100.

And to any Clermont Police Officers reading this, I think you are doing a fine job patrolling the streets of our GREAT community (a little brown nosing never hurts!).

Until Next Time,

Johnny Davis