David Artigliere, ARTI Home Inspections, ASHI Certified Home Inspector

203K Program in PA- Traditional & Streamline

The FHA 203K loan program has become quite popular in Southeastern PA, particularly around Philadelphia, Easton, Reading & Lancaster. The FHA 203K loan allows homebuyers to get financing for the purchase and renovation of a home with the convenience of one loan and one mortgage payment.

Read more about the Benefits of the 203K program.

As a Home Inspector and 203K Consultant in PA, I sometimes get calls asking about the 203K Program in PA. I get questions like-

"What's the difference between the traditional and streamline 203K?"

"Do I need a 203K Consultant if I get the Streamline 203K?"

The Streamline 203K came along in 2005. HUD came up with this new FHA-insured mortgage program and they called it the “Streamline (K)” Limited Repair Program. This loan program allows homebuyers (and current homeowners who are refinancing) to borrow up to an additional $35,000 into their mortgage to improve or upgrade their home.

Traditional vs. Streamline 203K- so what's the difference?

With A Streamline 203k, there is no minimum borrowing threshold unlike a full or "traditional" 203K, but there is a maximum of $35,000, which must include a 10% contingency fund. Renovations over $35,000 will require a traditional 203K. Also, if you are doing foundation work, adding square footage to the property, making structural repairs, and other renovations along those lines, you will need a traditional 203K. It's best to speak with a 203K loan specialist about your plans and see which program is right for you!

Depending on your lender's requirement, you typically aren't required to use a 203k consultant and general contractor. I still have clients that contact me for a Feasibility Study. Some clients also contact me for a Home Inspection to make sure they understand the home's condition and aren't missing any important repairs. Of course, a home inspection or study is not required, but it might still be a good idea to protect yourself.

There are other differences between the traditional and streamline 203K program in PA and it's best to contact a 203k loan specialist to address your questions and get you qualified.

Once you've decided to proceed with getting 203k financing, contact us and schedule a home inspection or 203k consultation!

David Artigliere with ARTI Home Inspections LLC is a 203K Consultant and Home Inspector in Reading, Philadelphia, Easton, Lancaster & Surrounding areas of Southeastern PA.

He can be reached 7 days a week at 610-220-1907 or by visiting www.203kpa.com.

Do I Really Need a Home Inspection (Phoenixville)?

If you are in the market to purchase a home, the answer is probably - YES!

Some buyers get stressed out by all the money involved in buying a home and think saving $360 by skipping the home inspection is a good place to save money. The house "looks" OK and surely the sellers would tell them if there were any issues!

That's not always the case. It doesn't mean the sellers are being dishonest- they might not realize there is a serious issue with the home they are selling.

And just because the house "looks" OK- clean, well-maintained, etc.. doesn't mean there isn't an expensive repair lurking around the corner.

I met a guy named Jeff at a networking meeting in Phoenixville a few weeks ago. Jeff was telling me his story of how he had recently purchased a home in Phoenixville and decided against having a home inspection since the home appeared to be in good shape. He had worked in construction for a few years right out of college and considered himself rather handy. He didn't see anything alarming with the home and admited he wanted to save that $360 by skipping the home inspection.

When he went to refinish his basement last summer, the contractor he was hiring to do the work, pointed out some pretty serious issues with the framing beneath the 1st floor. There were 3 I-beams that someone had cut through to allow for some ductwork.

One of my previous post Squeaky Floors screamed trouble at Home Inspection (Malvern), describes this very situation that I discovered in a home inspection last year. Cutting through an I-beam compromises the structural integrity of the floor and usually can't be repaired. The beam has to be completely replaced.

Jeff postponed finishing the basement until he figures out what to do. He is looking at a significant cost of repairs. If he had opted for the home inspection prior to buying the home, he would have known about these beams and would have had options. The sellers could have fixed this issue, he could have walked away from the home, or paid to fix it himself. At least he would have had the knowledge upfront.. and options!

The home inspection should not be the area you look to save money. In actuality, it is often the one thing that will get you MORE MONEY off the purchase price when material defects are discovered and negotiated with the seller.

With the right professional home inspector in Phoenixville, PA, you get someone who is familiar with residential construction and maintenance of homes. Even the most experienced owner lacks the knowledge and experience of a professional home inspector.

Buying a home in Phoenixville (or wherever you are looking), could be the biggest investment you will ever make. Schedule a quality home inspection and you can buy that dream home with confidence!

David Artigliere, owner of ARTI Home Inspections LLC, is a ASHI-certified home inspector in Phoenixville, Pottstown, Norristown, Reading & surrounding areas.

Contact David atl 610-220-1907 for more information!

Valentine's Day Events (Reading, PA)

Looking for that special Valentine's Day Event around Reading, PA?

My wife and I have lived here for almost 10 years and have had the pleasure to attend a number of Events for Valentine's Day around Reading, PA.

As owners of a home inspection company in Reading, we try to support other local and small businesses. There are some unique options around town!

Here are some suggestions:

“Valentine's Day Buffet with your Sweetie”
Overlook Mansion Bed & Breakfast; 620 Centre Ave in Reading, PA.

On Saturday, February 12 from 5-8PM, you and your sweetie can enjoy a lovely evening by candlelight at this impressive Bed & Breakfast. Menu will include roasted pork with peach glaze, roasted chicken, vegetable lasagna, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans with almonds, glazed carrots, salad, homemade breads, and specialty sweets.

It's $35 per person. Call 610-371-9173 for reservations or visit www.overlookmansionbedandbreakfast.com

Wine & Chocolate on the Berks Co. Wine Trail
Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery; 17 Clover Hill Lane, Robesonia, PA 19551


On Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12, from 12pm-5pm each day, you can travel the Berks County Wine Trail and stop at their Robesonia location for a sweet tasting. You'll sample two wine & chocolate pairings from Premise Maid Candies, one of my favorite local chocolate companies. You'll sample dark chocolate with black raspberry filling paired with Vignoles and a dark chocolate turtle paired with the famous Turtle Rock Red. There is no charge for this event!

Call 610-395-2468 for more information.

Dinner and a Movie at Reading's new rustic Italian restuarant, Panevino. They are located across the street from the Reading IMAX theater and are offering a special menu on Valentine's Day. They also have a "Sweetheart Dinner" on Monday, February 10, for $95 per couple. It's a 5 course meal with 4 different wines (paired with 1st 4 courses).

You can reserve by calling 610-376-1101

Outside of Reading, PA

If you are looking for other options for Valentine's Day Events outside of Reading, PA, there's a dance event and more romantic dining options closer to Pottstown. Click on Valentine's Day Events near Pottstown to view that information.

Romantic Retreat

If you are looking to get out of town, there's a county inn on a clear lake in the PA Highlands called Inn at Starlight Lake. You can enjoy romantic walk in the woods, go cross country skiing, or just stay in and enjoy your romantic room.

Their Valentine's Day package runs from 2/10 to 2/16 and $89 per person per night (plus tax and service) gets you queen accommodations, full American breakfast daily, split of champagne or cocktail of your choice, and one dinner per person (your choice of the Valentine's Day specials or the regular menu).

Call 570-798-2519 or visit www.innatstarlightlake.com

Enjoy.. whatever you choose as your Valentine's Day Event around Reading, PA!

David Artigliere, owner of ARTI Home Inspections LLC, offers home inspections in Reading, Exeter, Birdsboro, Sinking Spring & surrounding areas of Berks, Montgomery, Chester & Lancaster counties.

He can be reached by calling (610) 220-1907 or visiting www.artihomeinspections.com.

ASHI Home Inspectors (Reading) to discuss Slate Roofing

If you are a home inspector around Reading, PA, you are welcomed to join our next Keystone ASHI meeting.

Our next meeting will be held on Monday, February 6th, 2012 at The Inn at Reading.

This is for ASHI members. Non-ASHI members are welcomed to attend as guests.

The speaker for this month will be Steve Seifert of All Slate Roofing and he will be presenting on slate roofing.

Reading, PA and surrounding still has a number of homes with slate roofing. As a matter of fact, the most recent rental property I purchased with my wife has a slate roof. They are quite common around here.

Roofing shingle made of slate is great for a number of reasons. When installed properly, they have a typical lifespan of 80 to 100 years! Slate has an extremely low water absorption index (less than 0.4%) and its low tendency to absorb water also makes it very resistant to frost damage and breakage due to freezing.

Slate roof tiles are usually fixed using either nail fixing, or the hook fixing method as is common with Spanish slate. Nails will traditionally be copper, although modern alloy and stainless steel alternatives are used as well. When either of these methods is used properly, you'll have a long-lasting weathertight roof!

Steve will be discussing all of this and more during his presentation.

The meeting will be held at the Inn of Reading at 1040 Park Rd in Reading.

The schedule of the meeting is as follows:

5-5:30 PM Social time

5:30-6:30 PM Round Table Discussion

6 PM Dinner is served

7-8 PM Slate Roofing by Steve Seifert of All Slate Roofing

8-8:30 PM Business meeting


This meeting can qualify for up to two continuing education credits.

David Artigliere is President of Keystone ASHI and owner of ARTI Home Inspections LLC.

He is a home inspector in Reading, PA and surrounding areas. Contact him at (610)220-1907 or visit www.readinghomeinspector.com.

Berks County Real Estate Investors - Networking Event

Real Estate Investors in Berks County & surrounding areas are all welcomed to attend next week's DIG subgroup meeting on Wednesday, February 8th at the Reading Country Club in Exeter, PA.

This Berks County subgroup meets every month on the 2nd Wednesday and there is a different topic every meeting.

These subgroups are a part of Diversified Investors Group (DIG) and you must be a member to join this subgroup. If you are not a member of DIG, you are welcome to come to 1 meeting as a guest to see what it's all about with no obligation!

This meeting is a great networking event attended by local real estate investors, agents, home inspectors, contractors, etc. all involved with investment real estate around the Berks County & surrounding areas.

To find our more about the main group, DIG, visit www.digonline.org. You can learn about other subgroups, benefits, seminars, and the main monthly meetings that take place in Ft Washington, PA.

The February 8th meeting taking place in Exeter, PA will have a special guest speaker, Christian Leinbach, and he will be talking about real estate issues in Berks County.

The format of the meeting is:

6:30-7pm Networking, Food & Drink orders (optional)

7 - 8pm Speaker on a Special Topic

8pm-? Q&A, Networking

When we have a special guest speaker, we all chip in to pay for his or her meal cost which is usually $5 or less per person.

This meeting takes place at the Reading Country Club at 5311 Perkiomen Ave in Exeter, PA.

David Artigliere is an ASHI-certified Home Inspector with ARTI Home Inspections LLC and offers home inspections in Reading, Pottstown, Lancaster, Allentown, Norristown & surrounding.

He can be reached by calling (610) 220-1907 or visiting www.artihomeinspections.com