Christopher Pagli - REALTOR/ABR

A Certificate Of Occupancy or better know as a C of O, represents that a municipality is aware that a home is legally occupied and conforms to zoning and minimum repair and maintenance standards as of the date the C of O was issued. Below are five things that it ensures

1) Plans have been properly filed with the building dept before any construction took place, or if construction was undertaken, that the building dept is satisfied that the homeowner performed the work within compliance of the law.

2) Architectural drawings have been filed and the building dept has determined that they are in compliance with the setback requirements. These requirements are unique to every municipality you'll have to look into them.

3) If there have been any additional bedrooms added to a property with a septic system rather then a municipal waste system, Health Dept approvals were obtained for the expansion of the premises and the spetic system is adequate to serve the expanded needs of the property.

4) The plumbing and electrical inspectors have examined the property to determine that all improvements meets the Bulding Code regulations at the time of the inspection.

5) The Building Dept certifies that the addition has been completed in accordance with all codes, rules, and regulations and have been properly inspected.

Spring is upon us and the Real Estate market is seeing more activity then was anticipated. Spring is typically the best time for Real Estate but due to recent times it's a bit different. It's time to whip your home into shape and present it in the best possible light. I'm going to give you a few tips that will ensure more effective showings.

1) Update The Photos - If your agent listed the home earlier this year have new pictures taken to highlight the green grass, flowers, mulch, and anything else that may grow in the spring. The last thing you want is your home to still have a picture with snow in the yard, catch my drift? Remember curb appeal is going to play a very important part when it comes to a prospective buyer choosing to view your home or not. Studies have shown and proven that the majority of home buyers rely heavily on the initial online photos.

2) Spring Clean - Clean the house top to bottom anything from appliances to windows. Let the sunshine in for your showings, have the place smelling fresh and clean, and strategically place fresh flowers.

3) Clean and Organize All Closets - Buyers look into closets and a messy closet is a way of showing them how you live. Try to make everything in the house neat and orderly including kitchen cabinets. Also don't overstuff the closets, it's ok to have some stuff but don't go overboard. After all you are living in the home and that will surely be acknowledged.

4) Spruce Up The Entryway - Paint the front door, put planters on the sides, and place a nice welcome mat. If screen doors are ripped or broken fix them. This is the first point of entry and you don't want to make the wrong impression before the buyer even enters the home.

5) Accessorize - Use color coordination in the bathrooms with towels and shower curtain, even soaps and candles. Do the same in the rest of the house with bed linens, dining room place settings, and living room pieces. All colors don't have to match but should compliment the space and paint choices.

6) Remove Extra Furniture - Don't overcrowd a room with furniture and don't impede any walkways. Try to have nice flow throughout the home. If you have to store some pieces to improve the look of a room it's ok, you're moving anyway.

The 7 Sins of Greenwashing

1. Sin of the Hidden Trade-Off: If a product claims to be green in one sense, but ignores other significant impacts, the marketers sin. According to TerraChoice: "Paper, for example, is not necessarily environmentally-preferable just because it comes from a sustainably-harvested forest. Other important environmental issues in the paper-making process, including energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and water and air pollution, may be equally or more significant."

2. Sin of No Proof: If you can't prove it with reputable third-party verification, you can't claim it, according to TerraChoice: "Common examples are facial or toilet tissue products that claim various percentages of post-consumer recycled content without providing any evidence."

3. Sin of Vagueness: Terms such as "all-natural," "environmentally friendly" and other vague or unregulated descriptors can mislead consumers. TerraChoice points out: "Arsenic, uranium, mercury, and formaldehyde are all naturally occurring, and poisonous. 'All natural' isn't necessarily 'green'."

4. The (new) Sin of Worshiping False Labels: Often, a product has an official-looking seal, but the seal is meaningless because it is dreamed up by the product marketers themselves, without any application of third-party standards.

5. Sin of Irrelevance: If a claim is true, but doesn't distinguish the product in any meaningful way, marketers have sinned. According to TerraChoice: "'CFC-free' is a common example, since it is a frequent claim despite the fact that CFCs (that's chlorofluorocarbons -- the chemical that depletes the ozone layer) are banned by law."

6. Sin of the Lesser of Two Evils: Even if a green marketing claim is true -- the cigarette is organic, or the SUV has a hybrid engine -- it fails this TerraChoice test if the claim fails to recognize the overall harm caused by the product. The SUV may get better mileage than others in its class, but still achieve dismal fuel economy when compared to other vehicles; the cigarette, however organic, still causes lung cancer.

7. Sin of Fibbing: Simple. It's a lie. Some companies will go as far as claiming to be certified organic or Energy Star-certified, but cannot back up the certification.

Yesterday I spoke about finding an ASHI certified home inspector. Today I will focus on some of the things that you can expect from your Inspector once hired. A good home inspector has to know what to look for but also know how to properly communicate their findings in writing for the Buyer. Here are a few things the report should include

1) An explanation of the condition, age , etc.

2) An assessment of the severity of the condition, does it already affect the livability of the home or is the problem in the beginning stages.

3) What will happen if the homeowner doesn't do something about the problem. Some problems require more immediate attention then others like mold remediation, water damage, sever cracking in walls, rusted pipes, etc.

You must understand that home inepsctors tend to be limited to what they can spell out. For example if there is a problem with the roof, they normally would say that it looks like there is a problem here but to be sure you might want to call in a rooffing company. The inspectors report will only address the status of the home on the day it is evaluated. One day, or week later something may have changed, which obviously won't be in the report.

Here are some examples of what the Inspector should look for:

1) Structural Problems - This is first and foremost in my book. If the strutural integrity of the dwelling has been compromised or there are other problems this should be addressed before everything else. The inspector is not an expert in structural engineering but they do know what to look for as far as problems go. You will then have to take it further with a strutural engineer. The also won't have a y vested interest in the repair work so they will give you an objective opinion.

2) Electrical - Some homes have older electrical service, one way to tell is older sockets with only two prongs and no ground. Some home owners on the other hand, may have updated the electrical on their own and didn't adhere to codes. Unfortunately this happens alot, mostly because some people don't know that a code has to be followed. The local Fire Inspector must inspect any electrical changes especially if a CO is needed. The absence of Ground Fault Interrupters at outlets near water sources could present a potential electrical hazard so they are usually erecommended within six feet of a water source in Westchester.

3) Water Damage - The roof is one of the most important areas where water can enter the home and the inspector will typically inspect this from the attic and binoculars from the street. They will look for water stains on the underside of the roof and joists. Matted down insulation, mold and mildew are also signs of water entry. On the exterior damaged or raised shingles could be an issue and entry point for water. Flat roofs tend to hold puddles of water so the inspector will look inside the home for water damage such as buckled walls or water stains on the interior ceilings.

Other places that water damage can occur is from water pipes or in the basement due to the homes grading. Mold is a very common indication of water also look for the white film on the basement walls or water marks on the lower portion of the wall. It's better to prevent water issues early on because mold remediation can be very intense and expensive.

4) Safety Issues - If the Home lacks smoke or Carbon Monoxide detecotrs they should be added. In fact in Westchester as of 2003 all home must have carbon monoxide detectors installed by closing. Look for an egress window in each room for a safe exit plan in case of emergency. These are a just a few things that an Inspector will look for. Remember to ask lots of questions and always take notes even though you will receive a full report.

Finding a good Home Inspector is a little like finding a good Buyers Rep. There are lots to choose from, but Buyers would be better off working with someone that has made a committment to meet the professional requirements of the American Society Of Home Inspectors (ASHI). This certification is only awarded to Inspectors that have completed stringent qualification requirements. Joining ASHI gives the home inspector the right to use the logo and to present themselves as ASHI Certified Home Inspectors by meeting the four criteria:

1) Industry Knowledge - Members must pass a national home inspectors exam, administered by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspections, an independent orginization that administers licensing requirements in 19 states.

2) Ethics And Standards - Members must also complete the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code Of Ethics education module.

3) Experience - Before attaining full membership inspectors must perform 250 property examinations

4) Continuing Education - All ASHI members must stay current on various topics by completeing 20 hours of Continuing Education credits each year.

The easiest way to start your search for a qualified home inspector in your area is to use the online directory at www.ASHI.org. There you will be able to review candidates websites and examine sample reports, to gain a better idea of what their reports will include, their writing style, and how they describe the property defects. It's good to get a handle on this before you hire them and before the day of the inspection as you will be nervous enough. Also make sure the inspector is trained in residential inspection you may even want to check references if not referred by a reputable source.