Tammi Copsey REALTOR® Baltimore County Maryland

IMPRESS POTENTIAL BUYERS AND THE HOME INSPECTOR

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure ~ Benjamin Franklin

Today’s buyers have a lot of homes to choose from and they are being very discerning about the home that they ultimately purchase. This comprehensive list will aid you in understanding items that are noticed by buyers when they view your home. It will also help you understand what is checked for in the home inspection process.

Careful examination and repair of the items on this list prior to listing your home with a REALTOR® will aid you in selling quicker, for a higher price and eliminate last minute problems, repairs and expenses. It is recommended that all repairs be done by a licensed/insured home contractor.

EXTERIOR:

Give your home “curb appeal” and clean up the outside of your home (from the curb to the edge of the backyard! A home that is well maintained on the outside is a good invitation for potential buyers to visit the inside of your home! You never get a second chance to make a first impression ~ Will Rogers

1. Trim trees, bushes and vegetation back from foundation, roof, siding, chimneys, air conditioning and heat pump units.
2. Check condition of landscape components (retaining walls, landscape timbers, etc).
3. Remove mulch or grading near siding and foundation vents.
4. Check condition of wood in direct contact with soil, including fences and gates.
5. Remove any fire wood, rotting wood or debris that is near your home.
6. Check that landscape lighting/irrigation systems work.
7. Check that ponds, fountains, and waterfalls, and related utilities, work properly.
8. Check for loose/missing/rusted guardrails and handrails at stairways, decks, balconies and porches.
9. Check that any exterior outlets are weatherproofed and not in permanent use for any landscape lighting.
10. Check for loose wiring (electric, cable, phone) and poor wire terminations.
11. Check for holes and damage to siding, doors, windows, and trim.
12. Clean all debris off roof and clean out dirty gutters and basement entrances.
13. Caulk around doors, windows, siding, porches and any other place there is cracking or settlement or a hole around an entrance pipe or vent. Do a neat job; poor workmanship will cause concern from buyers.
14. Sand and paint areas of wood that are chipping or blistering.
15. Point up failing mortar joints in bricks or chimney.
16. Check your grading, downspouts and water splash pans for proper water run off from house. Keeping the water away from your home will avoid foundation moisture problems.
17. Repair cracks in sidewalks and seal driveways.
18. Check on your roof for flashing and gaskets deterioration around vent pipes, chimney and make sure a chimney cap is in place.
19. Check for loose/damaged/lifted shingles.
20. Check attic ventilation and condition of vent screens.
21. Check all entrances for safety problems.
22. Check that doorbells work.
23. Replace missing siding, attic vents or other missing items.
24. Check for trip hazards in walkways, driveways, and stairways (deterioration, vegetation, etc.).

INTERIOR

1. Replace all burned out light bulbs.
2. Remove all paints, gas, solvents, etc. from crawl space, basement and attic.
3. Make all areas accessible for inspection including attic, basement, crawl space, heat and air conditioning units, garage foundation walls where possible and under steps. This is the perfect time to dispose, donate or have a yard sale of those unwanted/unused items in storage areas.
4. Clean out your wood stove or fireplace and have that chimney or flue cleaned by a chimney sweep professional.
5. Clean, vacuum dirt, dust, etc. from furnace, water heater, appliances and other units.
6. Check condition of towel holders and bathroom tissue holders.
7. Check condition of bathtubs, showers, and shower doors, and replace old shower curtains.
8. Check for loose kitchen and bathroom countertops.
9. Check for damage to walls and ceilings that need to be patched and painted.
10. Check for moisture stains on ceilings and walls; around doors and windows; near sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers and near the dishwasher.
11. Check for loose, broken or missing baseboards and door and window moldings.
12. Check for cracked tiles or deteriorated grouting in kitchen and bathrooms.
13. In the kitchen, clean ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators and other appliances that will be left for the new buyer. Get appliances serviced and keep the paperwork to show the new buyers.
14. Check that kitchen appliances work.
15. Check that filters are in place and clean (range hood, heating/cooling, bathroom fans, etc.)
16. Check/clean/replace the filter on your heating/cooling system (should be done monthly).
17. Check/clean/replace the filter on your whole house humidifier.
18. Check for soot, cobwebs, and wildlife in the fireplace and lower areas of the chimney.
19. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that the fireplace and chimney undergo a Level II inspection any time real estate ownership is transferred, and I recommend having that done prior to the Buyer's inspection.
20. Check that the fireplace damper opens/closes easily.

PLUMBING SYSTEM (Including kitchens/baths/laundry areas):

1. Check that stoppers work in bathtubs and sinks.
2. Check for clogged drains.
3. Check that faucets don't drip or leak around the base.
4. Check stop action on faucet handles.
5. Check condition of caulk or grout in bathtubs, showers, shower enclosures, sinks (including kitchen).
6. Check insulation on water pipes in foundation crawl space and attic.
7. Check for safe and easy access to water shutoff valves (water heater, sinks, toilets, etc.).
8. In bathrooms, replace old and discolored caulking around tub, shower and sink areas. Do a professional job.
9. Check the bath vents and fans for proper working condition and ventilation.
10. Tighten the toilet to the floor and check for leaks and cracks in toilet and tank areas. Repair or replace tank filling and flushing systems if needed.
11. Check for leaks in plumbing, under your sinks and all visible connections.
12. Make sure the drains are running smoothly and the fixtures are not leaking.
13. Make sure all drains have stoppers.
14. Check your sump pump for proper operation and make sure the well is clean and the cover is installed. Eliminate any odors.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1. Check for safe and easy access to electric panels and main circuit breaker.
2. Check that ceiling fans work on all speeds.
3. Check for burned out lights, including ceiling fans.
4. Check for damaged or loose outlets and light switches, including covers for outlets and switches.
5. Check for loose wiring (electric, cable, phone) and poor wire terminations.
6. Check that appliances are plugged in and operating.
7. Unplug anything that is unnecessary to facilitate outlet testing by the Buyer's property inspector.
8. Remove extension cords and outlet multipliers.
9. Check that outlets work.
10. Install GFCI receptacles near all appropriate areas, kitchens and bathrooms. Check existing GFCI receptacles for proper operation.
11. Check for outdated two-prong outlets and upgrade them to three-prong outlets.
12. Check that exhaust fans work in kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area.
13. Check that any electrical junction boxes have covers.
14. Have your furnace, air conditioner and heat pumps serviced or placed on a service contract. This is a great selling point and peace of mind for you and your buyer.
15. Replace the filter in the furnace and any other air cleaning units.
16. Replace all burned out light bulbs.
17. Test all smoke detectors and install CO detectors if needed. (Check code in your area).

DOORS AND WINDOWS

1. Check ease of operation for doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers, and windows, including windows/doors nailed or painted shut.
2. Check for missing, loose, or damaged hardware on doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers (stops and guides), and windows.
3. Check for loose glass panes in windows and doors, as well as glass with holes or cracks in them.
4. Check for condensation in the windows (foggy or containing moisture).
5. Check that latches/locks work on doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers, and windows.
6. Check for damage to screen windows.
7. Make sure all the doors, windows and sliding entrances are in good working condition. Clean the tracks and thresholds.
8. Repair or replace any missing or torn screens or broken windows.

MOISTURE ISSUES:

1. Moisture in the home is a primary reason for buyers not to purchase your home.
2. Moisture causes wood rot leading to structural damage.
3. Moisture in foundation causes foundations to fail and severe structural damage.
4. Moisture at the bottom of door jams, window sills, garage doors, entrances and exit areas should be corrected.
5. Moisture from cracks in foundation should be corrected by finding the source and fixing the problem. Patch up all cracks in the foundation walls and floor. Water proofing companies can inject sealants in many cracks eliminating water intrusion.
6. Moisture causes mold and mildew which cause allergies and asthma problems for many. Black mold can cause serious illness. Eliminate all signs of mold and mildew by eliminating the moisture source and installing proper ventilation.

MISCELLANEOUS:

1. Pets (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc) should be caged or removed from the home (family, neighbor, friend, pet spa) during showings and the home inspection. Many people have allergies or phobias of pets.
2. Neutralize pet odors and air out the home prior to listing it for sale. These odors can trigger allergy and asthma attacks. FACT: pet odors are a major cause for a buyer to not consider the purchase of your home.
3. Be aware of product failures that may be present in your home such as aluminum wiring, polybutylene pipes, EIFS (synthetic Stucco), etc. If these items are present, you should consider consulting a licensed contractor for a price quote and repair of these items prior to listing or selling your home.
4. Certain items should be inspected annually due to their inherently dangerous nature. These include gas-using appliances, pool/spa equipment, roof, and the fireplace and chimney. If they have not been inspected within the last 12 months, having it done now can make escrow go more smoothly.
5. Check for manufacturer installation guides, operating instructions, or user guides that you can provide to the buyer, especially for kitchen appliances; heating and cooling system; water heater; security, irrigation, fire suppression, central cleaning, and water modification systems; water well; and septic system.
6. Many property inspectors exclude inspection and testing of some specialized systems, such as security and irrigation systems. Once you get the Buyer's inspection report, note what the Inspector did and did not do or could and could not do. Offer to meet with the Buyer to demonstrate how those systems are operated and maintained, and provide the contact information for any companies that regularly service the systems.
7. Check for receipts and warranty papers for any work done on the property, particularly for inspections and work done to prepare the property for sale.
8. VACANT HOMES: be sure all utilities are turned on: water, electric, water heater, furnace, air conditioning, breakers in main panel.

Do you understand Social Networking and Social Media?

I know I didn't (and admittedly I'm still learning every day).  If you want to know more, I would like to share some links and videos that really kick started my understanding of the phenomenon. 

Social Media Revolution

This video has some amazing facts and future predictions regarding social media.  Eric Qualman is the author of the video, a great book and writes a great blog.

Common Craft

This website has some amazing "how to" videos spanning a great deal of topics, but their social media videos are so simple to watch and understand.  This website is set up for educators to purchase the videos for use in their classrooms and teachings; however, they do have sample versions of thier videos on YouTube and on their website.  The following video "Social Networking In Plain English" is a great explanation and in such simple terms...I do recommend their other technology videos as well.  They make this stuff EASY!!

Mashable

This website has been a great resource for all sorts of social media, technology, websites and news!  I highly recommed following them on Twitter or becoming their fan on Facebook!  Always up-to-date, relevant information that will help anyone who wants to harness the power of social networking! 

I have not done this yet (next adventure of mine), but this is a great Mashable article on creating a Facebook Fan Page and why every business should have one:  http://mashable.com/2009/09/22/facebook-pages-guide

Twellow

As a fan of Twitter and those that I follow there, I must give a shout out to Twellow.  This free service is like a Yellow Pages for Twitter.  You can search people by name, search for a location, search for an occupation, interests...anything.  I wish I could remember where I learned about this service so I could thank them.  It really has changed the way I look at Twitter and the way I use it.  I searched for people in my area and found a bunch of amazing folks, businesses and events.  I "retweet" events that are relevant to my interests and those interests of people I know...it has been a great social and business tool :)

I hope that you've found this information useful and I welcome you to connect with me!

Disclaimer:
I am not associated with any of these websites and have not received any compensation for my endorsement of their products.  My intent is to educate my peers and the public by giving the thanks to the companies I found helpful in my quest for education.  Thank you!

The Home Buying Process and Why You Need an Agent

1. Discuss Buyer Agency and What It Means for You
   Quiz: Do you know the different types of agents or agency in Maryland and why this information is vital to you in the home buying process? If your answer is NO, please contact me and I will be happy to explain why it is important to have a qualified REALTOR® representing you.
   
   
2. Determine Needs & Desires in a Home
   Homework Assignment – make two lists:
   List #1 – items your home MUST have
   List #2 – items that you would LIKE to have
   
   There IS a difference and you should be prepared to know which items would be “deal breakers” and which ones won’t.
   
   
3. Determine Purchasing Power
   Homework Assignment - make another list:
   List #1 – your current monthly bills
   List #2 – your budget for luxury items (restaurants, entertainment, etc)
   
   At this time, it is important to discuss how much you would be comfortable spending on a mortgage if you were to be out of work for any length of time or an emergency should arise. The unexpected happens…but, if you prepare now, you won’t be worried about losing your home if it does.
   
   
4. Mortgage Approval
   Homework Assignment – Be a SERIOUS home buyer…find a local lender you trust and get PRE-APPROVED for a mortgage.
   
   Why should the lender be local to your area?
   Simple. You want someone who knows the local economy, knows the mortgage programs offered in your state, will be accessible when needed, is willing to build a great rapport with your agent and will be responsive to your needs during the home buying process. All of these factors will go a long way to make the process smoother and get you to reach your goal of home ownership!

You will notice that so far, I haven’t spoken about searching for a home or previewing homes. The reason for this is simple…you need to be prepared and well informed before you preview homes. By doing this, you will take a lot of the guessing game away from the home buying process and a lot of the heartache that comes with not being prepared. If you would like assistance, please contact me!

1. Preview Homes
   Take a tour of my website, email me, or call/text me at (410) 258-5123, to schedule an appointment to begin your home search.
   
   
2. Make Offer to Purchase
   Yeah! This is getting exciting, isn’t it? There are important questions raised during this time…
   How much have similar homes sold for in this area?
   Am I offering too little?
   Too much?
   What happens if they reject the offer?
   What happens if they counter offer?
   WHAT HAPPENS FROM THIS POINT FORWARD?
   

But wait…there’s much more to this process…

1. Contingencies:
   a. Home Inspection – should you have one and why?
   b. Financing – how do you keep your lender informed?
   c. Other Contingencies – what other items could stand in the way of the sale and why?
   
   
2. Contract Acceptance
   WOOHOO! Your contract has been accepted…NOW WHAT?
   
   
3. Home Inspection
   Do you know what happens during the inspection?
   What the inspector looks for?
   What information about the house your inspector can give you that will be important in the future?
   What items need to be addressed immediately and why?
   
   That’s where I come in…I will be with you through the inspection, negotiate items to repair and guide you through the experience.
   
   
4. Select Settlement Attorney
   
5. Arrange Termite Inspection
6. Obtain Hazard Insurance
7. Contact Utility Company
8. Pre-Settlement Inspection
9. Settlement/Close escrow...or as I like to call it "the key ceremony" :)
10. Moving Day!!!!

It's nice having new eyes...don't take that as a literal statement...read on:

This weekend my husband bought a new Nikon D60 Digital SLR camera and I've been using it to look at the world in a different way. There is so much beauty in this world...even in objects you wouldn't normally think of as beautiful...

I don't like spiders, but I can certainly admire his beauty and the hard work he put into this intricate web!

Unintentional art? This was in my new neighbors tree (along with streamers and confetti covering the ground), so I'm sure it wasn't intentionally placed there, but the random placement and contrast from the tree make it one of the most interesting finds on my walk yesterday...

My husband spotted this and we both agreed that it was screaming to be photographed (and would make a perfect test of the camera's ability to capture contrast). Not sure why the tire is there, but it makes for an interesting photo.

There was something about this that was begging to be photographed...so I did.

The playground near my house...empty...when I was a kid, this photo would have been filled with kids. I love the colors and contrast in this photo.

Stone landscaping and a lonely flower trying to find the light...it called to me.

Do I need to say why I took this photo?

This guy was sitting on a white railing and he was so small I almost missed him...

When we arrived back at my house, I found an object that belonged in this post...my Grandmother's camera. I thought it made an appropriate subject and a fascinating look at how far we've come with technology.

A serious question for any photographers out there...does anyone have any experience using a camera such as the one photographed above? My husband and I would love to take some photos with it (last known use was in 1979 and it worked). If anyone has any suggestions or pointers, please post respond in the comments!

Thanks for reading and I will be posting more random photos soon!

Tammi L. Copsey 2009

“I want to buy a house in Maryland, should I call the agent on the sign?”

If you are buying or selling a home in Maryland, you need to understand agency and how you are being represented. Please read the text below to see how the State of Maryland defines the agency relationships between agents, buyers and sellers.

(The following link and text are used with permission from the Maryland Real Estate Commission)
Understanding Whom Real Estate Agents Represent

Agents Who Represent the Seller
Seller's Agent: A seller's agent works for the real estate company that lists and markets the property for the sellers, or landlords, and exclusively represents the sellers or landlords. That means that he or she may assist the buyer or tenant in purchasing or renting the property, but his or her duty of loyalty is only to the sellers or landlords. The seller pays the seller's agent's fee as specified in a written listing agreement.
Cooperating Agent: A cooperating agent works for a real estate company different from the company for which the seller's agent works. The cooperating agent can assist a buyer or tenant in purchasing or renting a property, but his or her duty of loyalty is only to the sellers or landlords. The cooperating agent's fee is paid by the sellers or landlords through the seller's agent's company.

Agents Who Represent the Buyer
Presumed Buyer's Agent (no written agreement): When a person goes to a real estate agent for assistance in finding a home to buy or rent, the agent is presumed to be representing the buyer and can show the buyer properties that are not listed by the agent's real estate company. A presumed buyer's agent may not make or prepare an offer or negotiate a sale for the buyer. The buyer does not have an obligation to pay anything to the presumed agent.

If for any reason the buyer does not want the agent to represent him or her as a presumed agent, either initially or at any time, the buyer can decline or terminate a presumed agency relationship simply by saying so.

Buyer's Agent (by written agreement): A buyer or tenant may enter into a written contract with a real estate agent which provides that the agent will represent the buyer or tenant in locating a property to buy or rent. The agent is then known as the buyer's agent. That agent assists the buyer in evaluating properties and preparing offers, and negotiates in the best interests of the buyer or tenant. The agent's fee is paid according to the written agreement between the agent and the buyer or tenant. If you as a buyer or tenant wish to have an agent represent you exclusively, you must enter into a written buyer agency agreement.

Dual Agents
The possibility of dual agency arises when the buyer's agent and the seller's agent both work for the same real estate company, and the buyer is interested in property listed by that company. The real estate company, or broker, is called the "dual agent." Dual agents do not act exclusively in the interests of either the seller or buyer, or landlord or tenant, and therefore cannot give undivided loyalty to either party. There may be a conflict of interest because the interests of the seller and buyer may be different or adverse.

If both seller and buyer, or landlord and tenant, agree to dual agency by signing a Consent For Dual Agency form, then the real estate company (the "dual agent") will assign one agent to represent the seller or landlord (the seller's "intra-company agent") and another agent to represent the buyer or tenant (the buyer's "intra-company agent"). Intra-company agents may provide the same services to their clients as exclusive seller's or buyer's agents, including advising their clients as to price and negotiation strategy, provided the clients have both consented to be represented by dual agency.

If either party does not agree to dual agency, the real estate company may withdraw the agency agreement for that particular property with either the buyer or seller, or both. If the seller's agreement is terminated, the seller must then either represent him or herself or arrange to be represented by an agent from another real estate company. If the buyer's agreement is terminated, the buyer or tenant may choose to enter into a written buyer agency agreement with an agent from a different company. Alternatively, the buyer or tenant may choose not to be represented by an agent of his or her own but simply to receive assistance from the seller's agent, from another agent in that company, or from a cooperating agent from another company.

No matter what type of agent you choose to work with, you have the following rights and responsibilities in selling or buying or renting property:

• Real estate agents are obligated by law to treat all parties to a real estate transaction honestly and fairly. They must exercise reasonable care and diligence and maintain the confidentiality of clients. They must not discriminate in the offering of properties; they must promptly present each written offer or counteroffer to the other party; and they must answer questions truthfully.
• Real estate agents must disclose all material facts that they know or should know relating to a property. An agent's duty to maintain confidentiality does not apply to the disclosure of material facts about a property.
• All agreements with real estate agents should be in writing and should explain the duties and obligations of the agent. The agreement should explain how the agent will be paid and any fee-sharing agreements with other agents.
• You have the responsibility to protect your own interests. You should carefully read all agreements to make sure they accurately reflect your understanding. A real estate agent is qualified to advise you on real estate matters only. If you need legal or tax advice, it is your responsibility to consult a licensed attorney or accountant.

Any complaints about a real estate agent may be filed with the Real Estate Commission at 500 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. (410) 230-6200.

Now really IS a great time to buy!

Don’t forget…the 1^st Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of $8,000 expires on

December 1, 2009!

This is available to 1^st time home buyers (defined: "first-time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.). In order to qualify for this true tax credit, your home must be settled by December 1, 2009. A normal transaction takes approximately 45 days. You should have a written contract on a home no later than October 16 to make sure you meet the deadline!