For example, in October 2008 the median existing home price was the lowest since March 2004 at $183,200. This means that a home owner who lived in his home for 4-1/2 years is seeing the value of the home as the same or less as when the home was bought (CNNMoney.com, November 2008).
The good news is that although some homes may need extensive upgrades or renovations, many may only require simple changes. For a limited cost, or no cost at all, home sellers can fix their homes to appear more appealing to prospective buyers.
Here are some quick, and inexpensive, fixes to sell a home more quickly:
· Focus on outdoor aesthetics. Cut back overgrown shrubs and plants. Hose down a dusty dirty house. Sweep the driveway, sidewalk and any stairs. Cost: $00.00
· Eliminate odors. Before showing the house, open windows to let fresh air in; use air fresheners or baking soda to rid odors; sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and leave it for at least 10 minutes to make carpets smell clean. Cost: approximately $15.
· Wash windows. Purchase a window cleaning product to avoid professional costs. Clean windows make a home look well-kept and outdoor views more crisp. Cost: approximately $25.
In addition, consider scheduling a prelisting home inspection, an inspection conducted prior to putting the home on the market. These early inspections aid homeowners in identifying problem areas that can be easily repaired. For example, existing electrical, heating, or plumbing systems may need to be upgraded, or mold growth in a basement may require professional advice on how to eliminate dampness.
The home inspector can also suggest additional work to be done and what could be postponed. And, remember, a home inspector is an objective third party consultant who does not stand to profit from work suggested. A good assessment of the current state of a home and its systems will allow for more accurate planning and estimating, as homeowners prepare a home to sell.
Pretty cool windows short cut keys:
CTRL and A Selects all the items in the active window.
CTRL and C Copies the item or items to the Clipboard and can be pasted using CTRL and V.
CTRL and F Displays the Find all files dialog box.
CTRL and G Displays the Go to folder dialog box.
CTRL and N Displays the New dialog box.
CTRL and O Displays the Open dialog box.
CTRL and P Displays the Print dialog box.
CTRL and S Displays the Save dialog box.
CTRL and V Pastes the copied item or items from the Clipboard.
CTRL and X Cuts the item or items selected to the Clipboard.
CTRL and Z Undoes the last action.
CTRL and F4 Closes the active document window.
CTRL while dragging an item Copy the selected item
CTRL+SHIFT with arrow keys Highlight a block of text
CTRL+F4 Close the active document
CTRL+ESC Display the Start menu
CTRL and F6 Opens the next document window in the active application.
ALT+ENTER View the properties for the selected item
ALT+F4 Close the active item, or quit the active program
ALT+SPACEBAR Open the shortcut menu for the active window
ALT+TAB Switch between the open items
ALT+ESC Cycle through items in the order that they had been opened
F1 key Gives help on the active window or selected item.
F2 key Rename the selected item
F3 key Search for a file or a folder
F4 key Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer
F5 key Update the active window
F6 key Cycle through the screen elements in a window or on the desktop
F10 key Activate the menu bar in the active program
Windows Logo Display or hide the Start menu
Windows Logo+PAUSE Display the System Properties dialog box
Windows Logo+D Display the desktop
Windows Logo+M Minimize all of the windows
Windows Logo+SHIFT+M Restore the minimized windows
Windows Logo+E Open My Computer
Windows Logo+F Search for a file or a folder
CTRL+Windows Logo+F Search for computers
Windows Logo+F1 Display Windows Help
Windows Logo+ L Lock the keyboard
Windows Logo+R Open the Run dialog box
Windows Logo+U Open Utility Manager
TAB Move forward through the options
SHIFT+TAB Move backward through the options
CTRL+TAB Move forward through the tabs
CTRL+SHIFT+TAB Move backward through the tabs
ALT+Underlined letter Perform the corresponding command or select the corresponding option
ENTER Perform the command for the active option or button
SPACEBAR Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box
F1 key Display Help
F4 key Display the items in the active list
Arrow keys Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons
BACKSPACE Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box
END Display the bottom of the active window
HOME Display the top of the active window
NUM LOCK+Asterisk sign (*) Display all of the subfolders that are under the selected folder
NUM LOCK+Plus sign (+) Display the contents of the selected folder
NUM LOCK+Minus sign (-) Collapse the selected folder
LEFT ARROW Collapse the current selection if it is expanded, or select the parent folder
RIGHT ARROW Display the current selection if it is collapsed, or select the first subfolder
Pillar to Post Aurora is proud to offer the local real estate community EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) and traditional stucco inspections. Our inspections adhere to the very stringent EDI (Exterior Design Institute http://www.exterior-design-inst.com/) and MoistureFree Warranty Corporation (http://www.moisturewarranty.com/homeowners/homeowners.htm) Inspection Protocol.
EIFS (aka synthetic stucco) can be an outstanding exterior cladding system IF it is installed correctly and the manufacture's specifications are followed exactly. Many problems with EIFS begin when general contractors and installers aren't familiar with the system, its components, or the methods used to properly apply the exterior cladding. When installed properly, home owners typically report a 25%-40% reduction in their energy bills due to the higher insulation value of their walls. The method by which synthetic stucco reduces heat loss/gain is 2 fold. Primarily, it's insulation prevents heat penetration through walls, and secondarily, acts as an air barrier -- preventing air flow and therefore heat transfer. This means that less heat is lost during the cold season, and less heat penetrates into your home during the warm season -- a double benefit for those living in Colorado! Looking at a typical annual heating/cooling bill of around $2,500.00 and a minimum of 25% reduction, the average home owner can expect to get back $625.00 every year.
1. Insulation board.
2. An adhesive and/or mechanical attachment of the insulation board to a
substrate.
3. Glass fiber reinforcing mesh.
4. Basecoat on the face of the insulation board.
5. A textured protective finish coat.
Within the EIFS community there are two primary synthetic stucco systems:
1)
A drainage system is
an exterior insulation and finish system with the above elements combined with a
means by which water, that has entered the assembly, is allowed to exit the wall
cavity.
2) The typical barrier type EIFS installation includes the substrate,
polystyrene foam board fastened or glued to the substrate, fiberglass
reinforcement mesh, base coat (usually 1/16 to 1/4 inches thick and then a
finish coast.
I would love to work with you and your clients - if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me through this site or email at thomas.recke@pillartopost.com
Thank you for your time!
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Pillar To Post is a professional home inspection company. We provide thorough and accurate home inspection reports. They are always printed and reviewed on-site and include color pictures. Call us!
“It is my pleasure to recommend Pillar to Post. I used the company both to inspect the house we were purchasing and to do an inspection on the house I was putting on the market. The inspection on the house to which we were moving reassured us that we had made the right decision. The in-depth information was extremely helpful. We still refer back to the packet when making decisions about updating the house. The checklist included is also very helpful. I chose to have Pillar to Post inspect the house I was selling in order to avoid any surprises during the sale. Because of this inspection, I was able to correct a few problems that might have slowed down the sale of the house. I have recommended the company to both family and friends, and I will continue to do so.
-Terri F.
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"Pillar to Post did an absolutely outstanding and thorough inspection of the home I bought. Tom is incredibly thorough in his ability to identify issues and suggest their solutions. I trust Pillar to Post and Tom Recke and would certainly recommend them to any home buyer in this area."
- George G.
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“This was my first home buying experience, and I'll admit I was nervous about the inspection. Tom was great, though. He was incredibly thorough, noting everything from the slant of the land around the house to the vents in the attic roof. He checked every outlet and all the plumbing, and I really appreciated the time he spent explaining the foundation and concrete damage to me. I also am grateful that he went so in depth with regard to my wiring and fuse box--he had a lot of info on the manufacturer that wasn't in his inspector training.
I know he has a passion for what he does--it shows in all the research he does into the products used in the homes he inspects. He even gave me insight about the trees in the yard and how much they contributed to the value of the property. In the end, Tom left a binder with a detailed report, recommendations, and CD on home repairs. I would not hesitate to recommend Tom and Pillar to Post to any of my friends buying a house.”
- Liz v.
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“We have owned other homes and undergone different home inspections. Pillar to Post is by far the best home inspection agency we have used. Tom was very thorough. He looked at everything (even though we were buying a brand new home). He found a few minor problems which were promptly corrected. More importantly, he conducted a radon test, which showed our brand new home had high levels of radon.
Armed with the detailed information he provided, we were able to get this situation corrected quickly and to our satisfaction. Tom is a very detail oriented person, who provides all the answers to your questions about your home. We would never buy a home without Tom to do our home inspection”
- Doug V.
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"Pillar to Post was recommended to me by a friend, to perform an inspection on what would later come to be my first home. Not only did Tom patiently explain things to me as he went through and checked everything out, but he also provided recommendations on things I should do if I ended up buying the house in order to make it safer and more secure. A year has passed in this house, and no big surprises have come up, and I'm pretty confident there will not be any. I would definitely recommend Pillar to Post to anyone."
- Sarah H.
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“Mr. Recke inspected the prospective home that I wanted to buy. He was very professional and thorough. He took the time to explain everything that was inspected and the results; as well as, answered each and every question that I had. He explained things to me in "layman" terms so that I would know exactly what he was talking about. He also supplied me with a notebook that explained everything inspected the results of the inspection and photographs of the areas of concern.
The notebook also contained extremely informative "fact sheets" concerning everything from roofing to the expansive soils, a seasonal maintenance checklist and a section to organize and record dates and costs of home improvements, property taxes, heating costs, water usage, etcetera. I read all of the information contained in this notebook and find it an invaluable tool; as well as being extremely informative.
I would recommend Mr. Recke to any of my family and friends that wanted a thorough and high quality home inspection.”
- Valerie W.
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“Thomas did an exceptional job with our home inspection. He was knowledgeable and professional. I appreciated all of the information that he offered and was impressed by the detail and follow-up that he provides. I have already recommended him to a friend that is buying a home and will continue to do so in the future. “
- Ben A.
love working with first-time home buyers! I feel blessed to be included in their home buying process and I don't take this responsibility lightly. The ability to connect with people is a huge asset in this profession. I take pride in my knack for treating each client as if they were the my only client on the planet! I have seen inspectors show up wearing jeans, smoking a cigarette, and actually using profanity in front of their clients. This isn't the way I choose to run my business. How I operate my home inspection business is crucial to my family and the people who continue to refer me!
I am a member of ASHI (The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), founded in 1976, is North America’s oldest and most respected professional society of home inspectors. ASHI’s goals have always been to build customer awareness of the importance of a quality home inspection and enhance the professionalism of home inspectors. ASHI is a non-profit organization!), the Denver Better Business Bureau, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, MoistureFree Warranty, the Exterior Design Institute, and the Aurora Association of Realtors.
Pre-Purchase Inspections for Buyers
The professional home inspector visually examines the readily accessible systems and components of a home and operates those systems and components utilizing industry (ASHI) Standards of Practice. The client is encouraged to attend the entire inspection. Areas to be inspected include:
Upon completion of the inspection, a computerized Inspection Report including digital pictures of defects is printed on site and presented in the Pillar To Post Inspection Report Binder, which also includes a seasonal maintenance checklist, home file system for important papers/receipts and a Living With Your Home CD.
We inspect residential single and multi unit homes, townhomes, apartment buildings, and commercial office/retail buildings.
Pre-Listing Inspections for Sellers
In preparation of listing a home for sale, the inspector will visually examine the readily accessible systems and components of a home and operates those systems and components utilizing industry Standards of Practice. At the completion of the pre-listing inspection, ten individual "Feature Sheet" packets will be generated consisting of an outline of both the GOOD ("Asphalt roof covering appears to have been installed within the last three years. The entire roof system appears in good shape and functioning as designed with no evidence of deficiencies or differed maintenance issues." and the bad ("Hot water heater is nearing the end of its typical life expectancy. Budget to replace the unit in the next few years.") - BOTH the good and the bad points will be summarized with the accompanying digital photographs and placed in a high quality folder with your business card! Ten of these "Feature Sheet" packages will be generated and left with the seller in addition to the full inspection report as outlined above. After the inspection is complete, a tasteful yard sign will be left with the property indicating a pre-listing inspection has been completed - and that the seller is committed to ensure NOTHING stands in the way of an offer!
Indoor Air Quality Testing
This valuable service will provide the client with important information about the air they will be breathing! Multiple air samples will be collected from inside the subject property in addition to a control air sample from the property exterior. These samples will then be sent to an AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) Accredited lab for full analysis to include; mold spore count (ALL Fungi), pollen, rust, insect fragments, dead skin cells - pretty much everything floating around in the air. I use a local AIHA lab so test results will typically be available within 72 business hours of sample collection.
EIFS/Stucco Testing & Evaluation
Following a strict EDI (Exterior Design Institute) and Moisture Free Warranty (www.moisturewarranty.com) inspection protocol, the subject property exterior system will be fully inspected and evaluated for moisture penetration concerns. The inspection combines both non-invasive and invasive testing techniques (wall scanning for moisture and physically probing through the exterior covering to the sheathing beneath the stucco material). Based on the findings of the EIFS Inspection, maintenance and correction recommendations will be made in a detailed computer-generated report including digital photographs of the problems identified. The detailed EIFS/Stucco inspection report is typically avaliable within 72 hours of the inspection.
Radon Testing
Testing is performed using EPA protocol for home sellers and buyers. A continuous radon monitor (CRM) is placed in the home for a 48 hour minimum testing period by a trained radon tester. A Sampling Report is issued with the radon levels by hour and an EPA Overall Radon Average for the sampling period. The radon gas report is typically emailed the day of collection (at the end of the 48 hour testing period) unless earlier arrangements are made and I can set up the test before the inspection, in which case I can collect the monitor and print out the results at the home inspection.
Limited Mold Sampling (air/swab)
The purpose of Limited Mold Sampling is to detect the presence of mold in Client defined areas of the Subject Property. Mold samples will only be collected from requested areas; no screening services are employed with limited sampling.
Re-Inspection
A visual examination of areas to be determined by the client designed to evaluate whether work requested in a contract addendum has been completed in a satisfactory manner. A copy of the contract addendum and the client, or the clients, representative must be present during the re inspection. A re-inspection report will be issued at the conclusion of the re-inspection.
Proudly Serving Aurora and Centennial East of Parker Road in addition to Bennett, Byers, Strasburg, Deer Trail, Foxfield, and Watkins.
Pillar To Post is Aurora’s ONLY FULL SERVICE inspection firm offering a complete line of residential and commercial building inspections, pre-listing inspections for sellers, EIFS/Stucco inspections, radon gas testing, water quality testing, EDR Neighborhood Environmental Reports, Indoor Air Quality/mold testing, Manufactured Home Foundation Inspections (throughout Hayman Residential Engineering Services), lead paint testing, and asbestos testing. As the owner and only inspector for Pillar To Post Aurora I strive to stay on top of the latest and greatest training, technology, and techniques to ensure you receive the best possible home inspection that money can buy. With no home inspector licensing in Colorado, professional affiliation and the proper insurance coverage is imperative to ensure your assets are protected. I am a member of ASHI (the American Society of Home Inspectors) and I am fully insured. I am also a member of the Denver Better Business Bureau, the Exterior Design Institute, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, the Aurora Association of Realtors, and last but not least the Metro Denver Realtor Foundation.
Top notch customer service is what sets Pillar To Post apart from other local inspectors – I am always available to answer your questions before and after the inspection and if a roof is covered with snow I won’t charge you to come back and inspect it when the weather clears up. Outstanding customer service is just part of the standard full service package – which is anything but standard this day-in-age! You have a LOT on your plate – you don’t need to worry about babysitting your home inspector. You want someone with impeccable attention to detail and integrity that will lay all of the cards on the table, you want Pillar To Post representing you in your real estate transaction!
My wife Tamara, a Colorado native, and I have been married for four years and are enjoying a very active life here in Colorado. We have two children – our five-year old son Csaba and our year old daughter Emersen. The Recke family plays an active role in our EFCA church and we enjoy serving our community and others around the world on behalf of our faith. For fun, my family likes to camp, hike, and ski, practically anything Colorado really!
A fourth generation military man, I served honorably in both the US Navy (USS San Juan – SSN-751) on a 688(I) Fast Attack nuclear submarine ported out of Groton Connecticut, and then once again in the US Army as an Infantryman (Charlie Company 3/172d Infantry (Mountain)) where I served a fourteen-month tour in Iraq. My experiences in the military have served to cultivate my integrity, attention to detail, fortitude and flexibility.
In combat, each team needs to be brought together to complete the mission – my mission now is ensuring that you know everything about the home you are about to buy! I look forward to earning your business and adding you to the long list of my very satisfied clients!
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