Georgia State Inspections

Pending Home Sales Rise

jake — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:44:26 +0000

Home Sales Rise Again in November, Highest in over a Year

Everyone in the Atlanta Real Estate industry are keeping an eagle eye out for positive trends in the market. We are happy to report that pending home sales continued to gain in November and reached the highest level in 19 months, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index increased 7.3 percent in November 2011. The last time the index was higher was in April 2010 when buyers rushed to beat the deadline for the home buyer tax credit.

A chief economist reports the gains may result partially from delayed transactions. “Housing affordability conditions are at a record high and there is a pent-up demand from buyers who’ve been on the sidelines…” There are many communities in Atlanta who offer builder incentive and some closing costs. Some of the incentives are on homes with immediate delivery if you can close quickly.

Georgia State Inspections is glad to able to share this news. It’s a positive reflection of the economy’s recovery. The market is full of great deals and the current interest rate makes it a very attractive time to buy a home and Atlanta home buyers are making the decision to buy.

Call Georgia State Inspections at 404.514.7457 to schedule your Alpharetta Home Inspection or Commercial Inspection. We are proud to provide Infrared Imaging on all inspections to document any issues with missing insulation, moisture intrusion, electrical faults, plumbing integrity and more. We are the Home & Commercial Inspectors helping buyers make a confident decision in their investment.

Richard Accardi, Jake Accardi liked this post

Georgia State Inspections – Atlanta’s Home & Commercial Inspector 404.514.7457

jake — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:55:51 +0000

The Home & Commercial Inspection Experts!

Whether you need to schedule a House Inspection in Metro Atlanta, a Commercial Building Inspection throughout the state of Georgia, or simply in search of inspection information, we are glad you have stopped by.

Georgia State Inspections is the Insured and Certified home and commercial inspection company that delivers the industry’s most thorough and comprehensive inspection reports.

A reliable inspection is the best investment you can make and the only way to learn a property’s true condition.

Do you need a Home-Inspection, Commercial-Inspection or FHA 203K Consultant?

Call Georgia State Inspections at 404.514.7457

Click below for fast info on Home Inspection Pricing or Home Inspection Online Scheduler

For more information, please visit:

Home Inspection / Commercial Inspection / FAQs FHA 203k Consultant / Contact / Reviews

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GEORGIA STATE INSPECTIONS is proud to offer HomeClue Home History Report!

Buying a pre-owned home? Get a HomeCLUE Home History ReportTM. Identify risks & discover undisclosed or hidden problems before you buy! “This is like a CARFAX for pre-owned homes”.

Every HomeCLUE Home History Report^TM check for information about:

Improvement, Repair, Renovation & Additions
Insurance Claim History
Environmental Hazards
Flood, Earthquake, Wildfire or Storm Surge Risk
Ranking of Public Schools
Neighborhood Foreclosure History & Locations
Estimated Homeowner Insurance Premium
For more info on HomeClue…

Click here to order your HomeClue Report.

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GEORGIA STATE INSPECTIONS is proud to offer RecallChek compares appliance manufacturers and model numbers against MILLIONS of recalled items. You can feel confident that the appliances in your home are safe and operate as intended.

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InspectAPedia.com^® – Online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice – illustrated, detailed, in-depth research on finding, diagnosing, testing, correcting, & preventing building defects, energy conservation, & indoor environmental hazards. Unbiased information, no conflicts of interest

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InspectionNews: Home Inspection Information – Everything A Home Inspector Needs To Know About Home Inspections.

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Georgia State Inspections is proud to provide our clients with InfraRed Thermal Technology on every inspection.

InfraRed Thermal Imaging is a state of the art technology that allows us to show you details about your Atlanta Home or Georgia Commercial Building that no other Atlanta Inspector can show you using conventional inspection methods. Georgia State Inspections is certified to use this powerful technology to track down possible problems.

Our clients have been thrilled with the information that only an Infrared Inspection can provide. They wouldn’t accept a home or commercial inspection without this leading edge technology, and neither should you!

: Home Exterior Infrared Inspection

: Commercial Infrared Building Inspection

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HELPFUL INFO ZONE

Atlanta’s Expert Home & Commercial Inspection Company

Check out our posts, articles and FAQ’s about House and Commercial Inspections in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. We have assembled a bank of helpful home and commercial inspection information to aid you in your quest to purchase property. Contact us at any time with any questions regarding your specific inspection needs.

Browse Articles Below for Helpful Information on Home Inspections and Maintenance Tips from the Experts at Georgia State Inspections

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What is a Home Inspection?

jake — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:37:30 +0000

The Home Inspection Process

There is plenty to do when buying a Atlanta home and now you may be wondering if you really need a home inspection. Most real estate professionals will tell you that a good home inspection is the best investment you can make when evaluating a purchase. Only a thorough Home Inspection can give you the information that you absolutely need! And only a qualified Home Inspector can tell you the true condition of the property, the structure, the roof, the electrical, the plumbing, HVAC and major appliances.

Georgia State Inspections wants to help make the home buying process a little easier. We have put together information about the Home Inspection Process that will make this aspect of buying your next home a piece of cake.

What Is A Home Inspection?

A Home Inspection is a visual inspection of a home made by a certified home inspector who is trained and has experience in evaluating all the component features in a home, and who is able to give a clear and accurate picture of the condition of these components. It is important to remember that a Home Inspection is basically visual in nature, with no intrusive drilling or digging performed. When you and your Home Inspector have completed the Home Inspection, the house must be in the same (or better) condition than when you first began.

A professional Home Inspection is designed to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your potential purchase. You should be able to walk away from the Home Inspection knowing what your immediate major issues are (if any), and what items will need repair or maintenance in the near term.

A Home Inspection should have a distinct two-prong focus.

The primary goal is to clearly identify any significant defect that will affect your buying decision, and give you a realistic approximation of repair costs.

Second, is to clearly identify any areas in need of near term repairs, or any components that are reaching the end of their useful life span. This provides useful information when establishing your maintenance budget.

A typical Home Inspection can be separated into three distinct areas:

The Home Inspection – The actual evaluation of the property. A thorough inspection of a typical home usually takes about 3 hours, depending upon the size and condition of the home.

The Report & Summary – The Home Inspection Report summarizes the condition of the house and lists details on any significant defects. A good Home Inspector will also provide valuable information on the condition of the home’s major appliances, including the manufacturer and serial numbers for your files. (See a Sample Home Inspection Report)

Resource After The Home Inspection – A Home Inspector should be available to you after the Home Inspection to answer any questions you may have about the Home Inspection or the Home Inspection Report. This is part of the Home Inspection and you should not expect to be charged an extra fee for this. A Home Inspector can be an invaluable resource for you long after you have moved in with referrals for contractors, advice about the property and tips on home repairs.

How to get the most out of your Home Inspection.

A little time spent in planning and preparation before the Home Inspection will help reduce your chances of worry during or after the Home Inspection.

Gather Information About The Home: Gather pertinent information about the home that may be useful to the Inspector. These items could include the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Data sheet, which gives the square footage of the house, the year it was built, and other important information; a copy of the Seller’s Disclosure Statement, which can be helpful when trying to establish historical continuity; copies of any previous Home Inspections; and any other useful information you may have. The more information that your Home Inspector has about the property, the more thorough your Home Inspection Report will be.

Prepare Questions: Make a list of any questions or concerns you have about the house based upon your initial visit(s). Are you planning to remodel after you move in? Share your questions and concerns with your Inspector. The purpose of the Home Inspection is not only to identify potential defects, but also to answer questions you may have about the operation and maintenance of the components in the house.

Pad And Pencil: Be sure to bring something to take notes with. Your inspector will likely share valuable insights into the workings of your home which may be worth noting. You may also wish to record measurement of room sizes, floor layout, lot layout, etc.

Consider Optional Testing: In addition to a general Home Inspection, you should be aware that optional testing is often desirable. Radon Testing, Air Quality Testing, Pest Inspections, Lead Paint Testing, Asbestos Testing, etc., are several of the more commonly requested additional tests. Most Home Inspectors should be able to coordinate any additional testing for you. Be sure to contact your Home Inspector in advance, so he can prepare and coordinate the additional tests.

What If You Can’t Be Present For The Inspection? Obviously, being able to walk through the house and talk face-to-face with the Home Inspector is the best option. However, there are many times when a buyer cannot be present for the Home Inspection or have a representative join the Home Inspector. When this happens, speak to your Home Inspector and convey any specific questions or concerns you have.

Talk to your Home Inspector after the Home Inspection: Your Home Inspector will be able to review his notes with you and summarize any major issues or potentially significant defects (if any), and what areas are in need of near term maintenance. This first-hand information is very valuable in giving you a clear account of your home and its components.

Remember, this is your home inspection! This is the time for you and your Home Inspector to thoroughly assess every aspect of the house and discuss the true condition of your future investment.

Call GSI Home Inspections at 404.514.7457 to schedule your Metro Atlanta home inspection. InfraRed Imaging is used in all of our home inspections to help you learn if your home is energy efficient.

How to winterize your Atlanta Home

jake — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 21:28:51 +0000

Frozen Pipe

DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!

2011 was the third-warmest summer on record and Atlanta Home Owners were glad to finally see cooler temps. Winter 2012 has arrived in Atlanta and we don’t want you to be caught unprepared. Winterizing your Atlanta home plumbing system can prevent frozen pipes and other problems that require costly home repairs.

Winterize the Plumbing System of a Primary Residence If you live in the home you wish to winterize, there are only a few steps you must take. Identify areas likely to freeze paying special attention to hose bibs. Parts of your home’s plumbing system that are located in an unheated crawl space or an exterior wall with little insulation are the most likely to freeze.

: Pipe Insulation

Insulate Your Home Plumbing System: The easiest and cheapest way to prevent a frozen pipe is to use foam insulation tubes on pipes exposed to cold climates. These insulation tubes are inexpensive and easy to install; just measure your pipes to get the correct size.

: Heat Tape

Heat Pipes that Have Frozen During Previous Winters: If you have had problems with frozen pipes in the past, you must take extra care to winterize your home’s plumbing system. Use heat tape to prevent freezing in pipes that have already been insulated. Heat tape is attached to the pipe and gives off a slight heat when plugged in. It is easy to install and can be found in most hardware stores.

Winterize Your Vacation Home’s Plumbing System

If you want to winterize in your vacation home, some care must be taken to winterize your home’s plumbing system. While many homeowners may just drain the supply pipes, colder temperatures require a more sophisticated approach.

: Winterizing Water Heater

Drain the Supply Pipes: Supply pipes are the most likely to freeze because they are under pressure. Turn off the main water supply, usually located just above the water meter, to prevent any more water from entering the home. Then turn on a faucet at the highest location in the house. Open a valve at the lowest part of the house. This is often the valve on the hot water tank. Using a bucket, drain all of the water in the system. It may take up to one hour for the plumbing system to completely drain.

Drain Hard-to-Reach Areas: After the water is drained from the plumbing system, take a few more steps to truly winterize the pipes. Turn all of the faucets to the on position.

Flush the toilet, holding the lever down until all of the water drains out of the tank and bowl.

: Winterizing with Antifreeze

Empty the supply line of the washing machine and dishwasher by detaching one end of the line and emptying it into a pail. Further winterize your home’s plumbing system by looking for traps that may contain water and draining accordingly. Add Antifreeze: A small amount of antifreeze should be added to sink drains and appliances that hold water. Also add enough antifreeze to the toilet bowl to cover the pipe opening, which will prevent gases from backing up into the house. Be sure to read the instructions when using antifreeze and plan on fully cleaning your plumbing system when you return to the house.

Look for Other Water Sources: Plumbing systems that use a well pump and pressure tank, some types of furnaces and tank hot water heaters must all be drained. Follow the

: Winterize Toilet with Antifreeze

manufacturer’s instructions carefully to drain as much water from these devices as possible. Learn how to winterize your home plumbing system if you are meticulous and have several hours to spend on the project. Otherwise, you may consider hiring a professional to do the job for you. Most plumbers are happy to recommend someone to winterize your plumbing system.

Thank you Amy Whittle, writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company.

Which 203K Loan is right for this Atlanta Home?

jake — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 22:00:36 +0000

203k Consultant

Atlanta Rehab Homes may be perfect fit for HUD FHA 203K.

Many Atlanta Home Buyers are looking for great deals and right now the market is up to its elbows in foreclosures, rehabs and fixer-uppers. 203K loans allow for more possibilities and you may be asking your Realtor if this home qualifies for an FHA Loan. The low 3.5% down payment makes a FHA loan a good option for first-time home buyers and borrowers with limited assets.

The property condition, the scope of the work and cost of renovation will determine whether you need a Streamline 203K (Standard 203K) or the Consultant 203K (Full 203K). If your renovation is under $35,000 then you can qualify for a Streamline 203K. If the renovation includes structural repair (regardless of amount) you will need a Consultant 203K. It is critical to engage a lender that offers both Streamline and Consultant 203k Loans.

Listed below are items that the FHA 203K Streamline allow for repair:

Appliances – Kitchen & Washer Dryer
Basement Build-Out
Bathroom Remodels
Decks, Patios & Porches
Energy Efficient Improvements
Flooring
Gutters & Downspouts
Handicap Accessibility
HVAC & AC Systems
Kitchen Remodels
Lead Based Paint Abatement
New Water Heater
Plumbing & Electrical
Roofs, Fascia & Soffits
Weather Stripping & Insulation
Well & Septic Systems
Windows & Doors

Need to find a HUD FHA Lender, visit Hud.gov

Finding a Certified and Insured FHA / HUD 203k Consultant Inspector is essential and you can depend on Georgia State Inspections for all your FHA / HUD 203k home inspection needs. Call Georgia State Inspections at 404.514.7457 to schedule your Atlanta Home Inspection or Georgia Commercial Inspection. We are the 203k Inspectors helping buyers to be confident in their investment.

Richard Accardi, Dana Jordan Accardi liked this post

Habitat For Humanity Buying Foreclosed Homes

jake — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 16:59:37 +0000

We saw a news report one morning last week about Habitat for Humanity renovating foreclosed and abandoned properties. The agency is renovating or tearing down and rebuilding foreclosed homes. Buying foreclosed properties gets rundown homes fixed up and prevents the deterioration of neighborhoods. The agency estimates it will pump up to $2 million into the Cobb County economy during 2011. Habitat for Humanity calls the strategy a “win-win” benefiting deserving families and their new communities. The organization expects to provide homes to approximately 28 families in 2011, a dozen more than last year.

The organization relies on volunteers to help renovate and rebuild the homes, then sells them to qualified families in need. Volunteer to make a difference at http://www.habitat.org/

Foreclosures drive down Atlanta Home Prices

jake — Sat, 14 May 2011 20:18:02 +0000

GSI Home Inspections learned that the region ranked 15^th in the nation for foreclosure filings. One in seventy-nine Metro Atlanta homes are in trouble and home sales have declined more than 34 percent compared to last year, resulting in Atlanta Home values at the lowest levels since late 1999. Georgia’s statewide median sales price fell 10.5 percent to $107,000.

Inman News wrote an informative article about the condition of home pricing. Click Here to view entire article.

This continued drop in home prices benefits the home buyers of Atlanta. Lots of Atlanta Home Buyers are deciding if now is time for them to buy.

Here are a few quick tips for determining if this is the time for you to buy your Atlanta Home:

1. Check the selling prices of comparable homes in your area at Zillow and Homegain.

2. See what you can afford. Use Bankrate’s mortgage calculator to see what your payment would be.

3. Find out what your total monthly housing cost would be, including taxes and homeowners insurance. According to the Insurance Information Institute.

4. Find out how much you’ll likely pay in closing costs average in your state by looking at Bankrate.com’s annual closing cost survey.

5. Look at your budget and determine how a house fits into it. Fannie Mae recommends that buyers spend no more than 28% of their income on housing costs. Go much past 30% and you risk becoming house poor.

GSI’s Atlanta Home Inspections can help you be more confident of your Atlanta Home purchase. You can depend on our Home Inspection expertise to report the true condition of your future home.

Call 404.514.7457 to schedule a home or commercial inspection.

Atlanta Home Inspections – Turning the Water Back On

jake — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 21:55:38 +0000

Atlanta Home Buyers can avoid a Water Catastrophe

I recently inspected an Atlanta Home on a beautiful spring day and found water leaking everywhere. I soon learned that the home buyer had caused the near disaster in their eagerness for a thorough home inspection. The home buyer circumvented a water meter tag and turned the water on so the plumbing could be inspected. The bad news was the Atlanta Home Owner turned the water on in a house that had not been de-winterized. You can imagine the mess, the damage and the liability of the situation. Naturally, we couldn’t help but feel sorry for the home buyer. They just didn’t know.

We want to warn Atlanta Home Buyers of this potential misstep. When a home has been winterized, the water cannot be restored with the turn of a knob. It requires a knowledgeable home owner or professional plumber to take all the necessary steps to properly de-winterize home plumbing.

We found a great article at EHow on How to De-Winterize Your Home Plumbing.

Call Georgia State Inspections at 404.514.7457 to schedule an Atlanta Home or Georgia Commercial inspection.

Why are Atlanta Home Deck Inspections Important?

jake — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 21:12:00 +0000

Spring Time is just around the corner. It’s a beautiful time of year in Atlanta! Warm Georgia weather sends Atlanta Home Owners outdoors.

So many Atlanta Homes have outdoor decks so home owners can enjoy the mild weather. Why is it so important to for you to have your deck inspected?

Are you planning to entertain on your deck?

Atlanta Deck Inspection

Atlanta Home Owners want to be confident that their deck will not suffer any type of deck failure. A deck failure is any failure of a deck that could lead to injury, including rail failure, or total deck collapse. Protect your family’s safety and ensure your deck’s long life with a Home Deck Inspection by Georgia State Inspections.

Contact Georgia State Inspections to schedule your Atlanta Deck Inspection at 404.514.7457

The founder of International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), Nick Gromicko, explains the important elements of thorough Home Deck Inspection.

More than 2 million decks are built and replaced each year in North America. InterNACHI estimates that of the 45 million existing decks, only 40% are completely safe.

Because decks appear to be simple to build, many Atlanta Home Owners do not realize that decks are, in fact, structures that need to be designed to adequately resist certain stresses. Like any other house or building, a deck must be designed to support the weight of people, snow loads, and objects. A deck must be able to resist lateral and uplift loads that can act on the deck as a result of wind or seismic activity. Deck stairs must be safe and handrails graspable. And, finally, deck rails should be safe for children by having proper infill spacing.

Tips for first-time home buyers

jake — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 02:44:40 +0000

Are you a first-time home buyer eager to get into the Metro Atlanta market?

We found a great article for First Time Home Buyers at MSN. Atlanta Home Buyers are in a great position to buy.

Here are steps to take to help you decide whether you’re ready to take the plunge.

Check the selling prices of comparable homes in your area. Web sites such as Zillow and Homegain can give you a general idea of what you should expect to pay. You can also do a quick search of actual MLS listings in your area on a number of Web sites, including the site of the National Association of Realtors.
Find out what your total monthly housing cost would be, including taxes and homeowners insurance. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average yearly premium can range from $477 in Utah to $1,372 for unlucky Texans.
Look at your budget and determine how a house fits into it. Fannie Mae recommends that buyers spend no more than 28% of their income on housing costs. Go much past 30% and you risk becoming house poor.
Read more about closing costs, mortgage calculators and the big picture at MSN.

And remember, a thorough home inspection is your best investment. Georgia State Inspections is Atlanta’s Premier Inspector, fully insured and certified and proudly providing Atlanta with the most comprehensive home inspections that include InfraRed Inspection, RecallChek and a Ninety Day Warranty with every home inspection. Georgia State Inspections is helping First Time Home Buyers with a 10% off their home inspection.

Contact Georgia State Inspections to schedule your home inspection at 404.514.7457

GEORGIA STATE INSPECTIONS includes a Thermal InfraRed Inspection in each home inspection.