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Houston's Source for News and Real Estate Information
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The thrill of purchasing a home is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I truly believe that residential real estate is emotion driven - the joy of entering into a house that just feels right. Our imaginations stir images of potential entertainment venues, color palette schemes, decoration reconfigurations and more. Once the property is in contract, we realize that the contract price is significantly lower than the tax appraisal district's evaluation. Is this a good thing? Is it correct? Appraisal District Home Evaluations Each appraisal district in Texas has different strategies and means for recording public assessment records for real property. The assessments in the counties that are within the Greater Houston area and vicinity (Harris County, Fort Bend County, Brazoria County, etc.) are based on calculations and assessments by the individual counties. The counties perform their general assessments and provide a maximum of a 10% cap rate on the tax assessed for the properties. It is common however that the tax appraisal districts go above that amount and no protests are made to have the amount reduced. Additionally, it is common for tax appraisal districts to do "Drive By" appraisals where the improvements of the home interior or lack of are not taken into consideration for the appraisal. Due to our higher property taxes, our market has grown accustomed to property tax protests. Remember however that we don't pay state taxes so in essence, it's a draw in comparison with other states that pay both state tax and property tax. Buyer Due Diligence Period A Due Diligence Period is commonly referenced as an Option Period. It is customary to have a 7-10 day Due Diligence Period unless there is need for additional days. The Seller is normally provided with a consideration for taking the property off the market (usually $10-25/day). As part of your due diligence period as a buyer, you are responsible for checking into the property taxes. Once the property goes into title, the Title Company will present you with a tax certificate that states both tax rates and most importantly the tax status. Ideally you want the property to be in good standing and all back taxes be paid by closing. Make sure to check for tax liens on the property if any and make sure they are being paid if in litigation. Tax questions to ask during your Due Diligence Period: 1. What is the current tax assessment?
2. What is the current tax rate?
3. Any unpaid back taxes?
4. Any judgments or pending litigations due to taxes?
5. How will pro-rations be established (for current year of last year)?
6. Did the tax assessment go over 10% since last year?
Seller Tax Justifications Sellers sometimes feel that a higher tax assessment by the appraisal district will justify their sale. A common misconception that buyers and sellers have is that the tax appraisal district assessment is an indication of market activity. Healthy markets usually bear a 15-20% discrepancy in their favor while stagnant markets may be have a price discrepancy of up to 10-20% less. It is important for your agent to provide both Buyers and Sellers with a comprehensive market analysis of the neighborhoods and areas to see the difference between market value and appraisal value. An overtaxed property can potentially scare buyers away from their intent to purchase the property. A Seller should act diligently and protest their tax assessments as needed to be current with the neighborhood tax assessments. Buyer & Seller Negotiations The purpose of your Due Diligence is for the Buyer and the agent representing the Buyer to be proactive. As part of negotiations, if you don't ask....you don't gain. In the event that you enter into a contract with a Seller whose tax assessment is much higher, try to negotiate the protest. Property protests with the corresponding appraisal districts can only be performed by the seller of record during that tax year. Remember that we pay taxes in arrears; this means that we pay for last years taxes in our current year. The Seller will credit the Buyer the pro-rated amount at closing to be applied usually towards closing costs. The Buyer can negotiate the Seller paying for the existing year inflated taxes through either a Third Party Company or the Appraisal District. A Third Party Company can usually provide a more efficient means of protesting since the Buyer has no recourse in the protest. Once the Seller pays or files for the protest, the results may take several months. The pro-ration estimates at closing are assessed and the Buyer and Seller should sign a Tax Peroration Agreement at closing. This document will establish an agreement between Buyer and Seller regarding tax peroration amounts to be credited to either party in the event of a tax assessment credit by the Appraisal District. Taxation with Proof of Purchase In the event that there is no tax protest done by the Seller, the Buyer may have recourse after the sale if the price of the home is lower than the tax assessment. A copy of your closing statement (usually referred to as The HUD Statement) is usually evidence enough for the Tax Appraisal Districts to establish a reliable source for a Buyer protest. Every Appraisal District Office is different so please verify with your corresponding appraisal district and comply with their protest methods to protest the new assessment. The Appraisal District will notify you of the price change (usually the sales price or somewhere near) or the result of their assessment for the tax changes. In the event that the Buyer reaches an agreement with the Appraisal District and the tax assessment is reduced, the Buyer owes a credit to the Seller for their peroration paid at closing (if a Proration Agreement was signed at closing). Let me show you the way... I understand that finding your new home is just one of the tasks that face you when you're purchasing a new house. I can assist you in the home buying process which includes offer negotiations, assisting in the inspection and negotiations process after inspections. Beat other home buyers to the hottest new homes for sale in Houston with my New Listings Notifications. You'll receive updates via email to the properties that match your search criteria in the Greater Houston area. Sincerely, Diego E. Jaramillo
Realtor, ABR, e-Pro
Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
Cell: 832-282-2069
Online at www.houstonheritage.com Request a Free Market Snapshot! "Because my business is primarily based on referrals, I thank you in advance for your endorsement. If you or anyone you know are considering buying or selling a home, please think of me."
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Great Location!
• 4,386 sq. ft., 4 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story -  MLS® $945,000 USD - Great Home in Belle Court Belle Court, Houston - Wonderful spacious home in Belle Court within West University Place. Entertain in the spacious island gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops with an open view to family room. Family room overlooks 17 x 21 screen porch and lush garden. Beautiful curved stair case adds character to the house. Spacious master suite with large master bathroom.. Game room is located on second floor with plantation shutters. This property has abundant natural light and is located in a non through street. Property information
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Belle Court, Houston - Announcing a price reduction on 2625 Werlein Ave., a 4,386 sq. ft., 4 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story. Now MLS® $945,000 USD - Great Home in Belle Court. Property information
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Great Commercial Opportunity in Houston!
• 19,850 sq. ft., 3 bath commercial "3 Large Warehouses" - MLS® $999,900 USD - Great Price & Location! Sauer, Houston - Great opportunity to own commercial non-restricted industrial/mixed use warehouses on 1.5 acres minutes from the 610 Loop near HWY 290. Located between Milwee and West 34th St., this property is a prime location for commercial property and rental income. Warehouse #1 is approximately a 7,000 sq. ft. warehouse with approximately 2,100 sq. ft. office space. Warehouse #2 is approximately a 6,000 sq. ft. warehouse with small side office. Warehouse #3 is approximately a 6,000 sq. ft. warehouse with small side office. Total lot square footage per HCAD is 65,340 sq. ft. (1.5 acres). Total warehouse/office space per HCAD is 19,850 sq. ft. Property information
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A temporary residential lease agreement can be negotiated as part of contract terms and conditions in Texas. The temporary residential lease, sometimes known as a sale/leaseback or sale and leaseback (on seller's side) is a transaction where the seller/owner of a property sells the property and leases it back from the buyer. The temporary residential lease on the buyer's side establishes temporary tenancy prior to closing. Any possession by Buyer prior to closing or by Seller after closing which is not authorized by a written lease establishes a tenancy at sufferance relationship between the parties. If negotiated properly, a leaseback can be beneficial for the buyer and seller alike. Temporary Residential Lease Agreements are for short-term leases up to 90 days (typically). Leases that go beyond that should enter into actual Residential Lease Agreements for the protection of both parties. Remember, real estate agents cannot give legal advice, please consult with your attorney if you do not understand the effects of the Temporary Lease or any real estate related legal document. Seller's Temporary Residential Lease The purpose of the leaseback is to free up the original owner's capital/equity while allowing the previous owner to use the property. The lease amount provides periodic income and may even be enough to pay the buyer's mortgage, if he or she borrowed money to obtain the property. A seller/lessee in a lease buyback obtains the immediate cash from any equity in their home AND retains the ability to remain in their home. Many sellers are negotiating this as part of their contracts to insure the closing of their property (usually enough time for them to move out after the closing date). Seller Temporary leases are common with homeowners that need immediate cash, avoid foreclosure or retirees who want to use the equity built up in their home and stay in their home. The Buyers become the Landlord and the Sellers become the tenant in this transaction. For your protection, request TAR 1910 to be used for Seller Temporary Residential Lease Agreements. Seller termination of this type of lease is either upon the agreed termination date or upon the default of the lease itself. Buyer's Temporary Residential Lease The purpose of a Buyer Temporary Residential Lease is for buyers who wish to occupy the property prior to closing. Although not the best of options for sellers to allow buyers to occupy the property before closing, it does happen. Buyers periodically need to lease the property prior to closing when their existing leases have expired and they've negotiate with the existing owners to establish short term tenancies while in contract. Sellers must consult their insurance agents prior to changes of ownership and possession because insurance coverages may be limited or terminated. The Sellers become the Landlord and the Buyers become the tenant in this transaction. For your protection, request TAR 1911 to be used for Buyer Temporary Residential Lease Agreements. Buyer termination of this type of short term lease happens upon (a) closing of the sale under the Contract, (b) termination of the Contract prior to closing, (c) Tenant's default under the lease, or (d) Tenant's default under the Contract, whichever comes first. Seller & Buyer Temporary Residential Lease Agreements must contain the following items: 1. Specify Parties to Lease
2. Specify Contract Date and Property Address
3. Establish Contract Term - Express Commencement and Term.
4. Rate & Deposit - Establish per diem rate and deposit amounts (research local rental market).
5. Utilities - Included or Excluded
6. Pets - Inclusion or Exclusions
7. Property Conditions - Improvements & repairs made per Contract.
8. Property Alteration - Improvements/fixtures added to property during lease become a part of the property.
9. Repairs & Maintenance - Tenant usually bears repairs/maintenance expenses.
10. Insurance - Possession of the Property by Buyer as Tenant may change insurance policy coverages.
11. Termination - Establishes reasons for termination of lease.
12. Holding Over - Establishes possession after the agreed tenancy and per diem rate after termination.
13. Notices - Establishes where parties must deliver notices in writing. Benefits to Retirees Elderly individuals who need additional income but do not want to move from their homes or do not qualify for a reverse mortgage might consider a sale-leaseback arrangement. In a sale- leaseback, an elderly individual or couple can sell their home to an interested party, who would then lease the home to the couple. A seller-financed version of this transaction would enable elderly homeowners to achieve two favorable results: 1) an immediate inflow of cash and 2) the possibility to remain in their homes. Let me show you the way... I understand that selling your home is a lengthy and delicate process. I can assist you in the home selling process which includes establishing market value, marketing, offer negotiations, assisting in the inspection and negotiations process after inspections. Fell free to request a Complimentary Market Analysis and I will send you a price range for your property via email. We can then discuss and potentially preview your property to establish a market value for your home. Receive up-to-date market activity emails regarding your neighborhood with my Market Activity Notifications via email. You can also request our bi-weekly MLS Market Snapshot to get a glimpse of market conditions around your home. You'll receive updates via email to the properties that are active/pending/sold in your neighborhood. Sincerely, Diego E. Jaramillo
Realtor, ABR, e-Pro
Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
Cell: 832-282-2069
Online at www.houstonheritage.com Request a Free Market Snapshot! "Because my business is primarily based on referrals, I thank you in advance for your endorsement. If you or anyone you know are considering buying or selling a home, please think of me."
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Home Owner Association Subdivision Information The emotional rollercoaster of purchasing a home is both thrilling and meticulous. Many buyers and sellers are caught in the overall process when trying to sell their own homes and potentially overlook items that may be of great importance. An agent’s true value is assessed by being the real estate resource and providing as much information to their client during their representation. Resale Certificates are such items that many people forget to give due attention to. Many people forget that it is also a negotiating item during the sale and purchase of a property. It may also protect the future buyer from inheriting additional costs associated with deed restrictions violations and much more. Subdivision Information The Texas Property Code describes “Subdivision Information” as: 1. The restrictions applying to the subdivision that you must comply with. 2. The bylaws and rules of the Owner’s Association 3. A Resale Certificate (TAR 1923) The subdivision information is provided by the Home Owner’s Association. Who Pays for the Subdivision Information? The questions ‘who pays for the Subdivision Information’ is commonly asked. In Texas, it is customary that the seller’s agent has advised the seller during the listing that they will need to provide the Subdivision Information for the future buyer. Even so, the payment of the fees to transfer the property is negotiable between the parties. Important Notice of Material Changes If the seller becomes aware of any material changes in the Subdivision Information, they MUST immediately give notice to the buyer. The buyer may elect to terminate the contract prior to closing by giving written notice (always have a paper trail) and earnest money returned to buyer: 1. Incorrect Subdivision Information 2. Any material change in the Subdivision Information occurs prior to closing When is the Subdivision Information Provided? Timing is important with this delicate issue and usually concurs with the Option Period, the typical due diligence period for the buyer. If the buyer does not receive the Subdivision Information, they can terminate the contract at any time prior to closing and the earnest money is refunded to the buyer. If the seller does provide the Seller Information, the buyer may terminate the contract one calendar week after the buyer receives the information or prior to closing. A buyer can choose to terminate the contract due to anything relating to the Resale Certificate. What is contained in the Resale Certificate? 1. Is the property subject to a right of first refusal or other restraints that restrict the owner’s right to transfer the owner’s property? 2. What are the regular assessments or fees for the property? How often? Monthly? Yearly? 3. What is the special assessment to prepare the resale certificate? 4. What amount is due and unpaid to the Owner’s Association for the current year? 5. Amount of reserves for capital expenditures. 6. Unsatisfied judgments against the Owner’s Association. 7. Any pending suits against the Owner’s Association. 8. Known violations of conditions on the property applying to the subdivision. 9. Health or building code violations with respect to the property or common areas/facilities owned or leased by the Owner’s Association. 10. Owners’ Association fees resulting from the transfer of the property. Repairs by Owner’s Association The Owner’s Association may have the sole responsibility to make certain repairs to the property. If the buyer is concerned about the condition of any part of the property which the Owner’s Association is required to repair, BUYER SHOULD NOT SIGN THE CONTRACT unless you are satisfied that the Owner’s Association will make the desired repairs. Let me show you the way... I understand that selling your home is a lengthy and delicate process. I can assist you in the home selling process which includes establishing market value, marketing, offer negotiations, assisting in the inspection and negotiations process after inspections. Fell free to request a Complimentary Market Analysis and I will send you a price range for your property via email. We can then discuss and potentially preview your property to establish a market value for your home. Receive up-to-date market activity emails regarding your neighborhood with my Market Activity Notifications via email. You can also request our bi-weekly MLS Market Snapshot to get a glimpse of market conditions around your home. You'll receive updates via email to the properties that are active/pending/sold in your neighborhood. Sincerely, Diego E. Jaramillo
Realtor, ABR, e-Pro
Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
Cell: 832-282-2069
Online at www.houstonheritage.com Request a Free Market Snapshot! "Because my business is primarily based on referrals, I thank you in advance for your endorsement. If you or anyone you know are considering buying or selling a home, please think of me."
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Inspections are usually paid by buyers during their Option Period as part of their due diligence process. The buyer sends an inspector who acts on their behalf and prepares a detailed inspection report with pictures detailing the areas of concern. The report is usually presented to sellers as a way of further negotiating the price or terms of the sale. Sellers also have the ability to get a pre-listing inspection but usually decline getting one done. A seller inspection can assist you in addressing the larger items that may haunt you in future buyer inspections. Seller Disclosure Statement In Texas, inspection reports must be disclosed as part of the Sellers Disclosure statement. This statement becomes part of the listing agreement when placing your house for sale. The statement also becomes public information upon request by another agent who has a qualified buyer interested in your property. This promulgated form provides the buyers with insight to property conditions known to the seller. Inspection reports performed by licensed inspectors received by the seller in writing within the last four years must be disclosed in the Seller Disclosure Statement. Inspections for Sellers? A seller inspection is your right as a seller to be proactive in the sale of your home. It addresses key issues that will eventually surge on other inspection reports. This type of inspection helps establish you as a conscientious seller. It is always best to identify problems you are not presently aware of sooner than later. Once you identify the issues, you can shop around for the best price to remedy the problem, rather than accept the repair cost an inspector, the buyer or the buyer's contractor might attach to it. Timing for Inspections It is a good rule of thumb that the earlier you get the home inspection the better. Consider getting an inspection prior to placing your house on the market with an agent. The inspection will reveal underlying flaws and issues that must be addressed to make the place more enticing for a buyer. Don't get caught replacing your carpet with hardwood floors or laminate only to later find out that there is an under slab leak. Future buyers will take into consideration the aesthetic value but will be thankful if there aren't any underlying issues that may need to be addressed or negotiated. Make sure you leave yourself ample time after the inspection to perform needed work and get multiple bids from contractors. A wood destroying insect inspection can be a great way to show buyers that you had the inspection and had it treated with a possible warranty. An HVAC inspection and a scheduled maintenance will also show good faith on your part to sell the property in good condition.
What to Ask Request a list of licensed inspectors from your agent and compare pricing. If you don't already know an inspector or are not working with an agent, I would be happy to email you a list of licensed inspectors. Average costs for inspectors in Houston for houses under 4,000 sq. ft. are around $350 for the home inspection. Wood destroying insect inspections, pool inspections and HVAC technician inspections are additional to your home inspection. The inspector you select should be willing to have you following him or her around during the inspection to allow you to observe and ask any questions about your home's condition and how to address areas of concern. If you visually see the items with your inspector, the written report produced will make more sense to you and you'll find it easier to point out the needed repairs to contractors. Negotiating Repairs There are times when buyers prefer to accept a seller contribution on the purchase price and perform their own repairs. Seller contributions are taken as deductions in either price or as a contribution towards closing costs. This is common in areas that aesthetically identify personal taste such as wallpaper, built-ins and paint-color schemes. A seller inspection will not replace the buyer's inspection. The buyer has the right to select their own inspection while reviewing previous inspection reports that the seller may have. Usually buyers show concern when larger items in need of repair have not been repaired or replaced even after a seller inspection. A good idea would be to provide the previous inspection with a list of the items that were repaired based on the inspection. This will show the buyer that you as the seller have acted in good faith and may help during the negotiations of the sale of your home. Let me show you the way... I understand that selling your home is a lengthy and delicate process. I can assist you in the home selling process which includes establishing market value, marketing, offer negotiations, assisting in the inspection and negotiations process after inspections. Fell free to request a Complimentary Market Analysis and I will send you a price range for your property via email. We can then discuss and potentially preview your property to establish a market value for your home. Receive up-to-date market activity emails regarding your neighborhood with my Market Activity Notifications via email. You can also request our new Market Snapshot to get a glimpse of market conditions around your home. You'll receive updates via email to the properties that are active/pending/sold in your neighborhood. Sincerely, Diego E. Jaramillo
Realtor, ABR, e-Pro
Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
Cell: 832-282-2069
Online at www.houstonheritage.com Request a Free Market Snapshot! "Because my business is primarily based on referrals, I thank you in advance for your endorsement. If you or anyone you know are considering buying or selling a home, please think of me."
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Chase, Houston - Announcing a price reduction on 2209 KEENE ST, a 940 sq. ft., 1 bath, 2 bdrm bungalow. Now MLS® $99,000 USD - Beautiful Corner Lot!. Property information
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Chase Park, Bacliff - Announcing a price reduction on 5411 Chase Wood Dr., a 1,703 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm single story "Spacious Home". Now MLS® $145,900 USD - Large Beautiful Home. Property information
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Braeburn Valley West, Braeburn - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 10511 McAfee Ct. on January 20 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Property information
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Northwest Houston - Announcing a new listing at 5029 Milwee St., a 19,500 sq. ft., 6 bath commercial "3 Large Warehouses with Office Space". $1,100,000 USD - Great Price & Location!. Property information
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TEXAS HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION - USE IT OR LOSE IT!
The Texas Homestead Exemption is granted to the homeowner of record provided the home was owned by the homeowner as their legal residence as of January 1 of the taxable year. In essence, this exemption is a reduction in real estate property tax for the taxable year by lowering a home's taxable value. To be granted the Homestead Exemption the homeowner must occupy the home and the home must be considered their legal residence for all purposes. The Homestead Exemption in Texas provides legal home protection and saves you money on your property tax bill. All school districts offer a $5000 homestead exemption, and some taxing units offer a percentage exemption of up to 20% of a home's assessed value. Homeowners can lower their property taxes by applying for these exemptions for which they are eligible. You must OWN your own home and occupy it as your principal residence on or prior to January 1. Because we pay taxes in arrears, it is important to have your exemptions filed for the year prior to the deadline for you to take advantage of it the following year. You can have only ONE principal residence and ONE homestead exemption.
A special form is needed to apply for homestead exemptions. The form must be completed and returned to the appropriate appraisal office not before January 1 but no later than April 30. You can download the application from your appraisal district and send it to them. The actual process is both free and easy so take a few minutes to save yourself hundreds of dollars on your tax bill!!! Appraisal District Homestead Exemption Forms: Harris County Appraisal District
Downloadable Homestead Form - http://www.hcad.org/pdf/fill/11-13_fill.pdf
Address: 13013 Northwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77040
Telephone: (713) 957-7800
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Website: http://www.hcad.org Fort Bend County Appraisal District
Downloadable Homestead Form - http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxforms/50-114.pdf
Address: 2801 B.F. Terry Blvd, Rosenberg, TX 77471
Telephone: (281) 344-8623
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Wesite: http://www.fbcad.org Brazoria County Appraisal District
Downloadable Homestead Form - http://www.brazoriacad.org/Applications/homestead.pdf
Address: 500 N. Chenango, Angleton, TX 77515
Telephone: (979) 849-7792
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Website: http://www.brazoriacad.org
Please don't fall for misleading solicitations to file your homestead exemption via phone or mail. There is NO FEE to file a property-tax homestead exemption. Shortly after the purchase of a home in Texas, you might receive constant letters on official-looking stationery offering to file your homestead exemption for you for a fee. PLEASE DISREGARD THESE LETTERS! Even some people who have lived in Texas their entire lives confuse these letters as a form from a state agency requiring a mandatory fee. Remember that not making application within the timeline for your county of residence will result in losing the exemption for the year. That is a heavy price to pay for not allowing an hour or so to get what is rightfully yours.
In many instances the county will mail an application to the new owner of record; however this is not always the case. Take a proactive approach toward obtaining this tax benefit that you should be entitled to. If you have any questions, feel free to email me and I will gladly direct you to your Appraisal District in the Greater Houston Area and nearby suburbs and cities.
Buying a Home or Moving to Houston? Let me show you the way...
I understand that finding your new home is just one of the tasks that face you when you're purchasing a new house. I can assist you in the home buying process which includes offer negotiations, assisting in the inspection and negotiations process after inspections. Beat other home buyers to the hottest new homes for sale in Houston with my New Listings Notifications. You'll receive updates via email to the properties that match your search criteria in the Greater Houston area.
Sincerely,
Diego E. Jaramillo
Realtor, ABR, e-Pro
Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
Cell: 832-282-2069
Online at www.houstonheritage.com
"Because my business is primarily based on referrals, I thank you in advance for your endorsement. If you or anyone you know are considering buying or selling a home, please think of me."
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Great Investment Property
• 2,010 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm duplex "Spacious Duplex" - MLS® $116,000 USD - Recent Construction 2004 Duke, Houston - Great opportunity to own an investment property in this growing area below the HCAD appraised value! This recent construction is a Duplex with each unit featuring two bedrooms, one bath. Other features include ceramic tile flooring, textured walls, recent construction (2004), new treated wood fence. Great Location - minutes from downtown, accessible to I10, 45 and 59 FWY. Both units are leased for $600/month - one expires in October 2007, the other month to month. GREAT INVESTMENT PROPERTY! :) Property information
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Braeburn Valley West, Houston - Announcing a price reduction on 10511 McAfee Ct., a 1,817 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "Large Traditional Home". Now MLS® #6571000 $127,500 USD - Beautiful Corner Home. Property information
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THE "TOP 10" STEPS TO AVOID BUYING A "BAD HOUSE." Although most professional home inspectors have these key factors on their checklists, savvy home buyers also should be on the lookout for these potential serious problems: - MOLD AND MOISTURE. Even the best homes, at one time or another, have mold or mildew. The cause is trapped moisture, usually due to poor ventilation. In excessive amounts, such as after a flood or water pipe break, it can ruin a home because mold can be extremely difficult or impossible to remove.
- RADON. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this naturally occurring, radioactive gas is created in soil and rock beneath 1 in 15 U.S. homes. Radon allegedly causes cancer in residents whose homes contain radon underneath.
- ASBESTOS. Asbestos was routinely installed in millions of U.S. homes for fireproofing, insulation, roof shingles, and floor tile. In good condition, there is nothing harmful about asbestos. However, when it deteriorates and the particles become airborne, asbestos can cause fatal lung disease.
- LEAD-BASED PAINT. Before 1978, lead-based paint was used in most homes. It can cause brain damage to young children who ingest it, usually from flaking paint chips. But it is not dangerous if the paint is in good condition.
Federal law requires sellers of homes built before 1978 to provide home buyers and tenants with (a) a federal booklet about lead-based paint dangers, and (b) a disclosure form if the seller or landlord had lead-based paint tests performed. If desired, home buyers have 10 days to have a lead-based paint inspection at the buyer's expense.
- FORMALDEHYDE. Many manufactured homes contain this material which causes eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as coughing, rashes, headaches and dizziness in some people.
- CARBON MONOXIDE. Malfunctioning furnaces, wood stoves, kerosene heaters and lamps, fireplaces, water heaters, and gas stoves can produce invisible but deadly carbon monoxide in homes. The easy solution is to install a carbon monoxide detector, usually costing $25 to $40.
- DEFECTIVE WELL WATER. If the home being purchased depends on well water, be sure to include a purchase-offer contingency clause for a test of the well-water quality. Also, have the well's pump tested to be certain it is in good working condition.
- SEPTIC OR SEWER SYSTEM. A home that is not connected to a public sewer system probably has a septic system, which drains waste water into the soil. Be sure the septic system is located a substantial distance from any well. If the seller reports the home is connected to the public sewer, be sure to verify this and that the sewer pipe is not broken.
- HIGH-VOLTAGE POWER LINES. Government tests have been inconclusive if adjacent high-voltage power lines cause cancer and other diseases. But they certainly don't benefit health. The presence of nearby high-voltage power lines won't enhance a home's market value and can be considered a serious negative factor at resale time.
- OTHER NEGATIVE INFLUENCES. There are many possible negative influences, sometimes beyond the home's lot boundary, that can affect desirability. Examples include a high crime rate, heavy street traffic, poor location, poor-quality public schools, lack of public transportation, nearby noisy railroad tracks, poor floor plan, inadequate or dangerous wiring, galvanized pipes, an old furnace, leaky gutters, flood zone, high fire-hazard area, earthquake fault zone, seismic hazard zone, easements and encroachments and high property taxes.
SUMMARY: No house is perfect. To avoid buying a "bad house," smart home buyers ask lots of questions and insist on a professional home-inspection contingency clause. Moving to Houston? Let me show you the way... I understand that finding your new home is just one of the tasks that face you when you're purchasing a new house. I can assist you in the home buying process which includes offer negotiations, assisting in the inspection and negotiations process after inspections. Beat other home buyers to the hottest new homes for sale in Houston with my New Listings Notifications. You'll receive updates via email to the properties that match your search criteria in the Greater Houston area. Sincerely, Diego E. Jaramillo
Realtor, ABR, e-Pro
Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
Cell: 832-282-2069
Online at www.houstonheritage.com "Because my business is primarily based on referrals, I thank you in advance for your endorsement. If you or anyone you know are considering buying or selling a home, please think of me."
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