Preparing your home for a Home Inspection

Thinking of selling your home in the near future? It is likely there will be a home inspection ordered after you have an offer on the table. Thanks to a local home inspector, Kevin Beasy, below is a list of things that will help you get your home ready and take the worry out of the inspection.

Remove dirt/mulch from contact with siding or brick. The dirt should be at least 2 inches below-- but 3 to 4 inches is recommended.

The ground should slope away from the home so no puddles form close to your foundation. Pay close attention to down spouts, be sure they are directing water away from the foundation.

Trim trees and shrubs back from the structure.

Clean out gutters, chimneys and siding and have chimney professionally cleaned.

Be sure all windows and doors are in working condition. All latches should operate correctly. No cracks in glass panes. Check for fogged glass and have these replaced. Check screens for holes and have them repaired.

Paint all exterior wood. Replace any rotted wood. Caulk around all windows, doors and trim.

If you have a crawl space, be sure it is dry and the vapor barrier is in good condition. If space is musty smelling, you probably need more ventilation.

Check to be sure attic ventilators are working properly and no vents are blocked.

Have your air conditioner serviced. Be sure to replace air filters. Check for water leaks in attic especially around chimneys and vents.

Check to be sure all bathroom vents send the air to the outside, these can not vent to the attic.

Test all smoke detectors and install a CO detector if needed.

Be sure you have GFCI receptacles in required areas like bathrooms, kitchens (must be within 6 feet of sinks), garage and any outdoor locations.

Replace any burned out light bulbs.

Repair any leaking faucets and toilets.

Check grout to be sure it is clean and solid. You should repair any loose tile or spongy wall behind it. Re-caulk around tubs, showers and shower doors. Do not do quick repairs that look cheap and unprofessional. This is a red flag for inspectors.

The inspector will need access to the electrical service panel, attic, water and HVAC system. Make sure these are clear from personal items to allow for easy access.

SAFETY PLEASE!!!!

Hi,

I just wanted to take a moment to remind everyone safety first. This has been a dangerous month it seems. Below are a few tips to help keep you safe.

The heat is unbearable at times. Remember if out in the sun wear sunscreen. We have had personal battles with screen cancer. Reschedule strenuous activities until cooler times such as early morning or late evenings. Drink plenty of fluids.

Keep all doors locked and never let a stranger in your home. I know this may seem silly, but in the past month I have had clients called with strangers wanting to see inside their homes or letting themselves in. If you house is for sale, call the agent to show. If your children are home alone, tell them not to answer the door. Just remember you don't have to show your home to someone who is wanting to see the floor plan.

One last tip. If you use online banking. Make an effort to check it daily or weekly. This will help you catch fraud sooner. If something looks suspicious call your bank, even if you cant remember if it was you or not they will be able to give more details of the purchase and help to stop identity theft from happening to you.

Fish Fry and Benefit Auction July 10, 2010 for MaryAnn Lee

Mary Ann Lee is a friend and fellow Real Estate agent who used to work in our office. She was recently in an accident that severed her right hand and her left thumb. Her employer did not have any insurance for her and she has already had several surgeries and many more to go so this benefit will help out with medical expenses. She has no use of her hands right now, and cannot do the simple tasks that we take for granted everyday. She is a hard worker and was doing what she could to provide for her family and we would like to encourage anyone who reads this to help out by contributing to the benefit by donating items you no longer need, or by coming by on July 10th at 7:00PM to bid on some great items donated by others in our community. If you have items to donate, smaller items can be dropped off at our office at 110 Chase Way, Suite 4 or you can call our office and we can make arrangements to have your items picked up before the auction day. Call 270-735-1353 or the auction coordinator (Mary Ann's sister) Wanda Bryant at 502-827-1402. Thank you in advance for your help!

110 Frank Street, Elizabethtown, KY OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY JUNE 13 1-3 PM

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Garden Tour and Tea

Do you ever feel like you are always doing the same activities in your spare time? Looking for ideas for the weekend? June 27, 2010 from 1-5 The Tea and Horticulture Exhibit will be held in the ballroom of the Brown Pusey House.

Gardens on Tour
Art exhibit in studio at historic home
Cunningham Garden at Brown Pusey House
UofK Trial Gardens at Extension Office


Obtain tickets at Brown Pusey Garden.
Admission for the Tea, Tour and Exhibit $10.00

Sponsored by The Garden Club of Elizabethtown

45 W Airview, Elizabethtown, KY - Great Investment Opportunity!

SOLD! Thanks for looking but this one went fast! Let us know if we can help you find your home!!

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