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Introduction When buying or selling a home, the importance of home inspections cannot be overstated. In this guide we’ll share the 11 most costly inspection pitfalls that every seller should know, as well as a home inspection checklist for buyers. This information is aimed at helping both sides protect their assets and investments while also ensuring a smooth home buying or selling process. The Importance of Home Inspections For Sellers: Home buyers want to know your home inside and out before making their final decision about making an offer. While homebuyers are as individual as the homes they plan on purchasing, one thing they all share is a desire to ensure that the home they will call their own is as good beneath the surface as it appears to be. Questions about the roof, wiring, plumbing, and foundation are on the minds of buyers, and they will seek help from a professional, licensed home inspector. For Buyers: Finding your ideal home in Seattle can be challenging, and after you find it, a home inspection might seem like an extra cost. However, this step is crucial to ensure your investment is sound. Including a home inspection contingency in your purchase agreement allows you to negotiate repairs or withdraw from the purchase based on inspection results. The Need for Professional Home Inspections While you might be capable of handling some inspection tasks, professional inspectors are better equipped to identify hazardous materials like asbestos or radon, as well as mold and pest issues. Their expertise provides more leverage during negotiations and ensures the safety and integrity of your future home. 11 Most Costly Inspection Pitfalls for Sellers Defective Plumbing : Defective plumbing can manifest itself in two different ways: leaking and clogging. A visual inspection can usually detect leaks, such as water marks and stains on walls or ceilings, or wet spots in the cabinet under kitchen or bathroom faucets. For clogging, an inspector might turn on faucets in the highest bathroom and then flush the toilet to observe any potential reduction in water flow. Dirty water when a faucet is first turned on indicates rusting pipes, which can result in severe water quality problems and costly repairs. Damp or Wet Basement or Crawl Space : Inspectors check for powdery white mineral deposits on basement walls and a mildew odor. Sealing a crack in or around the basement foundation could cost from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on severity. Adding a sump pump and pit could run around a couple of thousand dollars, and complete waterproofing of an average 3-bedroom home could range from $5,000 to $25,000. Inadequate Electrical Wiring : Homes should have a minimum of 100 amps service. Inspectors test all electrical switches, outlets, GFI outlets, exposed wires, and the electrical panel to ensure safety and code compliance. Poor Heating & Cooling Systems : Insufficient insulation and inadequate or poorly functioning heating or cooling systems are common issues. Inspectors check if the furnace is within its typical life span of 15-25 years and if there are service records. Cracked heat exchangers, which can emit deadly carbon monoxide, must be replaced. Roofing Problems : Water leakage through the roof can result from physical deterioration of asphalt shingles, curling, splitting, or mechanical damage from wind storms. Leaking gutters and downspouts can lead to major internal problems. Damp Attic Spaces : Problems with ventilation, insulation, and vapor barriers can cause water, moisture, mold, and mildew to form in the attic, leading to premature wear of the roof and structure. Rotting Wood : Rotting can occur in door or window frames, trim, siding, decks, and fences. Inspectors may probe the wood to check for rot, especially where wood contacts soil. Masonry Work : Rebricking can be costly, but if left unattended, repairs can lead to water and moisture penetration into the home. This can result in clogged chimneys or even a collapsed chimney. Unsafe or Overloaded Electrical Circuits : Overloading circuits can create fire hazards. Inspectors check if circuits, especially the common 15 amp circuits and larger service circuits for appliances, are safe and up to code. Adequate Security Features : Beyond security systems, inspectors look for proper locks on windows and patio doors, deadbolts on doors, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Structural and Foundation Problems : Inspectors investigate footings and foundations for structural integrity. Large cracks, settling, and slippage can be expensive to repair and may require addressing underlying issues. Comprehensive Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers Roof and Chimney Roof : Evaluate the condition of shingles and roof deck for rot. Chimney : Inspect for leaning and cracks in the masonry cap. Bathrooms Plumbing : Check for leaks and water damage. Fixtures : Test water pressure and drainage. Kitchen Plumbing : Examine plumbing under the sink. Electrical : ensure that there are sufficient outlets that are safe Appliances : Test exhaust fans, appliances, and garbage disposal. Interior Walls and Floors : Check for damage. Light Fixtures : Test all fixtures. Doors : Ensure they latch properly. Smoke Detectors : Verify placement and operation. Wooden Structures Damage and Paint : Inspect for damage, missing sections, and paint condition. Windows and Doors Insulation and Rot : Assess insulation quality and check for rot. Operation : Ensure they are square and airtight. Exterior and Grounds Foundation and Drainage : Inspect for damage. Gutters and Exterior Walls : Check condition. Structures : Ensure the garage, shed, fences, and deck are in good condition. Basement Moisture and HVAC : Look for moisture and evaluate the HVAC system. Attic Ventilation and Insulation : Check for stains, leaks, damage, proper ventilation, and insulation. Conclusion Understanding these 11 problem areas and following the comprehensive home inspection checklist helps identify potential issues and prevents costly surprises. Whether you are a seller preparing to list your home or a buyer looking to make an informed purchase, these insights are crucial. For a free, no-obligation PDF hard-copy version of this report contact Doron Weisbarth directly at 206-779-9808. For specific questions or advice, feel free to email doron@weisbarth.com . If you found this information useful, please subscribe to our blog. And don’t forget to follow us for more great tips. Thanks for reading!

Hi, I’m Doron Weisbarth with Weisbarth & Associates. Welcome to my July 2024 Market Update! Today, we’re diving into some fascinating trends that could give you a huge advantage in the real estate game. So, let’s jump right in! Most years, the peak market activity comes in June, which correlates to the peak number of new listings that come on the market. Typically, we see the number of new listings build up during the first and second quarters, peaking around June. Then, it slows down over the summer before a second, smaller peak in mid-fall. However, this year it seems that the peak number of new listings came in May. I don’t think that this means anything, necessarily.  But what’s really intriguing is that buyer activity tends to peak at the same time as new listings. At the beginning of the year, we get this massive surge of eager buyers. And then, by mid-year, many of them have already made their purchases, while a few of them might leave the market frustrated and without a home. Of those who remain, many get caught up with fun summer activities. And then they tend to come back with renewed energy in late summer and early fall. And guess what? That’s when we see that second peak in new listings and market activity.  This perfectly orchestrated dance between buyers and sellers might explain the little wiggles that we see in median home prices. The BLUE line is the median sale price of single family homes in King County, and the ORANGE line is the number of new listings each month. The general trend in home prices is definitely upwards. But, as you might imagine, this is not a straight line, but rather prices wiggle their way up. You can also see the direct relationship between the month-to-month price variations and the number of new listings, which, in turns, correlates with market activity. I highlighted the peak number of new listing every year with the green line. You can see how those peak correlate so well with the peak median home prices each year. But does that mean that the value of homes overall changes? I think that the answer is an emphatic ‘not necessarily!’. You see, what I notice is that, no matter what time of the year it is, when a good home comes on the market, and particularly if the home is properly priced and properly marketed, it will sell fast and for top dollar. Every time!  But if one or more of those three ingredients is missing or deficient, then the house will sit longer, and will not get that top dollar.  By the way, if you want to look at this data and read my report at your pace and leisure, you’ll find all this information in my July newsletter, available online and for download, for free, at Weisbarth.com/Newsletter , that’s Weisbarth.com/Newsletter . Now, during the first and second quarters of every year, when the gap between supply (sellers) and demand (buyers) is the greatest, the market pressure might overcome some of the marketing deficiencies. So even if the house is not quite the best, or priced correctly, or marketed correctly, the market frenzy might just tip things in its favor.  But as we move into the third quarter, when we see more homes available, and fewer buyers, that gap between supply and demand shrinks. And now, just throwing your home on the market without a proper plan and strategy can be very costly. Or if you are looking to buy a home, and you think that you’ll be able to snag a good deal without competition, and therefore don’t need to be properly prepared to compete, you are going to be very disappointed. Good homes still draw plenty of buyers! So, now I hope that you can see how this market seasonality, and other nuanced market trends will change how you approach your buying or selling strategy.  Makes sense, right?  And this is where a skilled, knowledgeable real estate broker can really make all the difference for you to maximize your outcome. There is  no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to the buying and selling process. A skilled broker will know where we are in the cycle, how other forces are affecting the market, and will know how to synthesize all of that information into a comprehensive plan for you, and then guide you correctly.  My team and I are super skilled at doing exactly that! We meet weekly to review all the market information and to discuss the best approaches for our clients. That’s why we are among the top 1% of brokers in the state of Washington – we know what we’re doing! And this is not some tired platitude – we have the numbers to prove it! So, if you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell a home, reach out to me and my team first. We’ll show you how market timing can change your specific game plan.  We’ll provide you with that a fact-based education, custom tailored to your specific needs, to make sure that you understand exactly what’s going on. And the best part is that we’ll provide you with all that information for free and with absolutely no obligation. You see, we believe that once you hear what we have to offer, you’ll want to work with us because you’ll understand that we are the best people to represent you in your transaction. Make sense? It's easy to refer your friends, family, or coworkers to us. You can connect us by email or send a message through my website and Weisbarth.com/refer . But you want to know what’s the best way to reach me? The best way to reach me, by far, is, you guessed it, by phone. My direct number is 206-779-9808, that’s 206-779-9808. I love helping people figure out their way around the real estate maze, and help them reduce the uncertainty and the stress that comes with it, and then get them the best results possible, truly! So call me anytime.   And remember, your business and referrals help support the Akin community, formerly known as Childhaven.  Please remember to like, subscribe, and follow for more great insights, charts, and tips on my monthly vlog. And don’t forget to read our monthly newsletter at Weisbarth.com/Newsletter Have a fantastic rest of your summer, and I’ll see you next month for more great insights and updates. Cheers!

Hi, I’m Doron Weisbarth with Weisbarth & Associates. Welcome to my June 2024 Market Update! Today, I’m going to take you on a journey through the latest real estate trends in our beloved Seattle area, and then put things in some historical perspective. Let’s dive right in! So, at the beginning of every month, I eagerly await the updated dataset from the NWMLS. This data helps me and my team gauge if our gut feelings about the market trends from the previous month are on point. Staying in tune with our local market's pulse is crucial because it allows us to provide the best possible advice to both our buyer and seller clients. While recent data about our local market is essential, keeping a broader perspective on our local market trends is equally important. If you look at popular media outlets, you'll often find national analyses that have little relevance to our local real estate market. And even when it’s local information, at best, you might see a type of shallow analysis called ‘year-over-year’, which can be very misleading and most of the time is incomplete. So now that you understand this point, let’s talk about the latest data from May 2024. The trends we’ve seen over the past few months haven’t changed in any meaningful way. We still have plenty of new listings, plenty of homes receiving offers and going pending, and plenty of sales. Correspondingly, market prices have continued to trend upwards. What I want to do next is take a broader perspective to see how things look from a historical standpoint. I like doing this exercise every few months to help keep perspective, and to make sure that the trends are consistent and that we’re not noticing any aberrations. What you’re looking at here is the dataset starting in January 2014, so just over 10 years aga. To make things a bit clearer, I smoothed out the data by presenting each data point as the average of the trailing three months. This method allows us to easily see the seasonal cycles of market activity in the ‘Closed Sales’ dataset. And you can easily see that while market activity this year is higher than last year, it’s still low overall. This is a result of the low number of new listings that we’ve had for quite a while. As for the median price, you can see the obvious upward trends. While some fluctuations may appear seasonal, there are other, more significant factors that better explain these changes in median prices. I’ll dive into those factors in a future newsletter, so stay tuned! As usual, if you want to look at this data and read my report at your pace and leisure, you’ll find all this information in my May newsletter, available online and for download, for free, at Weisbarth.com/Newsletter , that’s Weisbarth.com/Newsletter . Again, the point of this exercise is to confirm that, overall, our real estate market is stable and predictable despite mortgage rates, inflation, wars, COVID, etc. Knowing and understanding this fact is incredibly important for any buyer or seller. It gives you the confidence to make decisions long term.  So, if you or anyone you know is considering buying or selling a home this year, please refer them to me and my team at Weisbarth & Associates. We’re here to provide guidance and ensure you make informed decisions to maximize your results. We’ll gladly meet with anyone and give customized education and advice, to make sure that you or your referral is making the best decision.  It's easy to refer your friends, family, or coworkers to us. You can connect us by email, or send a message through my website and Weisbarth.com/refer . And you want to know what’s the best way to reach me? The best way to reach me, by far, is by phone at 206-779-9808. It’s always a great way to start a nice relationship, don’t you think?  And remember, your business and referrals help the kids at Childhaven, which now, goes by their new name, Akin, so you’re doing a good deed too! It can’t get any better than this! Please remember to like, subscribe, and follow for more great insights, charts, and tips on my monthly vlog. And don’t forget to read our monthly newsletter at Weisbarth.com/Newsletter . I’m Doron Weisbarth with Weisbarth & Associates. Have a great June, Happy Father’s Day, happy almost summer, and I’ll see you next month!