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Tags: atlanta home inspections, atlanta home inspector, certified pre-inspected, prelisting home inspection, selling your home

John Wieland Homes has a sign that says “Yes You Can”

October 6, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Buying or Selling, Uncategorized

I was driving down the road heading to an Alpharetta home inspection and saw a sign at the entrance of one of John Wielands neighborhoods. The sign said “Yes You Can” and that got me to thinking…..

Yes You Can get great deals right now!

Yes You Can own a new home and get a tax break from Uncle Sam!

Yes You Can find new homes for sale in the John Wieland neighborhoods.

BUT No You Can Not assume that every home is perfectly built just because it is a new home. Even the new homes for sale still are built by contractors that may have an off day or a forgetful moment and we have found several issues with roofs on new homes.

So my last Yes You Can goes along with the home inspection part, can you get Peace of Mind by having your new home inspected “YES YOU CAN” so call us today!

make sure that you get a thorough home inspection from the Atlanta home inspector, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, he serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection. We won’t let you buy the money pit.

Need an easy way to hook up phone, cable and internet, here you go: FREE Home Utility/Communication Connection Services where one call does it all, Satellite, Internet, Cable TV, Home Security, and Phone. Call 1-866-594-4871 and provide them with access code 1008126. Call our Free Home Concierge Services to save time, save money and simplify life!

You can also schedule your own Georgia home inspection today online.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!

Visit us here:

We love new friends and followers!

Services Provided:

Pool & Spa Inspections

Tags: Alpharetta home inspections, Alpharetta home inspector, atlanta home inspections, atlanta home inspector, Canton home inspector, certified home inspector, Georgia home inspection, Georgia home inspector, IHI home Inspections, why do I need a home inspection

Flood Insurance Information from Chris Jordan

October 2, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Buying or Selling

http://www.atlantainsurancelive.com

Ran across this really great Article from Chris Jordan, with Atlanta Insurance Live

September 21, 2009 is a day that will resonate with Atlanta residents for many years. Parts of our city experienced as much as 20 inches of rainfall in a 48 hour period, causing devastating flooding throughout the area. Thousands of homes have been lost, and families will spend months (and in some cases, years) trying to rebuild their lives. The truly unfortunate side of this story is that many of these families did not have flood insurance.

Flooding from rainfall is not covered under a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. A flood insurance policy is something that must be purchased separately through FEMA. Out of 2.2 million homeowners in Georgia, it is estimated that only 91,000 households have a flood insurance policy.

There are three types of flood insurance policies available. First is a policy that covers both your dwelling and your contents. This type of policy is available in both standard risk and preferred risk areas. Next is a policy that covers only your dwelling. This type of policy is available in standard risk areas only. Finally, you can get a policy that covers only your contents. This policy can be purchased in either preferred or standard risk areas. Maximum coverage on a flood policy is $250,000 for your dwelling, and $100,000 for your contents.

To read the rest of the article, visit here http://www.atlantarealestateforum.com/will-your-flood-damage-be-covered-by-your-insurance-16153/

Here’s Chris’ contact information!

http://www.facebook.com/atlantainsurancelive

http://www.twitter.com/thechrisjordan

Of course, when you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home inspection from the Atlanta home inspector, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, he serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection. We won’t let you buy the money pit.

You can also schedule your own Georgia home inspection today online.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!

Visit us here:

We love new friends and followers!

Services Provided:

Pool & Spa Inspections

Tags: atlanta home inspections, atlanta home inspector, Atlanta insurance Live, Atlanta real estate, buying a home, flood in Georgia, Georgia home inspections, Georgia home inspector, Georgias flood, home insurance, homes for sale, insurance agency in Atlanta, insurance agent in Atlanta, insurance for your home

Atlanta home inspector ran across this post “biggest selling myths uncovered”

September 26, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Buying or Selling

The Atlanta home inspector ran across the following article talking about selling your home and the myths that go along with them. I thought it was some great information and wanted to share it with you. Also you might want to visit our page about the benefits of having a home pre-inspected before you list it or put it on the market.

1. Myth: You should always price your home high and gradually lower it if it doesn’t sell.
2. Myth: Minor repairs can wait until later. There are more important things to be done.
3. Myth: Once potential buyers see the inside of your home, curb appeal won’t matter.
4. Myth: Once potential buyers fall in love with the exterior look of your home, you put interior improvements on the back burner.
5. Myth: Your home must be every homebuyer’s dream home.
6. Myth: Buyers are never swayed by sellers that offer creative financing options.
7. Myth: You are better off selling your home on your own, thus saving the commission you would have paid to a real estate agent.
8. Myth: Good sellers should be available to guide prospective buyers through the home, giving the whole process a more personal touch.
9. Myth: Successful sellers insist that the terms of the sale happen their way or no way.
10. Myth: When you receive an offer, you should make the buyer wait. This gives you a better negotiating position.

Now to find out the truths go visit my friend, Jodi Smith, a North Atlanta Realtor to get the rest of the story. She breaks it down so it’s easy to understand.

Now with all that said and done, did you know that getting your home pre-inspected can actually help you to sell your home faster, for more money and with less hassle, make sure that you get a thorough prelisting home inspection from the Atlanta home inspector, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, he serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection. We won’t let you buy the money pit.

We are proud to offer our new FREE Home Utility/Communication Connection Services where one call does it all, Satellite, Internet, Cable TV, Home Security, and Phone. Call 1-866-594-4871 and provide them with access code 1008126. Call our Free Home Concierge Services to save time, save money and simplify life!

You can also schedule your own Georgia home inspection today online.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!

Visit us here:

We love new friends and followers!

Services Provided:

Pool & Spa Inspections

Tags: atlanta home inspections, atlanta home inspector, certified pre-inspected, For Sale by owner, home for sale, home selling myths, Jodie Smith, North Atlanta Realtor, pre-inspected home, prelisting home inspected, prelisting home inspection, selling your home, selling your home get it pre-inspected

All Atlanta home inspectors are not created equal

September 24, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Buying or Selling

As an Atlanta home inspector I often have the opportunity to talk with people about their home inspection process. The one thing that I hate to run up on is a home owner that is selling their home and I happen to be there for the buyer, and locate an issue. One of the things that I hear, is “Well I had this home inspected by (no names here) and they never mentioned it, why didn’t they tell me about this before I bought it?” A lot of the times these items are located on the roof and could be missed by someone who will not or does not walk the roof now day. Another thing I get asked is why do I take so long, once again they are comparing my three to four hour home inspection compared to their one and a half to two hour inspection. I feel sorry for these home owners who are now left holding the bag and there isn’t a thing that I can do about it. Make sure when you are calling around and getting quotes for your up coming home inspection that you are comparing apples to apples, or quality to quality. The one thing you don’t want is Cheap Charlie doing your home inspection, there is a reason why he is cheap and he may end up costing you hundreds or even thousands in the long run.

Now with all that said and done, when you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home inspection from the Atlanta home inspector, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, he serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection. We won’t let you buy the money pit.

You can also schedule your own Georgia home inspection today online.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!

Visit us here:

We love new friends and followers!

Services Provided:

Pool & Spa Inspections

Tags: Acworth Home Inspections, Alpharetta home inspections, atlanta home inspections, canton home inspections, certified home inspectors, Cumming Home Inspections, Marietta home inspections, North Georgia home inspector, Roswell Home Inspections, woodstock home inspections

Insurance tip from Atlanta Insurance Live, Chris Jordan

September 16, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Buying or Selling

As an Atlanta home inspector, I often run across things that I think would benefit new home owners. My good friend, Chris Jordan from Atlanta Insurance Live is always sharing great videos and information with me and I wanted to share the following link to his latest tip. http://atlantainsurancelive.com/?p=394 : Do you have an inventory of your household items? If you do then you should be smiling like the couple in the photo, no one ever plans for tragedy to hit, but better to have a plan and not need it then not have a plan and need it. It’s your choice.

Hope that helps! He also has some great links on his website for other valuable tools when you are dealing with insurance. When purchasing a new home their is two things that you don’t want to do without, insurance and a great home inspection to make sure that you are not buying the money pit! It is no longer a great deal if you end up spending thousands on undisclosed issues.

You can also schedule your own Georgia home inspection today online.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!

Visit us here:

We love new friends and followers!

Tags: atlanta home inspections, atlanta home inspector, Atlanta insurance Live, Atlanta real estate, buying a home, Georgia home inspections, Georgia home inspector, home insurance, homes for sale, insurance agency in Atlanta, insurance agent in Atlanta, insurance for your home, North Georgia home inspector

Atlanta home inspector shares article about Home Warranties

August 25, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Buying or Selling

Atlanta home inspector wanted to share an article with you that was found on Jodi Smith, North Metro Atlanta Realtors website

HOME WARRANTIES Can Help You, Too!

May 18, 2009 by Jodi Smith, Marietta Realtor, Roswell Realtor, East Cobb Realtor

As it gets harder to sell homes in today’s market, many sellers and Real Estate Agents are turning to Home Warranties-using them as an added value for potential buyers. These plans give buyers some peace of mind, knowing they’ll be covered for any unexpected repairs to their new home. Plus, they help protect Realtors against claims from buyers wanting reimbursement for property defects that arise after closing.

A home is the single largest investment that most people will ever make, and the last thing a new homeowner wants to learn is that they are facing an expensive repair. And while an inspection may find many problems that could be covered b y a home warranty, it cannot account for latent issues that are beyond an inspector’s scope or occur down the road after the sale is complete. To help prevent post-closing glitches, more sellers are offering to include a home warranty in the sale of their homes to allow buyers to purchase with more confidence. In fact, real estate professionals are now purchasing warranties as a gift for buyers and sellers, while also helping protect themselves from future litigation.

To help reduce your risk, you should recommend that your clients purchase a home warranty for their property and provide them a list of reputable companies to choose from. Encourage them to resarch the copanies thoroughly and ask the right questions, including:

Which components of thehome will be covered by the warranty, which component are not coverd, and what are the specific exclusions and limitations? Is additional coverage available for items like swimming pools or refrigerators?
How mch is the annual cost of the home warranty plan?
How much is the charge for a trade service call?
What are the total dollar limits on the warranty, and what are the limits for individual items?
How long has the company been in business, and is it licensed?
Is the company’s consumer service department available for requests 24 hours a day, 365 days a year?
Can the warranty be renewed?
Will a licensed contractor be used to make the repair, and what is the turnaround time?
What percentage of claims is paid?
What is the company’s customer retention ratio?

Most importantly you should stress the importance of reviewing a policy carfully before accepting it, paying particular attention to what is and isn’t covered. Often, thee contrac come with loopholes that require proper maintenance or upgrades to current building codes before repairs will be covered. If your clients decline this valuable coverage, you should document this fact in writing and retain the waiver in your transaction file.

When homeowners require more than a handshake after making the most significant investment of their lives, give them a home warranty and arm them with the security they need to help fight problems and various covered systems and appliances.

(Source: Realtor Magazine)

If you’re thinking about buying a home or selling your current one, Call Me Today: 678-763-6025 or Email Me: jodismith@kw.com! Let’s Get Started!!!

You can also schedule your own Georgia home inspection today online.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!

Visit us here:

We love new friends and followers!

Services Provided:

Pool & Spa Inspections

Tags: atlanta home inspections, atlanta home inspector, Atlanta real estate, buying a home, Georgia home inspections, Georgia home inspector, home warranties, homes for sale, homes for sell

Home Buying Seminar – Why is now a great time to buy?

August 25, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Buying or Selling, News & Events

The Atlanta home inspector is proud to be able to pass this information along to those of you who may want to take advantage of becoming educated about the $8,000 tax credit and it’s fast approaching deadline of December 1, 2009. This means if you know of anyone who wishes to take advantage of it. A home needs to be under contract near Oct 15.

Home Buying Seminar – Why is now a great time to buy?

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

6:00 PM-7:00 PM Cost: FREE!

Cherokee/Towne Lake

1085 Buckhead Crossing Dr Ste 100

Woodstock, GA 30189-4261

Attend the FREE Home Buying Seminar and learn why now would be a great time to buy. I will help educate attendees to market conditions assisting in helping to make good business decisions on acquiring a home…usually your largest asset. Home buying guide books are distributed to help guide you through the process. We will discuss the functionality of a Buyer Gateway tool to help you find your new home. We help you every step of the way and answer all questions.

Hosted by Robin Perry, Managing Broker

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Cherokee Towne Lake

1085 Buckhead Crossing, Suite 100

Woodstock, GA 30189

678-486-2046 Cell 770-256-5780

Always please remember, referrals are the lifeline of my business. All are greatly appreciated.

You can also schedule your own Georgia home inspection today online.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!

Visit us here:

We love new friends and followers!

Tags: atlanta home inspections, atlanta home inspector, Atlanta real estate, buying a home, first time home buyer, First time home buyer classes, first time home buyer seminar, first time home owner, Georgia home inspector, homes for sale

Atlanta home inspector shares 5 ways to get your loan quicker

August 20, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Buying or Selling

As An Atlanta Home Inspector I love being able to not only provide valuable information on home inspections in Georgia, but I love sharing other tips and tricks to help you during your home buying process. So when I found this information from Lisa Saunders and Kathy Delbridge over at Home Savings of America I knew that it would be information that you would find helpful.

Five ways to make the loan process go faster

We should say that “working with us” is the first way! When you let us help you find the loan that’s right for you, you truly are taking advantage of some of the area’s best technology and expertise to get you a loan decision and funding on your loan quickly.

But here are five “other” ways you can speed up the process of getting a mortgage loan:

1. Have everything ready and in one place. Elsewhere on our website, you’ll find a list of things you might need in support of your mortgage application. If you get them all together and keep them in a safe, portable place like a special pouch or folder, you can cut down on time spent rooting around for things we may need. Also, you’ll help cut down on your own anxiety and confusion.

2. Be honest and complete when you fill out your application. “Fudging” your employment or residence history or omitting open credit accounts you’d rather not have considered doesn’t increase your chances of getting a favorable loan. In 100 percent of cases, it makes it harder, and take longer.

3. Respond promptly to requests for additional information. During processing, we or the lender considering your loan may need additional information. Provide it as soon as you get the request, or return the call as soon as you get the message.

4. Be prepared to explain derogatory items in your credit report. This is really part of number 2 above. If you had an illness or a divorce where you missed or made late payments, or you have other instances of late payments or delinquencies on your credit report, be prepared to explain them. Be honest, and don’t be nervous! The loan processor isn’t judging you, they’re trying to fill in all the blanks in their paperwork.

5. Let the appraiser in! The appraisal is one of the lengthiest parts of the mortgage loan process. Studies have shown that the single biggest factor in appraisal “lag time” is the appraiser’s inability to reach the homeowner to make an appointment. If you’re refinancing and the appraiser calls to make an appointment, make it as soon as convenient for both of you.

And remember that the appraiser doesn’t want to buy your house. He or she will say what the house is worth clean and tidy and in reasonable repair, even if you have some dirty laundry on the laundry room floor or dirty dishes in the sink. Cleaning doesn’t get you a higher appraisal! Letting the appraiser in as soon as possible gets you a loan faster, though.

You can also schedule your own Georgia home inspection today online.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!

Visit us here:

We love new friends and followers!

Services Provided:

Pool & Spa Inspections

Tags: Alpharetta home inspection, Alpharetta home inspector, atlanta home inspections, atlanta home inspector, bank loans, buying a new home, first time home buyer, home loan, home refinance, lending, mortgage, mortgage lenders, mortgage rates, mortgage refinance, nationwide mortgage, refinance

Don’t miss your chance at the $8,000 tax credit

August 18, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under 1st time buyers, Buying or Selling

As an Atlanta home inspector, I love being able to help new first time home buyers with their home inspections in North Georgia. I also love being able to locate and share valuable information. So here is a great link that I found over at http://www.realtor.org

Daily Real Estate News | August 7, 2009 | Share
Foreclosure Bargains Are Disappearing
Buyers of foreclosure have to be quick these days. Some houses go under contract fewer than 90 minutes after they are put on the market, says Brad Geisen, founder of Foreclosure.com.

“For every listing that comes out, we have 10 buyers,” says Cesar Dias, an associate with Approved Real Estate Group in Stockton, Calif.

Dias had 15 minutes of fame after introducing foreclosure sales tours last year. Now the tours are defunct because there are not enough homes to show.

“We had a lot of inventory last summer. Now we’re down to 1,500 listings — from more than 5,000,” Dias says.

In Florida, real-estate investment companies, buying in bulk and paying cash, face competition.

Even in the hard-hit Detroit area, bargains are disappearing.

“For a good house that’s not too beat up, in a good neighborhood, there’s no lack of buyers in this market,” says Andy Sakmar, founder of Century 21 Sakmar in Rochester, 20 miles north of the city. “There are a lot fewer of these properties than a year ago, and the super buys get multiple offers.”

Source: CNNMoney.com, Les Christie (08/06/2009)

Now here’s some really great news if you need a great realtor up in the North Atlanta area I have a few that I love being able to work with and I have gotten rave reviews from their clients! One is Mark Broyles and The Mark Broyles Team – Your Fulton Realtor , Jodi Smith -Your East Cobb Realtor, Donna Agee - Your Gwinnett Realtor and Debbie Williams – Your Cherokee Realtor

Now when you need a thorough home inspection call me, the Atlanta home inspector, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, he serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection. We won’t let you buy the money pit.

We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time