Sunrise Homes & Renovations, Inc.

The Ultimate Home Inspection Checklist for Informed Decisions

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Embarking on the journey to homeownership is an exciting venture, but it comes with its share of responsibilities. One crucial step in the process is a comprehensive home inspection. To ensure your dream home doesn’t turn into a nightmare, we’ve compiled the ultimate home inspection checklist. Armed with this guide, you’ll be equipped to make informed decisions, identify potential issues, and negotiate confidently before sealing the deal.

Exterior Inspection:

  • Roof condition and age
  • Gutters and downspouts
  • Siding and paint
  • Windows and doors
  • Foundation and grading

Structural Elements:

  • Foundation integrity
  • Walls, ceilings, and floors
  • Attic and crawl spaces
  • Load-bearing walls

Plumbing System:

  • Water pressure
  • Visible leaks
  • Condition of pipes (visible and accessible)
  • Functionality of faucets, sinks, toilets, and showers

Electrical System:

  • Panel condition and capacity
  • Presence of GFCI outlets
  • Functionality of switches and outlets
  • Wiring and visible connections

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC):

  • Furnace and air conditioning units
  • Ductwork condition
  • Filter replacement history
  • Thermostat functionality

Interior Features:

  • Appliance condition and age
  • Flooring condition
  • Walls and ceilings (look for signs of water damage)
  • Functionality of doors and windows

Insulation and Energy Efficiency:

  • Presence and condition of insulation
  • Energy-efficient features (double-pane windows, etc.)
  • Overall energy efficiency of the home

Pest and Mold Inspection:

  • Signs of termites or other pests
  • Presence of mold or mildew
  • Condition of wood structures and beams

Environmental Factors:

  • Radon testing (if applicable in your region)
  • Asbestos inspection (for older homes)
  • Lead-based paint assessment (for homes built before 1978)

Miscellaneous Checks:

  • Garage condition
  • Functionality of garage doors and openers
  • Drainage around the property
  • Overall safety features (smoke detectors, handrails, etc.)

Navigating the home inspection process armed with this comprehensive checklist empowers you to assess your potential home thoroughly. Remember, a well-informed buyer is a confident buyer. Use the insights gained from the inspection to negotiate repairs or adjustments to the sale price. By investing time in a thorough home inspection, you’re not just buying a house; you’re investing in a home where you can build a future.

Financing Your Oasis with a Construction Loan for Swimming Pools and Spas

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Creating a backyard oasis with a swimming pool, hot tub, or water feature can transform your outdoor space into a haven for relaxation and entertainment. However, financing such a project often involves careful planning and consideration. One popular financial option for these endeavors is a construction loan.

Understanding Construction Loans

Construction loans are specialized financing options designed to fund the building or renovation of properties. They differ from traditional home loans in that they provide funds in stages, often referred to as “draws,” as the project progresses. These loans typically have variable interest rates and shorter terms compared to standard mortgages.

Financing Pool and Spa Installations

When it comes to installing swimming pools, hot tubs, or other water features, construction loans offer a flexible solution. Here’s a breakdown of how these loans can be utilized:

1. Single-Close Loans: These loans are particularly useful for financing the entire project, from excavation to completion. They cover the cost of both the home and the pool or spa installation. Single-close loans simplify the process by combining the financing for the home and the outdoor amenities into a single loan.

2. Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit: If you already have equity in your home, you might consider leveraging it to fund your pool or spa installation. Home equity loans or lines of credit allow you to borrow against the value of your home, making it a viable option for financing home improvement projects.

3. Construction-to-Permanent Loans: These loans start as construction loans and then convert into traditional mortgage loans once the project is complete. This option can be beneficial if you’re planning a larger project that includes significant landscaping, such as multiple water features or extensive outdoor renovations.

Things to Consider

Before opting for a construction loan to finance your pool or spa installation, consider the following:

1. Credit and Eligibility: Lenders typically assess creditworthiness and eligibility criteria before approving a construction loan. Ensure your credit score and financial standing meet the lender’s requirements.

2. Costs and Budgeting: Factor in not just the cost of the pool or spa installation but also additional expenses like landscaping, decking, or ongoing maintenance. Create a comprehensive budget to understand the full scope of the project.

3. Interest Rates and Terms: Construction loans often come with variable interest rates and shorter terms. Be prepared for fluctuations in interest rates and ensure you’re comfortable with the repayment schedule.

Installing a swimming pool, hot tub, or water feature in your backyard can significantly enhance your home’s value and your quality of life. Financing these projects through construction loans provides a practical and structured way to fund your dream outdoor oasis.

Before embarking on this journey, it’s wise to research various lenders, understand the terms and conditions of the loan, and carefully assess your financial capability to undertake and repay the loan. A well-thought-out plan will not only ensure a smooth financing process but also help you create the backyard paradise you’ve always envisioned.

Renovating a Bathroom: DIY vs Hiring a Professional

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Renovating a Bathroom: DIY vs Hiring a ProfessionalThe bathroom is one of the most important and frequently used spaces in a home. Over time, it may start to show signs of wear and tear or become outdated. If you’re considering renovating your bathroom, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional. Both options have their pros and cons, and it’s essential to weigh them carefully before deciding.

DIY Renovation:

One of the most significant advantages of a DIY bathroom renovation is the potential cost savings. By doing the work yourself, you eliminate the labor costs associated with hiring a professional. You have control over the materials and can find budget-friendly options to stay within your desired price range.

Taking on a DIY bathroom renovation also gives you complete control over the project. You can choose the design, materials, and timeline that suit your preferences and schedule. This level of flexibility allows you to customize your bathroom to your exact specifications.

Completing a DIY bathroom renovation can be a rewarding experience. Seeing the transformation unfold before your eyes and knowing that you accomplished it on your own can provide a great sense of pride and satisfaction. It can also be a learning opportunity, as you’ll gain new skills and knowledge throughout the process.

Hiring a Professional:

Professional bathroom renovators bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. They are well-versed in all aspects of bathroom renovations, from design to construction. Their expertise ensures that the project is executed efficiently and to a high standard, resulting in a beautiful and functional bathroom.

Hiring a professional allows you to save time and effort. They have a team of skilled workers who can complete the renovation quickly and efficiently. Professionals also have access to specialized tools and equipment that can streamline the process and deliver excellent results. Professional bathroom renovators take pride in their work and strive to deliver exceptional quality.

The decision between a DIY bathroom renovation and hiring a professional depends on your skills, budget, and personal preferences. DIY projects can be cost-effective and rewarding, but they require time, effort, and a certain level of expertise. Hiring a professional ensures expertise, efficiency, and high-quality results but comes with a higher cost and limited control. Whichever option you choose, thorough planning, research, and realistic expectations are essential for a successful bathroom renovation.

Case-Shiller Home Price Growth Ticks Upward in November Reading

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Home prices increased in November, with national home prices up 0.70 percent month-to-month and 6.20 percent higher year-over year. Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index rose by 0.70 percent in the three-month period ending in November; nationally, home prices grew 6.20 percent year-over-year. Seattle, Washington held first place in home price growth with a year-over-year increase of 12.70 percent. Las Vegas, Nevada home prices followed with year-over-year home price growth of 10.60 percent. San Francisco, California home prices grew by 9.10 percent year-over-year. Slim supplies of homes for sale drove rising home prices and sidelined would-be borrowers as affordability remained out of reach. Home Prices Get a Pre-Recession Do-Over in Some Cities David M. Blitzer, Chairman of the S&P Dow Jones Indices Committee, said that Los Angeles and San Diego California along with Las Vegas, Nevada and Miami Florida are repeating fast-paced price gains that they had prior to the recession. Mortgage Rates, Building Costs Impact Supply of Homes and Affordability Combined effects of high mortgage rates and rapidly rising home prices could dampen buyer enthusiasm over time, but the time-worn proclamation that what goes up must come down has not applied to home prices in high demand metro areas. Home buyers may rush to close their home loans before rates rise, but more buyers may delay buying a home due to few options, higher home prices and rising rates. Lower taxes and rising wages may encourage renters to buy homes, but home prices continued to outstrip income for many potential buyers. Building more homes is the only relief in sight for low inventories of homes for sale, but builders face rising materials costs, shortages of lots suitable for building and insufficient workers. Other factors impacting home building and buying homes include poor weather in some areas during December, and further shortages of homes caused by natural disasters in 2017. 2018 may see high-priced local areas develop affordable homeownership programs as current prices continue to rise above interested buyers’ financial resourcesHome prices increased in November, with national home prices up 0.70 percent month-to-month and 6.20 percent higher year-over year. Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index rose by 0.70 percent in the three-month period ending in November; nationally, home prices grew 6.20 percent year-over-year.

Seattle, Washington held first place in home price growth with a year-over-year increase of 12.70 percent. Las Vegas, Nevada home prices followed with year-over-year home price growth of 10.60 percent. San Francisco, California home prices grew by 9.10 percent year-over-year. Slim supplies of homes for sale drove rising home prices and sidelined would-be borrowers as affordability remained out of reach.

Home Prices Get a Pre-Recession Do-Over in Some Cities

David M. Blitzer, Chairman of the S&P Dow Jones Indices Committee, said that Los Angeles and San Diego, California along with Las Vegas, Nevada and Miami, Florida are repeating fast-paced price gains that they had prior to the recession.

Mortgage Rates, Building Costs Impact Supply of Homes and Affordability

Combined effects of high mortgage rates and rapidly rising home prices could dampen buyer enthusiasm over time, but the time-worn proclamation that what goes up must come down has not applied to home prices in high demand metro areas. Home buyers may rush to close their home loans before rates rise, but more buyers may delay buying a home due to few options, higher home prices and rising rates.

Lower taxes and rising wages may encourage renters to buy homes, but home prices continued to outstrip income for many potential buyers.

Building more homes is the only relief in sight for low inventories of homes for sale, but builders face rising materials costs, shortages of lots suitable for building and insufficient workers. Other factors impacting home building and buying homes include poor weather in some areas during December, and further shortages of homes caused by natural disasters in 2017.

2018 may see high-priced local areas develop affordable homeownership programs as current prices continue to rise above interested buyers’ financial resources. 

Case-Shiller: Home Prices Grow at Fastest Rate Since June 2014

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Home prices continued to rise in September according to Case-Shiller National and 20-City home price index reports. According to the National Home Price Index, national home prices rose 0.70 percent month for the three months ending in September. The National Index regained its pre-housing bubble peak and surpassed it by 5.90 percent as of September.

The 20-City Home Price Index rose 0.50 percent from August’s reading. Analysts forecast a growth rate of 0.40 percent month-to-month. The 20-City Home Price Index indicates a home price growth rate 0f 6.20 percent year-over-year. The 20-City Index remained 1.50 percent below its peak in 2006.

The 20-City Home Price Index showed 16 of 20 cities posted gains in home price growth. Seattle, Washington, which has consistently held the top spot for year-over-year home price growth, posted slower growth for September. Seattle held on to its lead for year-over-year home price growth with a reading of 12.90 percent. Las Vegas Nevada held second place in the 20-City Index with a year-over-year home price growth of 9.00 percent. San Diego, California held third place with a year-over-year reading of 8.20 percent appreciation in home prices.

Case–Shiller Home Prices: Not the Whole Story

Analysts caution that while Case-Shiller Home Price Index reports are intended as a tool for real estate investors, they may not reflect all factors impacting U.S. housing markets. An analysis published in May by Trulia indicated that only 38 percent of U.S, homes have recovered their post-recession values. Some analysts say that methodology used for calculating the Case-Shiller home price index readings does not reflect individual or local factors impacting home prices.

In an unrelated report, the Federal Housing Finance Agency reported that home prices for properties with mortgages sold to or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were up 6.50 percent from the third quarter of 2016 to the third quarter of 2017.

FHFA reported that the District of Columbia and all 50 states posted higher home price gains for the period between Q3 2016 and Q3 2017. The top three year-over-year home price gains were held by Washington, D.C at 11.60 percent; the state of Washington held second place with a gain of 11.50 percent and Hawaii and Arizona tied for third place with year-over-year home price gains of 10.00 percent.

FHFA reported home price growth in all 100 areas it tracks and said that the Seattle, Washington region held the highest year-over-year growth rate of 14.60 percent.

NAHB: Builder Sentiment Surges in August

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Home builder confidence in housing market conditions surged in August after sagging to an eight-month low in July. The National Association of Home Builders reported a July reading of 68 in August after analysts expected a one- point increase from July’s Housing Market Index reading of 64. Any reading over 50 indicates that more builders consider housing market conditions positive than those who do not.

Component readings of the Housing Market Index also improved in August. Builder confidence in current housing market condition rose four points to 74; Builder confidence in housing market conditions over the next six months rose by five points to 78. Builder confidence in buyer traffic in new home developments rose one point to an index reading of 49.

Positive Economy Fuels Builder Confidence

Builders have long cited a shortage of buildable lots and labor, along with rising costs as impacting confidence in current and future confidence in housing markets. NAHB said that labor shortages are worse in 2017 than in 2016. Builders reported labor shortages including carpenters and electricians. August readings suggest that positive economic developments are mitigating long-term builder concerns, but a recent tariff on Canadian lumber raised materials costs for some builders.  

The discrepancy between builder confidence and housing starts concerns real estate pros and housing and lending industry leaders, but without enough workers to staff their building crews, home builders face obstacles in meeting buyer demand for homes.

Stronger economic and jobs indicators are boosting builder confidence in housing market conditions. As more prospective home buyers find stable jobs, buying a home becomes possible for prospective buyers who have waited for economic conditions to improve sufficiently to invest in home ownership.