Page 28 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • April 15, 2009
Home Improvement & Gardening
(ARA) You found your dream deal on a foreclosed home, but will that great price tag come with a different kind of higher cost? Buying a repossessed property, short sale or a home offered at a bargain price -- because of its condition -- can mean you are assuming much higher risks. Repossessed and short sale homes are often abandoned and neglected, leaving them with much more potential for unforeseen structural defects, plumbing, electrical, heating systems, environmental issues, and many other problems. Fixing these woes can cost far more than the financial savings from a distressed property purchase. There also may be unknown defects, such as mold or radon, that could affect your family’s health and safety. Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to have the house thoroughly inspected by a professional, so you can reduce these potential risks and the financial costs. A home inspector can help identify potential problems in the home, so you know in advance what you are getting into -- and what you should walk away from. There are many ways to find a home inspector, including consulting family, friends, your attorney, a real estate professional, or a mortgage professional. Information on inspectors across the country is also available on www. ashi.org, the website of The American Society of Home Inspectors, the organization that sets the standards of practice for the inspection industry. Homebuyers are not the only ones who can benefit from a home inspection. If you are selling your home, having it inspected before you list it may help you sell in less time
Spring
Keep dream deals from becoming nightmares
and for more money. Moreover, homeowners can benefit from maintenance inspections, such as an energy inspection, which can help reduce monthly energy costs, and a home safety inspection that can help seniors stay in their homes longer. If you’re thinking of hiring a home inspector, ASHI offers a few tips on how to evaluate candidates: Visit the “Find a Home Inspector” section of ASHI’s website to find a qualified ASHI inspector in your area. Many inspectors also list their specialties and other background information, such as their experience, on this site. Ask the inspector how he operates. Ask for sample
reports. Talk with each candidate to see who is the best fit for your needs and comfort, and for the property being inspected. Check all references. Don’t automatically go with the lowest price. Remember, the old adage is often true -- you get what you pay for. Attend the inspection to ensure you get the best value, and the most information, for your investment. A home inspector can be your best ally in ensuring your dream deal doesn’t turn into a nightmare. Visit www.ashi. org and take the virtual home inspector tour to see and hear
IRRIGATION SERVICES
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NJ Master Plumber #12147
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Sewer & Drain Cleaning Water Heaters Plumbing Alterations Bathroom Remodeling repair service Weekend & Evening Appointments NO JOB TOO SMALL Available to Fit Your Schedule Serving Mahwah & Surrounding Towns Family Trade Since1927
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Office Hours: 9-3 M-F
www.chrisjameslandscaping.com info@cjlands.com • N.J.D.C.A. Lic#13VH01114000 cjlinc1@aol.com • N.J.D.C.A. Lic#13VH011140000
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