Dianne Drinkwater, Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Florida Network RealtyPhone:
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
When buying a home, there are so many things to check out before the big signing day. Inspecting a home should be at the top of the list. Home inspections identify problems that may not be obvious to the naked eye. Here are some important things to consider when having your new home inspected.
There are different home inspection processes to choose from and the age of your home will help to determine which one to get.
Start by first finding a professional and certified home inspector. Check out your online resources such as Angie’s List and the home adviser website to find one close to you. Realtors also have recommendations of inspectors so make sure to ask them to help you locate one.
Once you have found your certified home inspector, they would be able to identify with you what type of inspection your home would need. Most homes need a general or residential inspection. General inspections include the structure, exterior, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interior, insulation, and ventilation. After completing the inspection, the final report helps the buyers decide on any needed repairs before purchasing. To get the most information out of the inspection, make sure to ask questions about the findings. Having these answers on hand will enable you to negotiate with the sellers about including those needed repairs. Besides, it is essential to know the structural condition of your home.
Another home inspection to consider is the termite/wood destroying organism inspection. This type of inspection would account for structural damage caused by wood boring insects. For older homes, these insects may cause problems in the future. Generally, this type of inspection comes at an additional cost.
If you are buying a home that is older than 30 years or more, consider doing a lead-based paint inspection. This type of inspection came about after the federal government banned the use of lead-based paint. If you that lead-based paint may have been used in your home, hire a certified lead abatement contractor to inspect your home.
Another type of inspection to consider is gas and chemicals. A mitigation contractor can test for methane gas or radon and identify ways to remove it. There are additional charges for this type of inspection. Overall, getting a home inspection is an integral part of becoming a homeowner. Make sure to use the resources provided to you and your realtor for any questions or concerns.
Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.
She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida.
Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson.
So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you?
So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you.
What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market?
Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater