A Loan Modification Should Be More Than a Band-Aid

A Loan Modification Should Be More Than a Band-Aid

A valid question recently posed by James Budrow of Sacramento Inspection LLC in Sacramento, California is why the government or the bank doesn’t require the home to be re-inspected by a certified home inspector as part of the process before a loan modification is finalized? If an inspection is not performed and major deficiencies are not addressed, the loan modification could be nothing more than a band-aid on an issue that will clearly come back on the home owner or the bank down the road.

A Loan Modification Should Be More Than a Band-Aid

Sacramento Inspection LLC has been called out to do inspections on homes recently handed back to the banks that have clearly not been maintained. Some of the situations found at these homes are non-permitted additions, structural foundation problems, leaking roofs or roofs past their life expectancy, heating and air conditioning systems that don’t work properly, defective plumbing issues, unsafe electrical issues, and mold growth inside the home that is so prevalent that the inhabitants were sick 24/7.

Any one of these issues can potentially cost a home owner tens of thousands of dollars unexpectedly and can start a chain reaction, lessening the desire to continue to make the payments on the loan or allowing the home to fall into further disrepair if the problem is not corrected. If the occupants walk away from the home and allow it to go into foreclosure and back to the bank without making the necessary repairs, the home will either sit vacant on the market indefinitely or be sold via auction at a drastically reduced price, further weakening the already fragile real estate market. If these homes had been inspected prior to the loan modification being finalized, the investment the government, the bank, and the homeowner has in that property could be protected further by adding enough money to the loan to make necessary repairs to the home to bring it to acceptable standards.

James Budrow feels that the homes need to be inspected by a certified home inspector, a “cost-to-cure” analysis compiled, and that the bank and home owner should be required to agree as part of the loan modification that all major defects be repaired before the loan modification paperwork is finalized.  A program like this would be a move in the right direction that could benefit more than the initial parties. It would stimulate the economy by putting more contractors back to work to make those repairs, help the government update homes to be more energy efficient, and keep the homes in good repair to maintain their value over time.  James Budrow believes that this may be the only way to insure that more home owners can be compelled to make their monthly payments for the life of the loan modification.

A Loan Modification Should Be More Than a Band-Aid

Homes For Sale In Sacramento, CA

Homes For Sale In Sacramento, CA

Fighting Germs in the Home

Fighting Germs in the Home

Need For Indoor Air And Surface Quality Programs

Testing Indoor Air and Surface Quality

Anyone who is or has been the parent of a school-aged child will be familiar with the frustrating scenario – the kids were fairly healthy over the summer months or the holiday break, and then a few days back in school brings on the runny noses and nagging cough.  A schoolroom full of children will pass around germs at lightening speed. Containers of hand sanitizer have cropped up in schools and other public places so that we can clean our hands on the spot. Most people are careful to wipe down things that they are going to touch in public places in an effort to ward off germs.  But current research shows that our homes might be germier than we think, causing over 50 percent of food-borne illnesses and over 65 percent of colds.  Even with the most rigorous cleaning efforts, it turns out that some of the dirtiest air we breathe is in our own homes!

Areas inside the house that hold the highest levels of bacteria per square inch range from the expected, like the toilet bowl, to the more surprising, such as the kitchen faucet handle.  Some of the contamination can be mitigated with more stringent disinfecting routines.  Most homeowners regularly sterilize the toilet bowl, but how many do the same to the cutting board, which is a rich breeding ground for bacteria- and virus-producing germs?  However, even the most energetic house cleaning generally cannot address all levels of infecting agents in the home. Our homes now contain many of the irritants that we have worked so hard to reduce in the outdoor environment, from the chemical cleaners we use to the clothes in the closet laced with dry-cleaning compounds. Many houses have hidden problems, such as water leaks that are promoting mold growth.  With all of our modern knowledge about the impact of environmental pollution, we know that airborne toxins can affect physical health in many ways such as inducing asthma symptoms and exacerbating allergies.  Today’s homeowners need to take new and cutting-edge approaches to managing the household environment to keep the home cleaner and the family healthier.

One of the most beneficial tools available to homeowners now is the indoor air and surface quality evaluation. Some home and building inspectors have fulfilled educational and testing requirements in the area of indoor air quality, focusing on issues including mold, lead, radon, carbon monoxide, asbestos, and pesticides.  These professionals will come into the home, take air and surface samples to be tested, and produce a detailed report on the contaminants found.  They can also discuss the available solutions and help customize a plan for your situation.  By combining a professional evaluation with your own cleaning efforts you can achieve a comprehensive plan to make your home the healthiest place it can be.

Energize Your Sacramento Home

. A credit of 30% of the cost, up to $1500, until December 31, 2010

Reports show that consumer spending has been up slightly this year, a hopeful indication of a slowly recovering economy.  But many Sacramento homeowners continue to be cautious, trying to lower costs and keep to a moderate budget.  One of the best investments a Sacramento homeowner can make is to install energy efficient systems that will help reduce utility bills.  However, the upfront costs of replacing a water heater or installing new windows can be considerable.  If you want or need to replace appliances or systems, consider making the upgrades soon to take advantage of the current tax incentives that can offset the costs.

The American Recovery and Investment Act, known as the Stimulus, has extended tax credits for making various energy related investments.  The goal is to encourage Sacramento homeowners to conserve energy by purchasing energy-efficient products or renewable energy systems.  The items that warrant tax credits fall under several categories based on the item and the property type.  Here is an overview of what is included in the tax credit.

A credit of 30% of the cost, up to $1500, until December 31, 2010 on items installed in an existing home (no new construction) that is a primary residence:

• Windows and Doors
• Insulation
• Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems
• Roofs (asphalt and metal)
• Non-solar Water Heaters (natural gas, propane, oil)
• Biomass Stoves

For windows, doors, insulation, and other similar projects that secure the home exterior, the credit is limited to the cost of materials.  If you buy a new HVAC system that meets the energy-efficient guidelines, you can also claim the cost of installation.

A credit of 30% of the cost (no limit) until December 31, 2016 on items installed in an existing or newly constructed home for both primary and secondary residences:

• Solar Energy Systems
• Residential Wind Energy Systems (Turbines)
• Geothermal Heat Pumps

Both labor and materials qualify for the credit.

A credit of 30% of the cost, up to $500 per .5kW of power capacity, until December 31, 2016 on items installed in an existing or newly constructed home that is a primary residence:

• Fuel Cells

The bill also includes new and modified credits for qualified plug-in electric drive vehicles and plug-in electric drive conversion kits.  To find a list of hybrids that are eligible, go to http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid.shtml.

There are specific requirements that each item must meet in order to qualify for the credit. Because current standards are higher than they were for earlier tax credits, not all products that carry the EnergyStar label are eligible for the new credits.  Thoroughly research which appliances and products meet the criteria to ensure that you will reap the greatest financial benefit.  For more detailed information check out the IRS website, http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206875,00.html.

Sacramento Cabinet Re-Facing

The Quick Kitchen Facelift

Kitchens have a major effect on our living experience.  Most families in Sacramento spend a significant amount of time in the kitchen – cooking, eating, cleaning up, hanging out.  Many Sacramento families also spend a significant amount of their home improvement budget in the kitchen.  While a kitchen renovation can be one of the most costly home improvements, there are some smaller updates that you can complete on a conservative budget.  One of the most dramatic ways to give your Sacramento kitchen a new look is to change your cabinets. The most expensive choice would be to replace the cabinets entirely.  But, if your cabinets are well made and in good condition, another more cost-effective route is cabinet re-facing.

Consider the scope of the work to decide if you will tackle the project yourself or hire a Sacramento professional.  The project will involve removing all current pieces, preparing the surfaces, staining or painting, hanging doors and drawer fronts, and installing new hardware. The labor will be more intensive to refinish your current doors and drawer fronts, but that option can also be less expensive.  The quicker yet more costly option is to replace them with new models. There are a variety of styles and finishes to choose from, including solid woods, laminates, and veneers.

Before you reface your cabinets, you will need to clean the doors and drawer fronts (if you are reusing them) and the bases thoroughly to remove dirt, grease and food residue.  Strip wood surfaces that were stained or painted.  Formica and vinyl generally cannot be stripped, but can be prepared for finishing by sanding the entire surface to rough it up slightly.  (If Formica or vinyl were covered with a latex paint you can gently scrape the paint off with a butter knife wrapped in a thin rag.)  Once you have exposed the raw material, patch holes, seal cracks, and sand to smooth all areas.  Apply a primer or sealer before putting on the finish or paint.

When you are starting with a decent wood base you can keep that look by staining the cabinets in a wood grain.  Paint can lend either a traditional or a more modern look depending on your use of color.  An advantage of using paint is that you can easily touch-up any nicks or worn areas over time.  Whatever finishing option you choose for your Sacramento kitchen cabinet renovation, use your imagination and think about what you will enjoy looking at every day.  Add the final touch with matching hardware to give the room a completely new look.

Even if you are planning a more extensive Sacramento kitchen renovation, re-facing may be a good idea. New appliances, fixtures, countertops, and flooring can add up to a hefty bill.  A well-done re-facing job can improve cabinet durability as well as give new life to the room for only a fraction of the cost of a complete cabinetry overhaul.

Looking For A Cheap Inspector?

Hiring a ‘Cheap’ Home Inspector Could Be the Most Expensive Decision Ever.

“7 Shocking Reasons
Why Hiring a ‘Cheap’ Home Inspector Could Be the Most Expensive Decision You Ever Make”

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Sacramento Home Inspection

Sacramento Home Inspection

Ever Thought About the Value of a Sacramento Home Inspection?

Sacramento Home Inspection

Roofing (per SQ/FT)	ECONOMY	STANDARD	CUSTOM
Built-Up	$1.75	$2.05	$2.30
Clay Tile	$8.55	$9.05	$9.60
Concrete Tile	$6.25	$7.00	$8.15
Roll Roofing–Composition	$0.70	$0.80	$0.90
Slate Tile	$11.70	$12.90	$14.30
Shingles–Composition	$1.20	$1.40	$1.55
Wood Shingles	$2.80	$3.40	$3.80
Wood Shakes	$2.85	$3.25	$3.70
Sheathing SQ/FT	——–	$1.75	——–
Miscellaneous	——-	Per Linear FT	——-
Fascia-Board	——-	$3.10	——-
Soffit Board	——-	$5.00	——-
Gutter	——-	$5.65	——-

Sacramento Home Inspection

Some people buy Real Estate in Sacramento without getting a Sacramento Home Inspection and say that they will do the entire remodel themselves.  The problem with that is they might not know what dangers are actually hiding in the Sacramento home itself without having a Sacramento home inspection first.  The husband and wife may have good intentions about fixing the house up and that’s all well and good however; there are not too many people that will crawl around the crawlspaces and attics to see if there are any problems.

The husband may be a very good repair man or even a decent carpenter and he can do a lot of the fix up stuff himself.  But did your husband crawl around the crawlspaces or go up into the attic and see if there are any hidden dangers like black mold, loose wiring or improperly vented ducts?

Sacramento Home Inspection

A Sacramento home inspector will. Their job is to check out the Sacramento home completely. A Sacramento Home Inspection will check out the foundation, the electrical system, the plumbing system, check out crawlspaces, attics, roofs and anything else that has to do with the safety of the home.

The real estate inspectors in Sacramento are not there to kill the deal. The real estate inspector is there to protect you, the buyer, and your family.

Do not buy Sacramento real estate without getting a Sacramento home inspection first because when you do that you’re setting yourself up for a major let down later.

If you move into your Sacramento home without having a Sacramento home inspection it could cost you thousands of dollars later to have whatever you missed repaired after you move in.

Your home is a huge investment.  Don’t you think your family deserves the same? Get your Sacramento Home Inspection before you buy. Your family should always come first.

Your Sacramento home inspection will give you a complete report with pictures of the home that you’re buying.  Your Sacramento home inspector will also explain to you anything you would like to know about the home or the report.

You should accompany the Sacramento home inspector as he inspects the home. He will be glad to explain to you any questions that you may have about your Sacramento home.  This is a very good time to ask him things like where are the main control panels and where is the main water supply valve.

Believe it or not a Sacramento home inspector is on your side. He wants the best for you and he wants to look out for you and your family.

I hope this article has helped you to understand why getting a Sacramento home inspection so important.

Order your Sacramento Home Inspection today! 1-877-424-8289

Sacramento Flu Tips

Reduce Your Chances of Getting Sick with the Flu:

 

1.       Remember what your mother and father said to you when you were young? Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Some alcohol-based hand cleaners may also be effective.

2.       Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of the tissue properly into the garbage. Keeping a travel size package of tissues handy may help control those coughs and sneezes.

3.       Stay home if you’re sick. If you’re feeling bad or you think you’re coming down with something, do everyone a favor, stay home if you don’t feel well.

4.       Try to avoid close contact with sick people. This seems obvious but you should pay more attention to your surroundings and the people around you. If you see someone coughing and sneezing just stay away from them

5.       Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. People have a tendency to touch their face an average of two to three times a minute. You should make a conscious effort to keep your hands away from your face. By avoiding touching your face you may help avoid spreading any virus that you may have been in contact with.

More Helpful Information

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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NEWS ALERT, Stimulus Package, Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit $8,000 with NO REPAYMENT! Must Purchase before December 1, 2009

Tuesday, March 28, 2009,

 

NEWS ALERT, Stimulus Package, Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit $8,000 with NO REPAYMENT! Must Purchase before December 1, 2009

 

NEWS ALERT, CA State Home Buyer Tax Credit $10,000

 

NEW ONLINE COURSE, Five 100% Financing Loans You Should Know About

 

Members of California’s Public Employee Retirement System, Judges Retirement System and Legislators Retirement System are eligible for down payment assistance for the purchase of a new home with no down payment required.

Educators and Public Employees all over the State have attended these no cost online courses and have taken advantage of this historical real estate market. If you have not yet registered, please join us for one of these presentations.  Register HERE: http://rebluebird.com/class_schedule.html

 

Please forward this email to any of your colleagues. Feel free to drop us an e-mail and ask any questions you may have- We are here to help with all of your questions- Join our mailing list HERE: http://www.rebluebird.com/

 

WHERE ARE THESE CLASSES LOCATED? Online, click the link above to register or paste the link in your browser.

 

NEED LOAN WORKOUT ASSISTANCE? We recommend http://www.helpumodify.org/

 

Scott Schang, Broadview Mortgage Corporation Call Toll Free (866) 667-6724 Fax – 714-538-4405

 

 James Budrow

American Pride Home Inspection Service

1-877-424-8289

www.InspectSacto.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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