Lead Base Paint is in all homes built before 1978. That is what I tell my customers when they are looking to purchase a home built in prior to "78". My job is to help the consumer to understand about defects and disclosures. So, I explain to consumers that even though a seller may say there's no reports or knowledge of lead base paint... it could be there.
Lead exposure can affect any adult, but is a high concern for pregnant women and children, because toxins effect a developing brain and absorption by the bone at high levels. Knowledge and education is key. But... lets put this in perspective.
People deal with lead in our lives. Fishing weights are made of lead, there's leaded gasoline in older vehicles... copper pipes were soldered with lead for connections for plumbing. Toys that come from foreign countries still use lead to paint toys and dishes. Primarily, the problem lies when children eat paint chips, (lead taste sweet), off in the floor or window seals, or... when sanded paint becomes inhaled in dust form. When working on, or with lead... lead particles gets on clothes and can be brought into your own home.
As of April, 2010... the EPA has introduced new regulations for the housing industry. Renovations, repair and painting contractors must be certified and use lead-safe work practices when working in homes built before 1978. These regulations may cause work on these old houses too expensive to repair, and buyers need to re-think the purchase. Consumers can opt out working on their own homes or occupants can sign a statement stating there are no pregnant women or children residing in the home for the contractor to do the work.
Helping buyers with information about the roofing materials and it's condition should be directed to a roofing expert for inspection.
I have found that composite shingles are the most commonly material used. The lower-end, three tab shingle vary in life ranges of 15 to 20 years, where heavier and more expensive architectural shingles give a textured, three dimensional look. The life expectancy is 30 plus years for the higher grade shingle.
Clay,tile and slate are stylish and more unusual. The cost is also expensive and takes longer to install by a experienced seasoned contractor. These type of materials heat up slowly which provides a more moderate effect on hot temperatures. Tiles are lighter than concrete, but more fragile. Both these materials can weather years beyond the life expectancy of traditional asphalt/composition shingles. An estimate maybe of 50 plus years.
Metal roofs are becoming more popular. They come in a variety of textures, shapes and thicknesses. Composites can look like wood shakes to slate and can be pricey. Life spans can reach 50 plus years.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau... the average square footage of a new house has decreased slightly to 2215 square feet from it's high of 2277 sq. ft. in 2008. This is the first drop since the recession of the early 1980's. Americans are starting to embrace the idea that less is more when it comes to living space... perhaps due to the 2007 economic down cline again.
What is interesting is current housing standards are double the average home of the 1960's.
Land for Sale in Central McClain County just South of Norman, Oklahoma
Are you needing land to build your new home... or set up a mobile home? I have several tracts available with or without building and livestock restrictions. If you have questions on what kind of down payment needed for a land purchase, call me.
Land is not a 30 year mortgage but a bank loan is needed... you may be best qualified to apply for a construction loan to obtain your land/home purchase. I have the answers to your questions!
A computer program called Desktop Underwriting states that a consumer should expect 28% of gross income spent on housing expense and could not exceed 36%.
Other than government lending programs, (and rules change all the time), the borrower also needs equity in the form of a downpayment.... not to mention being credit worthy.
Getting your property priced correctly at the listing with your Realtor is "key" to having a quick sale.
My job, as your Realtor... is to assist you the buyer, with comparable sales of property and provide information as to what your listing is worth today. Sometimes, I might suggest having a professional appraisal in hand, to back up my opinion... since I am the listing Realtor.
The correct pricing will produce urgency with buyers in the early days of your listing. Don't be surprised when buyers make an offer in the first two weeks of a listing... when it is not overpriced. A common mistake is a seller thinking the listing is under-valued and not accept the offer because it happens so fast. This simply means that a majority of the buyers who are currently searching in a neighborhood are interested in your property. These buyers are looking... a sign goes up... it's on a web site they have been watching and, it's priced right, then BINGO, they make an offer!
Property inspections are a must. Even in hot markets or in foreclosure situations, buyers shouldn't skip inspections. Buyers should be scheduling them as soon as possible to avoid delaying the closing. It's in everyone's best interest to have all the property defects revealed and addressed before closing.
Get repair quotes. The next step is for buyers to obtain estimates, or quotes for the repair of major defects. Quotes should be specific as to what will be done, the materials that will be used, the cost, effective dates of the quote, and whether any warranties will be provided. Ask that all repair quotes and repairs themselves come from licensed contractors or subcontractors when state building code requires it. In most states, a home owner can make repairs on his own home.
Negotiate repair expenditures or credits. Once buyers have received and reviewed all repair quotes, they should prepare a request to the sellers for those repairs, or reductions of the sales price in lieu of repairs. Attach inspection reports and quotes to the request. Sometimes the seller may believe that a quote from a contractor is too high. In such cases, the seller may call in another contractor to quote on the identical repair. Any difference between the quotes can then be negotiated between the parties. Buyers should submit all repair requests in writing, sign and date them. Likewise, sellers should sign and date any counter to a repair request.
Credit of repairs or a reduced sales priceis generally recommended rather than making repairs. There are several reasons for this. Sellers are busy packing for their own move and don’t have time to do repairs or to work with contractors. When sellers do the work themselves, they notoriously underestimate the time required to make repairs. Contractors may not be available to do the work in time for the closing, thus causing delays. And buyers are rarely satisfied with the quality of repairs done by sellers. Once buyers and sellers have reached a consensus on repairs, credits, and price reductions... the final terms of the agreement should be in writing.
I pride myself in the service I give to my customers. It's a pleasure to have buyers and sellers tell me, "they could not have done this without me." What a feeling of worth!
I have been told that I am brutaly honest. I explain my customers options and let them decide what they want to do. And, if that means they don't make that purchase... it's okay!
My pet peve is when I see another professionals using "pressure tactics" and talk customers into making a purchase, list or sell, that they may not been ready for.
I don't push... I "shoot" the facts. Making a home or land purchase is hard. My job is to make it easier for my customers!
Lead Base Paint is in all homes built before 1978. That is what I tell my customers when they are looking to purchase a home built in prior to "78". My job is to help the consumer to understand about defects and disclosures. So, I explain to consumers that even though a seller may say there's no reports or knowledge of lead base paint... it could be there.
