jennifer – Parkwood Property Inspections | Home Inspector- High Point- Greensboro- Winston Salem- Raleigh- Durham- Chapel Hill- NC

The Crucial Role of Real Estate Agents for Home Buyers

by jenniferOctober 31, 2023October 31, 2023Leave a comment

The NAR Lawsuit: A Potential Turning Point in Real Estate

As a home inspection company that closely tracks the ever-evolving real estate market, we’ve witnessed recent legal actions aimed at the National Association of Realtors (NAR). These actions have raised concerns about perceived anti-competitive practices, potential violations of consumer protection laws, and a sense of insufficient oversight within the real estate industry. At the heart of these legal challenges is the traditional compensation model for real estate agents, where sellers conventionally cover commission fees for both their listing agent and the buyer’s agent. This lawsuit has the potential to upend this practice, bringing forth changes that could significantly alter the dynamics of real estate transactions. In doing so, these changes stand to impact not only the roles of real estate agents and their network of trusted partners who facilitate smooth transactions but also the experiences of homebuyers and sellers.

The Implications of the NAR Lawsuit

Less Accountability: The traditional real estate model includes safeguards to protect the interests of both buyers and sellers. Buyer’s agents, in particular, play a pivotal role in guiding the process by recommending crucial services such as inspection, legal advice, and financial support. Any significant changes could potentially reduce accountability and consumer protections, leaving individuals with fewer assurances during real estate transactions.
Reduced Access to Listings: If the real estate industry undergoes transformation, it could potentially lead to restricted access to property listings. This could pose challenges for buyers in their quest to discover homes that meet their specific criteria, altering the way they search for suitable properties.
Impact on Affordability: A fundamental shift in the industry might have consequences on property prices and overall affordability. This shift could place increased financial burdens on first-time homebuyers and those in pursuit of homeownership, particularly as traditional commission structures are reevaluated.
Altered Commission Structures: The lawsuit has cast a spotlight on the responsibility for paying real estate agent commissions. If this practice shifts, buyers may be required to shoulder these costs, potentially carrying significant financial implications.
Uncertainty and Complexity: A significant transformation in the real estate industry could introduce uncertainty and complexity into the home buying process. This may challenge both buyers and sellers in understanding the evolving landscape, making their decisions more complex.

The Indispensable Role of Real Estate Agents

Despite these potential industry changes, real estate agents remain invaluable for homebuyers. They offer a range of services that extend beyond access to property listings and transaction facilitation. Here are some reasons why real estate agents are indispensable:

Expertise in the Local Market: Real estate agents possess an in-depth knowledge of the local housing market. They provide valuable insights into neighborhood trends, property values, and upcoming developments, enabling informed decision-making. They also offer guidance in choosing essential services, such as inspections, legal assistance, and financial advice.
Access to Listings: Realtors have access to an extensive network of property listings that may not be readily available to the general public. They streamline the process of finding properties that match specific criteria, ultimately saving time and reducing stress for buyers.
Negotiation Skills: Real estate agents are skilled negotiators who advocate for buyers. Their experience in interactions with sellers and their agents ensures favorable deals. Importantly, their knowledge of home inspection reports can be pivotal in recognizing and negotiating important defects.
Paperwork and Legalities: Home purchases involve extensive paperwork and legal processes. Real estate agents are well-versed in these intricacies, minimizing the potential for errors and ensuring a smooth transaction.
Connections: Realtors maintain a broad network of industry professionals, including inspectors, appraisers, mortgage brokers, and lawyers. This network streamlines the home buying process, ensuring a comprehensive support system.
Time Savings: Engaging a real estate agent streamlines the property search, ensuring that buyers view only the most relevant properties that align with their preferences.
Emotional Support: The journey of buying a home can be emotionally charged. Real estate agents provide guidance and emotional support, always keeping their clients’ best interests in mind.
Price Guidance: Realtors assist buyers in understanding the fair market value of a property, helping them avoid overpaying or missing out on excellent opportunities.
Market Knowledge: Real estate agents stay informed about market trends and provide advice on the optimal times to make a purchase, contributing to wise investment decisions.
Risk Mitigation: By advocating for the interests of buyers, real estate agents minimize the inherent risks of home buying, ensuring that buyers are protected throughout the transaction.

The NAR lawsuit has the potential to reshape the real estate industry, with implications for both buyers and sellers. Nevertheless, the role of real estate agents remains integral for homebuyers. Their expertise, guidance, and support throughout the home buying process are invaluable, providing a necessary layer of protection for consumers. Staying informed about industry developments while continuing to rely on the expertise of qualified real estate professionals is key to navigating this evolving landscape successfully.

Introducing Jessica

by jenniferMarch 12, 2022October 22, 2022Leave a comment

We are excited to welcome Jessica to the Parkwood Team! She has prior experience as an office manager in a large real estate firm so she understands the importance of inspections and all components of a real estate transaction. Jessica has some administrative duties, but the major component of her role is growth and development. She is excited to plan events and develop marketing strategies to help grow our brand. We can’t wait for you to meet her!

5 Signs Suggestive of Roof Damage

by jenniferSeptember 29, 2021Leave a comment

Those two words together, roof and damage, can make even the most stoic person want to cry in a dark corner of their home. The thought of having to replace a roof can be terrifying, but catching little problems before they become gaping wounds can save you money, headaches, and tissues! There are several telltale signs that your roof is begging for your attention.

Visible dip or sag in roof

One of the easiest ways to know that your roof may have damage is seeing a dip or sagging in any part of the roof. This could be indicative of a few things. It could be water damage, framing issues, or impact damage as the result of a storm. Whatever the cause, it’s important to pay attention to.

Damaged shingles

Another red flag there is deterioration is damaged shingles. This may include missing, warped, curved, or buckling shingles. Again, the culprit could be water damage. A buildup of moisture or improper ventilation could be the perpetrators as well.

Mold and/or algae

Having visible mold or algae growth on your shingles is not only unattractive, but it is problematic as well. Evidence of algae can have the look of dark streaks running down your shingles. Those streaks could also be mold, and it is VERY important to distinguish which of the two this is. Mold can result in severe health issues, so it’s vital to really keep an eye out for this issue.

Soft/spongy spots when walking on roof

It’s good to have a little spring in your step, but not when you’re walking on your roof! If you are not someone that is scared of heights (unlike me, who goes up three steps on a ladder and has a panic attack), then taking a careful stroll onto your roof could help you detect an issue that is not usually visible to the naked eye. If you feel soft or spongy spots in your roof that could suggest there is a concern for structural depletion.

Attic Check

One great way to inspect for roofing issues is to check the attic. Take a good look around up there to see if there are obvious signs of water leakage evidenced by active dripping or large wet spots in the wood. You may also see water stains on ceilings inside the home. Even if there are no current wet areas, look around also for black spots in the wood, as this can be mold and needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later.

These signs are not an all-inclusive list pointing to roof damage, but they are a great place to start. Replacing an entire roof can be extremely expensive, so the best thing to do is have a trusted roofing specialist check out any questionable symptoms you have noted. When it comes to your roof, correcting a minor issue versus ignoring it can save you a lot of trouble and moolah down the road!

4 Reasons for A Pre-listing Inspection

by jenniferAugust 21, 2021Leave a comment

To be fair, here at Parkwood, we do love inspections, but that’s not the only reason we would recommend a pre-listing inspection! It may be a seller’s market right now, but that can change rather quickly, and you may need a way to make your home stand out from the rest. That is where a pre-listing inspection can be incredibly useful.

Ensure Proper Pricing of Home

Having your home inspected before you put it on the market is important for many reasons. One of the top reasons is to make sure that your home is priced fairly and priced to sell. If a home is overpriced, it can sit on the market longer than other comparable properties. Obtaining a pre-listing inspection can help you identify things in the home that may need to be repaired. If you, as a seller, do not have the means or desire to fix these problems, pricing your home to reflect the defects can save you time, negotiations, and headaches throughout the process.

Identifying Potential Issues

Another great reason to get an inspection is to identify any potential issues that could pop up on a buyer’s inspection report and address them. When is the last time you were in your attic or crawlspace? Buying a home is such a large investment, and getting an inspection that has many issues, whether just cosmetic or serious, can scare buyers away from a transaction. Getting ahead of problem areas before listing your home could make all the difference in getting an offer or not.

Can Save You Money and Negotiation Time

If you do choose to repair any items found in your pre-listing inspection, you can potentially save yourself money by obtaining quotes from more than one contractor. Even if you decide that you do not wish to repair any items, having various quotes on hand for buyers can save time by cutting down on the back and forth of negotiating. This can especially be valuable if a buyer is asking for seller allowances at closing. Doing your own research will ensure that you are not offering too much or too little for these allowances.

A Sign of Transparency

Last, but absolutely not least, having an inspection report available for potential buyers instills a level of trust. It shows that you are not trying to hide anything, and this can truly go a long way. Being transparent with people who are interested in your home can make them more confident about moving forward with buying your home.

It may seem like it is not too important to obtain a pre-listing inspection. I mean, the buyer will be ordering their own inspection, why should you, right? Well, again, knowing what problems that are lurking in your home before you list it can facilitate a smoother transaction for all of the reasons stated above. Ready to schedule your pre-listing appointment? Give us a call today at (336) 804-4456 or (984) 212-6993.

The Parkwood Difference

by jenniferMay 3, 2021Leave a comment

Buying a home is such an exciting time, but it can also be a chaotic one. There are so many moving parts from agents, to lenders, appraisals, and inspections. Things can become overwhelming rather quickly. With Parkwood Property Inspections, our goal is to not only provide excellent service but also make the home inspection aspect of the transaction as smooth as possible. There are many home inspection companies out there, and you may wonder what’s the difference between our company and the other places? I’m glad you asked! I would love to tell you a little about the Parkwood difference.

What makes a great inspection company is having the right team. At Parkwood, the inspectors are knowledgeable, very helpful, and always vigilant about furnishing the most thorough reports possible. The inspectors are always there to answer any questions agents or buyers/sellers may have about the contents of a report.

Another advantage Parkwood offers is the option to pay for your inspection at the time of closing. This can be beneficial if you would like a little extra time before having to make a payment. In the case that you would like to go ahead and pay for your inspection, we provide a link at the bottom of your invoice that will allow you to quickly and conveniently pay online.

During certain times of the year, especially in the summer, inspection companies can become booked over a week out. This can be an issue if you have a short due diligence period or would just like the inspection completed immediately. At Parkwood, we will always find a way to fit you into the schedule. We are a multi-inspector firm so we are able to offer more availability than most companies. We understand the importance of having all inspections completed as soon as possible.

Speaking of all inspections, did you know that Parkwood simplifies the process of setting up the various inspections you would like to have done? Whether you need septic, pest, water, HVAC, or even a chimney inspection, we can help with that. We provide a single invoice that lists all charges making it easier to keep track of everything. If you would like, we can even send this invoice directly to the closing attorney if you plan on paying at closing, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Finally, we have multiple ways for you to schedule with us. You can schedule appointments online at https://parkwoodpropertyinspections.com/schedule-your-home-inspection/. We are available via phone or text at (336) 804-4456 or (984) 212-6993. We also take requests through email at either contact@parkwoodpropertyinspections.com or triangle@parkwoodpropertyinspections.com. We offer inspections in not only the Triad area but in the Triangle as well!

These are just a few of the ways that Parkwood Property Inspections stands out from the rest. If you’re ready to see the Parkwood difference, we are only a call, click, or text away. We look forward to working with you!

Introducing Jordan

by jenniferApril 15, 2021Leave a comment

Jordan joined Parkwood in the spring of 2021. He originally grew up on a farm in Minot, North Dakota, where he gained plenty of construction experience keeping the farm running and building barns. His grandfather was a prominent Realtor in the area and Jordan spent many years working as a handyman completing property repairs (and remodels) for his grandfather’s real estate firm. Jordan spent a few years working in management, but ultimately decided he enjoyed the versatility of real estate and construction- so home inspection was a perfect fit for him. He and his wife have a small child and recently moved to the Triad to be closer to her family. We are thrilled to have such an amazing addition to the Parkwood Team.

Top 5 Most Common Issues Found During a Home Inspection

by jenniferJanuary 13, 20211 Comment

During a home inspection, there are a number of things that can be found. These can range from something as simple as a running toilet to a severe problem with the foundation. However, five of the most commonly seen issues are old roofs, leaking water heaters, leaking pipes, clogged gutters, and bad window seals. Below, we will delve a little further into each one of these.

The problem that inspectors come across most often in homes is old roofs. Some damage can be easily seen just by visually inspecting the roof itself. However, many times the inspector will find evidence of a deteriorating roof by looking around the attic space for signs of a leak. If the home does not have an attic, another tell-tale sign of a leak could be stained ceilings. This is definitely a problem that should be addressed sooner rather than later, as a small issue can quickly become a major one.

Another prevalent problem detected on home inspections is a leaking water heater. There may be water pooled on the floor, in the drip pan of the water heater, or on the top of the unit. These leaks can be due to rust, loose fittings, or possibly internal damage to the tank. A good practice would be to check your water heater at least once a month for signs of leaking.

Sneaky leaking pipes are a top five issue that inspectors uncover as well. Have you ever gotten a water bill that seemed to be substantially higher than prior months? This could be a red flag that you have a leaking pipe. Other signs of leaks can include wet spots and/or stains on walls or ceilings, visible mold, or a mildew smell permeating from an area of a home. It is paramount to determine the source of a leak and remedy the problem as soon as possible to prevent further, potentially extensive damage.

An additional finding that is seen time and time again is clogged gutters. Homeowners may not think about their gutters as an important part of the home but they serve an important purpose. Your gutters divert water from your home and foundation. If the gutters are clogged or filled with a ton of debris, the water will begin to spill over. This can create issues with the foundation. It may also cause dry rotting on the roof, which can decrease the lifespan of the roof. Cleaning out the gutters at least twice a year is highly recommended. It may also be cost effective in the long run to install gutter guards to block debris from amassing in gutters.

The last frequently seen dilemma encountered during inspections is bad window seals. The most obvious sign that a home has a bad window seal is if there is condensation built up or a foggy look to a window that cannot be wiped away. Another indication of bad seals is feeling outside air coming in through the window. Fortunately, most of the time, this is not a significant problem, but it can definitely have an effect on your heating and air bill!

As you are reading through this, you may notice an element that seems to be a recurring theme…water. Water is such a vital part of life, but it can wreak havoc on a home! The best thing course of action if any of these issues pop up on an inspection report is to call a professional who specializes in the area of concern. This may prevent a minor issue from becoming a complicated and costly one.

4 Tips To Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Smoothly

by jenniferJuly 16, 2020July 16, 20201 Comment

With summer in full swing and quarantine in effect, your air conditioner may be your best friend right now! Are you doing everything you can to keep it healthy? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure the summertime heat stays outdoors where it belongs.

Just like humans, HVAC systems need a yearly checkup to verify all is well. Scheduling a maintenance check each year is paramount. So many people forgo this tune-up, which can be a costly mistake. There may be a minor issue with your unit that is easily fixed if addressed in a timely manner, which can become a larger, more expensive problem down the line if ignored. When it comes to your HVAC unit, it’s much better to be proactive versus reactive.

Another vital practice is to routinely change your air filters. Have you ever forgotten to change a filter and taken a look at it six months later? It is not a pretty sight. Dust, dirt, and debris can obstruct the airflow and clog your air filters. You may not think a clean air filter makes a big difference, but it absolutely does because dirty filters lead to less efficient cooling. There is also the resultant poor quality of air you are breathing in your home when your filters are not regularly changed.

One thing you may not think about that can affect your cooling performance is the condenser unit. This is the unit that you will find outside of your home. It is a good idea to occasionally check the unit to make sure there is nothing growing on and around it. If you see plants, weeds, or leaves cluttering the condenser just remove it. This is a simple and free way to maintain your unit, and free is such a beautiful word.

The last thing to keep an eye on is the drain line. This is another thing you may not think about but that can cause major issues. We recently inspected a home where we noted evidence of a prior repair to the bathroom ceiling. We found out the damage was caused when the drain line became clogged, which resulted in flooding and caused the bathroom ceiling to cave in (major headache, a hit to the piggybank, and a little of crying from the homeowner). To see if you may have a clogged drain line, you can pour a little bit of water down the line and then walk outside to the check the line and see if that water made its way down. Also, be sure to clear anything that may be obstructing your drain line outside. As stated earlier, being proactive here is the best approach. To clear your drain line, turn off your unit and pour one-fourth of a cup of distilled vinegar into the line. Wait about 30 minutes and flush it out with a cup of water. Repeat monthly to deter the growth of mold and mildew. Simple, effective, and inexpensive.

Having to replace an HVAC unit is a cost that most of us would like to avoid for as long as possible. With periodic inspection of your system and scheduled annual maintenance, you may be able to extend the life of your unit for several seasons to come!

Breaking Down Your Inspection Report

by jenniferJune 8, 2020Leave a comment

Buying a new home can be one of the most exciting times in your life. Part of the home-buying process is obtaining a home inspection. A thorough inspection is so important because purchasing a home is quite a large investment. However, at first glance, reviewing your inspection report can be a bit confusing or overwhelming. Not to worry, we will break down the report to give you a better idea of what you’re looking at. If you’ve never seen a report, our office is happy to share a sample report.

The table of contents is a great place to start. You can refer to this page to quickly locate the page number where each new section begins. Following this, you will find the intro page. It is here you can identify the definition of various abbreviations you may see throughout your report. Next, you can see a section titled General Summary. This part of the report is a brief overview of all systems and discoveries that were made during the home inspection. It is not an all-inclusive list, so it is extremely important to thoroughly read the entire report.

The remainder of the report is a comprehensive dive into each system. The first system reported on is the structural system. This will include things like the foundation, roof, walls, and ceilings. This is a very important section to pay attention to. The foundational integrity of a home is paramount, as structural repairs can be expensive. Another item in this list to pay close attention to is the roof, as any major problems can also be quite costly to fix.

Then you will find the section pertaining to electrical systems. Included here are the outlets throughout the home, as well as the electrical panel. The inspection will reveal if there are any outlets throughout the home that may not be functioning. Further down, you can locate the plumbing section. The inspector will be checking the water heater, locating the water main, looking for dripping and/or nonfunctioning faucets inside and outside the home.

The HVAC system is our next segment, and it is usually a big concern for home buyers. A visual inspection of the HVAC equipment, as well as vents and ducts, is completed, and units will be tested to ensure the heating and air are properly functioning. However, it may not be a bad idea to have a licensed HVAC specialist complete a comprehensive checkup to point out any potential issues that could arise.

The final section of your report will encompass all appliances in the home. This will include the kitchen appliances, bathroom exhaust fans, garage door, as well as cabinetry throughout the home.

Don’t let a home inspection report make you nervous simply because there are several pages, leaving you thinking there are numerous issues. Sometimes the things found on inspection are easy fixes, such as a loose window latch. It is important to sit down with your agent and figure out what you can live with, what repairs you would like to negotiate with the seller, and what will ultimately be a deal breaker. Of course, if you have any questions or need some clarity about what is in your report, our inspectors are more than happy to speak with you!

Introducing Jamie

by jenniferFebruary 4, 2020Leave a comment

We are pleased to announce that Jamie is joining the Parkwood Team!

Jamie worked several years as a real estate agent prior to joining Parkwood, so she knows first hand how to support clients while going through the inspection process. Her main responsibilities will be to manage our clients in the Raleigh market, but she will also provide support for Noelle in the Triad market.

Please help us welcome Jamie!