Home buyers become internet detectives

Home buyers have access to more information in today’s internet connected society than ever before. Home buyers have become internet detectives, doing their home buying research online.

Years ago, a buyer would have to act as a detective to verify or uncover more information about a home; their sleuthing could take up lots of time at the court house and library, as well as interviewing neighbors. Besides the seemingly countless number of online resources for home searches, buyers today also have many internet resources available to them to obtain home and neighborhood information.

Home buyers are internet detectives.

Neighborhood and demographic information are now readily available online in many home search websites. For example, neighborhood information currently displayed includes information about a zip code that includes: home sale statistics; general population demographics; economic, school information and environmental information; and even information about quality of life. Other popular search sites with lots of valuable information include (but not limited to): zillow.com, trulia.com, and redfin.com.

Many home buyers also look to greatschools.org as a reference for local school information. The website describes itself as a national non-profit whose mission is to “inspire and support families to champion their children’s education – at school, at home and in their community…”

As interest in the paranormal has increased, more people are interested in knowing if someone died in their home. For a fee, diedinhouse.com offers a report that could include: if a death occurred in the home, the name of the deceased, cause of death, list of previous residents, and possible information about the death.

Besides commercial websites; state, county and municipality websites also offer an abundance of information. For example, some of the local agencies that maintain websites hold valuable data to home buyers and owners. For example, the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs’ eProperty Data Mining Tool. The tool allows you to search multiple State and County databases for information about a home. Information that may be included: Department of Assessments and Taxation Real Property, code enforcement, permits, and Montgomery County Police.

Home buyers who are curious about neighborhood crime can find a number of commercial websites that map crime and offender information; however, to get accurate and timely information, you should probably look to the local police departments. By directing specific questions to the police by visiting local precincts, you can obtain a wealth of information. However, much of the information can also be viewed online: For example, the Montgomery County Police website has links to local crime statistics and even active warrants. The site also has a link to the sex offender registry (which is maintained by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services) as well as information about receiving alerts when an offender moves into your zip code.

Another local agency that offers information is the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services. The website offers a data search tool that can display recent permit applications and permit status for a specific address. The site also includes zoning and code information. However, online County Master Plan (montgomeryplanning.org) information is offered by Montgomery County Planning Department, and can be viewed at.

As online resources grow, anyone can join the “internet detectives.” Although there are many online resources available, the websites listed here are not inclusive; I am not endorsing any commercial websites. Besides being cautious when visiting websites; you should acknowledge that many commercial sites are not 100% accurate, as disclaimers will disclose that technical and/ or reporting errors can occur in the collection and/or reporting of data.

Original located at https://dankrell.com/blog/2014/01/24/home-buyers-become-internet-detectives/

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2014

Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

January 16, 2014November 23, 2021

When real estate imitates cinema

Does cinema imitate life, or is it the other way around?

I have always said that being a real estate professional is more than just selling homes – it’s about the people, relationships, and the occasional interesting story. So, here’s a few recent stories where real estate imitates film.

Reminiscent of American Beauty… Late last year, a story emerged about a law suit against a real estate agent who allegedly used a home as a rendezvous place for sex. In their suit, the owners of the New Jersey home alleged that the agent they hired to list their vacant home kept buyers away by over pricing it; and by the way – he allegedly used the home as a clandestine sexual meeting place. The agents involved were reportedly recorded on hidden video cameras (nj.com).

Although the comedy Neighbors highlights the obnoxious relationship, real life bad neighbors are not as humorous… A recent report of a New Jersey home buyer taking action against the home builder received national attention. The buyer sued the home builder alleging that the home builder did not disclose that the neighbor is potentially antagonistic; and if it was known, might have affected the buyer’s decision to purchase the home (abcnews.go.com).

This story has a twist like Down and out in Beverly Hills…Thinking outside the box, a Denver real estate agent had the brilliant idea to help a homeless man. The agent passed this homeless man daily, and decided to help him out – but not with a handout. The agent hired him. The homeless man held a sign that used to read, “I’m cold. I’m homeless. I’m hungry. Spare Anything.” Now the sign reads, “No need for your cash! I’m sponsored by Joe Manzanares.” (kdvr.com).

Mistaken identity is often the plot of a movie, but not like this…This story comes from Fort Worth, where a couple’s home was mistakenly knocked down by the city. The family was planning to move into the home that the grandmother lived in. The owners visited the home often for maintenance. However, on one occasion they realized the home disappeared. The city mistakenly demolished the home, when the home next door was scheduled for demolition. The ABC News report explains that this occurs more often than you think; human error is often cited for mistaken demolition (abcnews.go.com).

Who You Gonna Call? – Ghostbusters! When they listed their Pennsylvania home, the home seller wasn’t sure about disclosing the strange phenomenon that he experienced. Even though the seller admitted having a scientific mind, some occurrences were hard to explain. The seller’s stories included hearing people talking when he was with his infant daughter, hearing doors slamming. When he listed the home, the description read: “Slightly haunted. Nothing serious, though.” You might think that home buyers might be scared away, but the seller was pleasantly surprised by the publicity that was gained from the report – and the abundance of offers for the home (zillow.com).

A real life War of the Roses … When a Michigan man moved into the home next door to his ex-wife and her husband, no one expected this. A twelve foot sculpture was erected in the back yard directed to the neighbor – “flipping the bird.” Oh, and there is a spotlight to help see it at night (deadlinedetroit.com).

by Dan Krell ©
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Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. This article was originally published the week of January 13, 2014 (Montgomery County Sentinel). Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws. Copyright © Dan Krell.

January 10, 2014November 23, 2021

Protect your home from extreme cold

Seasonal weather can test the integrity of any home; yet winter can present some of the harshest weather of the year. Even with regular maintenance, extreme cold can take a toll on your home’s pipes. Take measures to prepare your home for the the winter.

Burst pipes can not only flood your home’s basement, but it can be a major repair expense. Nationwide Insurance states that among the 30,000 claims they received in the last three years for burst pipes, the average claim was $10,000 (nationwide.com).

A common misconception about cold weather’s effects on pipes is that a rupture is caused from frozen water inside the pipe. However, it’s not ice, per se, that makes a pipe burst; but rather the pressure that builds inside the pipe that makes it rupture. Increasing pressure can build up in a pipe between an ice blockage and a closed faucet; when the pressure is excessive, the pipe can burst.

Experts describe ice buildup in pipes as being more common than people know. Besides temperature, wind chill is sometimes the culprit of freezing pipes; cracks in walls or foundations can allow chilled air to come into contact water pipes. Although pipes can freeze any time the temperature dips below freezing – extra precautions should be taken when the weather becomes extreme.

Common measures that many take to protect their home’s pipes during cold winter months include, “the dripping faucet,” and “winterizing.” A dripping faucet, which is connected to vulnerable plumbing, helps mitigate air pressure that can build up in a pipe. Additionally, many experts recommend sealing areas where air leaks into the home; especially where pipes are located. Some experts also suggest insulating pipes. The materials in the pipe insulation sleeves and jackets is thought to insulate pipes from cold air much like the insulation in your home’s walls and attic insulates the interior from cold air. There is no guarantee that your home’s pipes won’t burst; however, taking precautions may lessen the potential for damage.

“Winterizing” is a term that describes the draining of water and pressure from the plumbing system. Experts recommend winterizing your home if you plan an extended winter trip, leaving your home vacant. Winterizing a vacant home that you are selling is especially important; ruptured pipes are not a surprise you want the day before your scheduled settlement.

Pipes can still freeze or rupture even when you take precautions. If you have a frozen pipe – call your plumber. Opening faucets can reduce air pressure in the system to help prevent a rupture. And although it is tempting to thaw frozen pipes on your own, it is recommended to have your plumber guide you; attempting to thaw frozen pipes without professional assistance can have hazardous results. Additionally, finding a frozen pipe can be tricky because they are often hidden inside walls and between floors. If a pipe does burst, close the main water valve immediately and call your plumber.

Taking cold weather precautions is not just for your home; experts recommend ensuring your car is winter ready, as well as having an emergency kit available in case of a power outage. Additional extreme weather precautions can be obtained from your insurance agent, FEMA (ready.gov), and the Red Cross (redcrossorg).

Original located at https://dankrell.com/blog/protect-your-home-from-extreme-cold

by Dan Krell ©
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Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. This article was originally published the week of January 6, 2014 (Montgomery County Sentinel). Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws. Copyright © Dan Krell.

January 1, 2014July 2, 2019

Can a home make you sick?

How safe are the materials that were used to build and finish your home?

There are a number of materials that were commonly used in the home that at one time were considered safe, but are now known to cause health problems. And although some of these materials have been discontinued in residential buildings years after production and use, some can be found in older homes. However, there are other materials that are of concern that are still used in building and furnishing materials.

Lead was used as a residential paint additive for many years to enhance the paints’ properties; it was thought to increase paint durability and speed up drying. Since the acknowledgement that lead has deleterious effects on the nervous system, especially in developing children; there was a push to “get the lead out” of paint and other consumer products. Lead paint was subsequently discontinued and banned in 1978 from residential paints. Today, there are numerous disclosures about the possibility of lead paint existing in homes that were built prior to 1978; homebuyers are provided the opportunity to conduct a risk assessment to determine lead levels in homes where lead paint may exist. Lead certified contractors must be used when making repairs and renovations to homes built prior to 1978 (epa.gov).

Before it was acknowledged that asbestos is linked to a number of serious health issues, including mesothelioma; asbestos was used for thousands of years. The ancients mined and found many uses for asbestos. Considered to be a “miracle mineral,” construction use of asbestos mushroomed in the late nineteenth century. Although there were government bans on asbestos products during the 1970’s and 1980’s, asbestos is still used in some commercial applications (asbestos.com).

There has been a longstanding grassroots concern about vinyl and PVC materials because of the linked health issues thought to be from the off gassing and leaching of phthalates (phthalates are a group of chemicals used in the production of plastics). Vinyl and plastic building materials have also been widely used in homes for decades: vinyl flooring has been used in bathrooms and kitchens; vinyl has been used in laminate flooring; and PVC piping has been used for plumbing. The EPA has been and continues to study the production, use and effects of phthalates (epa.gov).

Imported drywall is a more recent issue that was reported to cause severe respiratory ailments; oxidized jewelry and corroded pipes were also highlighted. Although the bulk of the reports of problems associated with the imported drywall emanated from Florida, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has collected hundreds of reports from eighteen states and the District of Columbia. A majority of the complaints reported that affected homes were built in 2006 and 2007; which coincided with a time when building materials were in high demand due to a considerable increase in construction and the rebuilding of hurricane-damaged states (cpsc.gov).

As a result of the increasing awareness of toxins in and out of the home, the “green building” movement has become popular. Besides helping maintain a healthy environment, a key feature of green building is to also maintain air quality in the home; green building uses natural materials to avoid off gassing of toxins. For example, formaldehyde based materials, which are can be found in some “manufactured” woods and some carpets are avoided.

More information about green building, air quality and safety of building materials can be found at the EPA and CPSC websites.

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By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2014

December 25, 2013July 1, 2019

Will new mortgage rules set stage for subprime resurgance

After much speculation, new mortgage and appraisal rules have recently been revealed and will go into effect in January. Combined with the recent news of FHA’s reduction of loan limits (authorized increased limits sunset the end of 2013), there’s been a lot of buzz about how the housing market and home buyers could be affected.

On December 18^th, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) launched a campaign to educate consumers about new mortgage rules that go into effect January 10^th; specific information and fact sheets can be found at consumerfinance.gov. Among the new rules, several include: the creation of the Qualified Mortgage (QM); new mortgage servicing rules; and additional protections financially challenged borrowers.

The QM is classified by the CFPB as a loan which qualified borrowers are presumed to be able to repay; and is described as a “safer” loan compared to some of loans originated prior to the mortgage crisis. One of the main features of a QM, as of January 10^th, is that mortgage lenders will have to assess the borrower’s ability to repay. Additionally, the borrower cannot exceed a total monthly debt-to-income ratio (all monthly obligations including mortgage payments) of 43%. Although lenders must make an effort to determine a consumer’s ability to repay based on typical factors including: income, assets, and debts; the new rules do not eliminate all subprime mortgages.

Two additional features of a QM include safer terms and limiting points and fees. A QM cannot have loan terms that have been attributed to “risky” loans, such as negative amortization or interest only payments. Furthermore, if you are directly paying a mortgage broker to originate your loan, they can no longer receive additional payment by another party for the same transaction; a QM is limited to 3% of the loan amount for points and fees.

To assist borrowers, the CFPB has set new mortgage servicing rules that include: providing clear mortgage statements that show how payments are credited; addressing mistakes promptly; crediting payments when received; and providing early notice for adjustable interest rate increase.

To assist borrowers facing financial challenges, the CFPB institutes rules that include: foreclosure cannot be initiated prior to 120 days delinquent; a foreclosure cannot be initiated if a complete application for mortgage assistance has been submitted; servicer call centers must be able to answer borrower questions relating to critical documents; as well as providing accurate and timely foreclosure status to borrowers who ask.

Financially challenged borrowers seeking assistance through their mortgage servicer have additional protections. Borrowers who make application for loss mitigation early on must have all their options evaluated with one application; an explanation must be provided to borrowers rejected for loss mitigation; and borrowers could appeal a loan modification rejection based on the servicer’s mistakes.

New appraisal rules instituted by the CFPB become effective January 18^th. Although these rules do not apply to all mortgages, typically a borrower should expect: a licensed appraiser; an interior of the property, and a copy of the appraisal prior to closing. Additionally, a second appraisal is required for a home that is considered a “flip;” a home sale that has sold in the previous six months is classified as a flip.

Although some have speculated the new rules, along with reduced FHA loan limits, will limit the availability of mortgages for some home buyers; others see the resurgence of the subprime mortgage to fill the gap.

New mortgage rules, lowered FHA loan limits, and other new changes are increasing investor backing of non-conforming mortgages.

by Dan Krell
© 2013

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