Home Inspection Misconceptions

Home Inspection

Get you future home inspected by a home inspector with years of experience, and at an affordable price. Plus a written report filled with critical details and photos of your home delivered within 24 hours. hold to the highest inspection standards.

provide professional building Inspections that give you objective information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the structure.

this is the highest designation in the home inspection industry.. I have many years of experience in the General Contracting and Home Inspection industry

provide professional Home Inspections that give you objective information regarding the condition of the systems and components of a home.

A Tempest Inspections – home inspection includes:

• Exterior Inspection

• Roof Inspection

• Interior Inspection

• Electrical Inspection

• Plumbing Inspection

• Thermal Imaging Scan

• Heating System Inspection

• Cooling System Inspection

• Attic inspection

HOME INSPECTION

Same day reporting.

Get a full color report with many photos within 24 hours

Thermal Imaging Included With Every Inspection

Thermal imaging uses infrared technology to detect very small differences in temperature.

Choosing the right home inspector can be difficult. Unlike most professionals, you probably will not get to meet me until after you hire me. Furthermore, different inspectors have varying qualifications, equipment, experience, reporting methods, and yes, different pricing. One thing for sure is that a home inspection requires work, a lot of work. Ultimately a thorough inspection depends heavily on the individual inspectors own effort

House Inspection includes:

Printed or digital PDF report versions (including thermographic and digital images) from the inspection with a complete summary of deficiencies

Professional, Friendly Home Inspection Expert

Maintenance Tips and Lifecycles

Prompt Service

I needed a home inspection ASAP and am glad I called. He completed the inspection the next day and had a thorough and professional report emailed to me on the day of inspection. He answered all of my questions and even pointed out maintenance things for the home that will eventually be a problem.

Home Inspections

Home Inspection Report – What’s in it?

Your detailed report is divided into 10 key sections including Building Structure, Exterior, Plumbing, Electrical, Heating, Air Condition, Insulation, Ventilation, Roof, and Built-in-kitchen appliances. Your report will include easy to understand checklists, narratives, and color photographs to guide your decision making

Home Inspection’s professional and certified inspectors have the knowledge, experience, resources, and background to give your property a thorough inspection. You have enough stress going on between work, family, packing boxes, and gathering required mortgage documents. Let us give you some peace of mind with a detailed analysis of your future home.

Home Inspections for New Home Buyers

You should know what you are buying! A new home is probably one of the largest purchases you will make. You have already spent a lot of time finding a great location, deciding on must-have features, selecting a realtor, local schools, house hunting, and mortgage pre-approval. It’s a tiring experience, hut? Now that you have a property in mind, the next step is just as important. Choosing a qualified, reliable inspection company is just as important as picking out a great Real Estate Agent. Your Home Inspector’s job is to provide information to guide your final decision-making process. You must be aware of potential safety issues or costly repair issues before you close the deal!

Home Inspections

The cost of a area home inspection is very small relative to the home being inspected. I am determined to perform home inspections of the upmost quality, with integrity.  For a buyer, I make sure that they know and understand every fact about the property that they are purchasing.  For sellers, I will provide a report that gives full disclosure, with no worries if a buyer coming back and questioning anything regarding the property.

Anytime that you are purchasing a property, I understand that it is a HUGE investment. Everyone involved needs to know every aspect of the property.  I take pride in providing this service.  The majority of my business is from client referrals and from online searches.  I work directly for the client.  My job is to insure that the client understands every item that may be reported.  My job does not end after the report is completed.  Should you have any questions days or months down the road, you are encouraged to give me a call and I will do whatever it takes to insure that you are completely comfortable with the property.

I am here to assist you in making a confident decision about your property. Whether you’re buying a new property and want to be sure of what you’re getting… or selling a property and want to eliminate possible problems that could delay or lose a sale. Or just want a professional to inspect and advise you on the condition and maintenance or safety recommendations of your current home, I am here to help.

What Does the Inspector Look At During a Home Inspection?

Roof, vents, flashings, and trim,

Gutters and downspouts,

Skylight, chimney and other roof penetrations,

Decks, stoops, porches, walkways, and railings,

Eaves, soffit and fascia,

Grading and drainage,

Basement, foundation and crawlspace,

Water penetration and foundation movement,

Heating systems,

Cooling systems,

Main water shut off valves,

Water heating system,

Interior plumbing fixtures and faucets

Electrical service line and meter box,

Main disconnect and service amperage,

Electrical panels, breakers and fuses,

Grounding and bonding,

GFCIs and AFCIs,

Fireplace damper door and hearth,

Insulation and ventilation,

Garage doors, safety sensors, and openers

And much more…

One of the things on which I pride myself is giving my clients a thorough inspection so that they are well-informed. From there, I will do what it takes to address all of their concerns and questions so they are comfortable with their purchase or non-purchase.

HOME INSPECTIONS

Someone who can answer all your problems about your roof or foundation? Is your new home a potential pitfall? I’m not qualified to answer all the questions about foundations. I am qualified to recommend someone that is qualified.

The time during the sale is oftentimes a very hectic and busy period with all the paper signing, phone calls, and appointments you will be doing. understand your time is valuable and you could use someone to provide a complete inspection

residential properties, his continuing education, and a hands-on approach to inspecting, home inspection pricing is very competitive, affordable and the home inspection you receive will be very thorough and thoughtful. Information is power and it’s a call away. It’s always to your advantage to inspect a property as early as possible.

BUYERS INSPECTION In a buyer’s inspection we do a visual from the bottom to the top. The goal of a buyer inspection is to identify any material defects in the systems, structures and components of the home. In this inspection we will look at: • Insulation

do relocation inspections often for government employees, private investors, or corporate entities. This type of home inspection is performed like any other inspection, but it is much more in-depth because the purchaser is buying the home sight unseen.

Managed Forex Accountant

What are the advantages of branch accounting?

Different branches of accounting came into existence, keeping in view various types of accounting information needed by a different class of people. They may be owners, shareholders, management, suppliers, creditors, taxation authorities and various government agencies, etc. There are three main accounting branches, which include financial accounting, cost accounting, and management accounting. Other accounting branches, are a result of commercial development and emerging needs of business reporting world over.

Various branches of accounting

Financial accounting

Financial accounting is a systematic method of recording transactions of any business according to the accounting principles. It is the original form of the accounting process. The primary purpose of financial accounting is to calculate the profit or loss of a business during a period and provide an accurate picture of the business’s financial position as on a particular date. The Trial Balances, Profit & Loss Accounts, and Balance Sheets of a company are based on application of financial accounting principles. These are useful for creditors, banks, and financial institutions to assess the company’s financial status.

Further, taxation authorities can calculate the tax based on these records only. These are just the primary help, you can get from this accounting. Besides these, there are a lot of other things, like knowing about bank balances, account recievable balances, account wise summary, bank reconciliation, etc. The list is actually endless. Browse through the category – financial accounting for more topics under this branch of accounting.

Cost accounting

Cost accounting deals with evaluating the cost of a product or service offered. It calculates the cost by considering all factors, including manufacturing and administrative, that contribute to the output production. The objective of cost accounting is to help the management fix the prices and control the cost of production. It also pinpoints any wastages, leakages, and defects during manufacturing and marketing processes. Possibly, these short descriptions about these accounting branches may give overlapping understanding about each branch of accounting. Further, to understand the line of difference, we suggest reading – Cost Accounting vs. Financial Accounting – All You Need to Know.

Management accounting

This branch of accounting provides information to management for better administration of the business. It helps in making important decisions and controlling of various activities of the business. The management can make decisions efficiently with the help of various Management Information Systems such as Budgets, Projected Cash Flow and Fund Flow Statements, Variance Analysis reports, Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis reports, Break-Even-Point calculation, etc.

Management accounting and financial accounting are not to be confused with each other. Both are different. Management accounting serves the management’s needs in decision-making regarding minimizing the cost factor and enhancing profit-making. On the other hand, financial accounting serves the needs of shareholders, creditors, and financial institutions to ascertain the company’s financial position. Management accounting records are kept secret for the use of management only. As a result, they are not made public.

Advantages of Branch Banking: Branch banking system has the following advantages:

  • Economies of Large Scale operations: Branch banking enjoys the advantages and economies of large scale operations. Under branch banking system economies can maintained through large scale of operations and wider geographical coverage increase public confidence in the banking system.
  • Economy of Cash Reserves: Under branch banking system a particular branch can operate without keeping large amounts of reserves. In time of need, resources can be transferred from one branch to another. It is not easy for a .unit bank to draw on another unit bank.
  • Proper use of capital: There is a proper use of capital under the branch banking system. Since the resources are transferred from one branch to another. So the capital can be properly used by investing in the profitable branches.
  • Economy of Costs: Branch banking has the advantage of effecting remittances of funds from one place to another with greater ease and at a lesser cost than unit banking, for inter-office indebtedness can be far more easily adjusted.
  • Risks-spreading Economy: The spreading of risks geographically is another major advantage of the branch banking system. In branch banking, losses incurred one branch can be offset by profits earned by the profit making branches which is not possible in case of unit banking.
  • Easy and cheaper transfer of funds: Since the branches of bank under branch banking are spread all over the country, it is easier and cheaper, for it to transfer funds from one place to another.
  • Greater Safety and Liquidity: Branch banking also offers a wider scope for the selection of diverse securities and varied investments, so that a higher degree of safety and liquidity can be maintained.

What are the objectives of branch accounting?

Branch accounting: Branch accounting is the process through which the accounting system of a branch is maintained. Objectives of branch accounting: The main objects of branch accounts are dependent on the nature of the business and specific need of a particular branch. The objectives of keeping the branch accounts acceptable to all businesses are as follows.

  • To know the profit or loss of each branch separately.
  • To ascertain the financial position of each branch separately on a particular date.
  • To know the cash & goods requirements of the various branches.
  • To evaluate the progress and performances of each branch
  • To calculate commission for payment to the managers, if based on profits of branch
  • .6. To give concrete suggestions for the improvement in the working of the various branches.
  • To meet the requirements of specific enactments as all branches of a company must keep the accounts for audit purpose

Cash Basis System:

When Branch sells Head Office s Goods for cash only:

Under this method, the goods which are sent by the Head Office are sold by the branch only for cash and the proceeds are deposited into the local bank by the branch at the end of the day/week/month for credit to Head Office. The expenses of the branch are met by the Head Office. The branch is not allowed to make any expenses except some petty expenses for which a Petty Cash Book is maintained by the branch to keep records.

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The same is replenished by the Head Office at fixed interval expenses. In addition to above, the branch has to keep the following information to prepare a detailed statement to be sent to Head Office, i.e., the particulars relating to:

  • Cash sales
  • Expenses
  • Petty expenses
  • ADVERTISEMENTS:
  • Cash remittance
  • Receipts of proceeds and the same is deposited into bank;
  • Any loss, if any
  • Any special information etc. in addition to above, a stock statement is prepared by the branch which is remitted to Head Office stating all the information relating to goods received, sold and unsold.

Professional Or Do it Yourself Move In Cleaning

Move In Cleaning Services

So you’re moving into a new place –– congrats! Before you pop the bubbly, you need to bust out the cleaning supplies. But after a long day of moving, giving your new house a good scrub down is the last thing on your to-do list. But you don’t have to settle for living in someone else’s mess ­­–– just book a Tasker for a move-in cleaning.

With just a few clicks, a Tasker will get your new home looking its best. That means checking off any item on your to-do list. Think dusting the lights and fans, scrubbing the tile and tub, cleaning the carpet and windows. We know that a new home is a chance for a fresh start, and there’s no better way to start fresh than with a truly clean slate

What’s included in a move-in cleaning?

The short answer: whatever you’d like. From scrubbing the floors and toilets to wiping down the fridge and counters, and whatever else will make you feel at home, Taskers can make it happen

Do I need to provide the cleaning supplies?

Nope. That’s the beauty of booking Taskers –– they’re experienced and are there to make your life easier. Whether you haven’t unpacked your cleaning supplies or simply don’t own them, no problem –– just let your Taskers know in advance. They’ll arrive with the proper supplies and equipment

Can I book a same-day move in cleaning?

Definitely. Maybe it slipped your mind, or perhaps you thought you’d be up for cleaning your new place after you moved in, but you have too many other to-do items to check off. (Hello, unpacking!) We get it –– life happens. Whatever the reason, Taskers have your back. Let experienced move-in cleaning services make life in your new home more comfortable

Things Most Renters Forget To Clean When They Move

Moving out of your apartment can be a very busy and exciting time. Unfortunately, as moving day gets closer, most people find that the mountain of things to organize, clean, and pack only seems to grow larger and larger. And with this never-ending list of “to do’s” it can be easy to let important tasks slip through the cracks.

One of the most common errors we see people make is forgetting to clean their apartment properly when they move. What makes this mistake so dangerous is that it puts your damage deposit in jeopardy. That’s why at On The Go Moving we’ve compiled an apartment move-out checklist to help you get your old home clean before moving day

Floors

This may seem like an obvious thing to clean when you’re moving out, but you’d be surprised at just how many renters walk out of their apartment doors without a final sweep and mop. This is more than just a quick, casual sweep that we’re talking about – this should be the most thorough cleaning your apartment floor has ever seen. Make sure all hardwood and tile floors are immaculately swept and mopped and that all carpets have been thoroughly cleaned and have had any stains removed.

Walls

The condition of your apartment’s walls will play a big factor into whether you see that damage deposit back in your bank account or not, so don’t forget to add this to your moving checklist. Remove any hooks, nails, or tacks that you have added to the walls throughout your time living in the apartment. Go through and double check every room just to be sure that you’ve removed them all. Once you’ve removed all the wall mounts, be sure to carefully fill and cover the holes so that they blend in with the rest of the wall.

Cabinets

Before you move out of your apartment, make sure that you deep clean ALL cabinets. This includes kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and garage cabinets. Sterilize the cabinet interiors with a spray cleaner of your choice and wipe down the outsides, making sure that they look shiny and fresh.

Deep cleaning your house before a vital move: tips and tricks

Whether you have a rental property that needs a new tenant or are moving home, it’s a good idea to give your house a deep clean. However, this can be a tricky job, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start

Get it as clear as possible

Decluttering is one of the vital stages of deep cleaning, as it allows you to see the area that you’ve got to clean. Get rid of any items that you don’t want or need, and have a good tidy. Even if you just want to give your house a good spring clean, explains Mead, having too many items around just gets in the way.

Remember that some items can go in the loft, if you have one, but if they can go in the loft, are you really using them? It’s fair enough for seasonal decorations – Christmas decorations are notorious for being hidden away for 11 months of the year – but if they are everyday items that aren’t being used every day, they would probably be better off in a charity shop or at the dump.

Deal with the curtains next

Curtains can make a place look brighter, but they are traditionally a nightmare to wash. This is because they’re made of two different materials, and they are also highly prone to shrinkage – they are not designed to be washed. Various places will wash them professionally, and they will charge according to the size of the curtain.

Get any painting out of the way

If you want to do any painting, now is the time to do it. You have your furniture covered or removed entirely and the curtains are gone. Any drips can be quickly removed from the floor (which should be covered in an ideal world!) and you can move about freely.

Moving checklist: steps to your dream home

finding a new home and giving notice

Find a new home

Search for a home on the largest property portal

Request an extract from the debt collection register (most landlords require this along with the application form).

Sign the tenancy agreement for your new home.

Pay the rental deposit.

Take out or adjust your home contents insurance (e.g. if you are moving in with someone, need a higher sum insured etc.).

Take out legal protection insurance if necessary.

Take out rental deposit insurance if necessary.

Give notice on your current home

Terminate your current tenancy agreement. Always send the termination letter by registered post. Note: the letter must reach the landlord by the day before the termination deadline. The date of the postmark does not matter; the relevant date is the one on which the landlord receives the termination letter.

Find a replacement tenant if you have given notice early. Otherwise, you will have to pay the rent outstanding for the period remaining until the next standard date of termination. You can advertise your old home.

If you are moving in with several people: agree with your landlord on a contract clause governing contractual amendments (moving in/out of individual parties).

If you are selling your house or apartment, you can check out the tips on selling property compiled.

Notify authorities and service providers

Deregister with your local municipality.

Change your address for contractual partners and organize forwarding Post:

Health insurance provider

Car insurance provider (including any change to your parking situation – garage or outdoors – as this may affect your premium)

District command / civil defence / civilian service

Employer (and update emergency contact information)

Doctors

Banks / PostFinance / credit card company

Telephone directory entry

School/kindergarten/institute of further education

Note: if you are moving to a new canton, you can find useful information in our article on moving to another canton.

Prepare for the move itself

The main question is: who will help you? Friends and family or a removal firm?

Tip: a removal firm will save you many hours of work and is insured against damage. Quotes for a professional moving company to move a 3-room apartment typically start at CHF 700. Request moving quotes now.

Clear out your apartment, storage spaces, basement, garage, attic and garden:

Dispose of hazardous waste and bulky items.

Dispose of old or unneeded medication at the pharmacy or at a collection site.

Take unwanted clothes to a donation bin or charity store.

MOVE-IN CLEANING

Isn’t it nice to walk into a sparkling home? Picture the bright floors, windows so clean they are nearly invisible, and the pleasant aroma of cleanliness. You don’t need to picture it; make it a reality for your new home by securing move-in cleaning

You are the perfect candidate for a weekly cleaning service if you don’t have the time to tackle a regular thorough cleaning job. And who does? Sure, things like washing the dishes should be done daily, but these days, that’s often a matter of loading a machine and pressing a button.

The ones that need to be done at least once a week to keep your place clean. Something like vacuuming doesn’t have to be done every day, but it should be taken care of at least weekly. Let us lighten your load by doing the jobs that take up a significant portion of your time.

recurring cleaning services are empowering for the individual or family with a single residence. But suppose you have multiple locations to keep clean. Maybe you’ve got commercial properties, or you’re a landlord. Talk to about keeping your properties fresh and clean. have a hard-working team that is capable of handling multiple jobs during the course of a day.

when you move into your house, you’ll want your home to look and smell that good every day. When you come home from work, everything sparkles and shines. There’s no dirt on the floor, crumbs on the carpeting, or dust on the mantle. Instead of rushing around to make dinner and then start on your cleaning to-do list, you can enjoy making a leisurely dinner and spend precious time with your family.

Check These Quick Facts About Visiting A Football Chiropractor

Why does chiropractic adjustment feel so good?

Believe it or not, I had never been adjusted before I got to Chiropractic School. My family loves chiropractic of course, but before I went to school and understood what chiropractic truly does, we pictured it just as a way to get out of neck or back pain…which I never had.

So there I was, first trimester of school meeting with my student intern, Corey, for the first time. He adjusted me using Diversified Technique, the same technique that I use for most of my practice members here. I remember hopping off the table knowing something amazing just happened…not really sure what it was, just knowing I felt really, really good. I floated through the halls in euphoria and couldn’t stop smiling…excited that I would spend my career making people feel this awesome.

So why did my body feel so good right away after being adjusted? We know the long-term benefits of chiropractic: optimizing spinal structure and function allows the nervous system to work at the highest level…healing our bodies from the inside out. But we also know that this correction takes more than one adjustment to accomplish. The key to all of the amazing short-term effects that I felt from a single adjustment is mechanoreception.

The spine: The highway of the nervous system

Think of your spine as the nervous system’s very own highway. Billions of cars (or nerve impulses) travel up and down this highway every day transmitting data to and from the brain. When our spine is in a state of proper alignment these metaphorical cars can flow freely. However, when the spine is misaligned by injury or the simple ravages of a sedentary lifestyle, it can slow this traffic down to a crawl.

When this happens, it can have adverse effects not only on the nervous system but the endocrine and immune systems which it governs. This can result not only in stiffness and pain but less obvious symptoms like headaches, lethargy and even depression. 

As such, chiropractic adjustment can feel like that wonderful moment where heavy traffic eases on the highway, and you’re free to resume your pleasant journey free of the stress and frustration of being stuck in traffic. Often we’re not aware of the wear and damage that have been done to our spine and the systems which are dependent on it until this has been rectified.

Tension and release

Another important factor is tension. All day, every day we carry tension around our bodies. Stress, strain, upset anger and frustration can lead to an increase in tension of the myofascial system. This is a system of fibrous connective tissues that extends all across our bodies and is intrinsically tied to the entire musculoskeletal system. We may not be aware that we are carrying this tension around with us until it is released by the skilled hands of a chiropractor.

Endorphin rush!

Many of our clients compare the rush of wellbeing that comes after a chiropractic alignment to the same rush that comes after a really satisfying workout. It’s easy to see why. Both activities facilitate a rush of endorphins (the brain’s natural painkillers and feel good chemicals) that leaves us feeling happy, healthy and well adjusted in every sense of the word when we hop off of the chiropractor’s table.

Yes, You Will Probably Hear Some Popping or Cracking Noises

Occasionally, two opposing forces in a joint get “stuck” together. Perhaps “suction” would be a better mental image. If you have ever used a suction cup to stick something to a mirror or a piece of glass, you tried to pull it off and heard that popping sound, then you have an idea of what happens to joints during an adjustment.

When any joint in your body is adjusted, what you are actually hearing is the vacuum sound of gas being released inside the fluid that is found in every joint. It might sound like bones are being cracked or broken, but that’s not what is really going on.

This doesn’t mean that every adjustment will make sounds that you can hear. There are plenty of techniques that a chiropractor uses that produce no audible sounds.

Some people feel that if they don’t hear any noise, the adjustment wasn’t successful. This is simply a misunderstanding in how the process works.

Some adjustments are low force and don’t cause sound. Other times, the joint simply doesn’t have a buildup of gas, which also means it won’t cause a sound. Sound is not an indicator of “a job well done”.

Think about breathing as a case in point. You might not hear the person next to you breathing, but the chances that they are breathing are pretty good, right? (At least we hope so!) Now if they run up and down a flight of stairs, you would definitely hear them breathing!

Adjustments improve the quality of sleep.

Anyone who has ever had trouble sleeping knows that insomnia can ruin a person’s health. Sleeplessness can also cause depression, migraines, headaches, hypertension and other diseases. Since your chiropractic adjustment, you’ve probably been pleased to find that your sleep patterns have improved.  According to one study, adjustments stimulate the thalamus, a neural structure that controls the sleep and wake cycle. This explains why you now sleep like a baby. And guess what? Better sleep means improved moods and all-round wellbeing.

It enhances body functionality and athletic ability.

If you’re an athlete, you might notice a boost in your athletic abilities. In fact, several studies have shown that chiropractic care promotes physical recovery and boosts athletic performance. That’s why many top athletes rely on specific chiropractors for stretches, chiropractic adjustments, injury care and exercises.  Sorry, professional athletes. Someone had to leak your secrets. Whether you’re an athlete or a physically active person, your body will feel brand new after chiropractic care.

What cause these reactions?

  • Some muscles are realigning the spine after an adjustment. These muscles often have not worked properly for years and may be in a weak state. The condition is temporary and will disappear after the muscles have strengthened themselves.
  • Sometimes nerves that were impinged for years due to subluxations are now ‘coming back to life’ or healing or becoming re-sensitive.
  • Nerves that begin to send nerve impulses or ‘life energy’ may give you a ‘high’ as may tension release from long standing stress fixations in your body.

Please remember that the true benefits of the adjustment are usually found below the conscious level such as improved energy, better sleep and better nerve system function. As the flow of nerve impulses over the spinal cord and spinal nerves is normalised, your body is beginning to renew and build itself.

Things that you can do to help yourself.

  • Go for a 3 minute walk after each adjustment before you hop into your car. This will speed up your recovery by increasing spinal movement and nerve flow.
  • Avoid rubbing or poking the areas of pain and where you have been adjusted.
  • Avoid twists and turns. Do not bend too far in any direction. Where ever possible bend your knees to lift things, even small objects from the floor. This reduces the amount of pressure of the nerves to your lower back. Hold objects close to your body if lifting and do not twist your body – use your feet.
  • Maintain correct posture, especially if studying, working at the PC and watching television.
  • Sleep on a firm mattress and throw it out if it is more than ten years old. Old couches that let you sink down in the middle are not much better. Shoes without a good arch support are like a bad mattress.
  • Make sure that your sleeping posture is correct – lie on your side with your knees bent or on your back and make sure your pillow supports the natural curves of your neck.

Headed To Car Dealer

Can you haggle used car price at dealerships?

Haggling — some people love it, some people hate it. People who like it tend to enjoy the feeling of pushing for a great deal. People who hate to haggle like getting a good deal, but let’s be honest: The entire process can be uncomfortable because typically the things we buy have a clear price with no room for negotiation.

One exception to the rule of set pricing is cars, and used cars have even less clear pricing than new cars do. When it comes to used cars, the price can vary due to the year, make and mileage of the car, as well as what features it has and the area you buy it in. The last thing that can impact a used car’s price is the negotiation. Botching this part of the process can lead to paying more than you should. Use our ten tips to haggle your way through a great used car deal.

Do You Even Want to Haggle?

We know, it’s weird to start out a list of used car haggling tips with one that implies negotiating may not be the way to go. The thing is, not everyone likes to haggle over used car prices and not everyone is good at it. If you don’t want to do all the research and preparation needed to negotiate a good price on a used car, you’re not going to do a great job haggling and could end up paying way more than is fair for a used car.

Deciding not to negotiate doesn’t just mean showing up with a blank check. A number of used car dealerships, like Carmax, offer no-haggle pricing that’s fair. Buy a used car from a dealer like that and you may not get as low of a price as you would have otherwise. But, it will save you some stress.

Set a Target

Once you decide you actually want to negotiate the price of a used car, you need to set a target. You should do this before you start car shopping, so you don’t waste your time looking at cars you can’t afford. Having a clear target price is the best way to anchor your negotiations because it will keep you focused and ensure that you don’t allow the seller to push for more money than you can pay.

To figure out your target price, look at your budget and see what kind of car payment you can handle each month. If you’re paying cash for a car, you can just decide how much of your money you want to use. You can find a ton of online calculators that will take your monthly payment and tell you the used car price you can afford. Once the target price is set, you’ll know what number to aim for in your negotiations.

Find the Right Car

With a target price in hand, start searching for used cars that fit your budget. A good place to research prices for cars, trucks and SUVs near you is a car shopping website like CarsGenius that lets you search from millions of cars from thousands of dealerships.

Finding the right used car and learning all you can about it is a key part of used car price negotiations. Once you’ve decided on the make and model, as well as the model years you’re willing to buy, dive deep into all the features and options the car has available. You’ll also want to research common repair issues and any recalls the automobile has been subject to. Having all that information can help you haggle and gain a better price. You need to know as much about the car as the seller does.

Negotiate remotely

Once you test drive the car, you can do almost all your work negotiating the car price from home. This means that during a negotiation, if you don’t like the numbers or how you’re being treated, you don’t have to physically leave the dealership. Instead, you can just say goodbye if you’re on the phone or simply stop email or text communications.

To use this approach, call the dealership and ask for the internet department. Or email the internet manager through the company’s website. Often the response to a remote query is “Come on down! We’ll take care of you!” Instead of taking them up on it, say: “I already test drove the car and I know what I want. Now, I’m shopping for my best price.”

Negotiate with your feet

I had a retired friend with time on his hands who liked to go to dealerships, kicking the tires on a new car. He let the salesman talk awhile, and then he would walk out — twice. On the third visit, my friend bought the car, figuring the salesman negotiated himself down to his lowest offer.

Another friend of mine brought his restless 2-year-old into the sales office. When negotiations stalled, he picked up his child and prepared to leave. That simple move dropped the price $750. Remember, body language can speak louder than words.

Arrive with a Stated Purpose

Anytime you visit a car dealership make sure the salesperson know this is the first stop on your list and you’re ready to buy today. You’re on your way to see your list of justifiable alternatives. And you stopped in to this dealership first because they’re either the closest stop on the list or the furthest. This helps strengthen your buying position by demonstrating your alternatives.

Know Comparables

What comparable used cars are on the market within 200 miles? This will give you a realistic expectation about price. You’ll be able to use these alternatives against the dealer in the negotiation phase.

Make the right opening offer

With the monthly payment trap neatly avoided, it’s time to open negotiations. There’s a rule in negotiating that advises “The first person who speaks loses.” It means that once your opening offer is on the table, it sets the tone for the rest of the negotiation. So, ideally, you’d like the salesperson to make the first offer, because it could be well below what you’re prepared to pay.

One way to prompt an opening offer is to say, “I’ve done some research about what others are paying for this car. What kind of a discount are you offering?” If the salesperson won’t bite, it’s up to you to kick things off.

Look at the current market value price and set your opening offer a good deal lower, but still in the ballpark of what the dealer might accept. If you know that the current market value of the car is $25,000, offer well below that, perhaps $23,000.

After delivering your opening offer, say nothing more — but watch the salesperson’s body language, tone of voice and facial expression. Salespeople may groan and complain and do all kinds of playacting; but if they take your offer to their manager, you’re probably in business.

Negotiating with a private party owner is a bit different. A low-ball offer might offend them since it’s their beloved car they’re selling. A common opener is to ask them, “What’s your best price?” This is an invitation for them to negotiate against themselves and lower the price a little. If they drop the price a bit, you can then come back with an even lower offer.

Getting to ‘yes’

As you near an agreement, the salesperson might try to complicate the deal by offering extras such as a free maintenance plan. The problem is, the value of these extras is hard to quantify, so you really don’t know if the deal has improved. It’s better to keep the deal simple and stick to just the price of the car.

If you’re satisfied with the price, don’t accept the deal until you review all the numbers. Ask for a breakdown of the fees or an out-the-door price, which will smoke out any extra fees. You should be paying only the price of the car, sales tax (in most states), a documentation fee and registry fees. If you’re paying in cash, or with your pre-approved loan, it simplifies the deal.

Simple Tips For Termite Control Estimates

Common areas of the home prone to termite attack

What we look for when undertaking a termite inspection

When pest controllers conduct a visual termite inspection are not only just looking for active termites within the property are also inspecting and reporting any areas that are conducive for termite attack which could bring termites into the areas and dramatically increase the risk of termites attacking your property there are a number of things are keeping an eye for here are some conducive conditions recently found during an visual termite inspection.

Hot water overflow & air conditioning units

This is the hot water overflow from systems like hot water systems, air conditioning units if these are not connected to drainage and are attached close to house and constantly dripping in to soil near the house or in sub-floor can attract termites to the area due to the excess moisture it created.

Form work

Timber form work is usually used by builders when constructing house or supporting concrete areas such as bathrooms but many times builders will forget to remove it and termites are attracted to this timber because it is in contact with the soil and in usually in moist areas the termites will use it to travel or bridge to other areas of your home

Soil Bridging

This is where soil is bridging areas or your home from either the slab edge or in this case the wall sheeting this gives termites a clear undetected entry point into your home with out you even noticing they are there until it is to late.

Solution

Remove soil away from the slab Edge or exterior wall sheeting so there is a clear inspection zone so termite can’t gain access undetected and will have to show themselves

Termite Prevention Tips for Residents

chances are you’ve had to deal with termites. Termites infest two million homes a year across the country, causing over $5 billion annually in repairs – but while they’re present across the nation

resident and you haven’t taken steps to protect your home against termites, you could be putting yourself at risk for thousands of dollars in repairs. For the sake of your wallet and your sanity, termite prevention is a must.

Termites are eusocial insects that form colonies that can contain thousands, often millions of individuals based on the species. The termite life cycle follows a caste system. After hatching from an egg as a nymph, each termite in the colony will develop over time into one of three distinct roles depending on the needs of the colony: workers, soldiers, and reproductives.

Workers are white, approximately one-eighth inch long in size, and wingless. Workers make up the vast majority of subterranean termite colonies, and are responsible for all the heavy lifting and day-to-day tasks that keep the colony thriving, like tunneling, building and repairing the nest, gathering food, tending to young, and feeding members of the other castes (as they cannot feed themselves). Consequently, worker termites are responsible for most of the damage that comes with a termite infestation.

Soldiers are beige-colored with large brown heads topped by a set of strong biting mandibles. Soldiers are much less common than workers, and as their name implies, they are responsible for defending the colony from other bugs or animals that try to attack it.

Reproductives are responsible for one thing: making more termites. They are black and grow to be about one-half inch in body size, though the female’s abdomen will expand to multiple times her size in order to maximize egg production. When they reach maturity, termite reproductives enter a winged (alate) form and form mating flights in which a male and female pair up and fly off to start a new colony. Once they find a suitable location, their wings fall off and the two mate for life, becoming the King and Queen of their new colonies. Once the colony has reached a certain size, the Queen gives birth to new reproductives and the cycle continues.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites live and feed in soil and wet wood, generally living underground but occasionally coming to the surface for food. Tenacious eaters, subterranean termites are known to eat through cardboard, paper, wood, foam insulation boards, thin lead and copper sheeting, plaster, asphalt, and some plastics. Their appetites combined with their tunneling behavior make them extremely destructive to any wooden structures that come into contact with the ground – namely, your home’s foundations.

Drywood Termites

As their name implies, drywood termites primarily differ from subterranean termites in their feeding habits, preferin dry wood instead of moist or rotten. Drywood termite colonies are significantly smaller than their subterranean cousins, with populations typically around a few thousand compared to the millions found inside a typical subterranean colony. While this generally means that a drywood termite infestation isn’t as damaging as a subterranean infection, because they spend the entirety of their lives inside wood, a drywood termite infestation can be much more difficult to identify.

What to Expect From an Inspection and How to Prepare

Smart homeowners stay on top of termite control. A big part of termite control is keeping termites from invading your home, and the first step in accomplishing this is scheduling a termite inspection. So now that you’ve scheduled one, what can you expect? Are there steps you need to take to get ready for the inspection? Preparing your home for a termite inspection isn’t difficult, but there are a few things you can do to help make it go more smoothly.

DO A LITTLE BIT OF REARRANGING

Anything you have stored under your sinks in the kitchen and bathroom will need to be moved to another area so that the inspector can check your water sources for termite activity. Inside your garage, move anything you have stored against the wall to about two feet away from the wall. If any items are against the walls outside your home, they’ll also need to be moved two feet out.

MAKE IT EASY TO ACCESS THE ATTIC

Anything blocking the entrance to the attic should be cleared away in advance of the inspector’s visit. Not only does the inspector need to get into the attic, but you want to make sure no debris falling from the attic disrupts your things while he’s working.

CLEAR THE CRAWL SPACE

If your home is built on a raised foundation, making it easy for the inspector to get into the crawl space. Clear the opening, move any items that block the entrance, and make sure nothing stored in the crawl space will impede the inspector’s work.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE INSPECTION

signs of termite infestation

During your termite inspection, you can expect the inspector to spend about an hour and a half to two hours thoroughly going over your property. This time frame, of course, will vary depending on the size of your property. The inspector will look at the interior and exterior areas of your home, checking for visible signs of a termite infestation, which include: droppings, broken wings, mud tubes, and damaged wood.

Termite Warning

Tornadoes, earthquakes, fires…these disasters typically have warning signs that allow just enough time to save yourself. Termites cause more damage each year to homes than ALL of those natural disasters COMBINED. Did you know that?

Pest Solutions would like to give you this official termite warning this year. As it gets warmer outside, spring cleaning, landscaping, and house repairs will begin. While you’re digging around in your yard, there are some things you should be aware of. Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because they will feed on the structure of your house for quite a while before you even realize they’re there. Termites are smart. But YOU are smarter. Well, you will be once you read the signs of termite infestation

They’ll eat your house!

Termites can also quite literally eat homeowners out of house and home without them even knowing it until it’s too late. They have the ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected, 24/7, and can compromise the structural stability of a home within several years depending on the species. And the kicker…your homeowner’s insurance policy most likely doesn’t cover pest infestations.

The Threat

If any of these signs are present, experts recommend you contact a pest professional to properly identify the problem and termite species, and effectively remove the colony. You wouldn’t ignore a tornado siren, would you? Well, we’ve gotten word from several sources, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) that termites are supposed to be particularly bad this year compared to last year.

The Solution

Which one of the following statements fits your situation?

I have termites.

I am currently termite-free but interested in NOT GETTING termites EVER.

I have no idea if I have termites right now or not.

You can realistically only claim that you’re termite-free if you’ve had an inspection by a legit professional within the last 90 days or if you currently have a treatment in place.

How to Keep Your Furniture Termite-free

There’s nothing more dangerous and ruinous than termites in wooden furniture. What makes it worse is that it is difficult to notice when the infestation creeps in.

There are two kinds of termites that can affect wooden furniture – subterranean and drywood.  Subterranean termites live in soil as well as wood while drywood termites only attack wood

Identifying Termite Infestation

Look out for holes in the woodwork. Tap or push against it with a pointed object. If it falls readily, then it’s a sure sign of termites in wooden furniture.

Keep an eye out for sawdust, wood-colored termite droppings or wings around areas where chips or cracks appear on the furniture.

Mud tube formations on the walls of the house are a sign of subterranean termites.

Termites thrive in moist, dark conditions. Leave your wooden furniture in sunlight for 2-3 days continuously. Termites can’t stand heat and die off easily. This method also helps get rid of the moisture in the furniture, thus preventing further infestation.

Cardboard is made up of cellulose and a woody smell that termites can’t resist. Moisten it with water to make the smell more distinct and place it near the affected area. Within a few hours, the termites lure out to the open cardboard. Discard or burn it to get rid of termites in wooden furniture.