Here’s a new law passed by the California Legislature that may impact you as a homeowner, home seller or home buyer.
Smoke Detectors Specifications Changed
Starting July 1, 2014, the State Fire Marshall will not approve a battery-operated smoke alarm unless it contains a non-replaceable, non-removable battery capable of powering the smoke alarm for at least 10 years.
Beginning in 2014, the city of Ventura will require every home and commercial property for sale to have a sewer line scope inspection done by a licensed plumber, and ultimately to become certified by the city. If you are thinking about selling your home, take a moment to read this article.
Having relocated from Portland, Oregon where a sewer scope was a standard inspection alongside a home inspection, I’ve viewed hundreds of scopes and negotiated repairs on 80% of failed sewer lines. Issues can arise from root intrusion, section breaks, pooling water because of bad grade, crushed Orangeburg, issues with the city connection, rusted and worn out cast iron and more. In Portland if there was a tree in the yard, chances were there was going to be a problem.
by Teryn Bonime www.teryndowntheroad.com
When a listing agent procures a buyer for his or her listing there is sometimes an agreement with the seller to pay a different commission. Often this is a reduced amount of commission (e.g., 7% to 6%).
The reason for this is because the listing agent would be representing both the seller and the buyer and would not split the commission with a buyer’s agent (i.e., the listing agent keeps the entire commission).
by Teryn Bonime www.teryndowntheroad.com
Often, real estate agents simply send over their buyer’s offer via email with a quick note essentially stating “here you go.” The disadvantage to the seller is that he/she doesn’t get a chance to learn about who the buyers are and doesn’t get a chance to learn why the offer was written the way it was. As a seller, wouldn’t it make sense to hear what the buyer’s agent has to say? Did you know as a seller it is your right to have the offer presented to you by the buyer’s agent?