Adelaida “Ady” M. Artime, P.A., Berkshire Hathaway EWM Realty.Phone: (786) 512-2467
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Hiring a home inspector is an expected step in the buying process. It’s important for first-time homebuyers to understand what is in a standard inspection, as well as know the options available for more specific concerns. A lender might require special inspections, for example, but these extra options are always worth considering when purchasing a new home. You don’t want any unpleasant surprises.
Here are some specialized types of inspections new homebuyers should know:
A standard home inspection always includes the basic structural elements of the home, including the floor. They don’t go below that, however. A foundation inspector will look carefully at your new home’s foundation. Some things they might look for are existing cracks or nearby tree roots that could cause shifting problems in the future. If a foundation inspector finds something serious, they might bring in a structural engineer to discuss options for addressing the problems. All together this process is worth paying for, since problems with the foundation can be expensive and potentially damaging to the house in the future.
Most mold you can recognize on your own. There are many DIY options for eradicating it, as well as professionals you can hire to help. However, there may be mold existing in the home's structure that you can’t see or smell. This is where a mold inspector comes in: they can inspect the drywall, insulation materials, crawlspaces or other deeper hiding places for mold to grow. They use a moisture meter to detect dampness and seek the mold from there. If you’re buying an older house or a house in a humid climate, it’s a good idea to have a mold inspection in order to prevent structural damage and potential health risks.
A wood-destroying organisms inspection, or WDO inspection, will identify termites. While termites are the main concern, other wood-eating critters like carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles might also be a risk to your home. A WDO inspector will check for potential risks, like gaps that could allow pests inside and any existing damage from past infestations. They will also be able to track down any current termite activity so you can deal with it immediately. This type of inspection is an example of one commonly required by specific lenders or in specific locations. Luckily, they’re relatively inexpensive and can save you potentially thousands of dollars by helping prevent and address damage from wood-destroying organisms.
Radon testing is different from the type of inspections listed above. Radon is odorless, colorless and difficult to detect compared to other dangerous gases. However, long-term exposure has serious health risks, which makes it extremely important to test for. You can purchase DIY testing kits to measure the radon level in your home, but getting results can take time. Experts usually recommend testing over a period of at least 90 days in order to get an accurate reading. This is obviously not convenient when you’re on the verge of purchasing a brand new home, so hiring a professional radon tester can get you a quicker answer. Usually radon inspectors can give you a report in a manner of days compared to months. It’s also a good idea to ask the previous owners if they last had a radon inspection and look at any prior reports.
When looking for home inspectors make sure to vet your candidates carefully to find the most qualified professional help. If you’re working with a real estate agent, they can recommend specific inspectors or companies to hire. These inspections add to your upfront cost buying a home but can help you avoid unpleasant surprises and health risks in the future.
In her role as a real estate and relocation specialist in South Florida and Northern Virginia, Ady Artime prides herself on providing the highest level of service, confidentiality and professionalism to her clients. Based on her own experience as a government liaison, Ady is in familiar territory working with high powered individuals. She possesses a discreet and confidential work ethic, and her keen eye, attention to detail, and experience with multi-million dollar properties have earned her a high-profile, loyal clientele that expect the best from their realtor.
Known for her expertise and strong background in interior design, she stands out from other real estate agents. When a satisfied client says that Ady knows real estate "inside and out", the statement is to be taken literally. Over the course of her career, she has received recognition as an award-winning interior designer. She has designed and implemented interiors for countless luxury projects throughout the United States, and Europe. Her extensive knowledge of all facets of design, including working with architects and construction teams, led to a natural progression into the real estate arena and gives her a definite edge over the competition in serving her clients.
As and agent in South Florida and North Virginia, Ady lends her real estate expertise and design savvy to buyers and sellers. Ady's mission is to develop a faithful, repeat clientele by providing them with superior service and value. She is passionate about her work and takes the time to understand each client's needs and goals to accurately assess the options she provides. From overseeing the staging of a listed property in order to fetch the highest possible price to analyzing a potential purchase from a design and architectural perspective.
