After a recent segment on Anderson Cooper aired about the relationship between home inspectors and Realtors, I thought it would be good to address this misconception. On the program, Anderson had on “Shark Tank’s” Barbara Corcoran who insinuated that home inspectors were “bought” by Realtors to give the home buyer a good report. I was appalled by this segment and the generalization that all Realtors were this crooked. This is THE lowest form of Realtors and Inspectors. As a Realtor (as well as Home Inspectors), we have to abide by a set of rules and to do as she states, we would lose our license. Buyers are not naive and eventually will go with their own instincts and make their own decisions.

Here are some FAQ’s from some local home inspection sites to answer some queries you may have:

Q: What is involved in a home inspection?
Your inspector will perform a thorough visual inspection of the major systems and components of the home including the structure, roof, interior/exterior surfaces, and the plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical system. Also, an examination of the lot grading and any evidence for the likelihood of basement dampness. Insulation and ventilation will also be evaluated. An inspector will show you and explain to you the various parts of the home and point out areas of concerns and offer suggestions of improvement.

Q:We’re buying a new home. Do we need an inspection?
In the last decade residential homes have been built in record numbers and quality has suffered as a result. The speed which homes have been built in combination with shortage of skill workers has negatively affected quality and workmanship. It is for this reason that we strongly recommend a home inspection regardless of the year in which the home was constructed.

Q:How much does an inspection cost?
We are competitively priced and will tailor the inspection to meet your needs. Prices start at $250.00

Q. How long does it take for a home inspection?
A typical inspection should take 2.5 to 3.5 hours. This can vary given the current condition of the home, size, accessibility of mechanical system and so on.

Q: Can I follow the inspector and ask questions?
Absolutely! By attending the inspection you are able to see firsthand the conditions that will be describe in the report. It also allows the inspector to show you how to perform basic maintenance on your furnace, water heather, etc. We strongly encourage you to attend and ask any and all questions and in return I will take the time to explain things for you to feel more comfortable with your decision to purchase a home.

Q: Does Fortunate Home Inspections have insurance?
Fortunate Home Inspections customers can rest at ease knowing we’re fully insured with Errors and Omissions/General Liability Insurance. Policy is available on request.

Q: How can we 100% Guarantee our inspection?
The owner of Fortunate Home Inspection Ltd is fully responsible to performing the home inspections. Customer Satisfaction is our #1 priority. If you are not completely satisfied with the inspection, you don’t pay.

Q: When do I receive my Report?
Your detailed, full narrative report is tailored specifically for your home and is produced in combination

with site notes, photographs and office research. The report creation process is never rushed and we do not publish the report until we are completely satisfied with its quality. Your professional, computerized report with full description of all defects including pictures of all major concerns will be e-mailed to you the day after the inspection. We also provide services that if you’re unable to attend the inspection that we meet you at your convenience to go over the report in person.

Q: Do you provide additional Help to First-Time buyers?
I’m always happy to spend whatever extra time is needed professionally with my clients in order to better suit their needs. It is important that you feel comfortable with your decision. In the end, we are committed to giving you peace of mind that your home has been inspected by a certified home inspector.

Q: After all is said and done, then what?
Our relationship doesn’t end with the report. We provide free lifetime technical support if ever you have any questions regarding your home improvement/repair. We’re just a phone call away.

Q: How much is the house worth?
Home inspectors are not qualified to comment on the value of the house. For house values consult with a Professional Home Appraiser .

Q: Do you make repairs.?
Home inspectors are not permited to perform any repairs to the house.

Q: Can you refer someone to make repairs?
No, home inspectors generally do not refer contractors.

Q: I would like to renovate when I move in. Can I remove this wall?
Home Inspection is not an engineering evaluation. For structural modifications consult with a Structural Engineer.

Q: How much are the repairs going to cost.?
Under Alberta Government Regulations home inspectors are not allowed to give cost estimates of repair. A minimum of 3 quotes should be acquired from reputable contractors.

Q: Will the inspector perform inspections at night?
No, home inspectors will not perform inspections in the dark. Natural light is imperative to see defects.

Sources: http://www.albertapropertyinspection.com/, http://www.fortunatehomeinspections.com/faq.asp

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Calgary+listed+more+affordable+housing+markets+Canada/8011636/story.html#ixzz2LwqfNefh

CALGARY — Home sales growth in the surrounding towns and cities far outpaced the growth in the city of Calgary in 2012, ending the year up 21 per cent, according to the Calgary Real Estate Board.

Overall in Calgary, MLS sales grew by 14.66 per cent in 2012 compared with the previous year.

“When we look back at 2012, we see stronger growth and sales activity in the towns than in Calgary,” said Becky Walters, CREB’s president. “We see double-digit sales growth for the year. We’re seeing price recovery, just like in Calgary, with prices being well below the peak levels we saw in 2007.”

There were 3,970 MLS sales in 2012 just outside Calgary with the single-family average sale price at $374,136, down 0.51 per cent from 2011.

The top three towns – Airdrie, Okotoks and Cochrane – all recorded double-digit sales growth.

Airdrie’s sales of 1,152 were up 22.55 per cent with the average single-family home sale price increasing by 2.53 per cent to $370,905.

Okotoks saw sales growth of 11.85 per cent to 585 transactions and the average sale price for a single-family home rose by 0.32 per cent to $415,415.

In Cochrane, year-over-year sales rose by 25.43 per cent to 508 and the average price for a single-family home dipped by 1.24 per cent to $426,127.

For the City of Calgary, the average price of all residential properties sold, 21,207 in total, was up 3.44 per cent to $428,655 in 2012 while the average price for a single-family home increased by 3.16 per cent to $481,236.

“The surrounding towns, in general, have done well, and that’s because people are looking for affordable alternatives,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB’s chief economist. “In the surrounding towns, you can get more home than what you would get in the city. The homes are larger and usually less expensive, and, with a tighter supply of single-family homes in Calgary, the surrounding towns are just more attractive to homebuyers.”

mtoneguzzi@calgaryherald.com

Twitter: MTone123

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/sales+growth+outside+Calgary+outpaces+city+2012/7859490/story.html#ixzz2IuY7DDte

Sales of million dollar plus homes a bright spot in 2010 market

Calgary, November 1, 2010 – Home sales in the city of Calgary were down month-over-month in October 2010, showing signs that buyers still remain cautious, despite signs of economic recovery.  Year-over-year sales continued to trend lower in the month of October, according to figures released today by the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®).

The number of single family home sales in the month of October 2010 shrank by 7 per cent at 888, compared with September 2010, when sales were 958.  The number of condominium sales for the month of October 2010 was 310. This was a decrease of 15 per cent from the 366 condominium transactions recorded in September 2010.

Year-over-year, the number of single family homes sold in October 2010 in the city of Calgary were down 31 per cent.  In October 2009, single family home sales totalled 1,285. Condominium sales saw a decrease of 48 per cent from the same time a year ago.  In October 2009, condominium sales were 601.

“Buyers remain cautious, perhaps waiting to feel a little more confidence in Calgary’s economic growth and their own job security,” says Diane Scott, president of CREB®.

“We believe economic recovery will build momentum into 2011 as the outlook for oil and gas and other sectors continues to improve. This, coupled with low interest rates and improved affordability, should eventually help to stimulate Calgary’s housing market,” adds Scott.

The average price of a single family home in the city of Calgary in October 2010 was $444,744, showing a 3 per cent decrease from September 2010, when the average price was $460,278, and a 4 per cent decrease from October 2009, when the average price was $462,465. The average price of a condominium in the city of Calgary in October 2010 was $287,793, showing a 1 per cent increase from September 2010, when the average price was $284,028 and no significant change over last year, when the average price was $289,155. Average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time, but does not indicate actual prices in centres comprised of widely divergent neighbourhoods, or account for price differentials between geographical areas.

The median price of a single family home in the city of Calgary for October 2010 was $387,900, showing a 1 per cent decrease from September 2010 when the median price was $390,000. This was a 5 per cent decrease from October 2009, when the median price was $410,000. The median price of a condominium in October 2010 was $255,000, showing a 4 per cent decrease from September 2010, when the median price was $265,000, and a 3 per cent decrease from October 2009, when it was $263,500.

All city of Calgary MLS® statistics include properties listed and sold only within Calgary’s city limits. The median price is the price that is midway between the least expensive and most expensive home sold in an area during a given period of time. During that time, half the buyers bought homes that cost more than the median price and half bought homes for less than the median price.

“Our average price is being buoyed by more sales in the million dollars plus category. Despite a slowdown in certain market segments, homes sold in the city of Calgary at a million dollars or more have actually seen an increase of more than 15 per cent when compared to the same time one year ago.  This boost in sales is, indeed, a bright spot in our current market,” says Scott.

Single family listings in the city of Calgary added for the month of October 2010 totalled 1,765, a decrease of 22 per cent from September 2010 when 2,252 new listings were added, and showing a decrease of 3 per cent from October 2009, when 1,819 new listings came to the market.

Condominium new listings in the city of Calgary added for October 2010 were 721, down 22 per cent from September 2010, when the MLS® saw 921 condo listings coming to the market. This is a decrease of 16 per cent from October 2009, when new condominium listings added were 859.

“We are seeing some decline in the number of new listings coming on to the market.  A continuing decline in supply will help bring the market into balance,” says Scott.

“We believe we will see a tempering of our inventory levels, as some sellers offer marginal reductions in prices, or others choose to pull their home off the market for a period of time,” notes Scott. “Homeowners should consider speaking with their REALTOR® about their current marketing strategy—there are always options in every market.”

“Overall, we’re cautiously optimistic that Calgary’s economic recovery will pick up as we move into 2011—but in-migration will be needed to fuel a sustained recovery in Calgary’s housing market,” says Scott.

CREB® is a professional body of 5,540 licensed brokers and registered associates, representing 245 member offices and is dedicated to enhancing the value, integrity and expertise of its REALTOR® members.

REALTORS® are committed to a high standard of professional conduct, ongoing education, and a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice. Using the services of a professional REALTOR® can help consumers take full advantage of real estate opportunities while reducing their risks when buying or selling real estate. The board does not generate statistics or analysis of any individual member or company’s market share. All MLS® active listings for Calgary and area may be found on the board’s website at www.creb.com.

Click here for the full statistics package. Please note: You will need your SafeMLS® token to log in to REALTORLink®.

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