As a real estate agent broker, you know home inspection reports typically include a number of details that can frighten and overwhelm prospective buyers. To help alleviate fears, it’s important to educate your clients so they can make smart buying decisions. Use this guide to help your clients determine which items are deal-breakers, and which…

Asbestos Management in Canada Assessing the need for a National Standard Although the federal government implemented an asbestos ban in 2018, the mineral that can cause serious diseases is still present in workplaces and the built environment. CAREX Canada estimates that approximately 152,000 Canadians are exposed to asbestos in their workplaces each year. A significant…

A thorough home inspection is one of the best investments potential buyers can make when they’re getting serious about a property. The home inspection report will outline potential problems with everything from water damage to electrical issues, giving buyers a clear look at exactly what they’re getting for their money. The big follow-up questions everyone has after reading the…

A home inspection can make or break a sale. The inspection is where expectations meet reality.  The buyers discover their dream house needs thousands of dollars in repairs. The sellers discover they'll have to settle for a lower purchase price. The agents discover that the buyers and sellers can't come together over a deal. It…

Keeping water drained away from home foundations is important for three reasons. First, if there is living space on the other side, the owner will want it to stay dry. Good drainage is the first step toward accomplishing that, then waterproofing. Second, soils supporting a foundation need to stay at a consistent moisture level to…

Mold is everywhere but you never want to see it in your house. There are some things you can do to test for mold by doing routine maintenance checks.   What does mold look like Mold is everywhere. It's a type of fungus that grows from tiny spores that float in the air. It can…

What Fixes are Mandatory After a Home Inspection? Legally, you don't have to anything fixed after a home inspection. However, you may not be able to obtain financing if the house has electrical issues, water damage, structural issues, damaged roofing, problems with HVAC, poor plumbing, or infestations of pests like rats, mice, or insects. How…

They may not be as glamorous as a kitchen remodel or new deck, but these are the most common DIY projects for new homeowners. 1. Garbage Disposal Nearly every homeowner can anticipate a garbage disposal repair at some point and it remains one of the most common problems new homeowners face. Whether you already own…

As real estate professionals learn to complete transactions virtually and in other ways that take social distancing guidelines into account, a trouble spot may be the home inspection. Already, sellers are retreating from the market, fearful of letting people into their homes and potentially coming in contact with the coronavirus. So, the home inspection—which requires an…

You’ve made an offer on a home, your offer was accepted, and now you’re in escrow waiting for inspection day. How will you succeed? By crossing items off our thorough home inspection checklist.  With a home inspection checklist by your side, you’ll move into the home of your dreams in no time. Buying your first home…