Indianapolis Housing News For Sellers And Home Buyers

Fireplaces in our homes are such lovely amenities, aren’t they? They bring warmth into the room—both physically and even emotionally. Fireplaces create an aura of comfort and relaxation, and almost beckon us to slow down and sit for a while.

All of this is lovely in a home. Still, fire is fire; and it must be respected. So if a fireplace is something that you currently have in your home, plan to add on to your home, or will acquire in your new home, having a list of safety tips is a must.

First, request the help of an inspector. 

You want proof that the fireplace has been/will be built “to code.” Not sure what the “code” is? Ask me, your realtor, (if you are not able to contact the builder directly) to have the inspector take a good look at the fireplace when he/she walks through. What will the inspector look for? The inspector will be looking to see that everything about your fireplace matches current codes.

Also, he/she will tell you about the wear and tear already done to the fireplace, if it is installed safely, if it has been maintained well to-date, and if it functions properly. Professional chimney inspectors recognize cracks that are seemingly “no big deal” as a “big deal.” It is their job. Let them do it so that you can be safe.

• If you live in an area where chimney inspectors are few and far between, seek them out in the spring.  Nobody is thinking about fireplaces then! They are thinking about summer. Therefore, chimney inspectors can be at your disposal during those early spring and summer months compared to the fall months when people know winter is coming.

When your inspector does come over, follow him/her around in order to learn more about your home and your fireplace. If nothing else, you will learn the ins and outs of your home. The inspectors will probably give you all kinds of tips on how to get the most out of your home’s amenities and how to avoid terrible accidents as best you can.

Educate yourself regarding the qualities of “safe” fireplaces.

If you are building and including a fireplace in a part of your home, your reputable builder will know what building codes exist within your neighborhood. He will make sure that the flue is at least the required size, that the chimney is the right height. The chimney should also have guards on it against birds and other small animals. Nests or little rodents can clog up your chimney and cause all sorts of trouble. This responsibility does not fall solely on your shoulders. Instead, know that your inspector and me, your realtor, are on your side also.

If you have children, the hearth is an important part of the fireplace.

Dancing flames can draw the attention of little ones, and your hearth must extend far enough from the fire in order to keep everyone safe. The hearth should be made of heat-resistant materials like brick, stone, concrete, or tile that is very thick in order to keep that area safe to the touch.

• Also, if you have children, be sure to have a screen that prevents sparks from scattering out onto the hearth/carpet/their skin. A screen does wonders, but still remove flammable items from the immediate area with ruthlessness. Even clothing is a danger when it is too close to the fireplace. Mishaps are very difficult to predict. Do what you can to decrease their occurrence. In case of mishaps, please keep a fire extinguisher close by your fireplace.

Lastly, have a nose for strange odor or strange flames of odd colors.

Use your intuition. If things don’t seem normal, contact our builder, your technician, or your gas company in order to get some answers and a peace of mind for yourself. Enjoy the fire, and then say goodnight and never go to sleep without extinguishing the fire.

This guest blog was provided by Kimberley Kelly a Realtor in Palm Desert. You can check out Kimberley’s website where you can access all homes in Palm Springs for sale and real estate in Rancho Mirage, CA.

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Are you finding it hard to see eye-to-eye with your Indian Harbor real estate agent? Are you struggling to understand his or her expectations for you as a seller? Perhaps you are simply trying to learn more about the process of selling a home with an agent all together.

What is the relationship between you, the agent, and the buyer? Are they responsible for your best interest or the buyer’s? These are questions often asked by first time home sellers when dealing with agents. However, there are a few simple pointers that make the home selling process much easier when working with those involved.

Working with a Seller’s Agent When Buying A Home

The number one item to keep in mind when working with a seller’s agent is that he or she is working on commission. What does this mean exactly? This means that an agent does not make any money unless he or she sells your home. Thus, it is important to be fair and honest with your agent. Do not forget that he or she wants to sell your home for the best price in order to receive the greatest amount of commission as well.

The agent genuinely has your best interest in mind, as well as his or her necessity to get paid. Overall, this agreement between you and the agent usually works out quite well. However, if the house has been on the market for some time, then the agent may be more willing to sell your home for a lower price than you are. It is important that you are upfront with your expectations from the beginning in order to eliminate any confusion between you and the agent.

Maintain Communication

Another important component of working with a seller’s agent is to maintain a good relationship with them. This can mean a variety of things; however, in general it ultimately comes down to respect. It is crucial that you make all of your appointments on time as well as prepared. Good communication also proves to be vital in keeping your appointments and agendas clear and to the point. Without communication and respect from both sides, the success of selling your home decreases dramatically.

One aspect of working with a seller’s agent that individuals also struggle with is admitting one does not understand something such as an article, an agreement, or the like. Be honest with your agent. If you do not understand a form, say that you do not understand it. The agent will have quite a difficult time helping you sell your home if you are not upfront about your questions or concerns. You may also be surprised by the final costs, payments, interest, etc. if you do not fully understand the commission agreements and other contracts you choose to sign when you select your seller’s agent.

Make Your Expectations Known

Finally, make your expectations known to your seller’s agent. For example, if you expect to be groomed, pampered, and held as a top priority client, it is important for the seller’s agent to know before signing on with you. If your expectations are greatly different from the agent’s, you both will struggle with selling your home successfully and without a great deal of stress. The greater the difference between your expectations and the agent’s expectations the greater the stress when it comes to selling your home. Selling your home can be a rewarding experience if you are willing to be honest about what you expect to gain and how you wish to be treated.

There are various aspects that go into selecting the right agent for you as a seller. Remember to be upfront, respectful, and honest about your commitment and expectations regarding the selling of your home. Your agent will appreciate the gesture.

Guest Blog: This guest blog was provided by Mitch Ribak who specializes in Titusville Florida real estate and Grant Florida real estate.

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