I can only advise on real estate.  I do not have the qualifications or expertise of a home inspector, which requires unique training, education, experience, and knowledge to earn their certification.  

When buying a home, I advise you to at least have a general home inspection and to always use a certified inspector.  However, depending on the property and your home inspector's guidance, you may also want to consider other inspection services such as soil & geological conditions, environmental hazards, sewer/septic systems, well & water systems, roof, boundary lines/lot size, easements/encroachments, permits, zoning, & code compliance, solar systems, water conservation requirements, and others.

Below is a list of home inspectors some of my clients have used and been satisfied with in the past, however I cannot select which inspector you use. You may select any home inspector you wish.  Please verify appropriate licenses and do your own research before selecting any service provider.

Once you select the inspector, I can facilitate scheduling the appointment and will be present at the inspection, additionally:

1.  Have the inspection no matter the condition of the home.  Appearances can be deceptive - even new construction homes could have issues.

2.  Be present for the inspection, let the inspector know your concerns, sit back and let the inspector do his job, stay for the readout, ask questions and have the inspector point out issues.  Be sure your questions are answered.

3.  Read the report but don't get caught in the weeds.  Every house has flaws, and most items can be repaired, focus on health and safety issues.

4. Don't delegate the final walk through (verification of property) , it's an important to see for yourself the property is in the same condition as when your offer was accepted, and any agreed upon repairs are complete.  Note:  verification of property is not a contingency.

Click the button below to reach the inspector's website  or call direct. You may select any inspector whether they are on the list below or not, your home inspection, your choice.

Home Warranty

Nearly all home sales today include a one year Home Warranty package paid for by the seller, to cover major appliances, pools, spas, HVAC, water heater, plumbing, electrical, roofing, etc., should they fail within the first year of purchase.  Most policies have limits on coverage and amount they will pay, and they will choose which service provider will evaluate and repair the item, but generally you are better off with a warranty than without one.  Most all buyers write in a Home Warranty in their offer - which is obviously for the protection of the buyer should something go wrong, but the seller probably benefits the most by avoiding situations when something stops working after the close of escrow and the buyer wants to hold the seller accountable for the repair.  A Home Warranty helps neutralize what could be a bad situation.   The buyer typically select the Home Warranty company they want to use, and everyone should read consumer reviews to determine which Home Warranty best suits their needs.  The links below will take you to the website with warranty plan, available options, and costs.  

Escrow

Your selection of which escrow company and officer can make a difference between a chaotic or smooth close of escrow.   Warning:  not all escrow officers are the same in terms of experience, competency, and responsiveness.  Once we get to opening escrow, you've negotiated a successful contract, and shouldn't have to be concerned about the administrative processes to close the transaction, that's the role of the escrow officer, as defined by the California Escrow Association:

The escrow officer does...

• serve as the communication link to all parties in the transaction.
• prepare escrow instructions.
• request a preliminary title search to determine the basis upon which a title insurance policy may be issued.
• request a beneficiary's statement or pay-off demand relating to existing financing.
• comply with lender's requirements, specified in escrow agreement.
• receive purchase funds from the buyer.
• prepare or secure the deed or other documents related to escrow.
• prorate taxes, interest, insurance and rents according to instructions.
• secure releases of all contingencies or other conditions as imposed on any particular escrow.
• record deeds and any other documents as instructed.
• request issuance of the title insurance policy.
• close escrow when all of the instructions of buyer and seller have been carried out.
• disburse funds as authorized by instructions, including charges for title insurance, recording fees, real estate commissions and loan payoffs.
• prepare final statements for the parties accounting for the disposition of all funds deposited in escrow.

The escrow officer does not...

• offer legal advice.
• negotiate the transaction.
• offer investment advice.

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