Chris Hounchell REALTOR

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Award-winning Florida real estate Broker PROUDLY SELLING IN PINELLAS, HILLSBOROUGH, PASCO, MANATEE & SARASOTA COUNTIES since 2004.

Home Inspection FAQs

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As the buyer you’re not just going to sit back and wait for closing after you’re offer has been submitted and accepted. In addition to working with your lender to get your mortgage approved and setting up your movers, you’ll want to have your future home inspected by a licensed professional.  Below we answer the most common questions buyers have about what a home inspection is, why they should have one done, and how to find a qualified home inspector.

Home Inspection FAQs

Why have a home inspection?

A home inspection is in your best interest as a buyer and may be required by your mortgage underwriter.  Touring a home with your Realtor one or two times can only tell you so much about the house and only show you the things in plain sight.  A home inspector is trained to look at all aspects and systems of a house.  Once the inspection is completed, your inspector will provide you and the seller with a written report of his or her findings.  Depending on the terms of your sales agreement, you can then negotiate with the seller to have necessary items on the report repaired or replaced.

What is the inspector looking for?

The home inspector is going to look over almost everything about the house.  He or she will inspect the HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical, stairs, roof, windows, foundation, and any external features.  The inspector will provide you with an unbiased and professional evaluation of the house.  The inspection report will detail necessary repairs along with estimated costs of said repairs.  It will also include the estimated remaining life on things like the HVAC systems, roof, windows, decking and fencing as well as tips that may help extend their life. A home inspection does not include everything in the house however. You can read about what isn’t included in a home inspection here.

Should I attend the home inspection?

It’s not mandatory that you attend your home inspection but it is a good idea.  First, it would provide you with another look at the house and an opportunity to take measurements for furniture, new appliances, and window treatments.  Second, the home inspector will give you some valuable insight into the home.  He or she can show you how to operate and maintain all the systems and appliances in the house so you’re not scratching your head after closing.

How long will the inspection take and how much will it cost me?

While the inspector is always looking for the same things, each inspection is different based on the house.  Generally, it will take between two and four hours to complete a home inspection.  You can expect to receive your written report within seven to ten business days after the inspection.  Price will again vary depending on the house.  Rates are usually based on square footage and average between $350 and $700.

What should I look for in a home inspector?

Your Realtor and lender can both provide you with referrals to home inspectors.  You’ll still want to independently vet your inspector.  You want a home inspector who has years of hands-on experience.  Research how long they have been in business and when they became certified.  Next, ask for information on how they will supply the results of a home inspection to you. Will the report be mailed, faxed, or emailed to you?  You’ll want a printed report with details on each item on the checklist.  You should also want find out what items they will be inspecting and make sure it’s a thorough list.  If a home inspector is hesitant to allow you to attend the inspection, won’t explain their process or background, or won’t provide you with a detailed report you should look elsewhere.

When should I schedule my home inspection?

Once you have your home inspector, schedule the appointment as soon as possible to give yourself and the seller enough time to address any issues that may crop up. There is most likely a contingency related to your home inspection included in the agreement of sale. As with most contingencies, there is a “time is of the essence” custom and it may even be listed in the agreement. Abide by the timeline stated in the agreement or follow your Realtor’s recommended time frame.

A home inspection can seem like a formality and possibly unnecessary but be assured it is most definitely a necessity. While Florida law requires Sellers to disclose their full knowledge of the property’s history that doesn’t mean a Seller will know about unseen issues and it also doesn’t mean all Sellers will be honest and forthcoming. Protect your investment every step of the way.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published November 2014. It has since been updated and edited for clarity and cohesiveness. 

Holiday Activities in Tampa Bay

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It feels like it’s said every year around this time but can you believe the winter holiday season is in full swing? Where did this year go? Whether you’re ready to kiss 2016 goodbye or you’re holding on to it for dear life, there’s still plenty of holiday activities in Tampa Bay. Here are our suggestions for how you and your family can best enjoy the holiday season this year.

Holiday Markets

Popular is European countries like Germany, these open air markets feature independent vendors who sell an assortment of goods from handcrafted items to food and drinks. They’re popularity is on the rise in the United States and in Tampa Bay. Some of the most popular ones are Sea World’s Christmas Market, Gifts and Green hosted by Bethel Lutheran Church, Urban Oasis Farm’s Holiday Market, Holiday Craft Market at Largo’s Central Park, and A Very Merry Market at Great Explorations Children’s Museum.

Holiday Activities in Tampa Bay

Parades

Macy’s may have the monopoly on Thanksgiving Day parades but the Tampa Bay area isn’t going to let the winter holiday season pass by without some fanfare. There are numerous parades taking place across the region during December including Magical Night in Dade City, St. Petersburg’s Snowfest and Santa Parade, and Santa Fest and Christmas Parade in Tampa. The region doesn’t just limit the parades to the streets though St. Pete takes the festivities with its Beach Boat Parade and the Main Street New Port Richey Festival and River Lights Boat Parade.

Other Holiday Fun

The holidays don’t have to just be about shopping and parades. There’s also fun events such as the Chase the Dreidel Run, a 5K fun run in St. Petersburg, Santa’s Holiday Revue, a musical featuring Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa songs. If you want to embrace the season in a more northerly style there is ice skating open to the public at Tampa’s Winter Village and a display of 2 million pounds of carved ice sculptures called ICE! featuring Charlie Brown at the Gaylord Palms Resort.

What holiday events are you attending this year? Tell us in the comments section!

Five Energy Saving Tips For the Winter

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Florida may not see traditional winter temperatures but it can get chilly here during the winter months. Not only does practicing energy efficiency improve your budget it can also improve your impact on the environment. While replacing all of your appliances and systems with Energy Star rated models may not be an immediate option, we do have several energy saving tips you can put into action right now for very little money and effort.

Five Energy Saving Tips For the Winter

Energy Saving Tip #1 – Seal the Leaks

A great and immediate way to save energy in your home is to seal up leaks. Due to settling and age, gaps may appear between windows and doors. Other overlooked areas include entry points for utilities, telephone, and cable lines.  Use chalking or weatherstripping to close up the gaps. For larger spaces, you can use expanding foam sealants.

Energy Saving Tip #2 – Add Some Fluff

Adding insulation can be an inexpensive way to create a buffer between your heat and the outside. It takes little skill to install. Insulation deteriorates over time so if your home is over twenty-five years old, the insulation should be replaced.

Energy Saving Tip # 3 – Clean Up

The change of season is a perfect time to clean your appliances and system. Dirt that collects on your refrigerator’s condenser can cause it to run harder to keep the same temperature. Vacuuming off the dirt can improve efficiency. Experts also recommend that you change your heater’s filter every two months. Dirty filters can restrict air flow causing your heating system to use more energy to perform at it’s proper level.

Energy Saving Tip #4 – Upgrade Your Lights

Traditional incandescent bulbs are no longer available but their demise is good news for your budget. Both CFL and LED bulbs are more energy efficient that their predecessor. CFL are less expensive up front but LED last much longer, which can save you more money over time.

Energy Saving Tip #5 – Turn Down the Temperature

Utilize programmable thermostats to lower the temperature in your home when you’re at work or away for a trip. If you’re feeling dedicated to the cause of lower bills, keep the temperature set to 67 or 68 and layer up on socks, sweatshirts, and blankets. Lowering the temperature of your hot water heater can also decrease your energy bills and a minor adjustment most likely won’t be noticeable.

As you can see, these are energy saving tips that you can put into place within a weekend.

 

Ways to Volunteer in Tampa Bay

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With Thanksgiving just a week away and the winter holidays following close behind, it can be easy to get caught up in a seemingly never-ending to do list. One of the things we feel strongly about on our team is giving back to our community. We know many of our neighbors are generous with their money and resources but many of the organizations in our area needs volunteers to help facilitate the programs that serve those less fortunate. We’ve rounded up a list of the ways to volunteer in Tampa Bay for all abilities and talents.

Suncoast Rescue Mission

The Suncoast Rescue Mission welcomes volunteers to serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal to its guests. The meal is served Thursday, November 24 from 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Contact the mission at (727) 545-8282 for more information and to volunteer.

Meal M.A.N.I.A.

This program provides food for malnourished children and their families in the United States and in developing nations. The program creates teams out of its volunteers to pack meals. Fifty percent of the meals packed stay local and our distributed through local ministries and non-profit groups. Volunteers only need to donate two hours of their time per shift. For more information visit http://www.citiimpact.org/meal-mania

Ways to Volunteer in Tampa Bay

Daystar Life Center, Inc.

The Daystar Life Center, Inc. is located in St. Petersburg and provides community members with basic necessities during times of hardship. In addition to things like food and toiletries, they also provide advocacy and other forms of support. Currently, they are in need of several administrative roles to be filled by volunteers. For more information and to apply to volunteer visit: www.daystarlife.com/word/.

Project Linus Tampa Bay

Join the Blanket Party hosted by Project Linus Tampa Bay on Saturday January 7, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Whether you are an expert quilter or seamstress or just starting out, you are invited to work on a project that will help bring a bit of comfort and warmth to children experiencing a loss or tragedy in the Tampa Bay area. If you’d like to attend the party RSVP to TampaBlankets@hotmail.com and visit www.TampaBlankets.org for more information.

Mentors for At-Risk Youth

The Hillsborough Education Foundation is in need of mentors for the current school year. Over four hundred low-income students in middle and high school participate in the Take Stock in Children program. Mentors will help children succeed in school and provide guidance in life situation. Volunteers are required to meet weekly with students on school grounds during school hours. For more details call (813) 574-0260 or visit www.educationfoundation.com.

Elders Helpers

Elder Helpers is a national program designed to connect senior citizens with volunteers for any number of needs including assistance with chores and housework to companionship. Volunteers need only to create a profile on elderhelpers.org, complete the background check requirements, and offer up the services they can provide.

These are just a few ways in which you can help your neighbors. Do you know of a rewarding volunteer opportunity? Tell us in the comments.

Five Independent Coffee Shops in Tampa Bay

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One of the great things about the Tampa Bay area is all of the independently owned business. Sure you could make a drive through run for a commercial cup of coffee but we recommend you take some time out to explore the area one cup of coffee at a time. Here are five independent coffee shops in Tampa Bay you need to check out.

The Library Coffeehouse

This coffee house located in South Tampa features a warm and cozy atmosphere with comfy arm chairs and tables to encourage conversation with friends. Their coffees aren’t one size fits all. They offer enhancements such as lavender, ginger, and cardamon. In addition to coffee, their menu features breakfast options, sandwiches, and salads. It received five stars on Google reviews.

http://thelibrarycoffeehouse.com/ | 3201 South Dale Mabry Highway Tampa, FL 33629

Buddy Brew Coffee

Buddy Brew Coffee features multiple locations throughout the area including two locations in Tampa and a coffee truck. Their website talks about their love for roasting the perfect cup of coffee made. Seating is limited but we hear it’s worth the wait for not only a solid cup of coffee but also to sample their menu.

http://www.buddybrew.com/ | Multiple locations

Five Independent Coffee Shops in Tampa Bay

The Haus Coffee Shop

There are multiple options to choose from when selecting your cup of Joe, including grounds Buddy Brew Coffee. Reviewers boast about the music featured at the shop, the comfortable atmosphere, and of course the free WiFi. The shop also features a changing menu of breakfast and lunch options.

http://thehauscoffeeshop.com | 3690 East Bay Drive, Suite Y, Largo, FL 33771

Black Crow Coffee

Located in St. Petersburg’s historic district, the coffee shop features artisan craft coffees and teas. Their menu includes gluten-free and vegan-friendly options. The staff offers a frequent buyer card that’s reminiscent of a library card, they mark down your drinks and you’ll eventually receive a free drink.

http://blackcrowcoffeeco.com/ | 722 2nd Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Kahwa Coffee

Another multi-location, regional coffee house, Kahwa Coffee has a location in St. Petersburg. Customers rave about the excellent customer service, atmosphere, and outdoor seating that’s dog-friendly. The bake their own pastries and sell grounds for home use.

http://www.kahwacoffee.com/ | Multiple locations

Tell us about your favorite place to grab a cup of coffee in Tampa Bay!

 

Voting in Tampa Bay

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It’s been a long drawn out election season. Thankfully it’s almost over. Next week millions of people across the country will head to their local polling place and cast their vote not only for president but for congressional and local elections. It’s so important to vote. Not only do you want to help select the leader of our nation for the next four years but local representatives have a direct effect on things like property taxes and municipal services. We’ve got a brief breakdown of what you need to know if you’re voting in Tampa Bay.

Registration

It’s too late to register to vote for the 2016 election but you can register to vote for the elections taking place in 2017. In order to register, you must be 18 years old (or 16 years old to pre-register but not eligible to cast a vote until you reach the age of 18). You must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Florida. You will need to provide a copy of your Florida driver’s license or the last four digits of your social security number. You can request a form from your County Supervisor of Elections in person or by mail. You can also download the form and mail it in to your County Supervisor of Elections.

Voting In Tampa Bay

Voting Options

Many counties in the Tampa Bay area offer early voting. Depending on the election, voting can begin as early as two weeks prior to the national election date. Vote-by-mail, also called absentee balloting, can also be used as a form of voting. A registered voter needs to contact the local County Supervisor of Elections and request a vote-by-mail ballot. All vote-by-mail ballots need to be received not postmarked by November 2, 2016 to be counted. Voters who wish to cast their ballot on the official day can do so. Polls in Florida are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Voting Requirements

There are only two requirements a person must meet in order to cast their ballot. The person needs to appear at the correct polling location. You can locate your voting district here. Florida law also requires votes to present a valid ID prior to voting. Common forms of ID accepted are Florida driver’s licenses, state issued photo ID, military ID, US passport. The whole list can be found here.

We hope you exercise your right to vote this year and every year. If you have any complaints or concerns about voting you can contact the Division of Elections. Remember, through voting you can have a direct impact on the topics that matter most to you.

Halloween Events in Tampa Bay

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It’s that time of the year again! Halloween is almost upon us. While officially Halloween may be only a one day event, the spirit takes hold of the area throughout all of October. The Tampa Bay area offers a multitude of Halloween Events. From family friendly to the truly scary, there’s something for everyone. We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up a list of fun events in the area.

Family Friendly Halloween Events

  • Guppyween. Florida Aquarium 701 Channelside Drive Tampa. October 29 & 30, 1-5 p.m. Children in costumes: $10, Adults: regular admission price, members get in free.
  • Creatures of the Night. Lowry Park Zoo 1101 W. Sligh Avenue Tampa. October 28 & 29, 4-10 p.m. Multiple ticket options available.
  • Halloween Horribles Parade. Center Place Brandon 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon. October 30 beginning at 3 p.m. Children is costumes are invited to participate in the parade. Must have a ticket to participate. Tickets $2 per child.
  • Boo Bash. Coachman Park Bright House Field 601 N. Old Coachman Road 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free alternative to trick-o-treating with multiple activities for children and plenty of candy.

Halloween Events in Tampa Bay

Teen Halloween Events

  • Ybor City Ghost Tour. King Corona Cigars 1523 East 7th Avenue, Ybor City. Two hour walking tour. Admission is $25 for adults, $10 for children (8-12). Children under 5 are not permitted, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail. 2837 South Frontage Road Plant City. October 28-31, 7:30-10 p.m. Not recommended for children under 12. Closed toed shoes are recommended for wear. Multiple admission options.
  • Howl-O-Scream. Busch Gardens 10165 N. McKinley Drive Tampa. October 27-30 7:30 p.m. Tickets include shows and rides, prices start at $66 with multiple discount and deal packages.

Adult Halloween Events

  • A Nightmare on Franklin Street. Tampa Theatre 711 N. Franklin Street Tampa. October 23 – 31, times vary. Screenings include The Conjuring, The Shining, Poltegeist, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
  • Scream-A-Geddon. TreeHoppers 27839A Saint Joe Road, Dade City. September 25 – November 1, select nights and times.
  • TASCO Field of Screams: The Asylum. Boyd Hill Entertainment Studies Ares 2900 31st Street St. Petersburg. October 28 – 31, 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. Admission is $15.
  • The Shallow Grave. 701 42nd Street NW, Winter Haven. September 30 – November 5, select dates and times. Admission is $17 per person per attraction, combination tickets available.

Where are you going to celebrate the Halloween spirit this year? Tell us in comments or share pictures on our Facebook page.

Florida Real Estate Disclosures

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In many purchase transactions the old adage “buyer beware” is king. Florida Courts and many other across the country have found that not to be the case for real estate transactions though. The state legislature has followed the Court’s lead and enacted laws to protect the Buyer in a real estate transaction. While this may appear unfair or bias towards the Seller, it actually provides protection for both parties. If a Seller discloses all of his or her knowledge about the property then the Buyer cannot claim they were duped or defrauded.

What disclosures does a Seller need to make?

While this is not a complete list, the most common disclosures a Seller is required to make to a Buyer are as follows:

  • Notice of any liens or lawsuits or the potential of the same against the property;
  • Coastal property or flood zone designation;
  • Current or previous presence of a sinkhole;
  • Any environment hazards including by not limited to: asbestos, mold, lead, and radon;
  • Problems with the home’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems and other major components such as roof and large appliances;
  • Wood destroy insect infestation and damage.
  • Property is subject to a homeowner’s association or condominium bylaws.
  • Improvements were made to the property without the correct permits and inspections.

Florida Real Estate Disclosures

What disclosures are a Seller not required to make?

A common misconception among many Sellers is if a person has been murdered or committed suicide within a home it must be disclosed to potential Buyers. While it may be common knowledge in the neighborhood, Florida Courts have ruled that this information need not be disclosed to a Buyer. The Court has also ruled a current or previous tenant’s HIV status does not need to be disclosed.

Disclosing may seem like a daunting task to submit to when preparing a house for sale but Sellers are in luck. The Court requires that Sellers disclose information only which is reasonably expected to be known to the Seller. For example the Court has found Sellers not liable for improvements made to a home by licensed contractors who failed to obtain the proper permits. The ruling stated it was reasonable for the Seller to expect that the contractors obtained the proper certificates and therefore wouldn’t have assumed the permits weren’t in place. Another example is a Seller may not be aware that their property has a termite infestation. It’s impossible to disclose of a condition that the Seller had no knowledge of. That’s why in such instances it is important that the Buyer make the necessary inspections prior to closing and despite disclosure.

 

What To Do When You Inherit a House

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Inheriting a house can be fraught with emotional and financial decisions. Many people are aware that they will inherit a home long before the time arises. Still many others are caught off guard when they’re informed they are the beneficiary of a piece of real estate.  Regardless of which group you fall into, we have some information to help you navigate the arena of real estate inheritance.

Are You In This Alone?

The first thing you need to know is if you inherited this house solely or if there are other devisees, or recipients of the real estate inheritance.  If you’re the sole the devisee of the property, you have sole authority to do as you wish with the property.  Many times, though, a home will be bequeathed to several people and each person will have an equal say in the property unless otherwise noted in the will.  If your relative did not leave a will, you may still have an interest in the house but you will need a Probate Court to determine the lawful heirs before any disposition or title transfers take place.

What To Do When You Inherit a Housea

Free and Clear?

If the decedent owned the home for many years, it’s likely the property is owned free and clear of a mortgage; however, you shouldn’t assume that the property is free and clear of any liens.  Unpaid taxes and municipal bills could have become liens on the property.  Your best course of action is to order a report on the current title of the home.  For a nominal fee, a title report will provide you with information for the most current deed and mortgages, if any, and any unpaid taxes or liens against the property.

Sell, Move-in, or Rent?

Deciding what to do with the house is often a decision of personal choice.  If you’re the sole inheritor of the property, you may wish to move into the home.  If you inherited the property with several others, an agreement will need to be reached as to what to do with the house.  If one person wants to move into the property, the easiest course of action would be for that person to buy out the interests of the others, usually through securing a mortgage.

If the property is still mortgaged, you’ll want to continue making timely payments.  Renting out the home would be an option to generate an income to cover the cost of the mortgage and other monthly expenses but will obviously come with obligations. (Read our post about becoming a landlord.)  Selling the property is another option to dispose of the property, pay off any liens, and liquidate any remaining equity.  You will need to make the necessary repairs, if any, to bring the house up to code and make it marketable to either a renter or buyer.  An experienced Realtor will be able to assist you in the listing and sale or lease of an inherited property.

The Tax Man Cometh

As with most transaction, taxes will apply.  An estate may be levied an estate tax (federal) and an inheritance tax (state) in addition to any transfer taxes should the property be sold.  The estate and inheritance taxes levied are based on the value of the estate and how the inheritances are bequeathed.  You may be able to pay the necessary taxes at the time you sell or transfer title.  You should consult a licensed accountant or attorney to determine the taxes the estate is obligated to pay and when they are due.

Inheriting a property doesn’t need to be a financial burden or create conflict between family members.  Informing yourself and being realistic about the value and debts of the property will help you determine the best course of action.

Disclaimer: Seek the advice of a licensed attorney in the appropriate jurisdiction should you have questions regarding your rights as an estate beneficiary.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published October 2014. It has since been updated and edited for clarity and cohesiveness.  

There’s a Zombie House In My Neighborhood What Do I Do?

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While many experts talk about the recovery the real estate market is experiencing there is still an obvious sign of what happened following the mortgage crisis of 2008. Zombie houses, or houses that are abandoned and not yet foreclosed, still litter some neighborhoods. As recent as early 2016, the Tampa Bay area holds the unfortunate distinction of having the fourth largest number of zombie houses in the country.

The plague of the zombie house can be far reaching into the neighborhood. Lack of proper and regular maintenance can lead to unsafe conditions and even affect other properties, especially those sharing a common wall or other boundary. Abandoned and unsecured houses can attract a host of unauthorized people to enter the property for their activities. Wild animals can also find shelter in abandoned properties in or in the unkempt yards. In addition to the unsafe and undesirable conditions of a zombie house, it can also greatly reduce the value of your well maintained property. If a house in your neighborhood begins to show signs of becoming a zombie, what can you do about it?

Zombie House

Source: Craigh Clouter via Flickr

Investigate

In our post about neighbors affecting the sale of your home, we suggested that you talk with a neighbor who’s home was showing signs of disrepair or neglect. Not all unkempt houses are zombie houses. Reaching out to a neighbor can tell you if the house is vacant or if the owner is elderly or otherwise unable to perform the needed maintenance. From there, you can get a better idea of how to proceed. If the property is vacant, reach out to your local building or code enforcement office who most likely responds to these types of situations. If it’s simply a neighbor in need of some assistance, roll up your sleeves and lend a hand.

Report

In Tampa and many other local communities, property owners are required to register a vacant home. The idea is that officials will know who to hold responsible when repairs are required. If the municipality is forced to make the repairs the bill will be collected against the owner. One of the defining characteristics of a zombie house though is the failure for the mortgage company to have completed a foreclosure in a timely manner and transfer ownership into their name. A recent ruling by the state’s Appeals Court found that liens placed on a home prior to completing a foreclosure are not divested at the Sheriff’s Sale. This puts more pressure on banks to keep houses in good order no matter what stage of repossession they may be. If you learn about a zombie house in your neighborhood, advise your local municipality who will monitor the property and address any code violations.

Watch

An abandoned home is attractive to a number of people, from squatters to copper thieves to kids just looking to explore. It’s best to keep an eye out for suspicious activity in or near a zombie house. If you do notice people who should not be in the house, contact the police…do not confront anyone you don’t know. By helping to keep the property secure, you help ensure that the mortgage company does not need to spend more time repairing it before listing it for sale and lengthen the life of a zombie house.

Your options may seem limited and realistically they are when it comes to a zombie house. Staying aware of the status of your neighborhood and keeping in touch with the proper authorities can make a difference in how long a zombie house affects your neighborhood.