5 realtor tips for spring open houses

With the dreary winter months seemingly in the past and spring right around the corner, the amount of homes you show could increase overnight. Are you ready for the influx? Implement these five tips into your next home showing to make the sell.

  • Check out the house online… and in person: Canvas the area where you're selling before bringing in your first buyer. Chances are you won't get a full curb appeal feel if you don't see it in person. Houses sell more quickly in the spring, so jump on a house before it's gone.
  • Ensure the home makes a good first impression: First impressions are usually made within the first 60 seconds of viewing a home. There isn't much wiggle room for mistakes. Take a walk through the home the day before an open house and eliminate any glaring issues.
  • Know the current market: Don't overprice or under-price the home. Research what it's worth, what houses nearby have sold for and what the sellers prefer. 
  • Make the home comfortable: Keep the heat at a reasonable level, air out every room and ensure it's clean. In addition, use the spring season as a great excuse for seller spring cleaning. Potential buyers can't envision themselves in your home, if your clutter is all that can be seen. Remove the family pictures, knick knacks and full closets into storage for a better sale advantage. 
  • Price the house correctly: A house that has sat on the market for too long is bad for sellers and your business. Price the house fairly and accurately the first time to avoid future headaches or price changes.

For other realtor tips, home seller information or inspection services, visit our website. Alban home inspection specializes in energy efficiency, lead paint inspection and radon detection. Schedule a consultation before your next home showing.

D.C is new leader of energy-efficient buildings

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), D.C. is leader in energy-efficient certified buildings. This is the first time since 2009 that Los Angeles, CA has been knocked out of the top spot.

480 of D.C.'s buildings qualified as ENERGY STAR efficient. The city is also the nation's leader for the top number of LEED certified projects.

D.C. buildings account for 75 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions {What category do DC buildings contribute 75% to? Right now it sort of reads like DC accounts for 75% of the world's emissions. Also is 75% a good number or a bad one?}. Its top place on the EPA list proves the capital's commitment and interest in curbing the human carbon footprint.

According to the D.C. Department of the Environment, "The District was the first in the country to pass a law requiring large private buildings to annually measure and report energy and water performance for public disclosure."

The top 10 metro areas for 2015 are:

  1. Washington, D.C. 
  2. Los Angeles, California
  3. Atlanta, Georgia,
  4. New York, New York
  5. San Francisco, California 
  6. Chicago, Illinois
  7. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
  8. Houston, Texas
  9. Denver, Colorado
  10. Boston, Massachusetts

According to ENERGY STAR, Americans saved $30 billion on utility bills in 2013. More than 40 percent of the commercial business market is ENERGY STAR certified. It has prevented the equivalent of 5 million home's electricity usage and overall emission footprint.

In order to qualify for ENERGY STAR certification, a building must be in the top 25 percent of similar buildings nationwide. More than 30 types of facilities can be ENERGY STAR approved. To learn more about this certification, check out its website.

Alban inspectors are certified and experienced in energy audit and home energy efficiency. If you are interested in reducing your carbon footprint or decreasing household bill totals, schedule a consultation today. Alban also has numerous home inspection services and a range of audit choices.

Boosting energy efficiency starts with customer education

Why should your customers make a switch to energy efficient technology in their home or business? Obtaining new customers or interest in efficient utilities begins with customer engagement. 

According to Greentech Media, only two percent of utility providers believe they have great customer outreach programs. Another recent survey by Utility Drive for NTC Corporate concluded that many of the 144 companies polled were unsure of how to develop new, more effective programs to educate their customers on the benefits of environmentally-friendly utilities. 

Seventy-six percent of those polled by NTC stated that consumer education is a higher priority than it was even 10 years ago. This could signify an end to a monopoly-like system, in favor of a more open market made up of knowledgeable customers. 

The most important customer education programs in the eyes of utility companies include:

  • Energy efficiency (50 percent)
  • Demand response (20 percent)
  • Renewable energy (18 percent)
  • Energy distribution (12 percent)

Using efficient energy can:

  • Decrease the amount of pollution, chemicals and other waste that can harm the environment.
  • Improve overall economical growth by avoiding high energy costs.
  • Lower cost of utility bills.
  • Spur job growth and other workplace infrastructure changes.

Customers will not change the amount of energy they consume if they don't realize they can, or know where to start. Incentives such as government tax breaks are helpful, but utilities could also implement their own bonuses for switching to an energy conserving mode. Public seminars, email blasts and stories of real people making a change could also jumpstart the movement.

If you are interested in learning where your business or home falls on the energy efficient spectrum, consult Alban Inspections for an assessment. An energy audit or better home heating and insulation could be an investment in future efficiency and monetary savings. 

U.S. Department of Energy offers $20 million in search for more energy efficient motors and drives

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will give $20 million to companies who will develop more energy efficient motors and drives, according to Energy Efficient Markets. This offer is just one of many in the increasingly popular movement to reduce the $200 billion energy bill of the industrial sector. 

The DOE is interested in companies that will infuse high-power density and integrated power electronics in their manufacturing process. Industrial electronic motors are used in:

  • Compressors
  • Fans
  • Grinding mills
  • Metal rolling
  • Mine hoists
  • Pumps
  • Refineries.

As of now, the industrial sector uses 25 percent of U.S. electricity. This is expected to rise 30 percent by 2040. Manufacturing only counts for 12 percent of the U.S. GDP.

The DOE believes that the sector can reduce the high amount of energy costs by:

  • Replacing less efficient systems with fixed motor speeds and gearboxes 
  • Incorporating power electronic advancements into production. 

The initiative is known as the Next Generation Electric Machines: Megawatt Class Motors funding program and is open to those that include the following changes: 

  • Front end power processing units
  • High speed motors with the ability to be directly added to appropriate industrial loads
  • Medium voltage class for wide bandgap semi-conductor-based variable speed drives.

To learn more about the fund or to submit proposal information visit this site. For more information, contact: EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov or AMONGEM@go.doe.gov.

Energy efficiency isn't just for businesses or the industrial sector. If you would like to schedule an energy audit for your home, schedule a consultation with Alban Inspections. Our home inspection contractors are experts in the energy reduction and conservation field. A home energy audit can save money on your next household bill and reduce your carbon footprint.

Does location optimize solar energy efficiency?

According to a recent study by Stanford University, the question is not should we use solar power energy, but rather, where should we develop it?

Instead of building sprawling energy conservation sites in the middle of nowhere, energy users should invest in solar power or other efficiencies right outside their doors. 

Often, solar energy and other types of power are created far away from the places that actually use them. It takes energy, manpower and money to transfer the energy from these locations to where it is needed most. If this distance was eliminated, and production of energy was engrained in cities, two possible outcomes include:

  • Bringing what actually happens into our backyards: Do you know what an energy-efficient plant looks like? Implementing these areas in cities can decrease confusion about what energy is and how to tap into it. Not every change is just going to be a large windmill. 
  • Utilizing energy-efficient areas already available in cities: If structures are already built and available for energy need changes, why build others? Using flat city roofs for solar energy and other renewable options can minimize the environmental destruction of wildlife habitat and preserved lands. 

Renewable energy testing is currently being conducted in California because of its progress in solar power generation. California is the number one solar energy consumer in the U.S. with more solar installations than all other states combined since 1970. 

If you would like to learn how energy-efficient your home or business is, schedule a consultation with Alban Inspections. Alban home inspection contractors are trained and certified in a range of other specialties including mold, radon detector screening and lead paint testing. Visit our website for more information.

Home seller safety information you need to know

All realtors should have a safety and security talk with their clients. Selling a home can be a pivotal life moment, but it does come with some risk. Home owners must ensure that they are selling their property in a safe manner to protect both the value of their home and themselves. 

Make sure you cover the five safety tips listed below before your next open house:

  • Eliminate all weapon possibilities: Make sure all firearms are locked in a secure place. In addition, remove possible weapons such as kitchen knives, fireplace accents and other sharp objects.
  • Have a home showing procedure in place and stick to it: Set specific hours when you will show potential buyers your home. Be sure your realtor is present and obtain information about each person that enters your home for your own records.
  • Keep all materials with personal info out of sight: Don't leave stacks of mail, bills or other material with potential private information in plain sight. Personal information can easily be stolen during open houses. Consider removing family pictures and other identifying information as well, as you may not know who will show up at your door.
  • Remove all medications from sight: Don't give visitors the option to raid your medicine cabinet. Remove all traces from bedside tables, vanity drawers and bathroom cabinets.
  • Secure your valuable items: Lock away items such as jewelry, credit cards or other valuables. If you don't have a secure place in your house, ask a trusted friend or family member if they have space for you.

Before selling your home, or purchasing a potential real estate investment, consider scheduling an inspection with Alban. Alban can conduct an energy audit, mold inspection or other inspection necessary to sell a property. For other realtor information, home buyer info or energy assessment methods, visit our website. 

5 realtor safety tips you need to know

Selling a home can be quite an accomplishment for your portfolio, future sale references and wallet. Unfortunately though, real estate agents are in a more dangerous industry than some may think. Implement these five tips into your next home showing for a successful, safe outcome: 

  • Alert someone to your whereabouts and what time showings will begin: Let a friend or spouse know where the house is that your showing. Let them know you will contact them afterwards, and that if they don't hear from you, to contact you or do a drive by.
  • Avoid keeping valuables and prescription drugs in site of potential buyers: Valuables in a home, especially those visible to an outside passerby or those looking at photos online can increase risk of a burglary. Lock up valuables for their safety, and that of your realtor. 
  • Only show during the day and ensure adequate lighting is used: According to AOL Real Estate, showing a home during daylight is the safest option. If showing during nighttime hours is necessary, keep all lights turned on and curtains open for street visibility. 
  • Plan ahead for an emergency situation: Know all escape routes and keep your car readily accessible on the street. Don't walk in front of potential buyers, instead lead them by pointing to the next location and standing outside the room.
  • Schedule appointments with potential buyers: Don't show a house to someone you don't entirely trust. Screen buyers beforehand with a phone call and ask for identifying information. Keep this information on file, or give it to your agency for safekeeping.

For other realtor information, energy efficiency audit news or commercial inspectors information schedule an inspection with Alban. 

Realtors, do you know your audience?

The housing market can fluctuate based on a variety of reasons including the weather, the economy or who is actually interested in making a purchase at the time. 

According to the 2015 National Association of Realtors Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends study (NAR), there are major differences between generational home buyers. 

The survey stated Millennials (aged 34 and younger) make up 32 percent of all home buyers, the largest pool of home buyer applicants. Many of these buyers believe that purchasing a home is a good financial investment. 39 percent of those surveyed also stated that the desire to buy their own home was a number one reason to venture into the home market.

Other characteristics of current home buyers according to NAR include:

  • 33 percent of recent home buyers were first-time home owners.
  • 92 percent of buyers used the internet in some form to search for a home, and 50 percent used a mobile website or application.
  • The typical home buyer searched for 10 weeks and viewed 10 homes before making a purchase.

Connecting with potential home buyers is an essential part of the home buying process. Implement these four tips into your next selling experience: 

  • Be friendly, knowledgeable and assertive. 
  • Build a strong online presence with a website, social media outreach and email updates.
  • Understand what your client wants and explore other potential opportunities he or she may not have thought of.
  • Work the open house opportunities. Network with home buyers and leave your contact information with them.

Before selling a house to a client, ensure it has had a thorough home inspection. Contact an Alban home inspector contractor for an inspection that includes heating and insulation systems, electrical systems and building exteriors. Check out our website or call 1-800-822-7200 for more information. 

Test your home for lead today

Has your home been recently inspected for lead contamination? If you live in Maryland, it could be an investment worth your life. 

New Maryland lead laws went into effect Jan. 1. The law hopes to reduce the number of lead poisoning cases linked to homes built before 1978, according to The Star Democrat. 

Although lead paint was prohibited in 1978, many cases have emerged in recent years linking lead poisoning with homes specifically built between 1950 and 1978.  

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least four million households are infecting children with lead poisoning right now.

Lead can be found in the air, water and soil surrounding and inside your home. It can also be found in plumbing materials, solders, gasoline, cosmetics and batteries. 

Lead is oftentimes found in paint covering bedroom walls and playroom areas. It can be safe to be in its vicinity if it is still in decent shape underneath new layers of paint. However, if it begins to chip, crack or create dust though, it may be time to bring in an inspector to remove it. 

Children and pregnant women are most prone to the dangerous effects of lead exposure, although exposure to any person or animal can be lethal. Children are still developing and, due to this, they tend to  absorb more lead than adults. This can have especially serious and adverse effects on their brain and nervous systems, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Maryland law requires all multi-family and single family homes built before 1978 to be tested for lead paint. Under federal law, lead-based paint in your property must be disclosed when being sold or leased.

If you live in an older home or believe a family member is suffering from lead poisoning, or you are about to sell your home, schedule an appointment with our home inspection company. Alban lead inspectors are accredited and trained to help. 

Radon testing is a crucial part of a home inspection

Before purchasing a home, ensure you have inspected all possible problem areas including mold, water damage and radon.

Radon is a natural radioactive gas that can enter homes through cracks in walls, foundations and drains. According to the American Lung Association, it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and is responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths every year.

Radon is an odorless, tasteless and colorless breakdown of uranium commonly found in soil and igneous rocks. The only way to know if you are being exposed to radon is by conducting a radon test inspection.

No, it won't cause you to develop cancer overnight or even in a few weeks. Lung cancer is a "long latency-period" type of cancer, according to Director of Environmental Health at the American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic. Exposure to radon can cause cancer decades after initial exposure. 

Radon particles that build up in the lungs give off low doses of radiation, which over time can become lethal. 

Numerous experts recommend testing for radon below the third floor.

Alban inspectors use the radon detector Radalink Radon Telemonitor, a continuous radon test for short-term real estate transactions. Continuous radon testing systems collect radon readings hourly. After the test is completed, Radalink faxes the complete test report to Alban and the realtor.

For a longer testing period, Alpha-track testers are used. 

Remedying a radon leak is cost efficient and necessary to secure the safety of your family. Costs can range between $800 and $1,500. 

If you would like to schedule a radon inspection call Alban inspectors at 1800-822-7200 or visit our website.