Realtor safety remains hot button issue

One year after Arkansas realtor Beverly Carter was kidnapped and murdered while showing a home, the National Association of Realtors is again relaying the importance of realtor safety.

For autumn, what should you, as a realtor, keep in mind in terms of safety?

A new application has been developed in her memory, called the Bev Score, set to be released soon. The app uses GPS technology to verify who you say you are, as well as tracking your general location. It also allows users to rate others based on personality traits such as aggression or politeness. 

In addition to safety apps, there are some tips that real estate agents can follow in order to keep themselves safe when showing homes.

These include:

  • Avoid meeting strangers alone: Before showing potential buyers the home, be sure to meet them first in a public space such as an office or coffee shop. Getting a feel for them is essential for your safety.
  • Consider creating a distress code: Having a coded distress signal among coworkers may be best for those who work alone frequently or run intro trouble.
  • Trust your gut: Often, if you have a suspicious feeling or are unsure of potential buyers, chances are there is a reason why you feel that way. If this occurs, stop the showing right away and leave out the nearest exit. 
  • Use an ID form for prospects: Before showing a property, have potential buyers fill out a form detailing their name, address, make of their car and driver's license information, as well as anything else you feel is pertinent. Be sure they know someone else has seen this information and can relay it if necessary.

For more realtor safety tips, visit our website. If you're selling your home, consider an energy audit to determine energy efficiency for a stronger selling point. 

Understanding mold in your home [Video]

Alban inspectors are trained to perform mold investigations and tests in your home. Why is mold an issue in the first place though?

One drawback of recently constructed energy efficient homes is that they don’t have as much airflow as a regular house. If a leak in the bathroom or basement occurs, the wet area is unable to dry out as quickly, supporting mold growth.

Although mold can be prevalent in new homes, it can also happen in older homes due to faulty water systems, closed-in spaces and aged home features such as wallpaper and flooring.

Mold may not seem like the worst thing to happen in a home, however it is extremely dangerous and can be deadly if left untreated. Mold can cause a range of health issues including respiratory problems, skin irritation, sore throat, nasal congestion and nervous system problems.

If these symptoms occur and there is no visible mold, it may be hidden, but its presence can be checked with a simple air test. 

With the right help, a mold infestation can often be remedied. Consult an Alban inspector today for more information. 

3 radon myths debunked

One of the most important parts of a home inspection is radon testing.

Radon is an colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can seep into the home through cracks in the foundation, pipes and construction joints. The only way to know if a home has been compromised by radon is to specifically test for it.

Radon is dangerous, and a home left untreated can result in serious health issues and even death. Keep the following three myths in mind when handling radon in your home.

Myth 1: Radon testing is difficult, expensive and time consuming. Radon testing is inexpensive when compared to the numerous health costs and home damage that can occur if left untreated. Although it can be tested by homeowners, calling in a professional is the best choice.

Myth 2: Radon only affects older homes. Radon can seep into any home, drafty, sealed, old or new. Local geology, construction materials and home type are only a few factors that may cause radon.

Myth 3: If your neighbor doesn't have radon, you won't either. Radon varies home to home and can happen in your home without affecting those around you.

The Clean Power Plan will boost energy efficiency in affordable housing

According to the Natural Resource Defense Council, the Clean Power Plan will likely boost energy efficiency for those living in affordable housing. The plan is set to limit the amount of carbon pollution from power plants, the nation's largest source of pollution.

The plan has created the Clean Energy Incentive program to provide additional incentives to states that begin early investments in energy efficiency and renewable sources, especially in low-income communities. 

Low-income homeowners suffer from more exposure to toxins within the atmosphere than others. Constant climate change often causes these issues, with unstable weather patterns and the potency of chemicals in the air being affected as well.

Poor ventilation in a home can cause homes to be drafty, especially in the fall and winter when the weather becomes cooler. Due to this, many families are left to suffer the elements, with the cold causing them to heat their homes in an unsafe manner, use non-efficient appliances and reside in overall poorly constructed buildings.

The Energy Efficiency for All (EEFA) project is working to make a change for those families that rely on affordable housing. By partnering with many other organizations including the National Housing Trust, National Housing Conference and the Natural Resources Defense Council, change is beginning to occur.

A recent study found that multifamily affordable housing complexes could cut electricity by as much as 26 percent, reducing carbon reduction by 6 to 11 percent in places such as Maryland, New York and Virginia.

Virginia is one of the few states that has already asked for development input from state implementation plans for better energy efficiency. 

If you're interested in learning more about energy efficiency or would like to make changes in your home, schedule an audit with Alban Inspections today.

The Alban Home Inspection Service [Video]

What can an Alban Home Inspection Service do for you?

Alban adheres to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). ASHI is the largest national home inspection organization of its kind. 

We follow the ASHI experience, providing personalized, expert knowledge during the home buying process. During our inspection process, buyers can expect their personal inspection to be our number one priority. In addition to our detailed, technical process we ensure educational opportunities for buyers as well. 

Alban inspects many components of the home including the gutters, foundation, heating system, outbuildings, electrical system and the majority of appliances in the kitchen, among many others.

We also use digital cameras to record conditions for buyer records and a better understanding of any issues that arise.

In addition, Alban tests for proper operating temperatures including excess moisture in lumber, drywall, masonry and concrete.

At the end of the inspection, buyers will be provided with an in-depth report that includes a list of home strengths, areas of concern and maintenance tips. 

Contact an Alban inspector to learn more, or visit our website. 

5 tips for better home efficiency this fall

As summer sweeps away into fall, homeowners should take some time looking at their house for any changes that could be made to enhance energy efficiency. Although energy efficiency is often thought of in the warmer months, conserving cooler air and open spaces, fall and winter are often marked by cozy, warm rooms in their place. 

Keep the following five tips in mind for better efficiency in your home for the upcoming season:

  • Roof repairs: As heat rises, the roof is often the first place that the warm air in your house will escape from if there are holes or openings. Before the leaves begin to fall, and especially before it's covered in snow, take a look at the roof and chimney for any holes or missing pieces. If you are unable to do so yourself in a safe manner, consider calling in a professional instead.
  • Seal any leaks: Add caulking or weatherstripping to drafty windows and doorways. Sealing openings will keep the warm air in, as well as the cold air and possible pests out as well. 
  • Take a look at the furnace: How old is your heating system? When was the last time it was cleaned out? It is recommended to replace a furnace filter once a month or more. 
  • Thermostat temperature: Consider lowering your thermostat at certain times of the day, or purchasing one that monitors movement in the house for the most efficient practices possible.
  • Watch the windows: Cover drafty windows with a sheet or curtain to keep the warmth inside. 

Schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspections today to start conserving energy in your home. 

Maryland continues energy efficiency quest

The Maryland Public Service Commission has created one of the most ambitious energy efficiency targets in the U.S., calling on utilities to cut electricity usage by the equivalent of 2 percent of retail sales every year starting in 2020. 

This initiative places Maryland in the top five states in the U.S. in terms of this kind of policy including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont and Oregon. By implementing energy efficient changes into political and social policy, states can reduce carbon emissions and conserve the natural resources of the environment simultaneously. 

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network calculated that Maryland's energy efficiency target will reduce emissions by about 900,000 tons a year, equivalent to taking 173,000 cars off the road.

Although some utilities may be hesitant to make the change, there is real promise for them in the future. Before the latest initiative, Maryland utilities achieved energy savings of about 1.3 percent of their sales. 

Utilities have the ability to make more money by encouraging customers to install LED light bulbs and incorporating energy efficiency into their homes with modern appliances and a better understanding of its benefits.

There are many benefits associated with efficiency including lower bills, a smaller carbon footprint and a cleaner Earth.

If you're interested in learning more about efficiency in your home, schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspections. Our residential energy audits examine the energy features of the home, as well as testing the home. 

Afterward, a list of suggestions is compiled for homeowners to best choose their next step. Learn more on our website or contact an Alban inspector today.

The importance of home water testing [Video]

Why do homeowners or those who are selling their property decide to invest in water testing? 

The answer can depend on several factors including proximity of the water to a septic system, composition of plumbing materials, as well as any issues with color, taste, smell or staining properties.

Two major reasons to definitely invest in water testing is the possibility of lead and a consideration for a home water treatment unit.

At Alban, we believe that water quality is an important part of your family’s overall safety in the home. In addition to their health, other water factors such as a private well or an older home are also issues to consider.

Over time, a private well can become defective and should be inspected. Common testing on wells include bacteria, nitrates, nitrites and lead. 

The EPA, University of Maryland Water Experts and the American Ground Water Trust recommend annual testing of private wells. 

Alban inspectors are accredited to collect water in all local states and our laboratories are nationally accredited. 

September is Realtor Safety Month

Selling real estate is known to come with some risk. Due to this, September has been named Realtor Safety Month by the National Association of Realtors. With the rise of social media as a tool for many realtors, some worry that their online presence may leave them vulnerable to a range of events.

The Silicon Valley Association of Realtors created a list of safety tips during this September that will be helpful for realtors throughout their career. 

Keep the following four tips in mind during your next home showing:

  • Be careful with all personal information: Although it may not seem like you're sharing a lot of your personal information, social media has the ability to pinpoint your exact location or broadcast where you may be next. Be sure to turn off this feature and keep your profile private. Consider making a second page for your real estate business without any details of your private life on it.
  • Keep the potential buyer in sight: Never let a buyer walk behind you during the showing or out of your range of vision. This ensures nothing is stolen from the house, as well as so you know where everyone is at all times.
  • Know all the exits: Once you enter a property, be sure to note all the potential exits. During an emergency situation, seconds count more than you think.
  • Use the buddy system: Let your coworkers know where you're going to be, who is supposed to be viewing the property and when you expect to be back at the office. Having a checks and balances system is great for both safety and tracking open houses.

Just like realtor safety, energy audits and energy efficiency tests are integral to the home buying process. Learn more about Alban Inspections by visiting our website.

3 ways to prepare your home for sale [Video]

Preparing your home for a sale may seem like a daunting process, but with the right information in mind, it doesn’t have to be.

One of the most difficult aspects often associated with selling a home is viewing it through the eyes of potential buyers. 

Keep these three simple tips in mind when developing your sales plan.

For starters, do a deep clean. Be sure to get into all the corners, behind appliances and inside closets. In addition, keep up with cleaning throughout the selling process, especially if the home is on the market for an extended amount of time.

Make minor repairs, such as a leaking faucet or cracks in the paint. These smaller issues may cause the buyer to think the home is hiding even bigger problems elsewhere. 

Finally, spend some time on the outside of the home. Consider planting shrubbery, painting over visible marks or decorating the front door. Curb appeal is one of the most important aspects of the sale.

To learn more, or to schedule a home inspection, visit our website.