In this Las Vegas market everything we do as an inspector is leaning towards education (What is this property like, what condition is it in and what repairs will I have to do to make it habitable), rather than trying to help the buyer justify offering less on a property because of issues that are found. Basically, we are dealing with REO's (Bank Owned Real Estate) and homes are being sold AS IS. So the inspection a buyer is having performed is for...

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With each and every home inspection in Las Vegas the challenges are many. On an inspection the other day I found the air conditioning was not activating. After several attempts with the thermostat I was ready to declare and write the A/C was not functioning.

The agent that was with me was curious also with many years under his belt. He also examined the main fuse block to the A/C and pulled one out. Low and behold it was installed upside down....

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Scenerio: Listing Agent, Buyers Agent with The Husband and Wife and the home inspector show up at a property with the intention to do an inspection only to find the water is "Locked" off by the Water Authority. Options: Do the inspection anyway or re-schedule (usually an additional fee involved ). Who is the finger going to be pointed at. First, the Listing Agent, as it is his/her responsiblitiy to have the utilities on. The Buyers Agent usually will...

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With the Summer months upon us, no wonder the first consideration a home inspector in Las Vegas will concern himself about is air conditioning. Today, most of us use a Laser Thermometer to read the vent outputs. From the ceiling a reading between 50-56 degrees is considered satisfactory as the cool air falls into the room and brings room temperature to 68-70 degrees (for testing) should be adequate for a household.

Remember, should an inspector...

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In this foreclosure marketplace, people walking away from their homes, no maintenance being performed, there is a good chance that many items may be in need of attention. Return air filters are recommended to be replace every 30 days, even the most avid homeowner barely reaches that goal. You can imagine someone losing their home wouldn't pay much attention to this. Changing them will make your air conditioning function properly and save energy.

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Finding the right home inspector foy you, there is a formula to this. If you are working with an agent, they should supply you with a list of a minimum of 3 companies you can contact, possibly more. Take the initative and contact at least 3.

Ask alot of questions, like, "How long have you been in business?", "Can you supply me with a copy of your Certification and Insurance?," "Will you make me aware of positive issues with the home as well...

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Summer is here and here is where you can maximize your A/C. Las Vegas in summer is like walking on the sun and our utility bills prove it. There are a few things you can do to be sure you get the most out of your cooling.

First, be sure to change your return filters often. (It is commended you change them every month. Hardly anyone does this out of shear laziness. It will help with your allergies as well as your bill). Next, be sure you have...

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The difference between a home inspector and an appraiser is the same as the difference between an auto mechanic and a doctor. Both are diagnosticians, but different environments. To date banks and lending institutions have used appraisers to estimate the value of a home using comps (comparable sales within a period of time as close to said property as possible). They measure room sizes, square footage of the property and on the interior examine the...

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