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Experts To Call When Buying Or Selling A Home

Ready to put your home on the market? Or maybe you’re in search of a great property to purchase. Either way, following certain guidelines will help ensure you handle the process as swiftly and as seamlessly as possible. We suggest relying on the following experts during this time to help guarantee you get the best deal possible and don’t wind up facing any unpleasant surprises along the way.

hand holding magnifying glass over houseHire An Appraiser

First things first, hire an appraiser (or home inspector) to look things over and give you a general overview of what the home is currently worth and what types of repairs will be needed in the near future. Buying a home that hasn’t been inspected can land you in some big trouble down the line! It’s definitely worth investing the money into an inspection now, as it will ensure you don’t find costly issues later on.

This step also ensures you stay safer by making certain that there are no dangers lurking in your potential new home. They can check for mold, radon, and countless other things that could put your family members at serious risk.

Or, if you’re selling, this process will help you get everything you deserve out of your home. Trust us – this is an investment that is well worth every penny spent!

Talk With A Financial Expert

Once your home is appraised, it’s important to talk with a financial expert who can advise you on loan options or see if you’ll even be approved for a mortgage. This is obviously an important step, as no loan means no home! Once everything is good to go, they can also offer advice and guidance for how you can best move forward from a financial standpoint.

Keep in mind that it’s typical for unexpected expenses to pop up throughout this process, and it never hurts to know what you should be prepared for. In the end, you’ll be able to go about things a lot easier (and less stressfully) if you get some insight in this category right away.

Contact A Real Estate Agent

Not sure where to start as far as putting your home on the market? Calling a real estate agent will be your next best step, then! These professionals are trained to help you get the best price available, and they can really upsell your home to potential buyers. In the end, most homeowners wind up getting a better deal when they use an agent, even with them taking a percentage of the final cut.

Along with this, there is a lot of documentation and paperwork involved in the home-buying and -selling process, so working with someone who knows their way around it all can be extremely beneficial. In the end, hiring an expert who has done this multiple times is a smart route to take.

Do You Need An Attorney?

There are cases when an attorney or lawyer is helpful when purchasing a home. While you aren’t legally required to hire one here in California (some states require them), they can be a really big asset if you are negotiating through complicated contracts or find yourself in a situation that’s out of the norm.

Seek Guidance From Friends & Family

Not all of your loved ones are likely “experts” at buying or selling homes, but we dare to bet that there are a few people who are experts on YOU! If you’re feeling uncertain about anything, it never hurts to reach out and seek advice from those you feel closest to. They may offer clarity on certain points, and inviting another perspective into the equation never hurts anything!

Is There A Fireplace? Schedule An Inspection With Us!

If the home has a fireplace in it, then hiring a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to do a level 2 inspection is another important step to take. Home inspectors look at the easily accessible parts of the chimney, but they don’t get a thorough look up into it. A qualified chimney technician will send video equipment up your flue to ensure everything looks good and that no hidden damages or concerning issues are present [https://www.csia.org/inspections.html].

All in all, if there are problems with the liner, damage from a chimney fire, or just any type of general deterioration, this is something you’ll want addressed before making any commitments (or at least considered into the cost of the home). This is another instance where paying for an affordable service now is a lot better than pouring thousands into repair work down the line.

Looking for a trustworthy team to hire in San Diego or somewhere in the surrounding area? Turn to Weststar Chimney Sweeps! We are qualified to perform level 2 inspections and, should we find even more pressing issues, we can offer a level 3 inspection, as well. Looking to have problems resolved as soon as possible? We’ve got you covered there, too. We’re the team you count on every step of the way.

Home Maintenance Tips For San Diego’s Rainy Months

We tend to see a lot of rainfall this time of year here in San Diego County, so it’s important to ensure your home is adequately protected. There are a lot of simple steps you can take to ensure you stay as safe as possible, as well as avoid expensive and time-consuming repairs down the line. Follow some of the guidelines provided below, and be sure to reach out to our team for all of your chimney- and fireplace-related needs. Weststar Chimney is ready to serve you every step of the way!

man cleaning out leafy guttersUnclog Your Gutters

If you don’t have sturdy gutters on your home, then it might be time to invest in some new ones. It may put a small dent in your bank account, but trust us – water-related damages are much more costly to address! If your gutters are in good shape, then get out your ladder and some gloves and ensure they are totally unclogged, so that water has a clear pathway off of your roof and away from your home. Or, if you’re not up to take on the task yourself, call on a professional to help you out.

What happens if you neglect this maintenance? Water will collect on your roof, causing all kinds of damage, and you’ll be experiencing leaks and interior and exterior home damage before you know it. It could also lead to water pooling near your home, causing a lot of issues throughout your foundation. The weaker this area becomes, the more likely you are to have structural issues down the line.

Check For Rot

The more moisture you have in your home, the more likely you are to experience rotting throughout your woodwork, which can eventually lead to structural damage and mold accumulation. Be sure to look for rot regularly and have any affected areas replaced as soon as possible. Then, take necessary measures to ensure these areas are not affected by water again down the line.

Is Your Roof In Good Shape?

Mold or leaky spots in your roof indicate that some work needs to be completed. It’s important to regularly replace broken or missing shingles, and be sure to invest in new roofing materials, as needed, to ensure your entire home stays safer and in the best shape possible. Rainy weather can be very hard on your roof, and you don’t want to discover leaks amidst a heavy downpour. Take action now – you’ll be happy you crossed this maintenance off of your list early!

Seal Your Windows & Doors

Window frames and door frames are especially vulnerable spots when heavy rains begin to fall. As various parts of your home settle, expand, and contract over time, these areas tend to break down the quickest, and you’ll notice water seeping through if they aren’t properly maintained. Keep an open eye for stains, rotting wood, mold, and other signs that moisture is making a presence. Then, seal them up as necessary.

Inspect Your Landscaping

Are there any places in your yard where water is more prone to collect and cause damage? Consider re-doing weak spots in your landscaping, and check that your sidewalks and driveway are appropriately sloped so that water flows away from your property, rather than towards it. These projects are a little more expensive to take on, but don’t compare at all to the costs of home repairs down the line should water gain easy access to your home.

Waterproof Your Masonry

Is your chimney sealed and protected? If not, then it’s time to call in some experts. Your brickwork and mortar are really absorbent, and they will soak in a lot of water if left to the elements. Water breaks down these materials quickly, and all too often people use store-bought paints and sealers to try and protect them. Unfortunately, these products trap the pre-absorbed moisture inside with no way of escaping, meaning your structure will continue to crumble, crack, and deteriorate.

Rely on our team to get the job done right with services and products you can rely on for the long haul. We’ll cover your masonry will specially formulated sealants that offer reliable protection, while still remaining vapor-permeable. This means no water will get in and anything stuck inside can easily escape over time.

Invest In Replacement Chimney Parts

Unfortunately, your masonry isn’t the only area of your chimney that can be affected by water. If your flashing, chimney cap, or top-sealing damper was installed incorrectly or if they are facing some type of damage, then it’s likely that water will pool and create rust and decay. These components can work wonders at protecting your home, but they have to be in good shape and set up right in order to do an effective job.

Let us look things over, and we can repair or replace parts, as necessary. Once everything is back in order, you can rest easier knowing you did everything possible to prevent further damage throughout your home.

We’re Here For You!

Ready to work with the best in the area? Our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps are just a quick phone call away. Reach out now, so you can put your mind at ease throughout these rainy months ahead.