Nancy Hibler, Realtor

It’s something we’re sure at one time or another, you’ve imagined. You take a house, a house that many would see as decrepit and decaying, and turn it into something extraordinary. You’ve seen it done on countless shows on the always entertaining HGTV channel. You might have even had first-hand experience on how a drastic interior renovation can be successful. But no matter what first might have introduced you to this concept, one thing is certain: people’s love and fascination with buying a “fixer-upper” home are not going away any time soon. But sometimes, a television show, or one person’s successful project, doesn’t necessarily guarantee success for your own “fixer-upper.” Any number of unforeseen complications can arise with any large undertaking, and unfortunately, big complications often translate into big expenses. Many homeowners like you, or those considering purchasing a “fixer-upper” may be asking themselves, “is all that trouble really worth the end result? Here are...

Buying a new home is one of the most costly — if not the most costly — purchases you’ll make in your lifetime. It’s a big decision, and the process itself can be stressful for homebuyers. That’s why it’s important to have good, knowledgeable professionals in your corner, like your realtor and a reputable home inspector. Working with a home inspector is kind of like hiring a house doctor to perform a checkup. The home inspector will examine the house from roof to foundation and everywhere in between, paying special attention to major systems such as plumbing, electrical, and heating. Here are a few reasons you should work with a home inspector: Ensures Safety A quality home inspection can detect potential safety issues lurking in your new home, such as radon, carbon monoxide, and mold. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that releases naturally front the ground, sometimes in dangerous amounts. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, behind smoking. If too much radon i...