house buying process

Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Buyer’s Advocate

The manner in which real estate property is sold and bought has changed considerably over the last few years. Other than several websites providing listings of properties, buyer’s advocates have become a growing trend. Other they have been part of the profession for quite long; it is in recent times that they have become quite popular.

When you compare them to selling agents, they are still a minority in the sector, and like other things, it is taking time for legislation to match up with change. That explains why you need to do your homework before you engage anyone to purchase property on your behalf. These are some of the questions you should ask before hiring a buyer’s advocate.

Are You Licensed?

With the real estate legislation varying from one place to another, property professionals ought to hold a valid real estate license. It is advisable to check with the local real estate office to find out whether the person you are dealing with is licensed or not. A licensed buyer’s advocate works entirely for you, the buyer. That means they do not sell the property. Remember that in some areas, it is illegal to operate on both sides of transactions. On the other hand, unlicensed people are on the market and do not have qualifications but are only interested in selling inferior real estate properties to unsuspecting buyers.

How Are You Paid?

As noted above, buyer’s advocates work entirely for buyers. That means you will pay for them. Also, they are independent and are working in the best interests of the buyer. On the other hand, agents or property mentors do not have the required ethical standpoint, and since they may not be licensed, they do not worry about legal ramifications. For instance, they may charge you a commission and at the same time, charge the seller commission for finding a buyer.

What Associations Do You Belong To?

When you check the associations the person belongs to, you will understand what kind of professionalism the person brings to the table. You should note that buyer’s advocates belong to certain industry associations as they are committed to an ethical sector. You may be surprised to learn that some people do not belong to any given association as their time in the sector is short-term.

Are You a Property Investor?

Remember that buyer advocates are in the business of real estate because they understand that it is a wealth creation venture for their clients and themselves. Therefore, you should ask the buyer’s advocate whether he or she is an investor.…

modern swimming pool

Tips for Choosing Solar Pool Heaters

Jumping into your swimming pool may not always be a great experience. That is the case particularly during spring and fall season when the colder winds begin blowing. Most pool owners have gas pool heaters that are designed to increase the temperature of the swimming pool water. Unfortunately, paying gas bills because of the additional consumption of gas can be quite undesired and expensive. Moreover, electric heaters are also associated with huge costs.

Fortunately, there is an eco-friendly and economical solution that involves installing solar pool heaters. There are various top brands that include Smartpool, Sungrabber, Sun2Solar, and FAFCO. The following are some tips to help you choose the perfect solar heater for your swimming pool.

Square Footage Coverage

Square footage coverage is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a solar panel system. That is quite important for various reasons. For instance, you ought to determine the surface area that is required. Typical sizes vary between 35 to 85 square feet. However, that is dependent on the number of solar panels you may have. Pool heaters are also ideal for installations on the roof. That is because solar panel heaters are lightweight and flexible in design.

Temperature Rise

This is another important thing to take into account. You have to consider the estimated temperature rise that a solar pool heater provides. Ideally, solar heaters are designed to offer an increase in the pool temperature with the solar heating system. When there is proper sizing, the dimensions of the pool change depending on the solar panel. Nowadays, most manufacturers recommend the number of solar collectors required for any particular size of the pool.

Mounting Type

Solar pool heaters have a wide range of mounting options. Usually, manufacturers can provide a product that is adjusted for multiple mounting types. You should note that there are three major types of mountings for solar pool heaters. The first one is flat, meaning it is like a solar heater mat. That means you can roll the heater and place it next to your swimming pool. Since the tilt angle is zero, it means that you cannot get the maximum efficiency of the solar pool heater.

Another option you have is a racking system. When you place the system on a mounting racking, the tilt angle can be adjusted accordingly to help you achieve the level of heat transfer and efficiency you need.…

a house builder

Five Steps to Finding a Custom House Builder Online

Everyone has different dreams about their houses. And the only way to make them real is by hiring a custom house builder. First reason, it will give you great flexibility of designs. You can build your house exactly as you want it, unlike if you buy a prefab or a cluster house. Second, if the land you own has slopes or uneven shape, you will have no choice but to custom build the house unless you want it to look like an eyesore compared to the rest of the lot. Third, using a custom house builder service is much more hassle-free and risk-free compared to hiring several contractors and trying to head them by yourself.

And here, we will teach you that you can reach the best custom home builder with only your phone and Internet access. 

1. Get the right Keywords on Google

If you live in Snohomish county, for instance, you should localize your search keywords, like using, “custom home builders Snohomish County,” for example. By then, you will have a list of contractors waiting for you to examine and interview. Even though there will be pages of search results, you’d better stick with the first three. 

2. Check the Contractors on Service Review Sites

Service review sites like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Better Business Bureau are the best places to learn about a contractor’s quality. Don’t just buy everything that they say on their business page. Review sites’ rating is based on a service’s former customers’ experience. And you’d better use them to see which contractor has the most satisfying services. 

3. Look for a Simulation Feature

a custom-built house

Some home builder websites have an online design tool that allows you to visualize your dream home right away. It will also enable you to know the range of possibilities that you can have with that particular home builder. You can learn about what materials, paints, and home designs are available. 

4. Call the Company

You want to work with a contractor who can be reactive and attentive towards your needs. But there are many business websites using chatbots these days. And instead of wasting your time with that feature, you should go directly to call them. If they are hard to reach, then you should switch to the next business on your list. Also, hospitality must be considered. Using a custom house builder’s service is expensive. You deserve to be treated nicely and with respect. 

5. Visit the Company’s Past Projects

a house under construction

Seeing is believing. And remember that you will spend around $400,000 at a minimum. If you don’t get what you’re looking for, it will certainly be a big loss. Therefore, to make sure everything is as promised, you have to visit the houses your builder has built before. See if everything is as described.