There are several building inspectors who offer home inspection services in the Comox Valley, and each one of them provides an invaluable service to both owners and tenants. It is much better to know about any issues with a home or property before occupancy, because if there are any major repairs necessary, it’s going to be more difficult to get it done when you’re moved in and the furniture is already in place.

First Impression of a Home Inspection

The importance of having a thorough home inspection before moving in can hardly be overstated. In this discussion, we’ll look at the various aspects of a typical inspection and what’s involved.

The basic point of a home inspection is to ensure that a residence is truly 100% ready for occupancy. First, every home inspection must be carried out by a licensed inspector. This means that you are receiving information from a trained professional as all home inspectors are required to complete a level of education. This way, you can be confident that he/she is aware of the regulations that pertain to the dwellings in your area.

Most building inspectors prefer to begin their inspection with a ‘macro look’, which is a general, overall view of the dwelling to take in the feel of the place and what it looks like. Although there may not be any obvious problems detected during this initial impression, a trained eye is able to check for a good square presentation, possible sagging roof lines, or anything which looks obviously wrong.

Exterior Review

Next, the exterior of the home is checked in detail, specifically in the areas of the siding, the free-flowing gutters, solid roofing, a water-tight building envelope, windows, doors, and any possible entry points for moisture, which could breach the exterior and cause interior damage.

Interior Inspection

Next, the inspection moves indoors and will include the crawlspace and attic to ensure that there are no code violations, and that they are weathertight. From there, the major systems of the home must be examined and tested, so plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems are all thoroughly checked to ensure that they are working as intended, and that they will provide adequate service to residents. Safety is a big part of this aspect of the building inspection, because if any of these systems should somehow fail, it could be potentially dangerous to anyone living inside.

Final Pass

A final sweep of the interior will then be conducted to make sure that the doors and windows are all in good working order and that they mesh well with jambs. This is because doors or windows that no longer operate properly can be an indication that some settling of the building has occurred. It may be a sign that the framework has been slightly re-positioned. Any signs of moisture are also inspected during this final pass to identify the cause or entry point of the moisture.

Knowing the true condition of a building offers peace of mind for both the buyer and seller. If any issues are detected during the inspection, it can provide some points for negotiation, or a condition of sale. Knowing that all the items on the building inspection checklist come up ‘good to go’ means that the building is declared ready for occupancy.

Phase 1: the empty lot

It almost goes without saying that before the home construction process begins, you start with an empty lot. But don’t discount the importance of this phase.

An empty lot can give you a real feel for what your home and property are going to look like. What’s the size of the lot?  What do the surrounding homes and the surrounding area look like? It’s also important to consider the size of your home and how well it’s going to fit on the lot. Will there be enough space for the yard or landscaping you envision? How close will your home be to your neighbors or to the street? Will you have the space for the garage? Chances are you’re planning to be living in your new home for years to come, so you want to be sure you’ve got enough elbow room and some flexibility.

The lot you choose to build on influences the price of your home

It’s important to note that when you’re buying a home, you’re paying for two items: the house of course, as well as the lot itself. Which of these two has more value depends on a few things:

When a plot of land is vacant, it’s considered “unimproved land”. The value will reflect the size of the lot as well as its location. For instance, where is your lot in relation to the developing neighborhood? Is it located further back where it is quieter with less traffic? Is it on a busy corner? Does the lot back up against green space or the fence of a neighbour? How does the size of the backyard compare to other houses in the neighbourhood? A smaller backyard area could mean a reduction in value, while other factors like the proximity to schools could make it more valuable to buyers.

New construction in the Comox Valley Ridge

When you buy a potential home that’s still in the empty lot phase you’re getting in on the ground floor. Right now, ground floor opportunities are available in the booming real estate market at the Comox Valley Ridge. With both ocean and mountain views from these lots, it’s no wonder so many new home buyers are considering The Ridge as the potential location of their new home. The Ridge has several residential communities already underway but there are still some empty lots to choose from. Whether you have a large family and need plenty of living space, or you’re retiring and just want to enjoy the quiet and the view, building lots at The Ridge are well worth investigating. Give Bill and Michele a call to see if one of these empty lots is the potential building site for your dream home.

If you’re buying  a home, our recommendation is to work with someone who knows the local real estate market, has a thorough knowledge of the Comox Valley area, and who has an interest in the community so that they can answer your questions and let you know about the local resources available. If you’re selling your home, you’ll want to work with someone who will provide you with an extraordinary marketing strategy and show case your home exceptionally, guide you through the selling process, and negotiate a price that gets you the best value for your investment in the current market conditions.

Start with an internet search and look at the websites you find. A website can often tell you something about the REALTOR®. In the case of Courtney & Anglin Real Estate Group, Michele Courtney was born and raised right here on the coast and has been in the business since 2005. Bill Anglin, an 18-year resident of the valley, is very active in the community. Bill is currently a volunteer and the Vice President of the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation. As a former member of the Canadian Air Force Bill is very familiar with the process and transition of relocating. He is a valuable resource for those posted to or from 19 Wing in Comox.

The next step is to give the real estate agent you’re considering a call. Ask questions. Do they come across as professional? Are you comfortable with them? Do they have the right team working with them to meet your needs? Trust your intuition. First impressions can often tell you what you need to know.

The Comox Valley REALTOR® Checklist

Once you get a feel for your agent, compiling a good list of questions can also be a helpful tool. Here is a quick Comox Valley REALTOR® checklist, with a few questions to consider:

• Is the agent a licensed real estate agent?
• Does he or she work as an agent full-time?
• Do they have testimonials or a list of references?
• How knowledgeable are they about the Comox valley real estate market?
• Do they communicate well?
• Do they specialize in the type of property I’m interested in?
• How well will they serve their clients? Will they be available for questions and updates?
• Do they have admin support?
• What is their sales history?

Again, trust your instincts. The more personable your agent, the more attention they will likely lend to your specific needs and the better the fit. Anyone can list a home, but an agent should have both the interpersonal and negotiating skills to get you the best price.

According to the Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trend Reports, 89 percent of all home sellers choose to list their home with an agent rather than selling it themselves. Reasons for this range from getting the best price to being able to close the deal and handle complicated contract negotiations. Whether you’re buying or selling your home, don’t sell yourself short. Let a professional get you the best price for your property.

Bill and Michele are happy to meet with you to talk about your real estate needs. Give us a call and find out if we’re the right match for the REALTORS® you’re looking for.