Orangecrest Riverside California Real Estate Blog
Orangecrest Riverside California Real Estate Blog

Scott Chappell and Brian Bean
Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Don't need a home inspection? Think again

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Buyers seek legal action against agent after spending thousands on repairs

By Barry Stone
Inman News

Dear Barry,
We bought our home about a year ago. At the time, we were renting and in a hurry to move because our landlord had given us notice. If it hadn't been for the rush, we might have had a home inspection, but our Realtor said we didn't need one because the house had been "well cared for." That advice would be laughable if it weren't for the thousands of dollars we've spent for plumbing, electrical and miscellaneous repairs. The seller omitted all these problems from his disclosure statement, but we're especially disappointed in our Realtor for the faulty advice she gave. Shouldn't she have recommended a home inspection, and isn't she or the seller liable for these repairs?

-- Pati

Dear Pati,

You had every right to expect full disclosure from the seller, as required by law, and proper advice from your agent, as required by the Realtors' Code of Ethics. Unfortunately, complaints such as these are not uncommon.

Competent agents know that it is unethical to discourage a buyer from hiring a home inspector. There is, in fact, no situation when an agent should advise against a home inspection, regardless of whether the home is brand-new, well-maintained, being sold as-is, or any other lame excuse. Faulty advice of this kind is an outgrowth of professional ignorance or personal dishonesty, neither of which is acceptable for a licensed real estate professional.

Your first course of action is to find the most qualified and experienced home inspector in the area and have your home thoroughly evaluated. A good inspector will find more defects than you have yet discovered: I guaranty it. Once you have the inspection report, there may be cause for legal action against the agent and the seller. That is something you'll have to decide once you know the full extent of undisclosed defects.

Dear Barry,
My home is about two years old, and the water supply is a well. Last week, the well shut down because of an electrical problem. The people who originally installed the well said the power line to the fuse box was #14 gauge wire and should be #12 gauge. They ran a new line but said it would cost me $500 to have it buried. An electrician I spoke to said the wire should have been #12 gauge in the first place. Since this was the well contractor's error, why should I share in the cost of repair?

-- Linda

Dear Linda,

You shouldn't have to share this cost. The #14 gauge wires are definitely undersized for a well pump, and the contractor who installed the well and wired the equipment should have known this. If he debates the point, ask him to provide a copy of the pump manufacturer's installation manual. Those instructions should specify the proper wire size for the system. Hopefully, the contractor will accept responsibility for all necessary repairs. If not, you can file a complaint with the state agency that licenses his profession. If that doesn't work, you can seek redress in small claims court.

To write to Barry Stone, please visit him on the Web at www.housedetective.com.

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# posted by Scott Chappell and Brian Bean @ 10:13 AM

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

JUST LISTED!
8504 Orchard Park Dr., Orangecrest


Gaze out at the mountains and vast open spaces from this fantastic Moonlight Ridge home. The floor plan and location are perfect for entertaining, with separate living, dining and family rooms, a large master suite/retreat and a pool-size back yard with no neighbors behind it. This home has custom paint and flooring, a beautiful winding staircase, and too much more to list here!

Bedrooms: 4. Baths: 3. Home size: 3,270 sf. Lot size: 8,712 sf. Year built: 2000. Garage: Triple. List Price: $559,900.

Your home could be next. To get a free market analysis, or for other local real estate information, call Scott Chappell & Brian Bean’s 24-hour hotline at (800) 941-1900.

Ask about Scott & Brian’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee program. If you aren’t satisfied, they’ll refund their commission.

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# posted by Scott Chappell and Brian Bean @ 1:35 PM

Friday, July 13, 2007

JUST LISTED!
335 La Familia Court, Hemet

This Corman Leigh Communities Montero Plan 4 residence (The Barqueta) will not disappoint even the most discriminating buyer. This beautiful 5bd, 3.5bath new-construction home is loaded with upgrades and ready for your personal touches. Tons of oversized tile flooring in the walkways for less wear & tear and cooler summer days. Many cabinets and niches throughout. Downstairs bedroom and bath. Great territorial views of the surrounding mountains.

Bedrooms: 5. Baths: 3.5. Home size: 3,000 sf. Lot size: 7,405 sf. Year built: 2007. Garage: Triple. List Price: $424,900.

Your home could be next. To get a free market analysis, or for other local real estate information, call Scott Chappell & Brian Bean’s 24-hour hotline at (800) 941-1900.

Ask about Scott & Brian’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee program. If you aren’t satisfied, they’ll refund their commission.

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# posted by Scott Chappell and Brian Bean @ 4:23 PM

JUST LISTED!
240 Green Oaks, Riverside


A good “Fixer” opportunity, close to UCR. This would make a great student rental. Part of the garage has been converted to a fifth bedroom with a slider exit to the backyard, in-ground pool. Great location near the end of a cul-de-sac in the shadow of Box Springs National Monument. Rental a block away just filled at $2,000 for 4-bedroom property.


Bedrooms: 4+. Baths: 2. Home size: 1,512+ sf. Lot size: 7,840 sf. Year built: 1960. Garage: 2-car (converted). List Price: $299,900.

Your home could be next. To get a free market analysis, or for other local real estate information, call Scott Chappell & Brian Bean’s 24-hour hotline at (800) 941-1900.

Ask about Scott & Brian’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee program. If you aren’t satisfied, they’ll refund their commission.

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# posted by Scott Chappell and Brian Bean @ 4:15 PM

JUST LISTED!
8361 Deercreek Drive, Orangecrest


Living in this home, everyday is a day at the park. Send your kids outside to play, away from the TV, on the playground, baseball fields and expansive greenbelts of Orange Terrace Park. It’s just across the street from this 3-bed, 3-bath home, plus office and bonus room. This home features an open floor plan, 3-car garage and giant back yard with oversized patio, upgraded kitchen with island. Extra parking in front for a boat or small RV!

Bedrooms: 3+. Baths: 3. Home size: 2,397 sf. Lot size: 7,840 sf. Year built: 2001. Garage: Triple. List Price: $499,900.

Your home could be next. To get a free market analysis, or for other local real estate information, call Scott Chappell & Brian Bean’s 24-hour hotline at (800) 941-1900.

Ask about Scott & Brian’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee program. If you aren’t satisfied, they’ll refund their commission.

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# posted by Scott Chappell and Brian Bean @ 4:12 PM

Monday, July 02, 2007

JUST LISTED!
1342 Oak Haven Way, Hemet


Great opportunity for first-time buyer or investor. Reverse corner lot with giant back yard. Plenty of space for visitors or extended family, with 6 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Owner is moving out of area and needs to sell immediately. Will consider all offers. Drive-by only.

Bedrooms: 6. Baths: 3. Home size: 2,389 sf. Lot size: 10,454 sf. Year Built: 2000. Garage: 2-car. List Price: $374,900.

Your home could be next. To get a free market analysis, or for other local real estate information, call Scott Chappell & Brian Bean’s 24-hour hotline at (800) 941-1900.

Ask about Scott & Brian’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee program. If you aren’t satisfied, they’ll refund their commission.

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# posted by Scott Chappell and Brian Bean @ 1:05 PM

JUST LISTED!
4800 Moss Circle, Hemet


Great opportunity for first-time buyer or investor. Corner lot with huge back yard, gated RV parking on side. Plenty of space for visitors or extended family with 5 bedrooms. Single-story floor plan! Owner is moving out of area and needs to sell immediately. Will consider all offers. Drive-by only.

Bedrooms: 5. Baths: 2. Home size: 1,606 sf. Lot size: 0.24 acres. Year built: 2001. Garage: 2-car. List Price: $339,900.

Your home could be next. To get a free market analysis, or for other local real estate information, call Scott Chappell & Brian Bean’s 24-hour hotline at (800) 941-1900.

Ask about Scott & Brian’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee program. If you aren’t satisfied, they’ll refund their commission.

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# posted by Scott Chappell and Brian Bean @ 1:02 PM

JUST LISTED!
16931 Ponderosa Lane, Riverside


This one-of-a-kind pool property is perfect for the extended family who wants peace, tranquility and the opportunity to be self-employed. Main house is 5bd, 3ba, with several unpermitted apartments on property, giving opportunity to supplement income with rentals. Have a flare for auto repair? This property has a working automotive hydraulic lift in back. Change your oil, fix your brakes, etc., the easy way -- no jack and no payment to a mechanic. Have an RV or lots of vehicles. This property has several covered parking spots. On nearly and acre, this home has plenty of elbow room. It's close to shopping, freeways, etc., but far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city to still provide a country setting. Million-dollar properties are just a few blocks away! Seller needs to move out of area, and property is priced to reflect necessity of quick sale.

Bedrooms: 5. Baths: 3. Home size: 2,500 sf. Lot size: 0.87 acres. Year built: 1965. Garage: 2-car. List Price: $624,900.

Your home could be next. To get a free market analysis, or for other local real estate information, call Scott Chappell & Brian Bean’s 24-hour hotline at (800) 941-1900.

Ask about Scott & Brian’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee program. If you aren’t satisfied, they’ll refund their commission.

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# posted by Scott Chappell and Brian Bean @ 12:54 PM

JUST LISTED!
3574 Mckenzie Street, Riverside


Great opportunity for investor or first-timer buyer. Affordable housing in Riverside, close to shopping and great freeway access. West end of Riverside, with quick route to Orange County. This 4bedroom, 2bath home has a 2-car garage, good-size kitchen and great room, and fenced front and back yards. Double-paned windows and newer doors. Gas company says it's going to replace the heat pump. Roof needs work, but we have a bid -- include it in the offer! Tons of built-in equity on this home. Get in while 100 percent financing is still available. Seller will help with closing costs and repair allowance.

Bedrooms: 4. Baths: 2. Home size: 1,1104 sf. Lot size: 6,400 sf.Year built: 1954. Garage: 2-car. List Price: $349,900.

Your home could be next. To get a free market analysis, or for other local real estate information, call Scott Chappell & Brian Bean’s 24-hour hotline at (800) 941-1900.

Ask about Scott & Brian’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee program. If you aren’t satisfied, they’ll refund their commission.

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# posted by Scott Chappell and Brian Bean @ 12:48 PM

What's the Cost of Going Solar?

July 1, 2007

Daren Fonda
SmartMoney

The cost of solar panels has fallen by half in the past 15 years, cutting the cost of a system capable of powering a home to about $30,000. Analysts expect the cost to fall even more rapidly in the next few years.

Throw in tax breaks and other incentives offered in some states, and the systems can often pay for themselves within a decade. To find out if there are incentives available in your area, check out the online Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.

What other costs can you expect when going solar? Setup costs can include as much as $1,500 for upgrading your fuse box. Another issue is the roof, which might be unable to support the solar panels. Eliminating shade from trees on the property also has a cost beyond sentimental reluctance.

However, the hefty costs pay off when it's time to sell. According to a study by ICF consulting, every $1 reduction in annual fuel bills increases a home’s resale value by $10 to $25.

If you decide to take the solar plunge, look for installers who have been approved by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, which requires professionals to pass a four-hour exam and have at least one year of experience in the field.

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# posted by Scott Chappell and Brian Bean @ 10:44 AM


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Scott Chappell and Brian Bean
Dream Big Real Estate
5898 Magnolia Ave. · Riverside, CA 92506
Phone: (951) 369-1222 · Fax (951) 778-9700

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