What are the top ten home inspection problems?

1.Improper surface grading and drainage. This was by far the most frequently-found problem, reported by 36 percent of inspectors.


2.Improper and undersized electrical wiring. This includes such situations as insufficient electrical service to the house, aluminum wiring, inadequate overload protection, improper grounding and dangerous amateur wiring connections.

3.Older and damaged roofs. Asphalt shingle roofs only last about 15 to 20 years.

4.Deficient and older heating systems.

5.Poor Overall Maintenance. This includes items such as cracked, peeling or dirty painted surfaces, crumbling masonry, make-shift wiring or plumbing and broken fixtures or appliances.

6.Structural Problems. This includes issues with the foundation walls, floor joists, rafters or window and door headers.

7.Plumbing problems.

8.Exteriors items. Flaws in a home's exterior, including windows, doors and wall surfaces are responsible for the discomfort and damage caused by water and air penetration. Inadequate caulking and/or poor weather stripping are the most common culprits of a cold and drafty home.

9.Water damage.

10.Miscellaneous items. Various interior components, such as sticky windows or dripping faucets, as well as a number of environmental concerns, such as lead-based paint, radon, mold and asbestos.

Call me for all of your real estate needs--Lisa Baumberger  406-2408-5560

I plan to sell my home this coming fall. What do I need to do to get it ready?

1.Maintain your landscape--make sure the lawn is cut and leaves are picked up. Mums or fall flowers on the deck are always a nice touch.


2.Keep your house warm. Prospective buyers are turned off by a cold house.

3.Let in the light. During the day open the curtains and drapes. At night put on all



Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs 406-208-5560

What are the advantages of buying a home?

1.Savings--Long-term homeownership will save you money that you would have otherwise lost to a landlord.


2.Tax breaks--Most homeowners are able to take a mortgage interest deduction on their taxes.

3.Equity--When you pay on your mortgage, you are paying towards owning your home. If you make improvements, you benefit from those improvements.

4.Budgeting--A fixed-rate mortgage means your monthly payment is the same amount for the life of the loan. The only increase is the taxes or insurance.

5.Security—You own the home. As long as you are paying your mortgage, you can’t be asked to leave. It is your home.

Call me for all of your real estate needs--Lisa Baumberger  208-5560

What are some inexpensive things that I can do to prepare my home for sale?

1.Savings--Long-term homeownership will save you money that you would have otherwise lost to a landlord.


2.Tax breaks--Most homeowners are able to take a mortgage interest deduction on their taxes.

3.Equity--When you pay on your mortgage, you are paying towards owning your home. If you make improvements, you benefit from those improvements.

4.Budgeting--A fixed-rate mortgage means your monthly payment is the same amount for the life of the loan. The only increase is the taxes or insurance.

5.Security—You own the home. As long as you are paying your mortgage, you can’t be asked to leave. It is your home.

Contact me for all of your real estate needs--Lisa Baumberger  208-5560

What should I expect from my real estate agent when he/she lists my home?

Questions – your agent should thoroughly get to know you, your situation, your expectations and your home


Comparative Market Analysis – this will help you determine how much you want to list your home for

Commitment – make sure you find out exactly what your agent is willing to do to help you sell your home (i.e.: open houses, advertising)

Great photos and an informative listing – your agent should take a lot of photos of the interior and exterior of your home. Your agent should also take the time to submit a very informative and descriptive listing to the MLS. This is what buyers look at to determine if they want to view your home.

Communication – your agent should provide you with suggestions of what you can do to make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and what you can do to get it ready for sale.     Call Lisa Baumberger with all of your real estate needs  208-5560 or e-mail lisab22@optimum.net