The Big Five

The Big Five

In a very short and simple fashion, I am going to give you my best advice when you are buying a home. Especially if it is your first home.

 Let us assume you have selected the house you want to purchase, and you have negotiated a price satisfactory to both you and the seller.  Next, let us assume that you purchased a Termination Option period for days to complete and review property inspection reports, and you have ordered and received both a General Inspection as well as a wood destroying pest inspection.

So, now you have to evaluate the inspections.  Obviously, if the wood destroying pest inspection indicates an active infestation, you must negotiate a reasonable solution with the seller. So, I’m going to treat this issue separate from the issues within the general inspection.

A general inspection can often times be both daunting as well as discouraging to read.  Inspectors are required to note all deficiencies including items not meeting the most recent building codes.  Their intention is not to make the home appear as if it is falling down although the report may seem otherwise.  As a general rule, I typically read the report, and mark all noted deficiencies with a highlighter.  I also make notes on the side such as “current building code”, “easily fixed” or “Home Depot”.

  That is unless the issue pertains to one of the Big Five.  The Big Five consist of the following: the foundation, the roof, the plumbing system, electrical system and the heating and air conditioning system. All five of these components can require substantial money to remedy or repair, and some such as the foundation can possibly be a lifetime battle.  Most inspectors will recommend getting a qualified inspector, licensed technician or a structural engineer to further inspect the issue.

Heed this recommendation!  It is in your best interest with regard to your finances as well as your personal happiness regarding your new home.

Written By, Bill Barkley, Owner and Broker of River Valley Real Estate

19202 Huebner Road

San Antonio, TX 78258

210-853-5327

Hill Country Adventure

            I’ve always been fond of the Texas Hill Country for the nature is breathtaking yet familiar. Luckily, our company lists plenty of lots out in the surrounding Hill Country of San Antonio and assigned me with the fun task of going out and photographing them. This week, I visited properties out in Canyon Lake and Spring Branch area and got to bask in the trees and shrubberies among the wildlife.

As we all know, this summer we have been fortunate (and unfortunate) to have plenty of rain storms to beat the drought away. Because of this, grass fields are lusher than ever and the lakes and rivers are high, boasting plenty of summer fun for our boat loving neighbors. This is evident over in Canyon Lake. There is an abundance of wildlife, tall, mature trees and blooming wildflowers that paint the landscape in a myriad of bright colors.

After perusing the area to find hilltops to gaze out at the forested land, I was envious of the those that built their homes on these hills for they get to enjoy the most impeccable views. The sunrise and sunset out in this part of Texas alone must’ve been the motive behind their decisions to reside in the Spring Branch and Canyon Lake area.

I look forward to my next Hill Country Adventure. Make sure to find it here. 

Written By Tim Ellis, Intern with River Valley Real Estate

#TimTern

 

Repurposed Living

 On the hunt for a good deal! That's my motto and something I've gotten pretty good at. Most of my home has been furnished by thrift store finds. I'm lucky in that here in San Antonio I can always find some pretty neat things. 
But Be Careful...a cluttered home is a direct effect from hanging out at thrift stores for too long. 
Anytime I have an empty space in my home I run right over knowing I'll find some sort of treasure. This time it was a chair. I wanted a little reading nook, cozy and inexpensive. Sure enough, I found a wooden folding chair. Only 6 bucks! This is perfect because I get to make it my own.

All the materials I needed:

·       Foam paint brush

·       Old towel

·       Fine grit sandpaper

·     Dark walnut oil-based stain (Minwax from Lowes)

I've been preparing this space for a while. Adding pieces slowly, but surely. I already have a mantle I stained and want to make sure the chair is the same color.  The first thing I have to do is sand the chair a bit.  Easy peasy, not too much!
After sanding the chair I like to wipe it off completely.  The staining part is easy to. Just make sure to do this outside if possible and try not to get it on your clothes. I say this, but I always make a mess. I used a foam brush to paint the stain on the chair. I've used regular brushes and even rags but I like the sponge brush the best.  It's probably best to stain the chair in sections, however me being me I don't wait. I give the whole chair one good coat and let it sit over-night.  Letting the stain really soak in helps me decide if I need another coat or not.  Again I'm impatient, so I'm satisfied with just the one coat.

I put my new piece in the corner, toss a blanket on it and my empty space isn't so empty anymore! This little project only cost me $6 for the chair, $5 dollars for the stain and $1 for the foam brush. TWELVE DOLLARS! 


Written By: The Treasure Finder, Hannah Caterina