Doing a home inspection tomorrow – I’m a first time home buyer.

I know that I should walk around with the inspector, and ask questions; however I don’t want to be annoying. What should I do? Just follow him/her around? Ask a question here and there? Anything big questions you wished you asked? What are the most important questions would you say?   My wife is gonna be there too. Should I have her do other stuff, like check outlets, etc?

Actually, you should not ask the inspector questions when they are doing your inspection. Let them concentrate on what they are doing. At the end, they will take up to an hour with pictures to show you the trouble spot. My buyers generally come out for the full 4 plus hours,and spend that time getting to know their new home, doing measurements, discussing furniture placement etc. You should ask where the water and gas turn off valves are. How old the furnace is and whether you need to bring in a specialist for that and the AC. While your inspector is working, write down trouble spots you see. You can take a look at the attic when they are up there. Just ask how they like to work. Most of my guys like to stay quiet and focused.

It’s common for a buyer to shadow an inspector.  Most homebuyers are not familiar with the lingo, so what usually works best is at the conclusion of the inspection to consult with your agent.  For instance terms that often come up are: legal, non-conforming; cal-shake roof; stab-lock breakers; romex; any many more terms the average home-buyer may have never heard of — let along understand the implications.  Best advice is to make sure your agent is experienced and hence will guide you through the process.  Best of luck. Read more at www.zillow.com

FEMA OK with county’s new request-only inspections

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has given tentative approval to Monroe County’s plan to amend the long-derided downstairs-enclosure inspection program.

In an Oct. 14 letter to county Growth Management Director Christine Hurley, FEMA Mitigation Division Director Brad Loar said the agency would support the county’s “certificate of compliance program.” It would replace the current program that subjects property owners to enclosure inspections when applying for a building permit in a separate area of their home.

Those types of inspections were eliminated when Gov. Rick Scott signed House Bill 407, which bans them, into law in June. Former Lower Keys resident John November drafted the bill, which takes effect this coming June 1.

Enclosure inspections are a local requirement of FEMA’s program to find and remove enclosures below the floodplain or built illegally. They’re key to the county remaining in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, which insures almost all Keys properties.

Under the new compliance program, property owners can request an inspection, even if they’ve already had one in the past.

County officials say the county must now amend its code to allow for the new certificate-of-compliance provision. The County Commission is expected to discuss the change at its Nov. 16 meeting at the Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center in Key Largo. Read more at www.keysnet.com