HOA Powers and Pets

You've done your homework on the house you're looking to buy. You know the area, the schools, and you're already picturing yourself Barbecuing in the backyard on warm summer nights. There's just one last thing you need to do: Review the HOA (Homeowner's Association) documents. It's important to know what sort of restrictions the HOA might have on purchasing a home. The buyer has to ensure the rules will not interfere with their lifestyle but once they become homeowners, often these same people do not pay attention to bylaw changes over the years which can cause them to be caught off guard.

Can an HOA force a homeowner to get rid of their pet? Often they can.

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Let’s talk briefly about the Pennsylvania Agreement of Sale and the language built into the contract about Condo and Home Owner’s Associations. IN MOST CASES, The seller has 15 days to order the resale package which includes the most up to date information from the association on bylaws, the resale certificate for the specific unit, rules and regulations, and financial information for the association at large. The association is obligated to provide this packet within 10 days of receiving the request. The buyer can void the ratified Agreement of Sale up to 5 days after the receipt of these documents or the settlement of the property- whichever comes first.

So, it is unlikely you will have a chance to read through the rules and regulations prior to making an offer on the HOA or COA property. If there is a specific concern (dog breed or weight for instance), it is best to call the association directly for an immediate answer.

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Oftentimes, when an HOA forces a homeowner to get rid of their pet, it's because they are in violation of a bylaw the owner wasn’t aware of. An HOA has a duty to create and enforce restrictions to ensure the well-being and safety of the homeowners in the association. If they operate within the guidelines of federal anti-discrimination laws, HOAs have broad latitude to create their bylaws, including the complete restriction on having animals in one’s home or on HOA property.

One exception to any restriction is the ability of an owner to have a service animal. Another situation that may allow a pet in contradiction to a bylaw is a member who has already had a specific animal when the rules changed. In most cases, these animals are allowed to remain.

Most HOA communities welcome pets, but an HOA does have significant power to influence the standard of living within the community. There may be type of pet restrictions, breed or weight restrictions, limits on quantity. Those are common in the Greater Philadelphia HOA and COAs.

If you are looking at a condominium community or building, they tend to have the most restrictions so make sure your furry friend is allowed and narrow down your home search to pet friendly communities.

Careful understanding of the HOA and climate of a community will avoid painful issues and ensure a pleasant homeowning experience.

Is My House Up to Code?

Building codes adapt. If you've owned your home for a long time, you may not be aware of whether or not your home is up to code. Building code violations can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but they typically focus on safety issues that could affect the occupants of the dwelling.

Some of these safety issues may come up during a buyer’s home inspection. Depending on the importance of the issue, the seller may need to address it out of pocket or the buyers will walk and any other buyers after may not be interested in the property with the newly found defect.

Most municipalities have adopted the universal building code at this time. An up-to-code home may have features like:

· Fire escapes and exits

· Functional plumbing lines

· Construction materials that are free from hazardous chemicals like asbestos

· Well-lit areas with no tripping hazards

· An efficiently working HVAC system

Avoiding Code Violations

There are some things you can do to avoid code violations, both in an existing home and when you're considering buying a new one. Make sure to:

· Check for any permits that have been filed for work done on the home

· Test for hazardous materials like asbestos or lead

· Ventilate bathrooms well to avoid rot and mold

· Inspect electrical work carefully to ensure that all wires are grounded and that there are no DIY repairs that could be dangerous

If you are interested in knowing more about building codes where you are, first check your municipality’s website as many have a searchable building code. You can call your municipality to find out more information as well.

Unsure of whether or not you need to repair something in order to sell? Let’s discuss your situation and the best way to handle it. Call or email today!

What Stays With The Home?

More than one seller has been surprised to find that their favorite chandelier is not theirs to take when they move. First-time home sellers might be especially confused when confronted with an exclusion form presented by their agent. Understanding what is, and is not included in the sale by statute is important to avoid disappointment on both sides.

The first rule of thumb is to consider if the item is nailed down, bolted, mounted, or planted. This covers a wide range of items both inside and outside the home. This might seem simple enough, but the debate about what constitutes a “fixture” has caused many post-sales lawsuits. Fixtures will stay with the home unless specifically excluded. This includes light fixtures, shelves, cabinets, built-in shelves, and more.

Consider the mount for the big-screen TV. It might seem logical to assume the mount would go with the TV when the sellers leave, but technically it’s likely considered a fixture as it’s bolted to the wall. What about a window-mounted air conditioner? If it’s sitting in the window, it’s typically personal property, if there is a hole in the wall to accommodate it, then it’s a likely fixture.

Outdoor items are subject to the same rules. Anything planted in the yard goes with the home, as does furniture or other items bolted to the ground. In that scenario, an arbor or patio cover bolted to a concrete slab would stay. Contrary to everything just outlined, however, curtains typically go with the home.

The language in the Pennsylvania Agreement of Sale lists standard inclusions for home sales. We will review this in detail!

If you are ready to buy or sell a home, make sure and discuss with your agent what you want to add or exclude to the sale. This is the best way to avoid disappointment at best or a courtroom at worst.

7 Tips For Hiring a Contractor

Top 7 Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Regardless of whether your project is a simple bathroom remodel or a complete house renovation, the success or failure of the project will depend on the contractor you hire. Choosing the right contractor is easier than you think, but you have to do your due diligence.

• Check their License – Make sure you check their contractor’s license and that it’s in good standing. Ask and check those of the subcontractors as well.

• Insurance – Ask for proof of insurance and check that it’s still active and valid.

• Check References – Ask for references and call them. Ask to go see a project or two and ask strong questions about timing, quality, responsiveness and cost.

• Get it In Writing – Finalize the scope of work before you start anything, in writing. A proper contract should be on letterhead and include clear timelines and benchmarks, as well as payment schedules and how completion will be signed off.

• Do not Pay for Materials – If you absolutely have to pay for materials, have them delivered to your property and verify the receipt to show they were delivered in full.

• Only Pay the Contractor – Under no circumstances should you make a payment to anyone other than the contractor itself. Do not pay a person, only the company.

• Final Payment only When Satisfied – Do not make the final payment until you’re completely satisfied with the result.

8 Things Buyers Notice

8 Things Buyers Notice as Soon as they Walk In

Buyers notice everything – good and bad. From the moment they walk in the front door, they are trying to determine if this is the right home for them and their family. If you have your home listed for sale, paying attention to what the buyers notice can mean the difference between an offer and a missed opportunity.

8 Things Buyers Notice as Soon as they Walk In

1.     Light – A bright home is inviting. Make sure you fill your home with lots of natural light or a soft evening glow.

2.     Smell – Nothing is less inviting than a strong odor. Even candles and air fresheners can be overwhelming. Less is more and make sure nothing unpleasant is lingering.

3.     Space – Remove any unneeded furniture and offer a spacious home which flows.

4.     Ceilings – Of course you can’t make your ceilings higher, but make sure they are free from water stains because buyers will look up.

5.     Pictures and Personal Items – Remove personalization as much as possible so the buyers can imagine their family in the home.

6.     Outdated Furnishings and Fixtures – If your home is filled with hand-me-downs, consider a professional stager. Old wall paper or outdated paint colors should be replaced as well.

7.     Dirty, Grimy Rooms – Most important, clean everything thoroughly. Nothing is less appealing than a dirty home.

Top 7 Winter DIY Projects

Top 7 Winter DIY Projects

Winter months bring cold days and long nights. While you wait for the weather to warm up so you can get out into the garden, there are still plenty of great DIY projects to tackle, even in the winter. Here are 7 terrific ideas for the Do it Yourselfer in you.

1.     Paint Your Walls – Paint an accent wall or an entire room with a fresh color.

2.     Declutter – Sure this sounds like a fancy name for house cleaning, but decluttering is more than that. Remove excess furnishings to make your rooms seem larger and more inviting.

3.     Update Your Kitchen –A new backsplash or cabinet pulls can quickly change the look and feel of your kitchen.

4.     Add Insulation – This will provide instant satisfaction as those cold, drafty rooms feel warm and cozy. If you have some real skill, you can include changing out old windows or doors as well.

5.     Smarten Up – This is a great time to automate your home with Smart devices. Add security cameras, a smart thermostat or smart lights and plugs.

6.     Build Something – For the handy, winter months are a great time to add cabinets, a TV hutch or bookshelves to your home.

7.     Re-Grout Your Tile – From kitchen counters to floors, re-grouting can freshen up the room.

How To Choose The Right Light Fixture for the Space

How to Choose the Right Sized Light Fixture for Your Space

Lighting is one of the most important design elements in any room. Not only should it provide adequate brightness for the room, but it must fit the space and visual atmosphere. The right sized fixture is just as important as the look and construction of the light. Fortunately, even an amateur can choose the perfect fixture with some basic math.

Front Door

Outdoor fixtures are one part of creating the mood for the entire home. Not only should they provide proper lighting but must fit the scale of the door itself. To find the right sized light for the front entrance, it should be no more than one third of the size of the door or opening for a single light and not more than a quarter of the size for dual lights.

Chandelier

Dining rooms call out for a chandelier. Whether modern and sleek or an elegant crystal chandelier, the size is the same. Take the size of the room and add the feet together. For example, if the room is 10’ by 12’ the chandelier’s width should be 22”. Additionally, make sure the width is about 15” shorter than the dining room table.

For other rooms, the size is really more a matter of taste. The light should not create a visual barrier to the room or block design elements, but other than that, choose a light with provides good light and fits the style of the space.

Want a beautiful statement piece? Why not check out www.DouniaHome.com for local artisan lighting!