A home’s energy efficiency has a direct impact on the owner’s wallet. Real estate agents are often asked by clients questions regarding a home’s energy efficiency, including questions about the home’s heating and cooling system, construction, and appliances. In addition, many people are becoming more aware of how their lifestyle decisions directly affect the environment. This course is designed for real estate agents who want to better advocate for clients that are concerned with a home’s energy efficiency and environmental impact.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Differentiate between ‘green’ and ‘green-washed’ products and services
- Describe the characteristics and benefits of green appliances
- Describe the benefits of green systems that can be installed within a home
- Identify characteristics of green construction
A grow house is a home that was formerly used to grow marijuana. There are both small and large grow homes ranging from a portion of the home to the entire home dedicated to the growth of marijuana. Grow homes can seemingly “fit in” with other homes but there are certain identifiers to look for. There may be physical impacts to the home that would affect the home inspection, including electrical issues, structural effects and mold.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Define a grow home
• Determine how a grow home operates
• Identify how this will affect the home
• Recognize a grow home
• Prepare for inspection and remediation
Interested buyers and sellers often ask real estate agents basic questions regarding kitchen and bath appliances. Participants of this course will learn about the different types of kitchen and bath appliances available to consumers, the basics of how those appliances function, and common problems associated with those appliances. Completion of this course will allow participants to provide increased insight on kitchen and bath appliances to their clients.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the basic characteristics of kitchen appliances including dishwashers, refrigerators, food waste disposals, ranges, ovens, exhaust vents, microwave ovens and trash compactors.
- Describe the basic characteristics of bathroom appliances including mechanical exhaust vents.
- Identify common problems associated with kitchen and bath appliances.
- Explain what a home inspector looks for regarding each appliance.
Any structure built before 1978 is at risk for containing lead paint. The prevalence of lead paint may impact a buyer’s decision on whether or not to purchase a property. Sellers may have more realistic expectations regarding the sale of their property if they are aware of the implications of lead based paint that may be present on their property. Real estate agents can help to communicate the implications of lead based paint to their clients if they are better educated on the subject.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define lead abatement and explain why lead based paint is prevalent in buildings prior to 1978.
- Identify and explain the health implications of lead based paint poisoning.
- Describe risks of performing renovations on areas afflicted with lead based paint.
- Explain government regulations that address lead based paint.
- Describe tests available to determine if lead based paint is prevalent in a building.
- Communicate implications of lead based paint to clients.
The home inspection is one of the most crucial parts of the home buying process. Offers are finalized or revoked as a result of a home inspector’s report. A home inspection can be a source of anxiety for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. However, real estate agents can ease some of their clients’ anxieties by helping them to be better educated and prepared for the home inspection process. A good home inspection should be thorough so that all parties have confidence when completing the home buying process.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Direct their clients to the best inspectors
- Better equip the buyer for the home inspection
- Advise and prepare the seller
- Anticipate frequently asked home inspector questions
The presence of mold can derail the home buying process. Participants of this course will learn common causes of mold and how they can be addressed in order to diminish the impact of mold when buying and selling a property.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Define mold and explain its common causes
• Describe health effects of mold
• Provide answers to buyers’ commonly asked questions regarding mold
• Describe the impact of mold on the real estate transaction
The overall structure of a home is essentially the backbone that holds everything in place. For many, the structural integrity of a home is often viewed as the most crucial part of the home-buying process. By being able to observe and report on these critical matters during the structural portion of a home inspection, real estate agents are in a unique position to offer expertise and peace of mind to all parties involved in the home-buying process.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define terms commonly used during the structural portion of the home inspection process.
- Understand common causes of structural damage.
- Understand risks associated with inspecting structural components during a home inspection.
- Define what to consider during structural portion of the home inspection, including attics, basements, crawlspaces, floors, ceilings, windows, and doors.
- Define common concerns related to the inspection of the exterior structure and related components, including property lots, decks, porches and foundations.
- List examples of limitations that should be noted in a report of the structural inspection.
The home inspection process is one of the most crucial parts of the home buying process. Offers are finalized or revoked as a result of an inspector’s report. A home, well, or septic inspection can be a source of anxiety for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. However, real estate agents can ease some of their clients’ anxieties by better educating and preparing all parties for the home inspection process. Many aggravations can be avoided if the real estate agent prepares the buyer and seller before the inspection takes place.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Set expectations for the buyer
- Explain common components and purpose of a septic system
- Explain the best use practices of a home septic system
- Provide the buyer general guidance on maintenance of a septic system
- Identify which jurisdiction will require a Point of Sale inspection in order to transfer the real estate
One of the house’s most integral operating systems is the heating system. As a result, potential buyers may have questions or concerns about the condition of a home’s heating system. Real estate agents will be able to serve as advocates for their clients during the home buying process as a result of participating in this course.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Describe the steps a home inspector takes when inspecting a heating system as well as the appropriate recommendations an inspector is qualified to make regarding a heating system.
• Identify and describe the fundamental components and characteristics of heating systems.
• Describe characteristics and risks associated with gas furnaces.
• Locate furnace maintenance recommendations.
5633 Bandit Drive
Dallas, TX 75249
Phone: 214-210-3576
www.leveluphomeinspections.com