Category: Post Notes

Pillar To Post Newsletter, Volume 23, No. 3

Posted on May 15, 2023 by - Post Notes

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NEWS AND INFORMATION

VOLUME 23, NO. 3

INSPECTION ADVANTAGE

Why Get a Pre-listing Home Inspection?

A pre-listing home inspection can give your listings a clear advantage. Here are the top benefits we hear about from agents and homeowners:

  • Gives sellers the opportunity to make recommended repairs
  • Homes in better condition sell for more
  • Helps with setting pricing
  • Great marketing tool
  • Sellers have confidence they're getting the best price
  • Avoid surprises from a buyer's inspection
  • Cleaner offers
  • Get to closings faster

With a pre-listing inspection in hand you can market your listing with greater confidence about its condition. Schedule a Pillar To Post home inspection for your next listing!

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors

SEASONAL SENSE

Lighten Up For Summer

Summer is just around the corner! Use these quick tips to get your home into the spirit:

  1. Swap out heavy blankets for lighter quilts and throws
  2. Add bright potted flowers at the entryway
  3. Change accent pillow covers to bright prints and solids
  4. Give the grill a good cleaning
  5. Collect new summer recipes to try - you might find a new family favorite
  6. Have the pool serviced
  7. Change ceiling fans to the summer direction (usually counterclockwise)

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

PTP360

PTP360 is our exclusive interactive 360° Visual Inspection Summary and is included with all Pillar To Post home inspections.* PTP360 is an engaging tool that helps buyers get to know the home, enabling them to make a confident home ownership decision.

  • The interactive features bring the inspection report to life
  • Key findings from the inspection report can be viewed from within the PTP360 Inspection Summary to help buyers understand the comments
  • Includes exterior, interior and every room, floor to ceiling
  • Buyers can revisit the home any time from a smartphone, tablet or desktop
  • Share PTP360 with family and friends with just a click
  • Delivered within 24 hours of the home inspection
  • Fewer repeat visits to the home saves you time

PTP360 has quickly become a client favorite. Experience the Pillar To Post Difference and find out why!

*Where available. Not all services are offered by every office.

The Ultimate Home InspectionTM

Pillar To Post Home Inspection Packages include even more exclusive and innovative features than ever. These new services deliver speed, ease and convenience, getting you to closings faster, saving you time, and delighting your clients.

Standard with every Home Inspection:

PTP360*

Interactive 360° Visual Inspection Summary

  • Brings the inspection report to life
  • Includes every room and the exterior
  • Accessible any time
PTP360

PTPEstimates

Powered by PunchList

Cost estimate for Inspection Summary items

  • Learn what recommended repairs will cost
  • Estimate based on local costs
  • Request an estimate with just a click

Also included with Premium and Prestige Packages:

PTPFloor Plan

An accurate floor plan of the entire home

  • Use to determine furniture fit and placement
  • Share dimensions with contractors for estimating
PTPFloorPlan

PTPHomeManual

Powered by Centriq

The digital owner's manual for the home

  • Download user manuals/warranty information
  • Find safety recalls on appliances
  • Indicates age and useful remaining life of systems
PTPHomeManual
Experience it today!

*Where available. Not all services are offered by every office. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Pillar To Post Newsletter, Volume 23, No. 2

Posted on March 13, 2023 by - Post Notes

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postnotes

NEWS AND INFORMATION

VOLUME 23, NO. 2

Pillar to Post Ultimate Home Inspection

The Ultimate Home InspectionSM

Our Home Inspection Packages offer more advanced features than ever. Get to closings faster and delight your clients!

GETTING AHEAD

Plan Now For Spring Maintenance

Spring is coming your way! Plan ahead for routine spring home maintenance, including these recommendations:

  • Clean debris from gutters and downspouts.
  • Check walkway and patio surfaces for cracks, loose bricks or damaged pavers and have them repaired.
  • Look for damaged tree limbs and branches around your property and have a qualified professional address any big problems.
  • Inspect wood, stucco and other types of siding and have damaged areas repaired and repainted for lasting protection.
  • Check the caulk around windows and doors and correct any problem areas.
  • Fix tears or holes in window screens and clean them before reinstalling.
Pillar To Post Maintenance

Keeping your home in good condition saves money in the long run and helps protect your investment, too.

Here’s what our homebuyers are saying about

The Ultimate Home InspectionSM

Pillar To Post

“Pillar To Post is the most thorough and engaging inspection experience we have had. The 3D record will help us plan to move in, and the appliance records in our PTPHomeManual will last us long after the closing.”

Pillar To Post

“Quick response time. A very thorough inspection with photos, a binder and explanations of each issue. The PTP360 video walk through is amazing! I love that we have everything we need to make improvements and keep accurate updates of our home moving forward. A+.”

“Pillar To Post was extremely thorough in their inspection and provided quality, easy-to-understand feedback, which I greatly appreciated as a first time home buyer. PTP360, the detailed PTPFloorPlan and list of repairs were extremely useful as we prepared to move in. I highly recommend using their services.”

Pillar To Post

“Our inspector was amazing. He was very thorough throughout the entire process and so communicative. The PTPFloorPlan and PTPHomeManual are useful and awesome!”

Pillar To Post

“Very thorough. Explained all findings. Really liked the thermal imaging, PTPFloorPlan, and interactive Visual Summary. Would recommend to others looking to have a thorough inspection.”

“As a new homeowner, I now have confidence in my home and the tools to keep it in great shape for the future. Our inspector was kind, professional, and explained everything to me in a way I could understand. He was patient and helpful with all my questions.”

Pillar To Post

“We were able to request a no-cost third-party estimate for recommended repairs called out in our report. I don’t know of any other inspection company offering anything like PTPEstimates.”

Pillar To Post Reviews

Technology coupled with deep knowledge allows us to provide an exceptional home inspection with unique and innovative features, all delivered within a seamless brand experience. This experience, and the people who deliver it, has made Pillar To Post North America’s largest home inspection company.

HOME SENSE

Tips For Better Indoor Air Quality

Pollutants, allergens and other irritants accumulate and thrive indoors, possibly harming health. Here are
some ways to improve indoor air quality while increasing comfort and well-being.

1. GET A HANDLE ON HUMIDITY

High humidity is one of the main contributors to mold and dust mite growth, both of which adversely affect indoor air quality. Keeping indoor relative humidity (RH) below 50% will help prevent further infestation, although once mold gets established it can continue to grow even at lower humidity levels. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms, make sure the dryer is properly vented to the outdoors, and address any leaks or condensation issues. A dehumidifier can help in typically humid locations such as basements.

2. DISPATCH THAT DUST

Dust can contain pollen, mold spores, lint, animal dander, bacteria and more---yuck! While it’s impossible to completely rid a home of dust, there are ways to help control it. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter that traps small particulate matter. Change or clean the furnace filter regularly, according to manufacturer’s instructions. High-quality furnace filters are more expensive than ordinary types, but are more effective at filtering dust, pet hair, and other particles.

3. OPEN IT UP

Open doors and windows whenever possible. Your home will have better air circulation you’ll enjoy the fresh air.

4. CHOOSE CLEAN CLEANING

Select cleaning products with environmentally friendly formulations. Many of these household cleaners and detergents do an equal or better job than their conventional counterparts. Dispose of old paint, pesticides, solvents and other products so they don’t leak fumes into your home. Check local requirements for proper disposal.

Pillar TO Post Tips

*Where available. Not all services are offered by every office. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Experience the Pillar To Post difference. Schedule your next home inspection today!

Pillar To Post Newsletter Volume 22, No. 6

Posted on November 10, 2022 by - Post Notes

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NEWS AND INFORMATION

VOLUME 22, NO. 6

SAFE AT HOME

Holiday & Winter Fire Safety: Top Tips

Taking some simple, smart precautions can help keep your family – and your home – safe during this holiday season.

1. Always use non-flammable decorations both indoors and outdoors.

2. Check holiday light strands for damaged or broken wires and plugs. Enjoy indoor lights only while someone is at home and turn them off before going to bed. Most lights now have LED bulbs, making them energy efficient and cool to the touch.

3. Busy with holiday cooking and baking? Kitchen fires are the leading cause of house fires. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher within easy reach and know how to use it.

4. Keep live Christmas trees in a water-filled stand and check daily for dehydration. Dried-out trees are extremely dangerous and should be discarded right away.

5. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, be sure the chimney has been cleaned.

6. Candles add a lovely ambiance to your holiday home. Place them in stable holders and keep them away from flammable items, drafts, pets, and children. Battery-powered “candles” are an attractive and safe option, especially for households with young children, and are widely available.

7. Children should not have access to or be allowed to use matches, lighters or candles.

8. Keep space heaters away from bedding, curtains, paper—anything flammable. Never leave a space heater unattended while in use.

9. Make sure smoke alarms are in good working order. Test monthly at a minimum.

Enjoy a happy and safe holiday season!

HOME INSIGHTS

How’s Your Home’s Water Quality?

Water quality in the home is a concern for many homeowners. While municipal supplies are rigorously tested and monitored, certain conditions in the home can affect water quality after it’s delivered from the water main.

  • Galvanized pipes are not uncommon in older homes. They are usually corroded and should be replaced. They can rust away from the inside out, causing leaks and water damage, and can also trap contamination from old lead service lines.

  • Whenever possible, replace pipes and fixtures containing lead with new materials.

  • Filtration systems can effectively reduce environmental contaminants. Options include faucet or pitcher filters, plumbed, and reverseosmosis filters that treat the entire home’s supply.

  • Other contaminants that don’t affect health may adversely alter water taste, odor, and/or color.

  • Well maintenance should be on a regular schedule and the water tested regularly for safety and quality.

MARKET MOVEMENTS

Does a Pre-listing Home Inspection Make Sense?

By identifying potential issues before it goes on the market, you can list a home with greater confidence about its condition. This can mean cleaner offers, getting to closing faster, and maximizing the selling price for your client.

A pre-listing home inspection can uncover previously unknown problems – major and minor – allowing sellers the opportunity to make repairs, updates or replacements as needed or as they wish. If they choose not to address these issues, making the inspection report available to potential buyers builds buyer trust through transparency. As such, it’s a great marketing tool for homes sold “as-is.”

The Pillar To Post Home Inspection includes our comprehensive report delivered in printed and digital formats and features our newest technological innovations. With this valuable information in hand, sellers can decide on the next steps prior to listing. In the end, having well-informed sellers and buyers works to everyone’s advantage.

The Ultimate Home Inspection ExperienceTM

Pillar To Post Home Inspection Packages includes even more exclusive and innovative features than ever. These new services deliver speed, ease and convenience, getting you to closings faster, saving you time, and delighting your clients.

Standard with every Home Inspection:

PTP360*

Interactive 360° Visual Inspection Summary

  • Brings the inspection report to life
  • Includes every room and the exterior
  • Accessible any time
PTP360

PTPEstimates*

Powered by PunchList

Cost estimate for Inspection Summary items

  • Learn what recommended repairs will cost
  • Estimate based on local costs
  • Request an estimate with just a click

Also included with Premium and Prestige Packages:

PTPFloor Plan

An accurate floor plan of the entire home

  • Use to determine furniture fit and placement
  • Share dimensions with contractors for estimating
PTPFloorPlan

PTPHomeManual

Powered by Centriq

The digital owner's manual for the home

  • Download user manuals/warranty information
  • Find safety recalls on appliances
  • Indicated age and useful remaining life of systems
PTPHomeManual
Get a preview here

*Where available. Not all services are offered by every office. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Experience the Pillar To Post difference. Schedule your next home inspection today!

Pillar To Post Newsletter Volume 22, No. 5

Posted on September 12, 2022 by - Post Notes

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postnotes

NEWS AND INFORMATION

VOLUME 22, NO. 5

REALTOR SAFETY ISSUE

Showing Empty Properties

Take these smart steps to protect and empower yourself against attack or theft.

  • Be sure to use the lockbox property-key procedure that has been established to improve real estate agent safety so that keys don’t fall into the wrong hands.

  • Show properties before dark. If you must show a property after dark, alert or bring along an associate turn on all lights as you go through, and don’t lower any shades or draw curtains or blinds.

  • Check in with someone on your team once an hour to let people know where you are.

  • Prepare a scenario so that you can leave, or to encourage someone who makes you uncomfortable to leave. Examples: Your cell phone went off and you have call your office; you left some important information in your car; another agent with buyers is on his way.

  • When showing a property, always leave the front door unlocked for a quick exit while you and the client are inside. As you enter each room, stand near the door.

  • Lock your purse in the car trunk before you arrive. Carry only non-valuable business items (except for your cell phone), and do not wear expensive or watches, or appear to be carrying large sums of money.

  • Park at the curb in front of the property rather than in the driveway. It is much easier to escape in your vehicle if you don’t have to back out of a while parked in a driveway another vehicle could purposefully or accidentally trap you.

September
is Realtor
Safety Month

The safety of Realtors is paramount to all of us at Pillar To Post, so this issue of Post Notes reminds brokers, agents and their teams how to stay safe.

Additional resources:

Please visit these websites for additional safety information, tools and resources:

www.nar.realtor/safety

www.beverlycarterfoundation.org

Sources: Louisiana REALTORS® Association; Washington Real Estate Safety Council; City of Albuquerque, NM, Nevada County Association of REALTORS® City of Mesa, AZ

Top 10 Tips
for Personal Safety

  1. Touch base. Always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return. Arrange for your office to call you to check in.

  2. Don’t get lost. Always know the exact address of where you’re going. If you use a navigation app, pull over and stop in a safe place if you’ve made a wrong turn.

  3. Sense your surroundings. Is there questionable activity in the area of a property you’re showing? Is anyone loitering? Follow your instincts if you feel you should leave. Leave!

  4. Don’t go it alone. Have an associate or other colleague host open houses with you.

  5. Limit the view. If you’re working late, use window coverings so that you’re not visible to passersby or a potential attacker.

  6. Go on the defense. Learn some self-defense skills. Many health clubs, martial arts studios and community colleges offer basic classes.

  7. Choose flight over fight. Self defense is a good idea, but the primary goal in any threatening situation is to escape from immediate danger and call for help.

  8. Park for protection. Always park in a well-lit, visible location whether you’re parking at your office, an open house, or an empty property.

  9. Make calling for help easy. Program important numbers into your cell phone, including your office, roadside assistance and 911.

  10. Know who you’re dealing with. Ask for ID, take a photo of a client’s license plate. A criminal won’t be comfortable with this and may be thwarted.

Source: NAR Realtor Safety Resource Kit.

Office Safety Action Plan

Personal safety in the office is important to everyone. Here are some elements to include in your office safety action plan.

Initial meeting with clients
Hold the first in-person client meeting in or just outside your office rather than at properties or at home. It’s also a good idea to introduce them to a colleague on-site.

Client ID
All first-time clients must provide a driver’s license, state ID or other official photo ID. The office will retain a copy of the ID for security purposes. You can download a Client Profile Form at www.beverlycarterfoundation.org.

Distress code
Implement a verbal distress code—a secret word or phrase that can be casually worked into conversation if you feel threatened and the person you are with can overhear your conversation.

Buddy system
If you’re uncomfortable meeting with clients alone or hosting open houses alone request another agent or employee to accompany you.

Privacy first
Keep personal information private. Don’t discuss where you live, after-work, or vacation plans in front of prospective clients, new colleagues, or anyone with whom you’re not comfortable.

Limit access
Make sure all doors other than the main entrance are secured and have a clear exit route from the front desk to the door.

Solo security
If you encounter a stranger while working late or alone, say something like “My supervisor will be right with you.” to give the impression you’re not there alone.

Know your business neighbors
Get to recognize the staff of other nearby businesses and be aware of their schedules. This will benefit everyone.

Sources: Beverly Carter Foundation

The Ultimate Home Inspection ExperienceSM

Pillar To Post Home Inspection Packages include even more exclusive and innovative features than ever. These new services deliver speed, ease and convenience, getting you to closings faster, saving you time, and delighting your clients.

Standard with every Home Inspection:

PTP360*

Interactive 360° Visual Inspection Summary

  • Brings the inspection report to life
  • Includes every room and the exterior
  • Accessible any time
PTP360

PTPEstimates*

Powered by PunchList

Cost estimate for Inspection Summary items

  • Learn what recommended repairs will cost
  • Estimate based on local costs
  • Request an estimate with just a click

Also included with Premium and Prestige Packages:

PTPFloor Plan

An accurate floor plan of the entire home

  • Use to determine furniture fit and placement
  • Share dimensions with contractors for estimating
PTPFloorPlan

PTPHomeManual

Powered by Centriq

The digital owner's manual for the home

  • Download user manuals/warranty information
  • Find safety recalls on appliances
  • Indicated age and useful remaining life of systems
PTPHomeManual
Get a preview here

*Where available. Not all services are offered by every office. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Experience the Pillar To Post difference. Schedule your next home inspection today!