“Donald and Isobelle had four children who stayed in touch with cards and postcards” seeing them in church the next week, mentioning there would be a guest speaker all the way from Ottawa. You’re Invited Cards asking this couple to a church picnic and “please bring those fold up tables in your garage”. You’re Invited cards to Tupperware parties and bridal showers. Too many Birthday cards to count, one forgotten as the gift of $5 remained in the opened envelope, Cards for a few missed birthdays, Happy Easter cards from aunts and uncles. Then, dozens of Sympathy cards as Donald passed on, wishing Isabelle encouragement and love in the coming days and years ahead. One special card telling mom she had her suite if she chose to come
live with her son in Moncton New Brunswick, this opened card, still in the envelope with the return address in the upper left hand corner. There is nothing more precious than a loving family home, something most of us strive for in this life. Donald and Isabelle worked hard to keep this love alive. I know because I was fortunate enough to get to know them. Reduce, declutter, give away, and throw away what you don’t need. But be careful to keep the irreplaceable.
Home Inspections Your child buys a $15K car on extended payments, almost maxing out their
budget. They didn’t bother having a mechanic look at it. You’re probably not too happy. Now you go buy a house, the biggest purchase in your life, and you decide you don’t need a home inspection?
By Steve Irvine Home Sweet Home Inspections
You have only seen the home for a short period of time and have been concentrating on the layout and feel of the home. It’s impossible to properly assess the overall condition of the home in this manner. If you have built homes, or have extensive knowledge, take the time to inspect the house. But remember, if you miss something, it’s yours. A better idea is to have a professional inspector look at the it. You will probably pay between $300 - $500 and if the inspector misses something big, they get to pay for it. If they find something, you may renegotiate or at least know what you’re walking into. Knowledge is never a bad thing. This is why you need a good inspector. There are 2 important questions for your inspector. What are their qualifications and do they carry insurance. I have a Civil Engineering Degree with 10 years of structural design, and that makes me qualified. I carry insurance because I don’t want to pay for your house. Yes, home inspectors have liability. If I miss something, I can be made to pay for it. A smart inspector will point out everything visible and tell you which ones are major, minor or concerns for the future. Don’t be afraid to ask the difference. I consider anything over $500 to be important. Yes, I’m going to find things - I’ve been inspecting for 18 years. That perfect house doesn’t exist. There’s always something. I tell my clients “Don’t sweat the small stuff. We’re here for the biggies”. Attend the inspection. It gives you the opportunity to visually see, and have explained to you, what is identified in your report. A detailed visual inspection will focus on the roof, exterior, structure, electrical, heating, air conditioning, insulation, plumbing and interior. It takes 2-1/2 to 4 hours, depending on the age and square footage of the house.
A home inspection will leave you feeling much more familiar, and appreciative, of your home long after you take possession. Page 43
