Saturday, February 12, 2011

How Home Inspections can help a Real Estate deal go through


If you’re planning to sell your house there are a lot of thing to do to make it more attractive to the willing buyers. You’re going to clean up the yard, check the necessary things and fixed it if there is any; apply paint if needed and many more. If you’re planning your house for sale, then you should consider having your own building inspection. This is a part of your selling process to avoid any consequences with the buyer.
Once you have a deal or a contract with the buyer, the most common conditions of that deal is to have a building inspection that should be conducted by a professional inspector. The buyer will provide a professional home inspector go through your house to ensure that there are no hidden problems or any defects. The client then uses this knowledge to make informed decisions about their property in progress. The building inspector described the condition of the house at the time of the examination, but does not guarantee the future condition, performance or life expectancy of systems or components.

Home Inspection
 A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of the house, often in connection with the sale of this house. This is usually done by a building inspector who has the training and certification to perform these inspections. The inspector shall prepare and give the client a written report of its findings. An inspector will check the roof, basement, heating system, water heater, air conditioning, structural, plumbing, electricity, and many other aspects of buildings looking for bad construction, elements that require extensive repairs , items that are general maintenance issues and some issues and fire safety. However, it should also be noted that home inspection is not technically exhaustive and does not imply that all defects are detected. 

The buyer asked to solve problems encountered by the inspectors or stop operation. If you do not want to solve problems, they require a price reduction or a credit or cash deal closed. In some cases, the buyer can cancel the purchase, including full, gives you the opportunity to make corrections. If the buyer cancels the purchase that leaves you with a home that you have to return to the market, a house that has been stigmatized.

Inspected Home
 
 A home inspection can also benefit the seller. If the seller decides to do an inspection, once they have listed, this shows their confidence in the state of the property. If there are gaps that could have addressed them or adjust their prices accordingly. Many buyers make an offer to a subject to inspection clause if the seller has already had a fact the process could go much faster. In some cases, a home inspection is considered mandatory, either by the lending institution or a state or municipal law, but if it is necessary or not, a buyer can save thousands of dollars on the thing and will save more in the long term after an inspection.





West Palm Beach, Florida Real Estate Market

West Palm Beach, Florida

Located in South Florida, West Palm Beach home of Palm Beach County and is a major economic power in the country. The industry is a flourishing commercial side of West Palm Beach in the city is also known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. With a population of over 5.4 million, at the confluence of the tourist attractions, residential and commercial vision is West Palm Beach is a real power to see for visitors and residents.


With sunny skies, near perfect weather all year round and a range of sports and cultural attractions in West Palm Beach presents the ideal setting for a weekend. Enjoy a game of golf in a number of pristine local courses or go to the beach for a day of tanning and catching up on reading. See African chimps and endangered species as the southern white rhino roam freely in a natural habitat at the Lion Country Safari.
Golf
Rich in pioneering history, inundated with great wealth and alluring beauty of Hollywood, Palm Beach draws curious visitors and new residents alike. The name is recognized worldwide as a destination for rich tourists, royalty and celebrities. In addition to having excellent cultural events throughout the year, Palm Beach County also has the largest number of golf courses in the United States which has a total of 147. Everywhere you look you will find courses designed by the winners of the prestigious trophy, as Arnold Palmer. 

West Palm Beach was created for workers who have built magnificent palaces and hotels from the turn of the century, Henry Flagler. Today its historic downtown area offers great entertainment, shopping and excellent restaurants. Many of its existing homes are now charming bed & breakfast. Interstate Highway I-95 runs north and south travel through the artery. Private yachts glide down the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway, mortgage, and boat docking ports for the night or continue the visits. Port of Palm Beach is home to the Palm Beach Princess Offers fun and games off the coast of Palm Beach. As a center of art and culture with museums and galleries, the county is home to some of the biggest music festivals and events in Florida, including professional tour companies that perform in the concert hall impressive, Kravis Center. On the morning of Saturday, the Market Square in West Palm Beach is experiences in itself, where you can enjoy breakfast under the trees, while the purchase of fresh pastries, fruits and vegetables.


West Palm Beach, Florida Real Estate Home
Like many other municipalities in South Florida, West Palm Beach was hit very hard by falling housing prices and foreclosure rate. Since early 2004, the property prices in West Palm Beach real estate market has fluctuated violently. In 2004, the average household in West Palm Beach is about $ 200,000. Then, housing prices rose dramatically before leveling off around $ 275,000 in early 2007. Since early 2007, the housing bubble and the global economic collapse have been devastating for the West Palm Beach, Florida, the real estate market. The average selling price in West Palm Beach, Florida, the housing market has declined significantly since then and reached a 5-year low around $ 165 000 in early 2009. While housing prices in the market in West Palm Beach real estate has declined significantly appear to have stabilized, prices have remained stable over the last three quarters.
 
Historic neighborhoods and communities in the West Palm Beach real estate market include the Bel Air Historic District, Central Park, El Cid, Flamingo Park, Grandview Heights, Mango Promenade, Northboro Park, Northwest, Old Northwood Historic District, Pleasant City, Prospect Park and the West Northwood Historic District.






 
 

Climate and Storm History of West Palm Beach, Florida


 West Palm Beach has a tropical monsoon climate with average temperatures every month of 64.4 ° F (18 ° C). Summer (rainy season) from May to October is warm, humid and rainy with high temperatures averaging 86-90 degrees F (30-32 ° C) and lows of 70-75 degrees F (21-24 ° C) . Winter (dry season) from November to April is hot and generally dry with temperatures averaging high 75 to 82 ° F (24-27 ° C) and lows of 57-66 ° F (14-19 ° C). Average annual rainfall is 63 in (1560 mm), most rainfall occurs during the rainy season in May, afternoon thunderstorms mostly heavy short October. West Palm Beach has an average of 133 rainy days and 234 days of sunshine a year. Hurricane season is officially June 1 to November 30, with the peak months to August, September and October.

Radar view of Hurricane
Hurricanes are natural phenomena that affect the seasonal eastern border of the United State, on the east coast and the Gulf of Mexico coast. These storms can bring the wind and the wind, which can cause little or no damage, or be destructive to the communities in these areas. July and September 1926 hurricanes hit South Florida, causing widespread destruction. September storm caused great damage in Miami, causing flooding in Moore Haven on the coast south of Lake Okeechobee, and has appeared in West Palm Beach. The most devastating hurricane to strike in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County is the 1928 hurricane, which caused widespread destruction and more than 3,000 deaths in the country. Three hurricanes in 1940 caused severe flooding and wind storms in West Palm Beach. Regardless of the damage caused by these storms, the city has always recovered and continues to grow and develop.

Hurricane Wilma
Hurricane Wilma clobbered South Florida Monday, October 24, 2005, with surprising strength, leaving the entire region damaged, dark and surprised by the ferocity of the storm that many had not taken seriously enough. The storm killed 25 people. It cuts power to 3.2 million or more records of the Florida homes and businesses, affecting more than 6 million people, and stopped at many water utilities. The reduction of some buildings in ruins, forced hospitals to evacuate, hit a quicksand of Interstate 95 and smashed mobile homes, high rise windows and peace of mind from Belle Glade Miami Brickell Avenue.

Hurricane Andrew
August 24, 1992, Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida, devastating Homestead, Florida City and parts of Miami, went to the northwest across the Gulf of Mexico to strike the Louisiana coast. In total, the storm caused 15 deaths, 25 deaths and indirectly, $ 30 billion in assets, which is the most costly disaster in U.S. history. Over 250,000 people were left homeless, 82,000 businesses were destroyed or damaged approximately 100,000 residents of South Dade County permanently left the area after Andrew. Andrew was also a serious impact on the environment - has damaged 33 percent of coral reefs and Biscayne National Park, and 90 percent of the Pinelands South Dade home, mangroves and tropical hardwood hammocks. He also created 30 years worth debris. 

Hurricane Galveston
 
On September 8, 1900, hurricane Galveston was the greatest natural disaster ever to hit the United States took place in Galveston, Texas. In the early evening of Sept. 8 came from a hurricane on the coast near Galveston brings with it an enormous storm surge that inundated most of Galveston Island and the city of Galveston. Consequently, much of the city destroyed and at least 6,000 people were killed within hours.

Hurricane Frances


The third major hurricane of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season, Hurricane Frances did the most hurricane damage after making landfall in the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Panhandle. Hurricane Frances is perhaps most notable for the tornado outbreak it spawned, rivaling Hurricane Beulah in this regard.  

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Friday, February 11, 2011

Effects of Florida Four Point Inspection on Homeowners Insurance Market

Four Point Inspection

Florida has a history of more recent years of bad weather and in recent years has experienced hurricanes. In 1992, when Hurricane Andrew struck Florida, was in Florida Four Point Inspection born. It was introduced by the insurer for the owners to require the insurer provides insurance for the new owner. Insurance companies in Florida have tried to encourage owners to make their homes safer and reduce insurance claims. The four inspection points in Florida have been recognized as necessary, after the number of hurricanes. Insurance companies see the success of the program and it is spreading across the country. Reduced risk of losses on homeowners' insurance is the benefit to the insurer. Through this program, many insurance company losses a lot of money. 

In 2005, the Florida legislature for a law requiring all residential property insurers to file with the Office of Insurance Regulation a number of discounts that they intend to offer. Insurance companies issuing new homeowners insurance policies as of October 1, 2005 or the first renewal of an insurance policy owner to let policyholders know they can get a discount if they strengthen their homes against damage from the hurricane. All insurers are required to submit residential property discount new loss mitigation last March 1, 2007. After that date, insurers must include all new customers and renewal discounts that apply specifically to exact their homes. The main purpose of these inspections is to identify the construction features that reduce wind damage and loss. The Four Point Inspection is a key to evaluate your home condition on the four points. This will evaluate the capacity and strength of Roof, Electrical Conditions, the life years of expectancy of your HVAC (Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning) unit, and the your plumbing system connections condition. The main points of this are to evaluate and report the condition and age of these elements. The insurance companies are expecting that these four elements are working properly as meant within the manufacturers’ specifications in order to avail the program.

 On the other hand, on the past years the four point inspection benefited both the insurer and the insurance company but in other point of view this program leads to loss of money of the insurance company. Since Florida has been known for having high homeowners insurance it is seen up to 50% reduction in some policies although there a lot of variables involved, each homeowner will have a different result, 20% to 40% are typical. The inspection costs around $100 but some companies charge as high as $150. The verification form is valid up to five years provided no material changes have been made to the structure. But today, government regulations that have already been implemented which allows homeowners to receive up to 50% discount on home insurance. Some of them also say that no matter how much a house is still, if a huge hurricane hits, there would still be their biggest problem. In short, the inspections do not guarantee complete protection and reduce costs for insurers. The implementation of these credits results to less profit of the company, which makes these companies lower. Indeed, in recent years the debate between the government and insurance companies in Florida made with premium discounts as a key issue. It is very evident that only the policy holders benefited this program but it hell for the insurers. On the other hand, fraud, inspector inexperience, and data entry are also rampant causing insurers become quite alarmed and frigid to issue discounts. To avoid any losses, insurance company are conducting re-inspection that is true and honest.

The four point inspection is to get the reputation of not only the state of Florida, but also in other countries of policyholders and insurance companies know the importance of inspection and allow it to scale. However, there are still some negative things about the discounts are still discussed and confirmed.





 


Top West Palm Beach Restaurant

West Palm Beach is known as the best tourist spot in Palm Beach County. It is famous for its mansions and wealthy residents and it is also a home to some of the best Japanese restaurants in the south. Hotels in West Palm Beach are not only for lodging but also a home of well known restaurants. From highly sought-after Sunday brunches to the finest dinners, master chefs prepare meals ranging from authentic American fare to those with a Caribbean flare. Elegant or casual, Five Diamond or a hidden gem, dining in The Palm Beaches is a feast for senses way beyond mere taste alone.

The Breakers
Florida Intracoastal Restaurant
The culmination of splendid service and stunning views, Top of the Point takes you to the highest level of taste and style. Savor irresistible dining amid a polished ambience of burnished wood complemented by rich, warm leather tones. Exclusive to members for breakfast and lunch, Top of the Point welcomes guests of The Breakers and area residents for dinner.


Bizaare Ave Café
  Bizaare Ave Café housed in a building originally built in 1926 in downtown Lake Worth, Florida. West Palm Beach Restaurants has been classified as being a “ Soho” type of underground café. An Interior decor of English country house and a voguish Nantucket Island eatery. When you look around you will observe that everything is for sale, from the art on the walls, chairs and comfy sofas arranged around coffee tables, and to that you’re eating on! Hence the name Bizaare! In their welcoming, cozy atmosphere where you would feel at home entertaining friends with good food and fine wine. They serve wine in a 4 oz glass called the “café glass”. In Bizaare you will see the list of their very own wine label which is available in Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, White Zinfandel and Chardonnay. At Bizaare Avenue Cafe their West Palm Beach Restaurants will share with you a very satisfying and different art of dining, full of the best ingredients while surrounded in a canvas of color. With an open heart and a keen eye for the 'Bizaare' pleasures in life, it will bring to you an atmosphere to savor the fine wine and unique cuisine. At 'Bizaare' they will entice your palette and relax your soul just as we all do with family and friends. 

Yumi Sushi Japanese Restaurant & Cafe
 Yumi Sushi Japanese Restaurant & Cafe in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

The restaurants offer some of the most delicious Japanese dishes like hibachi grill which refers to an open hot plate on which vegetables and meat are cooked. This is usually called teppan yaki in Japan.
Sushi is, of course, the main feature of every Japanese restaurant and that is the way in which they are usually rated by most customers. In the Japanese restaurants in Palm Beach, there are two main types of sushi such as Maki zushi which is fish that has been rolled in a rice and seaweed wrap and then sliced and Te-maki zushi which is fish placed on top of a block of rice.







                       Bistro Ten Zero One
Located near the Convention Center, CityPlace and the Kravis Center in the West Palm Beach Marriott is Bistro Ten Zero One. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and a full liquor bar, you are sure to find what you are looking for. Don’t forget to save room for dessert – warm Godiva bread pudding, a house specialty. 







                     Okeechobee Steak House

Okeechobee started since 1947, this neighborhood institution still pulls in crowds of patrons, and it's not unusual to wait for a table on weekends. Rich cherry woodwork and forest green walls create an intimate environment, and booth tabletops capture an assortment of rocks beneath slabs of acrylic, making for an interesting design element. The menu places a premium on steaks, which are well-seasoned and cooked to a tantalizing sizzle. Each one comes with a starch and either a caesar salad or a trip to the salad bar. Desserts and a full selection of alcohol guarantee that appropriate vices are met, and you'll often find couples celebrating special events or groups of friends gathered for an evening of merriment. 


                       Coconuts on the Beach



If you want to experience in West Palm Beach a rich dining that captures all the zest and freshness of the Atlantic Ocean, Coconut on the beach is the place you are looking for.
In their delightful Singer Island restaurant, Coconuts on the Beach, does just that. From a buttery appetizer of Spicy Rare Tuna to a soulful entrée of blackened Mahi served with lemon, Coconuts brings you the best seafood in town. Of course, for you land lover, delicious steak and chicken entrees are available as well.

Florida Four Point Inspection


Florida has a recent year’s history of bad weather and for the past years experienced hurricane. In 1992 when Hurricane Andrew hit Florida, the Florida Four Point Inspection was born. It was introduced by the insurance company to the homeowners, as a demand for the insurer bidding insurance to the new homeowner. Insurance companies in Florida have been trying to encourage homeowners to make their homes safer and reduce insurance claims. The Four Point Inspection in Florida has been accepted as necessary after the number of hurricanes passed by. Insurance companies see the good result of the program; it spreads throughout the different parts of the country. To reduced loss risk on homeowners’ insurance policies is the benefit to the insurance company. Through this program many insurance company losses a lot of money.


Four Point Inspection
Through the number of hurricanes struck Florida, insurance companies and JUA (Joint Underwriting Association) realized the importance on Four Point Inspection. The Four Point Inspection is a key to evaluate your home condition on the four points. This will evaluate the capacity and strength of Roof, Electrical Conditions, the life years of expectancy of your HVAC (Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning) unit, and the your plumbing system connections condition. The main points of this are to evaluate and report the condition and age of these elements. The insurance companies are expecting that these four elements are working properly as meant within the manufacturers’ specifications in order to avail the program. 

Four Points

On the other hand, for older homes usually operating for more than two decades the insurance company may unwilling to issue Homeowner Insurance Policies. In other cases, elderly homes and roofs nearing to end life should be renovated. This may become the reliability of the company. For instance; a home with a roof nearing the end of its reliable service life may fail while under the policy and the homeowner may seek reimbursement from their insurance company for damages to the home or its contents. If the HVAC or the electrical system is in improper installation this can cause fire and accident and will lead to loss of lives. In plumbing systems, this must be in proper installation or else this will affect the water system and can cause accidents. If these elements are in poor condition, in need of being updated or replaced or were improperly installed, they may fail and cause fire or water damage to a home.



After examining the four points of the house, the licensed Professional Engineer, Electrician, Roofing Contractor and certified Home Inspector will filled out the forms issued by the insurance company. In this particular form they have asked about the age, type and certain elements of the electrical system, which may have high claim ratios. This certifies that your electrical system, HVAC, Roofing, and plumbing systems are in proper installations and working as meant by the manufacturer’s specifications.  



However, for newer homes the insurance companies are not assumed to have such problems. Still, the homeowners can have a four point inspection to ensure the safety and to avail the insurance service. For newer homes the insurance still examine the four points (Electrical, Roof, Plumbing, and HVAC) and depend on the rules of the company. There are many companies and inspection requirements can vary and change at any time.

Safety Home



 
To ensure the safety of properties and love ones, Four Point Inspection is the best way. Four point Inspection is your choice of home inspection in Florida.

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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Fun Activities and Historic Landmarks of West Palm Beach, Florida


In Florida, West Palm Beach is the largest and most popular city in Palm Beach County. The city is also the oldest incorporated municipality in South Florida. In its natural beauty and attractive environment there is no doubt that visitors are always West Palm Beach as an excellent place for vacations. It is also rich in historical places, landmarks that remain as the evident on how its enchanting nature developed. So, when you decide to relax and free your minds from stresses and problems, West Palm Beach is the place you are searching for. There is no other place like West Palm Beach.

 
West Palm Beach is one of the most important cities in south Florida, full amazing events and activities with most gorgeous beaches and landscapes. With also a good weather so it is extremely excellent to have fun and always keep coming back for more. If you look at a map, you will find how convenient all locations are to make travelers and residents be able to find their way to their major events very easy. The city looks fine with nice street lined with Royal palms, nice street lined with Royal palms. There is an awesome quiet beach along North Ocean Blvd, which is a beautiful street along the sands of the Atlantic Ocean.  
 
Henry M. Flagler Museum
 Flagler Museum is also known as Whitehall is a mansion that has 55 rooms and opens to the public in Palm Beach, Florida in the United States. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built by Henry Flagler in 1902 for his wife Mary Lily Kenan. The architects were Carrère and Hastings. Henry presented it to Mary Lily as a wedding present and it used to be a winter residence. Each year Flagler and Mary Lily travel palm beach in one of their own private railcars, which was restored to its original condition and is sitting in the Flagler Museum’s new Beaux Arts style pavilion.

Sea Gull Cottage
 
The oldest house in Palm Beach is Sea Gull Cottage, built in 1886; in 1993 Henry Flagler’s first winter home.  In 1913 it was moved to the oceanfront as part of the Breakers Hotel.  The property has won many awards.

 
Bicentennial Park
 
The Bicentennial Park in Riviera Beach is one of the city's most prominent landmarks and one of the most popular destinations for the locals and tourists alike. This beautiful park located by the seaside has various facilities for kids as well as boating rides and other aquatic activities. Definitely a place you would want to visit during a trip to West Palm Beach.

Downtown West Palm Beach
 
With the pristine blue waters washing its feet and a beautiful blue sky line, Downtown West Palm Beach is where one can catch up on all the entertainment. It is known as the shopping district of West Palm Beach, and has many historical attractions. Some of Downtown's highlights include weekly street festivals, free trolley transportation, museums, convention center and of course its waterfront. So when in West Palm Beach, for business or pleasure, make it a point to visit the Downtown area. 


 Enjoy your trip. Have fun and relax.