Comfort and health of occupants in a real estate property are the two common benefits of having good quality indoor air. It is critically important to have a good flow of air to reduce health hazards and accidents. Therefore, it is very much recommended before closing a deal with a potential buyer, to test the air quality of a real estate property. It is up to the real estate agent to orient the seller of the potential risks if air quality is left untreated and how it can diminish property value. In this course, fundamentals of indoor air quality testing are introduced. Hence, the knowledge gained in this course can help the real estate agent in conducting his or her sales.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define Indoor Air Quality
- List and define the health hazards of contaminated indoor air
- Identify the primary causes of poor indoor air quality
- Categorize the different types of indoor air quality pollutants
- Enumerate the actions taken by EPA to improve the quality of indoor air through community-based action
- Dissect the US EPA Publication for regulations regarding Indoor Air Quality Testing
- Understand the importance of Indoor Air Quality Testing
- Determine the right time to have an indoor air-quality testing
- Compare and Contrast DIY Indoor Air Quality Testing versus Professional DIY Indoor Air Quality Testing
- List and define steps for having a DIY Indoor Air Quality Testing
- Illustrate the DIY ways in improving Indoor Air Quality
- Determine the cost and advantages of professional indoor air quality testing
- List and define the elements found in an IAQ report
- Determine the common “hotspots” in a real estate property because of poor indoor air quality
- List and define the impacts of poor indoor air quality in selling a real estate property
- List and define key questions that should be answered for Indoor air quality versus Covid-19
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. 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 of an inspection agreement
- Avoid aggravations by preparing the seller
- Avoid aggravations by preparing the buyer
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:
- Explain the elements and characteristics of a home inspection
- Discuss strategies for preparing both the seller and the buyer for the home inspection
- List the steps to take when preparing a home for the inspection
- Describe common report findings
- Review questions that are frequently asked to home inspectors
Assisting a buyer on a new home can be a challenge for a real estate agent and varies greatly from a typical resale inspection. The home buyer has high expectations of the finished product and those need to be managed. Navigating the relationship with the home builder takes an experienced approach with a different purchase agreement, timing milestones and general considerations. A knowledgeable real estate agent can help make this transaction easier by understanding the process and helping the buyer through the process with the home and the builder. A knowledgeable real estate agent can also help their client set reasonable expectations that can ease anxiety and help make the purchase of a new home the positive experience it should be.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Help your buyers know what to expect from a new home
- Learn some of the considerations of new homes
- Understand the stages of construction
- Look at some of the typical problems that occur during construction
- Understand levels of quality control and workmanship standards
- Learn about life cycles of common components and appliances
Any home, regardless of when it was built, its location, or the materials used to build the home, can expose its residents to radon. Many states require that a home’s radon history be disclosed to potential buyers. As a result, radon testing may play an important role in the real estate transaction process. Real estate agents that are better informed on the potential hazards associated with radon as well as mitigation techniques will be able to better guide their clients through the real estate transaction process.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Identify risks associated with long-term radon exposure.
• Describe ways that radon can infiltrate a house.
• Explain testing measures that can be used to identify the presence of radon in a home.
• Describe the benefits of radon mitigation systems.
• Guide their clients through the real estate transaction process with particular sensitivity to radon.
A sewer scope is a video inspection of the lateral sewer line leading from the house at/near the foundation and connecting to the city or HOA tap or septic tank. This inspection is often completed by a licensed home inspector during the home inspection process, whose final report can affect the settlement of a real estate transaction. By becoming better educated on the different options available for the inspection, real estate agents can ease their clients’ anxieties by sharing knowledge of what to expect during and after the sewer scope inspection.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define what a sewer scope/video inspection is
- Explain why a sewer scope should be part of every real estate transaction.
- Understand the buyer/seller expectations with regards to a sewer scope
- Describe the limitations that may be encountered during a sewer scope
- Be familiarized with the sewer scope report and what is included in it.
- Describe the steps to take once a problem is found during a scope
- Advise clients on the importance of sewer scope inspections