This course teaches real estate professionals and homeowners how to take a proactive approach to managing insect infestations in their properties. It covers prevention, identification, treatment, and legal requirements related to insect control in real estate transactions.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify common insect pests that can cause damage to real estate properties.
- Understand the risks associated with untreated insect infestations in real estate.
- Learn best practices for preventing insect infestations in real estate properties, including identifying and sealing potential entry points.
- Understand the most effective treatment options for controlling insect infestations, including chemical and non-chemical methods.
- Understand legal and regulatory requirements related to insect control in real estate transactions.
- Learn to communicate effectively with clients, tenants, and service providers about insect control in real estate properties.
- Understand legal and regulatory requirements related to insect control in real estate transactions.
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
To show photos and discuss asbestos and mold, enabling agents to identify these defects when listing a house, and be better equipped to manage the situation during home inspections.
- Agents will be able to identify asbestos in various locations in the home
- To understand the issues, implications and options regarding asbestos
- To discuss the different types of mold and health considerations
- Agents will be better able to advise their clients regarding mold testing and cleanup
To show photos and discuss electrical panels and aluminum wiring, enabling
agents to identify these defects when listing a house, and be better equipped
to manage the situation during home inspections.
- Agents will be able to identify the most common problematic electrical panels (Federal Pacific Stab Loc and Zinsco ) and have a basic understanding of their design flaws
- Agents will gain an understanding of why aluminum wiring is a concern and what repair options are available
To show photos and discuss foundation defects, repair options, and associated cost magnitude, which will enable agents to identify them when listing a house and be better equipped to manage the situation when these things come up on home inspections.
Agenda:
- Types of Foundation Cracks
- Vertical Cracks
- Diagonal Cracks
- Step Cracks
- Horizontal Cracks
- Horizontal Crack Repairs
- Basement Waterproofing Repairs
- Q&A
For a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan to be approved, the home must pass an FHA inspection and appraisal. To pass inspection, the home must meet minimum safety, security, and soundness standards. This course aims to educate real estate professionals about the inspection requirements of an FHA loan so they can help their clients with buying or selling a home that will be under FHA.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define and understand what an FHA loan is
- Describe the role of an FHA appraiser
- List and explain the main components of an FHA appraisal
- Describe the role of a Home Inspector in the FHA appraisal process
- List and explain the areas of the home where a home inspector may be required
It is critical for real estate agents to identify the different parts of a home so they can address common questions that arise during the transaction. One area that many are not familiar with is chimneys and fireplaces. This course is aimed to better educate agents so they are more comfortable selling homes with these features and can answer those common questions that their buyers or sellers may ask.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the parts of a fireplace and chimney
- Differentiate between the various types of fireplaces
- List and explain common issues found when inspecting chimneys and fireplaces, and how each is remediated
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
To discuss inspector liability and how Realtors can reduce their risk regarding home inspections.
Agenda:
• Home Inspector Liability
• Meeting a Standard of Care
• Inspection Scope and Standards
• Inspection Agreements
• Insurance
• Ways Agents can reduce their Liability
• Q&A
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 inspection 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
This course provides a focused overview of Fair Housing laws and how they apply to daily real estate practice. Real estate professionals will learn about the history and legal framework of Fair Housing, understand what constitutes discrimination, and examine real-world scenarios to build practical skills for compliance. The course aims to help agents and brokers recognize risk, respond correctly to potential violations, and promote equal access to housing for all individuals.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify the protected classes under the federal Fair Housing Act and understand key state/local variations.
- Recognize common forms of housing discrimination in advertising, client interactions, and transaction practices.
- Analyze real-life scenarios to determine compliant and non-compliant behavior.
- Apply best practices to reduce risk and ensure Fair Housing compliance in their real estate business.
- Understand how to respond when clients or colleagues suggest actions that could violate Fair Housing laws.
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
This course examines the various pests and environmental hazards that can destroy a home, including those that might be missed by a traditional home inspection. It is important that real estate professionals are aware of the damage that these pests can inflict along with some warning signs of their presence so they can better advocate for their clients.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the different types of wood destroying insects
- Explain how wood destroying insects can enter and defect a home
- Describe the preventative measures that can be taken by homeowners to deter pest destruction
- List what areas of the United States is affected by each wood destroying insect
- Understand the implications of wood destroying insects on real estate transactions
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.
Water quality is a top concern for buyers and sellers in real estate. Variables for water quality such as microbiological contamination, common water quality problems, aging water systems etc. play an important role in whether or not a real estate deal can be closed. Your role as a real estate agent is to know the facts of residential water testing for you to be able to guide the clients in the process. Hence, water quality should not be taken for granted to avoid legal loopholes and possible issues during the sale.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define Clean Water Act and its relationship with realtors
- Compare Public Water Systems versus Private Water Supplies.
- Explain why it is important for water to be tested in residential homes.
- List and define the benefits, health hazards and impacts of having clean residential water.
- Associate a situation indicative of polluted water and the corresponding test that should solve it.
- List down possible questions for Residential Water Testing
- Discuss points that a real estate agent must be able to remember before proceeding with a sale.
- Learn about the different styles of roofs and roofing materials
- Lean what a good roof inspection should consist of
- Explore common defects found during roof inspections
- Learn about attic inspections, including proper attic insulation and ventilation
- Explore common defects found in attics
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
The home inspection is one of the most crucial parts of the home buying process. Many issues identified during the home inspection, if left untreated, can lead to significant costly repairs later, or even unsafe and hazardous living conditions. 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. This course will identify the most common problem areas in a home inspection and provide real estate agents with tools and strategies they can use to allay their clients’ concerns.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Better equip the buyer for the home inspection
- Advise and prepare the seller
- Assist their clients in understanding issues of concern raised by the home inspector
- Anticipate frequently asked questions regarding the home inspection process
This course equips real estate professionals with an understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, their applications in real estate, and strategies to ethically and effectively leverage AI in daily business practices.
1. Understand AI Fundamentals: Explain the foundational concepts of artificial intelligence (AI), its types, and its relevance in the real estate industry.
2. Identify AI Tools: Recognize key AI-powered tools available for real estate professionals in marketing, property analysis, and transaction management.
3. Enhance Marketing Strategies: Develop personalized marketing campaigns and generate targeted leads using AI technologies.
4. Streamline Transactions: Apply AI tools to automate document creation, contract management, and fraud detection, improving transaction efficiency.
5. Leverage Predictive Analytics: Utilize AI-powered predictive analytics to identify market trends and forecast property values.
6. Improve Client Experiences: Use AI technologies, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, to enhance customer support and provide personalized property recommendations.
7. Ensure Ethical AI Use: Address ethical concerns by avoiding bias in AI algorithms and ensuring compliance with fair housing regulations.
8. Protect Data Privacy: Implement best practices for safeguarding client information and adhering to data privacy laws when using AI tools.
9. Analyze Real-Life Applications: Evaluate real-world case studies to understand successful implementations of AI in real estate.
10. Prepare for Future Trends: Explore emerging AI technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), and develop strategies to stay ahead in the industry.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical problems are the largest cause of property damage in home structure fires across the United States. Since electrical inspections are important for the safety of one’s home, they often cause anxiety to those purchasing or selling a home. Real estate agents who take this course will be guided through the steps of an electrical inspection. By understanding the process of performing residential electrical inspections, real estate agents can help give peace of mind to all parties involved in the home-buying process.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define basic safety rules to use when inspecting live electrical components, including panels and enclosures
- Identify common failures that can lead to unsafe conditions around the home
- Identify different types of electrical panels and common problem areas in each
- Understand connections and defects inside the service panel
Real estate agents can be asked to list many different types of homes. Some of these homes may have unique features such as a hidden room or an outdoor shower, however, some homes are totally unique in their construction. This course aims to educate agents on the types of unique homes, their history, and what issues are commonly found in each.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Differentiate between the five types of unique homes
- Describe what makes each home type unique
- List the common issues found in each unique home type
For a VA-backed loan to be approved, the home must meet a minimum set of property requirements. These standards are set to ensure the property is safe, structurally sound, and sanitary, in order to protect the interests of buyers, lenders, servicers, and the VA. This course aims to educate real estate professionals about the inspection requirements of a VA-backed loan so they can help their clients with buying or selling a home that will be under a VA-backed loan.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe what a VA Loan is and who can qualify for one
- List the types of VA-backed loans
- Define Minimum Property Requirements and how they relate to VA-backed loans
- Describe the purpose of a VA Loan appraiser and what to expect after the appraisal is complete
- Describe the minimum property requirement for a buyer to obtain a VA Loan
To show photos and discuss well, septic, and sewer inspections, which will enable agents to be better equipped to manage the situation when these things come up on home inspections.
Agenda:
- Types of Wells
- Well Inspections
- Water Testing
- Septic Systems Overview
- Septic System Inspections
- Sewer Scope Inspections
- Q&A
1580 N. Leroy St
Fenton, MI 48430
Phone: 810-750-0000
www.valuecheckinspections.com