How Home Inspections can help a Real Estate deal go through

So, you’re planning to sell your house. Well, there are lots of things that you should remember before selling it. One of these is making sure that your house has undergone a home inspection. A home inspection is a limited, non-intruding examination of the condition of a home. It covers a wide area of careful examination- from the driveways, walkways, stairs, decks, windows and doors, roof and gutters, skylights, vents, fireplace and chimney, basement/foundation, heating and cooling systems (Furnace and AC), electrical panels and wiring, flooring, plumbing systems, and even to the kitchen/bath operations. A seller may ask, “Why should I conduct a home inspection when I am about to sell it?”  Home Inspectioning Think about it deeply. Buyers can be very fussy. They always want to purchase a house that is durable and that part of it is in a proper condition. Likewise, a home inspection assures the buyer that the house is well-maintained and in good quality. It also allows both the seller and the buyer to make a clear understanding of the house. Prospective buyers are likely to find a pre-inspected home more attractive and credible. Their comfort level is increased. It will also help you obtain specific information regarding the various systems and structural features of the home.  Better look Home Improvement  Additionally, in the future, it will also protect you from being accused as a fraud due to the undetected defects in your former home. If you choose to go the pre-sale inspection route, then, it will be certainly easy for you to get referrals for professional home inspectors from friends or local real estate professionals. The home inspection falls to inspectors who carry liability insurance which prevents them from spending money that are related to lawsuits that question their judgment As for the buyer, the inspection process identifies these items and gives the buyer relevant information about maintaining the home to make sure their investment stays safe and functional for years to come. If a home inspection is conducted prior to real estate transaction, the cost of the process can be added to the price of the home.  On the other hand, the purpose of home inspection is quite different from home appraisals. While home appraisals tend to determine the market value of a particular property, home inspections highlight items that may be in need of repair or even replacement. Obviously, as an effect of conducting home inspections, complicated legal conflicts and disputes can be truly avoided. Today home inspections cost $200 and up, but its concrete benefits is definitely worthy. Seller inspections can speed up the real estate transactions.  The seller liability and buyer home inspection reports does not delay the sales process, with this inspection. Home seller liability and buyer home inspection reports and liabilities vary from state to state, but whenever an inspection occurs, it brings clarity to a home sale and more often than not absolves both the seller and buyer of liability. In general, a home inspection strengthens your credibility as a home seller.

Dania Florida Real Estate Market

Dania Beach, Florida  (population-28,831 as of July 2006 (U.S. Census Bureau) has been the mecca for those who want to experience a sunny and warmer climate. It has been both known as the Antique Capital of the South and the Paradise Shop City. Living in Dania, which situated in the heart of the Broward County, seems to be like being in a tropical paradise. The city is definitely the right place for antique collectors, water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, or simply for those who want peace and quietude from the hasty lifestyle of the metros. Some of you may think Dania as an old sketchy town. Well, you are totally wrong! Dania Beach offers the best beaches, hotels, parks, shopping areas, restaurants, and more.

            For the past years, more and more people have moved to Dania Beach because of its convenient location. The city’s real estate market (both in home buying and renting) has been improving throughout the years. It is also continually progressing as a very family oriented community.

family oriented community

Great facilities for everyone are also here – sports amenities, schools, museums, and a whole lot more. In fact, right now, the city government is upgrading a private marina and would eventually turn it into a public marina. Some of Dania Beach’s well-established communities are the following: Avon Heights, Dania Estates, Belle Dania, Canal Groves, Dania Heights, Davis Isles, Florian Isles, France Grove Estates, Hidden Harbor, Ocean View Golf, Poinciana, Royal Palm Vista, Town and Country Estates, and Tropical Haven.

House for sale at Dania

Business and tourism here have been always good. Another factor that makes real estate companies to invest here in the Dania is its systematic building division which is responsible for the enforcing of building codes relative to new construction, additions, remodeling and interior renovation of residential, commercial, and industrial property.  Likewise, homes in Dania are quite inexpensive. Premium insurance discounts can also be availed by homeowners through home inspection programs. 

Today, the different infrastructural development of the city constantly invites investors. Some of these significant projects are the expansion/establishment of Venetian Townhomes, Townplace suites Hotel, Oaks Condo, Ippolito Plat (34 units villas), Frontier/Oakwood Plaza ( a shopping center), San Marco (apartment), Lakeview (warehouse/office complex, Forest View (family homes), North Trail (sales center), Atlantic Village Marina (condo/hotel), Best Western Hotel, Cape Fear (family homes), Harbor Town Dry Stack (boat storage facility, Tri-Rail Parking Garage, and more.

Additionally, in the present, the average listing price of the homes in the city is $172 687.  According to some, the real estate market in Dania had declined last year but right now, it is on the verge of rising up again. However, one thing is for sure, everything in this beach city sells at the right price.

It is undeniable that the place’s small-town charm attracts people to invest their money and build their home in this beautiful southern utopia. No wonder, Real Estate Investors are continuing to arrive in Dania Beach, Florida.

Climate and Storm History of Dania Beach, Florida

Dania Beach, a city in the southern part of Florida, has tropical climate. The city’s climate is its most valuable natural resource. Because of Dania Beach’s warm and sunny atmosphere, many tourists from visit the place to especially during winter. The average during summer temperature of Southern Florida ranges from 32- 34°C while in winter the temperature decreases up to 13°C. In fact, the hottest temperature ever recorded in Florida was 109 °F (43 °C), which was set on June 29, 1931, in Monticello (present Dania Beach). Although the Dania Beach is closer to the tropics, it has fewer very hot days each summer than in other cities. Additionally, it has an average monthly precipitation is above 60 millimeters (2.36 in). Snow in Florida is also a rare occurrence but in January 19, 1977, a very uncommon phenomenon happen when snow fell over much of the state. 

Home Damage along the Coastline

However, Dania’s tropical paradise is frequently attacked by hurricanes. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea, hurricanes frequently strike Florida. These hurricanes bring strong winds, heavy rains, and high seas which causes tremendous damage to infrastructures, properties, and even lives. It usually occurs during June 1 to November 30, although others come off these months. Based on the records, over 114 hurricanes, 37 of them major have hit Florida from 1851 to 2006.  Almost 83% of the major hurricanes in the United States have struck the state. In fact, since 1851, the Sunshine state have experience a hurricane-free year for only eighteen hurricane seasons. The first recorded tropical cyclone to affect Florida occurred in 1523, when two ships and their crews were lost along the western coastline. Since then, hundreds of hurricanes were recorded to strike the state. 

Damages by hurricanes

One of the earliest storms that affected Dania was the ’26 hurricane which caused a lot of damage to the town, including its important buildings - the Dania Methodist Church. In 1935, the Labor Day Hurricane, the strongest hurricane recorded in the United States, strike Florida with a pressure of 892 mbar (hPa; 26.35 in Hg).  Subsequently, during 1950 to 1974, about 85 cyclones have smashed the state which resulted to $6.2 billion in damage.

Hurricane Donna

In this period, the hurricanes named Donna and Dora were the most devastating. Other major cyclones that have hit Dania are Hurricane Easy, Cleo, Betsy, King, and Isbell. Moreover, from 1975 to 1999, over 83 tropical/subtropical cyclones hit the state which resulted about $45 billion in damage. 54 casualties were also recorded. 

Hurricane Andrew

The most destructive of all these hurricanes is the Hurricane Andrew that hit during 1992 which remains as the second costliest hurricane of all times. Other major hurricanes recorded in this period are Hurricanes Eloise, David, and Opal. Lastly, from 2000 to present, as of 2007, 58 tropical/subtropical cyclones affected the state of Florida. It resulted a total damage of $64 billion. In the same period, Hurricane Charley, the strongest hurricane in the United States devastated Florida. Other major storms are hurricanes Jeanne, Ivan, Dennis, and Wilma. 

Today, the city of Dania Beach and the rest of Florida are making a lot of infrastructural improvements and safety measures to prevent the huge loss of properties and lives. 

Effects of Florida Four Point Inspection on Homeowners Insurance Market

In 1992, after Hurricane Andrew slammed Florida, the Four Point Inspection, which is also known as the Insurance Inspection was created. But it was in 2004 that this inspection began to become popular after a series of hurricanes hit the state. This inspection is required by insurance companies in getting and renewing a homeowner’s insurance policy The Four Point Inspection covers the four most important parts of a house namely: roof construction, electrical & wiring panels, plumbing connection and fixtures, and HVAC (Home Ventilation and Air Conditioning). From that inspection, a report is then made to assess and records the condition of each of the four main elements of the home.

Even though the Four Point Inspection benefits both the insurance company and the insurer, it is undeniable that this is an area of business where insurance companies have lost a lot of money for the past years. For insurers, conducting a four point inspection (especially on homes which are twenty five years or older), would help them charge the owner’s home insurance coverage accurately.  This is quite good to both parties involved for it carefully documents the assessment of the policy life which will help prevent future disagreements and confusion. It also ensures the insurer for a reduced loss risk on home-owner's insurance policies. On the other hand, though Florida has been known for having high homeowners insurance (in the case of four point inspection, the price ranges from $100-$150). However, today, government regulations have already been implemented that allow homeowners to get up to a 50% discount on a home insurance. Well, obviously, policyholders in Florida can truly benefit to this but for insurers this is a disaster. A part from them also says that no matter how strong a house is, still, if a gigantic hurricane strikes it that would still be their big problem. In short, inspections are not a complete guarantee for protection and fewer expenses for insurers.  The implementation of these credits caused these companies to earn fewer profits and thus makes these companies weaker. In fact, for the past few years, debates between the government and insurance companies in Florida have made with the premium discounts as a main issue. Fraud, inspector inexperience, and data entry are also rampant causing insurers become quite alarmed and frigid to issue discounts. Right now, insurance companies are conducting re-inspections that are concrete and unbiased to settle

In summary, the Four Point Insurance Inspection program is gaining in popularity not just in Florida but as well as other state as insurance companies and policyholders recognize the value of the inspection and the savings benefits that it gives. However, negative issues especially in matters of giving discounts are being discussed and settled.

Top Dania Florida Restaurants

Dania Beach is a city in Southern Florida with a small-town charm. Aside from its numerous beautiful beaches, parks, and antique shops, it has a variety of restaurants. It is in Dania where you can have a lot to choose from. From the freshest sea foods in the Atlantic Ocean, to the very famous ice cream parlor – Dania can truly offer the best restaurants that suits to your taste and likes.

Jaxson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor

Well, let’s start with the historic Jaxson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor. This great Ice cream center has been serving the best ice creams for half a century and has received several praises and awards from critics and the food service industry. One thing that makes Jaxson’s different from other ice cream eatery is its unique and finely prepared toppings consisting of the freshest dairy cream, berries, nuts, and more. Other ice cream creations such as sodas and sundaes are topped with soft whipped cream.  A restaurant and a collection of rural American memorabilia are also attached to the ice cream parlor. 

Antonio’s  Restaurant

Next is the Antonio’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant. Antonio’s has been one of the favorite Italian restaurants by the locals of Dania since 1979. It caters a variety of tasty Italian recipes like Pizza, Calzone, Salads, Soup, Subs, Seafoods and of course the restaurant’s own specialties. 

Casa Bella

 Another Italian restaurant is the Casa Bella Italian continental restaurant which is located in an elegant 1912 house which also caters special Italian dish. Now, if you want to experience Dania’s beaches as well as its sea foods, Beach Watch is the perfect restaurant for you.

Beach Watch

 Beach Watch is South Florida’s only real ocean front restaurant. This serene restaurant offers a range of cuisines like meats, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, steaks, newly-catch fishes and shellfishes. Dania also has another seafood restaurant located near the huge Outdoor World complex that servws the freshest seafoods in town. This Sushi bar is known as the Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant. This spacious restaurant has over 450 seats both indoor & outdoor and has a large aquarium with a reef. 

My Big Fat Greek Restaurant

Another awesome restaurant in Dania is the Greek restaurant named My Big Fat Greek Restaurant which serves traditional Greek cuisines. Here in this café, you can taste the most delicious Greek dessert, Galaktobouriko. For chocolate lovers, Jimmie’s Chocolates and Café is a great place to visit. Located in a quaint, Southern Florida town, Jimmie’s has been known for its delightful chocolates as well as its fine dining with a mixture of Continental and Latin Flair cuisines.  If you want to hangout near the Dania Jai Alai fronton, The Hurricane Sports Bar and Grill is a cool place to go. This restaurant has huge-screen televisions, pool tables, dartboards, and a satellite dish that picks up the NFL Sunday Ticket.

So, if you want to take a trip to Dania, try to drop by in this restaurants and experience true beauty, serenity, and charm.

Discover more about these restaurants.

 

Florida Four Point Inspection

Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne are the names of the hurricanes that hit Florida in August and September 2004. These devastating hurricanes have caused huge damages to the entire state. As an effect, insurance companies have spent a lot of money paying the loss of the policyholders. Right then, insurers have required homeowners to undergo different home inspections. One of these inspections is the Four-Point Inspection. 

Home Inspection

Even though the Four Point Inspection has been established in 1992, this has become popular only after the four hurricanes slam the state in 2004. Insurance companies and the JUA (Joint Underwriting Association) in Florida have now realized the significance of a Four Point Inspection. A Four Point Inspection is conducted to examine the strength, condition, and age of the four main systems of a house – HVAC ((Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), Electrical wiring and panels, Plumbing connections & fixtures, and Roof. This is often required in getting and renewing a homeowner’s insurance policy. It is also a necessity for those houses built 20 or more years ago to ensure that the four systems have been updated. This inspection focuses in the main parts of a house. 

A house in Florida

For instance, a home having a roof nearing the end of its service life may destabilize. Eventually, the homeowner will surely ask for a reimbursement from the insurer for the damages it has brought. Another is the HVAC or the electrical systems; if these components are not properly installed and fail, it may cause a fire accident and will inevitably destroy the house. Likewise, if the plumbing systems are not doing well, it may affect the water system of the place and may even cause a accidents. After examining the house, a signed document from a licensed engineer together with other authorized persons (Roofing Constructor, Electrician, Plumbing and Mechanical Code Inspector) will then certify that the home has passed the Four-Point Inspection. It means that the Roofing Construction, Electrical and Plumbing Systems and HVAC are in the condition and are working as intended within the manufacturer’s specification.  Additionally, the said inspection will let the homeowner understand the current operating conditions of these systems, as well as it expected service life and scheduled maintenance requirements.

For new homeowners who already had a standard home inspection which is more comprehensive and all parts of the house are being examined, they can still use those data (roofing, plumbing and electrical systems, and HVAC) for the Four-Point Inspection depending on the rules of Insurance Company.  Florida Four-Point Inspection fees may start at $165.00 or up depending on the location of the house. It includes the inspection, the report, and photos.  The inspection only takes 50- 70 minutes.  Mostly, It does require the homeowner to  be in the house during the inspection.

The Four-Point Inspection is just one of the many inspections in Florida that will certainly ensure the safety of its residents.

Watch this video to know more about Florida Four Point Inspections:

Fun Activities and Historic Landmarks of Dania , Florida

Located in the Southern part of Florida, Dania Beach, does not only boast for its pristine, white sand beaches, but also with its rich cultural heritage, natural resources, and cool amusement parks.  Here in Dania, you can have an amazing vacation without spending a lot of money. Surely,Dania Beach is not like any ordinary Southern small town.

Beaches in Dania

If you want to take a break and relax in a  beach on a sunny day, Dania Beach is just the right one for you! This city has a number of beautiful beaches lined with palms, picnic sites, and more. Dania’s cleanest, and less crowded beaches also include several restaurants,beach grill, plus a pier, for you to do fishing in the sparkling blue-green waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Bluefish, Permit, Pompano, Snappers, Cobia, and Snook are just few of the various fishes that you can catch in the huge 1,000 feet wide Dania Fishing Pier. But if you want to do something sporty, Dania  have county and state parks that offer sports facilities like Olympic size pools, basketball, tennis courts, golf courses and more. You can also enjoy kayaking, canoeing, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, diving, boating (pontoon boats and sailboats), or just take a walk at its trail walks.  Here are the places you should visit in Dania if you want to experience these activities: Frost Park, John U. Lloyd State Park, Dania Beach Ocean Park, and CW Thomas Park. For nature enthusiasts, the Secret Woods Center is great place to go with its wonderful displays of the flora and fauna of Florida. The Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum and Graves Museum of Archaeology & Natural History is another attraction in Dania that features the rich natural diversity of the place. 

Kayaking is just one of the unique activities you can do in Dania

Dania Jai Alai

And of course, when we talk about Dania, we’re also talking about the second largest Jai Alai frontons in the United State. Hailed as the “World Fastest Game”, Jai Alai is really of one of the most excting games to watch for. Aside from Jai Alai,poker games, and  horse & dog racing can also be found in this city. On the other hand, if you’re an antique collector or just want to look for a unique piece of art or furniture, Dania, the anitque capital of South Florida, is the perfect place to visit. Dania has a number of antique shops and art galleries that sells various pieces that you will surely like. But if you want something thrilling, Dania answers that desire, with the famous wooden roller coaster of Boomers amusement park. 

The famous wooden roller coaster in Boomers Amusement Park, Dania

With all of these unique and exciting activities, Dania Beach, Florida is the best choice to visit for a fun-filled and unforgettable experience. 

 Watch the videos below to see the beauty of the different spots and activities of Dania Beach, Florida.