If you're hiring a home inspector prior to signing off on a piece of property, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind. If you're hiring a home inspector prior to signing off on a piece of property, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind.

Following are some important questions to ask:

Home Long Have You Been Working in the Field?

An inspector should be able to provide references and a history of experience. It's also important to know about his or her background.

What Experience Do You Have With Residential Inspections?

A background in engineering or construction is a bonus, but if the inspector has never worked on a home, it won't help much.

How Much Time Does an Inspection Take?

A thorough home inspection should take between two and three hours, depending on the size of the home. Special considerations need to be taken when looking at wood-burning fireplaces and swimming pools.

What Will the Inspection Cost?

The cost of the average home inspection is $300 to $500, depending on the region, size of the home and the complexity of the building systems that are used.

What Type of Inspection Report Is Provided?

Some inspectors provide a big binder full of information, but if you don't understand the report, that information is essentially useless. The report should be clear and help guide your final decision to purchase the home.

Do You Belong to a Home Inspection Association, and Do You Attend Continuing Education Courses?

Building technologies are constantly evolving, so an inspector should be educated to assess all aspects of a home, regardless of its age. Membership in an organization like the American Society of Home Inspectors means the inspector has been certified and approved by that organization.

That was until a moment in 2010 when he stopped his car on a bridge and pulled over. There, a friend asked him a question he couldn’t answer. A question that would change his desire for first place, and lead him to be second.

Stress, long hours, career insecurity and the general day-to-day grind can exact a toll on any employee. But there are ways to avoid burnout. Following are some tips to help you thrive - rather than barely survive - the everyday demands of work:

Learn How to Let Go: There are several effective strategies designed to reduce stress while increasing productivity, but delegation and prioritization rank among the most important, according to experts. Take time to teach others how to properly perform routine tasks both at home and at work. It might require extra effort and patience at first, but the long-term rewards will be well worth it.

2. Learn How to Say No: Don't make the mistake of taking on more than you can effectively handle. Instead, focus your efforts on the most important aspects of each project. It's also important to have clearly defined roles and job descriptions to avoid the tendency to take on more responsibility over time.

3. Learn How to Lay Low: Sooner or later everyone encounters a troublemaker. Rather than taking their insults or insinuations personally, learn how to lay low. In most instances the problem will take care of itself, given a bit of time. Recognize that every situation does not require a response, and then allow yourself the freedom to focus on the job rather than the interpersonal relationships of the office. Not only will it result in better performance, but the extra energy is better spent dealing with family and friends rather than co-workers.

Here are three essential tips:



Fencing: Families with pets, young children or those just seeking a little additional privacy will appreciate the functionality and appearance of an attractive sturdy fence

Outdoor Sanctuary: With a little creativity and a few hundred dollars, it is easy to turn a problem spot into the center of attention.  Get creative with an easy to install garden pond, butterfly or flower garden, wind chime and outdoor seating. Consider adding a decorative fire-pit to encourage family time on those warm evenings.

Update the Paint: Indoors or outdoors, painting is a simple way to give your home a fresh new look. If it has been more than five years since your home has had a fresh coat, make it a priority to paint. Just be sure to keep all your paint colors neutral.

Today, the ability to effectively communicate an idea or concept through the age-old art of storytelling remains an important skill for business leaders. Stories have helped entertain, educate and inform the masses throughout history, so it should come as no surprise that those most versed in the skill are held in very high regard.

The advent of multimedia is rapidly transforming the role of orator and storyteller into an in-demand skill.

Whether your audience consists of tired toddlers at bedtime or a roomful of sponsors at a celebrity bash, it's important for you to learn how to make maximum impact.

The following are some tips for successful storytelling:

1. Identify: Every good story has an antagonist and protagonist or a hero and conflict. Clearly identify both early in the story, and then allow the tension to build as the character or plot develops. The audience must be aware of the problem and the potential resolution in order to care for the character or concept.

2. Passion: Say it with meaning. The essence of a great story lies in the way it is told. Without passion, even the most inspirational story comes across as lackluster. Use inflection points and emotion to create an atmosphere in keeping with the primary points of the story.

3. Transformation: Build a bridge by providing pictures of before and after in the mind of the audience. Clearly explain the outcome or impact related to the objective of the story, including how it relates to others.

Second, finding a qualified buyer can be difficult.  "Agents representing the Buyer" typically ensure that potential buyers are qualified to buy the property before they cross your doorstep. Buyer Agents do not want to waste their own time with Buyers who cannot afford your home.

Mortgage pre-approvals and extensive consultation typically ensures that the buyer is serious before a showing takes place.

Homeowners and "Agents representing the Seller" have limited access to a potential buyer's financial qualifications before the sale. 

Third, you must assess whether you have the ability to market your home and court potential buyers.

Most Buyers do use an Agent to find their next home and the Agents use the MLS to quickly identify homes to show.

Using a real estate agent can seem more costly than selling a home on your own, but sellers need to measure whether they are prepared to invest their time and energy into the sale of their home.

Yes, we have an on-line store to help our members promote Dorothy.com. You can purchase signs, business cards, clothing, marketing materials, license plate brackets, etc. When you purchase through our store you earn 1 brick for every dollar spent.