Real Estate Daily Guide

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When interviewing potential home inspectors, find out if he or she is a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors. It is a national group that has a code of conduct and practice standards for all their members. The ASHI tests all applicants and requires them to have ample experience before being granted membership. Aside from membership to the ASHI, ask if he/she is a licensed home inspector (if licensing is required in your state) and the length of (time in years) has he/she been in this particular business. Ask the inspector how many houses or buildings has he/she inspected and if you could be given a sample report (so you can check his thoroughness).

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Rental areas can have varying fees and deposits on top of the monthly rent. Just be sure which ones are your responsibility and which ones are not.

• A deposit can be given back to you once you have moved out of the premises assuming no damage has been done by you or your pet. If you have added certain features in the apartment, you can have it removed when you transfer to another place for as long as no damage has been done while removing it. Otherwise, you will be asked to shoulder the repair expenses involved via your deposit.

You will shoulder your unpaid bills also via your deposit.

• A fee is non refundable. You can kiss it goodbye forever once you pay it. However, there are also cases where a landlord asks for a $ 300 fee and says half will be refunded to you when you move out of the unit. Clarify this with him or refer to the contract to check if this is included or if this is just a promotional feature added to ensure a higher occupancy rate.
• Before paying anything other than the monthly rent and your basic utility bills, it is wise to ask the landlord or the property manager what the extra fee is for and if and when it is refundable.