What to Look Out for When Buying a Flip
In our booming Twin Cities housing market, flips are becoming increasingly common. A flipped house is a renovated and aesthetically-improved version of an older property. Flips are not intrinsically bad--in fact there are some pretty impressive ones! But as inspectors, [...]
Should Buyers Invest in a Sewer Inspection?
A sewer scope inspection is one of the most often-overlooked inspections when purchasing a new home. It is not typically included in the cost of a standard home inspection so some buyers wonder if it’s really a necessary service. It’s [...]
Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Come springtime in Minnesota, most of us are eager to open windows, clean out closets, and uncover patio furniture! But home ownership requires going the extra mile, at least if you want to maintain your property value and avoid costly [...]
Smart Sellers Opt for a Pre-Listing Inspection
Many buyers are opting to forego an inspection in this highly competitive market! So, how do sellers protect themselves from claims made after the buyer moves in, suggesting the seller hid something? A pre-listing inspection offers great protection for the [...]
Why You Need a Home Inspection Even With a Non-Contingent Offer
In this highly competitive Twin Cities market, some buyers have been house-hunting for several months to no avail. They’ve repeatedly lost out in multiple-offer situations and are growing weary of the process! In order to make their offer more competitive, [...]
How to Prevent Window Condensation
It’s early February and we’re in the dead of MN winter! A little moisture on the inside of your windows may seem harmless at first. However, that moisture could very well be a sign of poor ventilation or a precursor [...]
How Does Radon Mitigation Work?
Branch Property Investigations has performed nearly 1,000 radon tests over the past five years in the Twin Cities Metro area. Roughly 30-35% of the homes we’ve tested have had dangerously high radon levels. If you learn your home’s radon levels [...]
Should I Test My Home for Radon this Winter?
This year more than ever, Minnesotans are hunkering down for winter. People are spending far more time at home, but how can you be sure the air you’re breathing in your home is safe? In many homes, radon levels tend [...]
Should I Cover My AC Unit for Fall & Winter?
There are a lot of extra chores to prepare our homes for the upcoming colder weather in Minnesota. Homeowners typically cover their grills and patio furniture for the winter, but what about covering your AC (air conditioning) unit? I start [...]
What Happens After a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is one of the last steps before closing on a new house. It’s not mandatory in the buying process. However, an inspection allows buyers to find out what repairs, both big and small, may be needed to [...]
What You Should Know About Radon in Minnesota
We field a lot of questions about radon gas, so today we’ll cover the basics: what it is, where it’s found, its possible health effects, and what you can do to protect your home and family against radon in Minnesota. [...]
Is a Condo Inspection Really Necessary?
If you’re considering purchasing a condo, Congratulations! The lower maintenance living that comes with a managed building is very attractive to many people. In a managed building, many clients and agents ask, “Is a condo inspection really necessary?” While the [...]