Send us a text

The real estate market is experiencing a significant shift with 71% of active agents making no sales in the last 18 months, creating both challenges and opportunities for those who can adapt to changing conditions.

• 71% of active real estate agents have made zero sales in the past 18 months
• The "Great Pushback" shows buyers refusing to pay inflated prices for homes
• National Association of Realtors has lost approximately 440,000 members (25% of total)
• Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae implementing roughly 80 rule changes, including rental history consideration for loans
• Private listings debate centers on transparency versus seller security concerns
• Squatter problems highlight challenges in property management and ownership rights
• Successful agents must know their numbers and articulate unique value to clients
• Relationship-building and referrals becoming increasingly important in the current market
• Interest rates still high but some builders offering reduced rates (around 6.5% or lower)
• Market shifting from seller's market to more balanced conditions

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Imagine you've just paid a deposit on your dream home—a brand new construction that should be perfect in every way. Now imagine the horror of discovering "mold curtains" hanging like Spanish moss in your basement before you've even moved in. This nightmarish scenario is exactly what happened to recent clients who reached out to Environmental Consultants of Ohio.

In this eye-opening conversation, Jim and Laura pull back the curtain on the shocking reality that new doesn't always mean clean or healthy when it comes to home construction. They walk us through the disturbing case of a newly built home with significant mold problems stemming from standing water, an unplugged sump pump, and prematurely activated HVAC systems that distributed mold spores throughout the entire structure.

The discussion dives deep into the science of mycotoxins—the chemical warfare agents molds produce when competing with each other or when threatened during improper remediation attempts. Laura shares cutting-edge research on genetic susceptibility to mold illness and explains why individuals with conditions like muscular dystrophy or autism may face heightened risks from mold exposure. The hosts don't hold back when discussing the frustrating builder-buyer power dynamics that can leave new homeowners with little control over how remediation is handled before closing.

For anyone building, buying, or selling a home, this conversation offers invaluable preventative tips, including pre-treating lumber with antifungal solutions and DIY approaches for those whose builders won't take these precautions. Whether you're in the market for a new home or working in construction, this episode delivers essential knowledge about mold prevention that could save you from costly remediation and serious health issues down the road. Subscribe to hear the follow-up episode with testing results from this disturbing case study, and learn why professional inspection is crucial—even for brand new construction.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

A seemingly perfect house becomes a nightmare in this jaw-dropping story of buyer's remorse that serves as a powerful warning for anyone considering waiving home inspections. We examine a case where homeowners discovered their recently purchased property contained extensive black mold, structural damage, and numerous hidden issues that emerged shortly after moving in. Louisville couple sues over house they bought in Alliance

This tale has all the elements of a real estate horror story - a house that sat vacant for ten years, was nearly condemned, then quickly flipped with cosmetic repairs that masked serious problems. The buyers, enchanted by new paint, flooring, and a "fantastic smell," made the critical mistake of waiving their general home inspection contingency. Once winter arrived and the heating system activated, black mold appeared throughout the home, their son developed health problems, and the true extent of the disaster was revealed - foundation cracks, bowing walls, and an estimated $323,000 in necessary repairs.

The consequences have been devastating: two housing payments, mounting expenses, and a complex lawsuit against multiple parties including the seller (who was also the real estate agent and flipper), the mortgage company, and the agency itself. Their story reinforces what home inspectors have long maintained - that for the modest cost of $500-800, buyers can protect themselves from financial catastrophe. As one investor testified, a single inspection saved her entire business from bankruptcy by revealing costly defects before purchase. Remember, some flippers simply "put lipstick on a pig," and only a thorough inspection can reveal what exists beneath the fresh paint and new flooring. Whether you're a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, let this cautionary tale motivate you to protect your investment with proper due diligence.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Ever wondered who actually owns what's beneath your feet? In our latest episode, we dive into the world of mineral rights - a concept that can dramatically impact rural property owners but is often misunderstood or overlooked during the buying process.

When we purchased our land about four years ago, understanding mineral rights became critically important. We share our personal journey and explain exactly what these rights entail - essentially determining who has legal access to valuable resources like oil, gas, and coal underneath your property. The implications are far-reaching and sometimes shocking: companies that own mineral rights can literally come onto your land, tear down trees, create access roads, and dramatically alter your property without your permission or approval.

The financial aspect is equally eye-opening. We break down the potential value of mineral rights, which can range from a few thousand dollars to over $25,000 per acre or even $1 million for high-potential properties. While these figures might tempt some landowners to sell, we discuss the devastating consequences we've witnessed firsthand - from properties transformed into strip mines to pristine land reduced to barren dirt pits.

For anyone considering rural property ownership, this episode provides crucial knowledge about what questions to ask, what to look for in disclosures, and why we personally would never purchase land without mineral rights. Whether you're a current homeowner or prospective buyer, understanding these often-overlooked property rights could save you from making a costly and irreversible mistake. Subscribe now and gain the knowledge to protect your investment and preserve your land for generations to come.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

The rural exodus is real. As more families flee city living for country tranquility, they're encountering unfamiliar territory: well water and septic systems. This candid conversation tackles everything you need to know about the financial realities of rural utilities.

We dive deep into the numbers that matter. That initial sticker shock of $5,000-$10,000 for well drilling and another $3,000-$12,000 for septic installation might seem daunting, but the long-term math tells a different story. Our personal experience reveals how our water bills dropped by half after moving to the country, while our property taxes plummeted from over $1,000 to just $460 annually for 43 acres. The financial advantage becomes clear with a break-even point averaging 10 years compared to ever-increasing city utility costs.

Beyond dollars and cents, country living delivers freedom that city dwellers can only dream about. No municipal restrictions means you can raise chickens, practice target shooting on your property, or skip mowing without neighborhood complaints. However, responsibility shifts entirely to you—from occasional septic pumping to well maintenance when problems arise. We share real-world experiences pulling well pumps (a genuine workout!) and navigating rural infrastructure challenges, giving you the unfiltered truth about country living's pros and cons. Subscribe for our next episode where we'll tackle the crucial topic of mineral rights for rural property buyers.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Home maintenance inspections are crucial for catching small problems before they become expensive disasters, just like regular car maintenance prevents breakdowns despite houses having far more components than vehicles.

• Regular maintenance inspections recommended every 2-3 years, coinciding with EPA's radon testing recommendations
• New houses aren't immune to problems—our 10-month-old home already needed bathroom fan replacement and furnace repairs
• Women typically have 30% more olfactory nerves, making them better at detecting problems through smell
• One client's mysterious illness was traced to a disconnected sump pump causing hidden mold growth
• Pre-listing inspections save money—replacing GFCIs yourself costs about $20 each versus $120+ when requested during buyer's inspection
• Many homeowners don't know basic maintenance requirements like monthly GFCI testing or water shutoff valve locations
• Maintenance inspections serve educational purposes for first-time homeowners or elderly individuals who need assistance

Call a professional inspection company to perform a maintenance inspection. It provides you with a report and a prioritized list of issues to address, ensuring your home stays in better condition than when you bought it.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

The real estate transaction process breaks down when agents fail to prepare their clients properly, especially regarding inspection expectations and appropriate repair requests.

• Frustration with agents who don't explain inspection processes to clients, especially those from different cultures
• Language barriers require extra effort from agents to ensure understanding of complex real estate procedures
• First-time or international buyers need clear guidance about what repair requests are reasonable
• Some agents failing to communicate critical contract deadlines to clients
• Out-of-area agents attempting to work in unfamiliar markets without proper research
• Ethics concerns when agents schedule inspections without client input
• Inappropriate agent influence over health and safety testing decisions
• Importance of letting clients choose their own inspection services

If you're interested in our class "How to Get to Close with Every Client," please give us a call. Though not currently CE-credited, we plan to have it certified this winter.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Skipping home inspections might seem like a smart move to strengthen your offer in a competitive market, but this short-sighted decision frequently returns to haunt homeowners years later. Jim and Laura dive deep into the concerning trend of inspection waivers and the painful consequences many homeowners now face when trying to sell properties they purchased without proper due diligence.

Through shocking real-life examples, they reveal how seemingly minor oversights transform into major financial burdens. There's the horrifying story of a flipped house where the renovator converted an exterior deck into bedrooms by simply laying carpet over deck boards that were making ground contact, creating perfect conditions for moisture damage and mold. Another cautionary tale involves unpermitted structural modifications where load-bearing walls were removed without proper engineering or authorization, leaving homeowners vulnerable to both safety concerns and potential legal complications.

The conversation highlights how moisture problems, when caught early, might cost hundreds to repair, but when left undetected for years, can require tens of thousands in remediation. For those who previously purchased without inspections and now plan to sell, the hosts offer practical advice: commission a pre-listing inspection to identify and address issues proactively rather than waiting for buyers to discover them. This transparency creates buyer confidence and demonstrates responsible stewardship of the property.

With approximately 70% of buyers who waived inspections reporting regret about their decision, the podcast makes a compelling case for why professional home inspections remain essential despite market pressures. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply maintaining your home, this episode delivers valuable insights into protecting your largest investment. Have you experienced inspection regrets? Share your story and subscribe for more real estate wisdom from Ohio's inspection experts.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...