Real Estate Reality

Is Your Fireplace Mantel Safe?

Gary Smith - Home Inspection Safety

Over the years I’ve built hundreds of fireplace mantels. I’m often asked: What is the typical and safest distance between the mantle piece and fireplace? RULE OF THUMB (considering the mantel is wooden) The most common measurement is to place it 12″ above

What is That White Powdery Stuff on My Brick Wall?

Gary Smith - Home Inspector - Brandon, MS

We know that efflorescence is a fine, white, powdery deposit (see photo at right) of water-soluble salts left on the surface of masonry as the water evaporates. These efflorescent salt deposits tend to appear at the worst times, usually about a month after the building is constructed, and sometimes as long as a year after completion. Three conditions must exist before efflorescence will occur. If one is left out, efflorescence cannot form.

Brass Has No Class!

Gary Smith - Brandon MS Home Inspector

Jeeezzzz, I remember choosing this fixture for ALL my spec homes back in the 80’s and we didn’t think our homes were “cheap”! According to Mary Umberger of Inman News in her recent post at “Rooms for Improvement”, brass has no class when it comes to impressing buyers.

Do I Really Really Need a Real Estate Agent?

Gary Smith - Home Inspector - Picture of House on Money

Let’s cut to the chase…unless you’re ready, willing, and able to do and have ALL of the following: Locate potential property. Schedule appointment to see property. Know the market trends in the neighborhood Know school district lines Contact “The Right Lender” Can

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