Realtor safety remains hot button issue

One year after Arkansas realtor Beverly Carter was kidnapped and murdered while showing a home, the National Association of Realtors is again relaying the importance of realtor safety.

For autumn, what should you, as a realtor, keep in mind in terms of safety?

A new application has been developed in her memory, called the Bev Score, set to be released soon. The app uses GPS technology to verify who you say you are, as well as tracking your general location. It also allows users to rate others based on personality traits such as aggression or politeness. 

In addition to safety apps, there are some tips that real estate agents can follow in order to keep themselves safe when showing homes.

These include:

• Avoid meeting strangers alone: Before showing potential buyers the home, be sure to meet them first in a public space such as an office or coffee shop. Getting a feel for them is essential for your safety.
• Consider creating a distress code: Having a coded distress signal among coworkers may be best for those who work alone frequently or run intro trouble.
• Trust your gut: Often, if you have a suspicious feeling or are unsure of potential buyers, chances are there is a reason why you feel that way. If this occurs, stop the showing right away and leave out the nearest exit. 
• Use an ID form for prospects: Before showing a property, have potential buyers fill out a form detailing their name, address, make of their car and driver's license information, as well as anything else you feel is pertinent. Be sure they know someone else has seen this information and can relay it if necessary.

For more realtor safety tips, visit our website. If you're selling your home, consider an energy audit to determine energy efficiency for a stronger selling point. 

Although homeowners realize that radon can be a household issue they must contend with, many don't know what it actually is or how it can seep into their home.

Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that has the ability to permeate through a home from its foundation, flooring and roof. It can also enter the home through a tainted water supply and uranium-enriched building materials. 

It is estimated that one in 15 homes have an unsafe amount of radon, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

The only way to determine if your home has radon in it is by scheduling a radon testing. Although testing the entire home is best, most experts recommend evaluating the space below the third floor. Alban Inspections uses the Radalink Radon TeleMonitor for short-term or pre-sale inspections and Alpha-track testers for long-term sales (defined as over 90 days on the market).

After these assessments are completed, a full disclosure of all information is reported to both Alban inspectors and the homeowners or realtor.

The EPA recommends that homeowners test for radon every two years to ensure that there are no new levels in the home, or that the present levels are not above 4 picocuries per liter.

The EPA also recommends testing if:

• Alterations to the home are made that could change the ventilation pattern
• An addition has been built on the home
• If significant blasting or construction is completed near the home
• Major cracks appear in the foundation walls or slabs

Exposure to radon in a home is responsible for an estimated 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Schedule an appointment with Alban Inspections today to learn more about radon testing or other home issues such as mold growth and lead paint exposure.

Visit our website for more information.

What exactly is mold and why is it so dangerous? 

Mold is various types of fungi that grow and produce by forming spores. Mold often thrives in dark, moist places. Similar to other plants mold does need oxygen to survive, but it requires no light, which is why it easily grows indoors. 

As mold breathes in oxygen, it releases a harmful waste in gas form. This water and waste given off by mold is known as mycotoxin, a toxin that can cause many health issues. 

Allergic reactions to mold are some of the most common responses. These include coughing, wheezing, redness and itchiness of the eyes, skin irritation and a running nose. Others suffer serious reactions to mold including fever and difficulty breathing, especially those with already compromised immune systems or breathing problems. 

In 2004, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found that there was enough evidence to link indoor mold exposure with upper respiratory tract symptoms such as coughing or sneezing in otherwise healthy people. Prolonged and high exposure to mold creates a significantly higher chance for infections and bronchitis as well. 

Be aware of mold growth and possible exposure in the following three rooms within your home:

• Bathroom: A bathroom is one of the most common areas of the home mold growth occurs in. Known for their dampness, bathrooms also have porous areas which mold can latch its roots into.
• Basement: Being underneath the home, surrounded by dirt and darkness, basements can harbor mold both in and out of sight. Check near sump pumps and behind drywall for possible signs of mold.
• Kitchen: A leaky faucet or drain in the kitchen can cause a mold problem in days. If this occurs, be sure to take care of the issue right away.

Schedule a mold testing or mold inspection with Alban Inspections today. Visit our website for more information.

According to Clean Technica, the use of renewable resources in terms of electricity consumption is continuing to grow. 

Wind and solar power are increasingly becoming the most cost competitive options for electricity generation. 74 percent of this generation in the beginning of 2015 came from these two sources. 

The newest information has concluded that about 17 percent of U.S. electricity production in April can be attributed to rooftop solar electricity production. 

Between January and April 2015, the following positive trends were also recorded: 

• Coal consumption decreased
• Natural gas consumption increased by 62,694 GWh
• Solar PV increased by 4,250 GWh.

Another key finding in this information is that overall electricity generation is down by 12,194 GWh. 

How can you decrease the amount of energy used in your own home? Keep the following three tips in mind:

• Keep temperature control in mind: A ventilation system can become a big waste of energy if it is not regularly serviced. Control the temperature of your home, don't let it control you. Use sunlight and other natural light to your advantage, and pay attention to the setting of both the thermostat on the water heater and the traditional thermostat.
• Measure electricity use: Take a look at your next few bills and determine how much energy you're actually using. With this in mind, decide how you can make a change.
• Turn it off: If you're not using the appliance, make sure it's turned off or not plugged in. Leaving these on or attached to electricity will run up bills and energy usage.

Learn more about energy efficiency or heating and insulation on our website. 

A Becker County, Minnesota family is out of a home after a bout of mold in their home left them ill to the point of numerous hospital visits.

The family of four are now living elsewhere after they spent thousands of dollars on mold treatments and inspections. 

All the family members have been in and out of the hospital for periods of time over the past five years, suffering from multiple severe respiratory issues. The couple also believes the loss of their twins may have also been caused by the mold.

Although mold may not seem like a big issue, not resolving it can leave you and your family with serious health issues.

Mold can grow quickly, sometimes out of sight in basements, attics and even bedroom walls. With just a small amount of moisture and a dark space, an infestation can take place in a matter of days. 

Besides common household walls, mold can also be found in carpets, carpet padding and insulation. 

There are many symptoms associated with mold in the home including allergic reactions, irritation and irritation upon direct contact.

Inhaling or touching mold may result in:

• Asthma attacks
• Irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs 
• Red eyes
• Runny nose
• Skin rash
• Sneezing.

Mold is often caused by a water leak in the home. Keep these tips in mind to prevent future outbreaks:

• Act quickly if water seeps into the home and ensure affected areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak occurs.
• Keep indoor humidity low and use a dehumidifier when necessary.
• Make sure the ground slopes away from the home.

If you suspect your home and its inhabitants are suffering from a mold problem, consult a professional such as Alban Inspections for a home mold inspection and removal. Mold testing and inspection are a vital part of homeowner safety.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015, by a vote of 261 to 155. 

The legislation was created to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from increasing federal jurisdiction and making changes to U.S. waterways and wetlands without going through a set process first.

"This legislation would prevent a federal land grab that would raise housing costs and harm conservation, water quality, job growth and economic development," said NAHB Chairman Tom Woods.

The new protection act will require the EPA and the Army Corps to withdraw their already proposed rules and develop a new plan by consulting state and local government officials. Any changes must be based on collaboration between stakeholders, as well as having sound economic and scientific analysis. 

Proponents of the Army Corps and EPA plans felt that their changes would cause higher home prices, increased federal power over private property and delays in timely decisions.

The water in and around your home used for drinking, bathing and other activities can cause serious health issues if contaminated. If you're buying a new home or are selling your current home, checking the water in the pipes or from a nearby well is a vital component of the process. 

In addition to a lender possibly requiring the passing of a water test before receiving approval on a loan, private wells should always be tested just in case. Testing for bacteria, nitrates, lead and nitrites could save money and prevent dangerous health conditions in the future. 

Alban inspectors are accredited to collect water in all states, and our laboratories are nationally accredited. To learn more about our home inspection cost or to schedule an energy audit with our home inspection company, visit our website.