House Fluent Radio

Are you looking to sell your home quickly and for top dollar? In this episode of the Houseclean Podcast, licensed home inspectors Brian and Tony sit down with real estate power couple Dan and Becky Tomasek to discuss the secrets of effective home staging. With over 40 years of combined experience, Dan and Becky share insider tips on:Cost-effective updates to boost your home's appeal - Decluttering and depersonalizing to help buyers envision themselves in the space- Rearranging furniture to optimize flow and highlight key features- Leveraging pre-listing inspections to build buyer confidence- Navigating the shift from a seller's to a buyer's marketWhether you're a first-time seller or a seasoned homeowner, you won't want to miss this value-packed episode. Tune in now and learn how to harness the power of home staging to attract buyers and seal the deal!

Is your home a sanctuary or a silent threat? In this riveting episode of our podcast, licensed home inspectors Brian and Tony unveil the shocking truth about some of the hidden dangers lurking in everyday houses. Prepare to have your eyes opened as they count down the top 10 concealed safety hazards that could be putting your family at risk right now.Our professional home inspectors delve into the unexpected perils that every homeowner needs to be acutely aware of.But it's not all doom and gloom! Brian and Tony provide invaluable, actionable advice on how to identify and mitigate these risks, empowering you to transform your home into the safe haven it should be. You'll gain insights on:Which areas of your home pose the greatest risk of falls and firesEssential upgrades that improve your smoke alarm system for home safetyCost-effective solutions to common safety issuesDon't let your biggest investment become your biggest threat. This episode is a must-listen for new homeowners, long-time residents, and anyone concerned about the well-being of their loved ones. Listen now to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to protect your family and property.What you don't know about home safety could hurt you. Join us for this eye-opening journey into the hidden world of household hazards and learn how to secure your home, inside and out. Your family's safety is too important to leave to chance – listen now and take the first step towards peace of mind in your home. #HomeSafety #HiddenHazards #HomeInspection #FamilySecurity #PropertyProtection #DIYSafetyTips #HomeownerEssentials #SafeLiving

Ready to transform your humble abode without emptying your wallet? Buckle up, home improvement enthusiasts! In this electrifying episode of the House Fluent Podcast, our dynamic duo of licensed home inspectors, Brian and Tony, are about to drop some serious knowledge bombs.

Description: In this lost episode, top real estate duo Kelly Marie & Pippin Galloway share insider secrets to successfully navigate any housing market as a buyer or seller. Discover the pitfalls of selling your home yourself, how to pick the best offer (hint: it's not always the highest!), and the #1 piece of advice for home buyers today. Plus, hear crazy stories from the 2008 crash and COVID boom from this team with 15+ years experience. If you're thinking of buying or selling, don't miss these timeless tips!Key points:Pros/cons of selling your home yourself vs using an agentReveals how to choose the best offer beyond just price.Shares the most important advice for home buyers Entertaining stories and examples from 15 years in real estateTimeless tips for buyers & sellers in any type of marketExclusive interview with top-performing real estate team

Thinking about tackling some DIY plumbing projects around the house? Before you grab your wrench, tune into this episode of the House Fluent Podcast. Licensed home inspectors Brian and Tony sit down with master plumber Isaac Gann from Panther City Plumbing to discuss the do's and don'ts of DIY plumbing.nnDiscover which projects are safe for homeowners to attempt on their own, and which ones are best left to the professionals. Isaac shares hilarious real-life stories of DIY plumbing gone wrong and provides expert advice on avoiding costly disasters. The trio also dives into the pros and cons of tankless water heaters, proper expansion tank support, and how to protect your plumbing during freezing temperatures.Don't miss these essential tips that could save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress. Whether you're a new homeowner or a seasoned DIYer, this episode is a must-listen before your next plumbing project!

Is your home ready for the changing seasons? In this episode of the House Fluent Podcast, home inspection experts Tony and Brian walk you through a comprehensive home maintenance checklist to keep your house in tip-top shape all year round.Discover the most important tasks to tackle each season, from inspecting your roof and gutters after spring storms to insulating pipes before winter hits. Learn why regular HVAC maintenance can save you money in the long run, and get pro tips on sealing windows, trimming trees, and more.Don't let small issues turn into costly repairs down the road. Whether you're a new homeowner or a seasoned pro, this ultimate home maintenance checklist will help you stay on top of essential upkeep for a safer, more efficient home. Tune in now and download the full checklist at HouseFluent.com!

Are you considering buying an older home? Don't miss this essential episode of the House Fluent Inspections Podcast. Home inspection experts Brian and Tony dive deep into specialty inspections, covering crucial topics like:Sewer camera inspections: Why they're a must for older propertiesPool and spa inspections: Ensuring safety, proper function, and avoiding costly repairsWood destroying insect (WDI) inspections: Protecting your investment from termites and other pests.  Identifying conducive conditions that attract insects and allow hidden damage. Brian and Tony explain what's included in each type of specialty inspection, what to look for in a qualified inspector, and how these focused evaluations go beyond a standard home inspection.Whether you're buying a home with a pool, worried about plumbing problems, or want peace of mind about potential termite issues, you'll learn how specialty inspections can save you from expensive headaches down the road. Tune in for expert tips on keeping your home safe, sound, and pest-free!

In this special episode of the House Fluent Podcast, hosts Brian and Tony are joined by Nicole Siralta, Diana Smith, and Bill Mueller from the Roanoke Texas Business Alliance to discuss their inspiring charity event, Sip and Support.Discover how this innovative quarterly gathering brings together local businesses and community members to support worthy causes while enjoying a glass of wine and fostering meaningful relationships. From helping families in need to supporting small businesses affected by natural disasters, Sip and Support is making a real difference in the North Texas area.Tune in to learn more about the upcoming event benefiting Community Storehouse in Keller, and find out how you can get involved in this heartwarming initiative that showcases the power of community spirit. Don't miss this uplifting episode that will inspire you to make a positive impact in your own neighborhood!

There's something magical about the charm and character of older homes - the unique architectural details, the storied history, the cozy imperfections that make a house truly feel like a home. But as much as we may love our historic abodes, the reality is that many older homes are in dire need of some modern updates to make them safe, comfortable and functional for 21st century living.In this episode of the podcast, home inspection experts Tony and Brian dive into the challenges and opportunities of updating older homes while still preserving their special character. They discuss the importance of focusing on critical but often hidden elements like electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. You'll learn why it's crucial to work with experienced professionals who understand the nuances of updating older properties.Through their discussion, Tony and Brian provide a roadmap for giving your beloved older home the TLC it needs to retain both its charm and value for years to come. Whether you own an older home or are considering purchasing one, this episode is packed with insights to help you confidently navigate the old-home-new-tricks journey. Tune in to learn how you can have the best of both worlds - the character of a bygone era with the comfort and convenience of modern living.

In this episode, Brian and Tony discuss tips for homeowners to get their homes ready for a home inspection when selling. They cover the importance of providing clear access to key areas like the electrical panel, water heater, attic, and sewer clean-outs. The hosts explain how obstructed access can lead to incomplete inspections and additional costs for hiring specialists.They emphasize clearing out clutter, especially in the garage, and ensuring inspectors can easily locate shut-off valves, sprinkler controls, and other essential components. Brian and Tony also recommend being present for the first part of the inspection to answer questions, provide notes about the home's systems, or simply ensure pets don't get out.While major renovations aren't necessary, they advise addressing minor issues like missing outlet covers to streamline the inspection process. Overall, the episode guides sellers on properly preparing their home to facilitate a smooth, comprehensive inspection.

It's myth-busting time on the Houseplant Inspections Podcast! Brian and Tony are diving into several home inspection misconceptions that just won't quit. You'd think a brand new construction home would be flawless, right? Wrong! The guys share some jaw-dropping examples of issues they've found, like switched hot and cold lines, cabinets falling off in their hands, and even an alarming hidden leak. Speaking of transparency, Brian gets on his soapbox advocating for pre-listing inspections. By having the home professionally evaluated before listing, sellers can disclose everything upfront and smooth out that stressful option period for buyers. Tony agrees it makes a lot of sense.They also dispel the notion that all home inspection companies are equal. Brian and Tony pride themselves on providing crazy thorough reports packed with all the details you'll need, even years down the road. Like how to operate that fireplace when the power's out!But do inspections guarantee a perfect home if you fix everything on the report? Not quite, since we're all human and humans aren't perfect, Brian explains. The report simply documents the condition so buyers can prioritize what matters most to them.Which brings them to the biggest myth - that inspections give homes a pass/fail grade. Not the case at all! Every buyer's priorities are different depending on their situation. The inspectors are there to provide the objective facts.

The House Fluent Podcast is back. We are going to kick off the infamous return with a short interview for Realtor Safety Month. Bill Mueller is a veteran of the martial arts and self defense community with over 45 years of experience training and teaching others. He is also a licensed Real Estate Agent in the DFW area and has decided to combine his talents to help others.With surprising statistics on the rise when it comes to how at risk Real Estate Agents really are. According to the "2020 National Association of Realtors, Realtor Safety Report" (https://cdn.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2020-member-safety-report-08-31-2020.pdf) , 31 percent of REALTORS® reported feeling unsafe during an open house and showings. 27 percent felt unsafe while meeting a new client for the first time at a secluded location/property. An additional 27 percent felt unsafe after receiving a threatening or inappropriate email, text message, phone call, or voicemail.To combat this Bill has developed 12 principles that can be used ini a self defense situation. He puts on free self defense seminars for Real Estate Agents Across the DFW area. You can learn more about Bill at Self-DefenseSeminars.comWe hope you are enjoying the podcast content! Check us out at HouseFluent.com To learn more about Home Ownership, Schedule a Home Inspection, Order discounted Air Filters or just read great articles.

Well summer is almost here and the Texas heat is beginning to rear it's ugly head. Time to go check that sprinkler system for issues so your lawn will be green and healthy all summer long. In this episode the guys break down your lawn sprinkler system and talk about the different parts and components as well as what to look for when your turning on the sprinkler system for the first time this summer.

Should I fix that thing on my home inspection? This is probably the single most common question we get asked and Kelly and I finally tackle this topic on our latest podcast. If you have ever had a home inspection, the results can sometimes be overwhelming. How do you sort through all the information to get down to what really matters. Enjoy this weeks episode and remember to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

Today we interview in-studio guest Ben Maddox from the Sweetster Team at Keller Williams. Ben discusses the benefits of working with a dedicated buyers agent especially in a market like the one we are experiencing today when often buyers are having to waive inspections or appraisals and bringing more cash to the table just to be competitive. We also discuss the the importance of good communication between you, your agent and all the vendors involved in making sure you make it to the closing table with confidence.

Ever wonder if there is an alligator in your sewer? Sewer camera inspections reveal that and so much more. The main sewer line between your home and street is generally the responsibility of you as a home owner. It is one of the most neglected things in a home. It's buried, under constant bombardment from nature and impossible to see inside of without special equipment. Your main sewer line is also one of the most expensive items to repair in a home. On this show, we talk about what a sewer camera inspection can accomplish as well as some of the limitations. We also talk about when and how often it makes sense to get an inspection.

Spring is in full swing in North Texas and it might be a good time to revisit your home inspection report to ensure your home is prepared for the season ahead and repair any damage from the most severe winter storm we have endured in years.Although springtime may bring about thoughts of gentle rain, fresh flowers, green grass, and an overall sense of renewal, spring can sometimes look a little different around here. This time of year can bring about everything from gentle rains to thunderstorms to hail and even tornados.Your home inspection report is a great resource for tips and ideas to keep your home maintained. Is your home prepared to keep you safe and dry during spring storms? Here are 3 quick tips pulled from a home inspection report plus a bonus suggestion to help make sure you're prepared.Trim Your TreesOne of the biggest ways you can prevent damage to your home during a storm is to keep the trees maintained. Trees that are too close to your roof can rub your shingles in the wind leading to damage and even removal of the shingles. In addition, tree limbs can break and fall, any that break while overhanging your house can cause damage to your roof or walls. Keep in mind trees can not only land on your house, but also vehicles, people, and power lines. Check And Clean Drainage SystemsHaving a proper drainage system can prevent flood damage from stormwater. Be sure your gutters have been cleaned out after fall and winter, and that downspouts allow water to discharge away from your home. If you have subsurface drains, be sure they are free and clear of debris. Subsurface drains that have backups and clogs can lead to standing water and flooding around your home. In certain circumstances, broken subsurface drains can even lead to water penetration or damage to your home’s foundations. You can find more details about the type of drainage system you have in your home inspection report.Check Your Rain GaugeIf your sprinkler system has a rain gauge, it’s time to check it and make sure it is working. Many sprinkler systems have a wireless rain gauge that requires batteries. Some have a simple receiver close to the controller with a digital screen letting you know the battery life, other older models do not. Be careful changing these as many are mounted to the gutter or roof of your home. You can find photos with the gauge’s location in your home inspection report under “Landscape Irrigation”.Emergency Preparedness KitThe recent winter storm left many Texans entirely unprepared for even the most basic of needs like clean water, bandages, blankets, and flashlights. If the last 15 months has taught us anything, it is that having a basic emergency preparedness kit ready and on hand long before an emergency is just plain smart. Final ThoughtsIt’s never too early to be prepared. Start by reviewing your home inspection report for any details on your drainage system, roof, landscape irrigation system and more. Once you have a good feel for what you have, do a basic walk around your house and remember to keep in mind the systems we discussed in this article. Finally, putting together a basic emergency kit can provide some comfort in the event of an emergency.If you can’t find your home inspection report, just let us know and we’ll send a copy over to you.

Ever wonder what to really expect when you get a home inspection? There are lots of misconceptions out there about home inspections and on this episode, the guys try to dispel some of the myths getting down to the reality of what you can expect. As always, they answer a few client questions. If your looking to have a home inspection, this podcast will set you up for success.

Have you veer considered getting a home inspection before you sell your home? There are several advantages to doing this including reducing the stress that comes with selling, repairing and closing! Listen as the guys discuss the benefits of getting a home inspection done before you list your home on the market!

With Bill on hiatus, Kelly and Brian discuss water filtration systems amid the Coronavirus A.K.A Covid-19 outbreak. They talk about the differences in whole home water filters as well as point of use water filters and the pros and cons of each. They also discuss the installation process and what you might want to consider when going down the road of installing a water filter in your home.

Welcome to the age of the Coronavirus!They guys talk about things you can do while self quarantining to maintain your home on the cheap. Your home is your castle and keeping it in good condition especially in the age of quarantine is really important. It seems like the world has shutdown and everyone is sheltering in place, but it doesn't have to be boring.Listen as the guys discuss what they are doing, to pass the time in productive ways. You don't want to miss Kelly describe how he cleaned out his air conditioning drain line with an air compressor and a shop vac!As always, they guys get to client questions to round out the show. You don't want to miss this episode.

Should you get a home inspection done before you sell your house?Listen to the guys perspective on the topic of pre-listing inspections. They cover how a having an inspection prior to selling your home actually helps reduce the top 4 most stressful things that happen when you are selling a home.They also introduce a DIY segment on the show today and provide some handy tips for garage organization. As always they answer client questions to round out the show.

It's all about the Garage. The guys talk today about the humble garage. Today's show cover everything from how to maintain a garage door to how smart garage door opener's work. They also discuss the importance of maintaining the fire safety barrier in between your garage and your home as well as some of the common failings of it.As always, they answer client questions on the show.

The guys bring in a very special guest. A client, Austin Pearson, talks about his experience with buying a newly built home without an inspection. Listen to Austin talk about one calamity after the next as he tells his story. After being in the house only a month, a pin prick leak in his wall began to show signs of damage in his home. After the builder opens the wall, it turns into one disaster after another. The guys show up in December to help Austin out with a full home inspection. The story does end up with a happy ending as the builder does finally agree to repair Austin's house. And he has anew baby to top it all off!As always, the guys talk smart homes with some interesting things coming in smart water security systems. Then end the show with a couple of client questions.

The guys have on special guest Travis Simons from Freedom Windows, https://txfreedomwindows.com/. Travis give tips for maintaining your windows as well as how energy efficient low-e windows work. Travis also talks about the Halo for Freedom Warrior Foundation. The Foundation’s focus is to lift their spirits while reminding them that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. This is a great charity! https://haloforfreedom.org/On the smart home update, the guys revisit smart glass with a new twist. Solar window panes are now available to energize the smart glass. They also talk about the up and coming touchable glass windows.As always, they end the show with client questions.

The guys take fire safety to a whole different level as Bill reveals how he started an electrical fire in his garage with a metal rod. Apparently he lived to talk about it... They also pay tribute to Doc Thompson, who unknowingly inspired the show with an attempt at a Friday leftover. Doc was a great talent who passed on and will be missed. On the smart home update, the guys cover how seemingly unrelated smart devices can work together to help reduce fires in your home.As always they wrap up the show with insights and answers to client questions.

Buddy Knight of Knight's Quest joins the guys to talk about how to make your smart home a tech safe home.They discuss the latest devices and talk about the dangers and benefits of smart home technology as well as mobile phones.If you are even thinking about making your home a smart home, you don't want to miss this show!You can find more information about Buddy at http://KnightsQuest.org.

The guys talk extreme remodeling this morning. This is a new trend in the Dallas area. People are buying older homes with the intent to take them down to the studs and build them back up again.Brian and Bill talk about their experiences looking at these homes. Some have spent as much as $500,000 or more in the process.

The guys delve into energy efficiency and the new trend in building... Net Zero! Net zero building for residential homes is growing and California alone has a goal of achieving 100,000 Net Zero homes in 2020 and each year thereafter.The guys talk about the new trends in energy efficiency including solar reflective shingles for your home, trends in home insulation, and modern home design with energy modeling.Smart windows and window films help here too and you can expect to see more and more of these in the coming months and years. As always, we wrap up the show with client questions. Learn more about us at HouseFluent.com or on facebook @housefluent

In this episode, the guys discuss stress free home selling with Katie Saldivar of Keller Williams Realty. They cover the most stressful aspects of selling your home and discuss ways to reduce or eliminate those fears. Katie also discusses the many options you have today for selling including using an iBuyer, for sale by owner and using a qualified agent. They go into the topic of pre-listing inspections and how they can help eliminate some of the stress associated with selling as well. The interview is enjoyable and informative for anyone interested in selling their home.During the smart home segment, we cover whether or not smart home components can help you make your home more attractive to when you go to sell your home. As always, we wrap up the show with client questions.

Brian and Bill are out this week and Kelly put together a great best of show from 2019. Enjoy some of the absolute best outtakes, and clips including some of our smart home updates.

Brian and Bill travel to Colonial Mortgage in Hurst Texas to interview Mike Carbone. The guys talk all about what it really takes to buy or build a home. They go into detail with Mike on the process, of getting a loan including cases where manual underwriting is necessary.If you have ever thought about a mortgage before, this is a great show to listen to.During the smart home update, they discuss trends that are turning your humble bathroom into a personal spa inside your home!Finally, they wrap up the show with some great client and listener questions!

In their first Halloween special the guys talk about scary inspection finds they have seen, as well as a personal story from Brian about a situation he had in his own home. They also talk about some of the innovative smart home recipes people are cooking up for their Halloween Smart Homes.Further discussion on how to make your home safe for Halloween trick-or-treaters is followed by questions from our clients and listeners. Enjoy the special podcast and remember to help us grow by subscribing and liking us.

Brian and Bill discuss Luxury homes on the show today, going over some of the benefits and challenges associated with owning and inspecting them. They discuss some of the unique characteristics of those homes as well as offer up some things to think about when buying one.On the smart home segment, they discuss the new integrated systems that will be hitting the market soon. Also, how those might change the landscape for smart homes in general. Of course, they wrap the show up with some interesting client and listener questions.

In episode 16, Brian and Bill talk about foundations and the importance of having a structural engineer evaluate and issues you might be having. They discuss the pro's and cons of having that done and why it is important if you think your having foundation issue. This episode also cover smart stove knob controls and how they can improve the safety in your home while offering the convenience of smart cooking all from your existing cooktop.As always they get to your questions on the show and wrap thing up by discussing winterizing your sprinkler system this Fall.

Bill and Brian are joined in studio by a special guest. Elena Sweetster from the Sweetster team at Keller Williams in Southlake TX. brings her expertise to the table to discuss the home buying an selling process from the time the contract is signed until the deal closes.We also discuss smart electrical panels and circuit breakers during our smart home segment and of course deal with client questions.Finally, Elena talks about the top 10 mistakes first time home buyers make and how to avoid them.

Thinking about building a custom home?Bill and Brian talk all things custom. The episode will help you understand what a custom home is, gives you an overview of the process and provides great information, all from a home inspector's perspective.We also talk smart home alerting systems and wrap things up with some great client questions.

Brian and Bill talk about termite inspections, hoarders and the downsides of aluminum wiring. We discuss a list of tools for new homeowners and as always, wrap the show up with client questions.

Brian and Bill talk about getting your HVAC system through the August heat. They discuss everything from outside condensing units to clogged drain lines to clogged filters and everything in between. In true House Fluent inspections Radio fashion, Brian and Bill go over a list of typical DIY project failures and wrap the show up with client questions.

Bill and Brian go in-depth on how you can prepare for a home inspection as a seller. They give you actionable tips to make the whole process go smother for everyone involved.The discussion goes in depth providing insider insights into the process as well as ways to help you better navigate the process with the help of your Realtor.They also cover little things you can do such as ensuring all the lights work, windows operate, etc.As usual, everything wraps up with client questions.Disclaimer: Brian and Bill are licensed professional inspectors not licensed Realtors. Any comments regarding buying or selling a home are based on their own experiences. You should consult a licensed Realtor before making any decisions about buying or selling a home.

The Dallas Ft. Worth Area is going through a housing boom. In fact, it is on track to become the third largest metropolitan area by 2050. In this episode, we discuss relocations and things to consider when looking to purchase a home in DFW if you are not from here. Our special guest on this episode is Nick Van Der Gaast a Realtor with Dwell Real Estate who has relocated all the way from South Africa.

In this episode, Bill and I talk about how our homes have been affected the tremendous rainfall we have been getting in North Texas. We talk about the importance of keeping your homes drainage system going smoothly and provide some tips for doing that. Our special guest John Guthrie of Hawk Security joins us to talk home automation and home security.

On this episode of House Fluent Inspections Radio, we talk smart homes. Smart homes are proliferating our world and on this episode we help explain what that means for you as a home buyer or home owner. We also have a little fun with some silly devices that never panned out or are in the idea phase. Finally, we have a great interview with Buddy Knight of Knight's Quest Ministries about securing your smart home and smart devices.

Join us as we talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of flipped houses from a home inspection perspective. As always we answer your questions and this week we discuss some interesting home owner association rules.

Join us on this episode as we discuss inspections for you when you go to sell your home, home maintenance, civil war cannons and more.

In this episode of House Fluent Inspections Radio, we discuss things you need to do to prepare for spring.

In this episode, special guest David Burtzlaff joins us to talk loss history and insurability. We also discuss fireplaces and how to ensure they will keep you warm and cozy all winter long and as always, cover listener and client questions.

In this episode we discuss winterizing your home, choosing a good contractor and new home lighting trends.

The smart home update focuses on the new features in smart home thermostats coming in 2019.

This home owner tool segment focuses on thermal imaging cameras, the best uses for a homeowner and what to look for when purchasing one.