Author Archives: Walter L. Williams

Happy New Year – 2022

Happy New Year!!!

A new year is upon us and as I had time to reflect, I have a lot to be thankful for. Since everybody gives a “New Year’s Resolution(s)” I was thinking on what kind of resolutions can I give myself. After thinking about it, I concluded that the best “New Year’s Resolutions” that I can give to myself is to give to others.

So, here are my best “New Year’s Resolutions” that I can give to you…

Resolutions #1 – To all the “First Responders” (Active Military, Veterans, Police, Fire, etc…) I’m giving you a 10% discount off the following services:

“Home Inspections Services”

and

“Residential Design Preliminary Services”

Just produce documentation supporting your claim as a “First Responders” and you will receive your 10% discount.

Thank you for your service protecting us.

This resolution will end on December 31, 2022.

Resolutions #2 – To all NACA members, I’m giving you a $25.00 discount off the following services:

“All Home Inspections Services”

Just produce documentation and you will receive your $25.00 discount.

This resolution will end on December 31, 2022.

Resolutions #3 – Now until “Valentine’s Day, 2020”, I’m giving the same 10% discount off the same services just like the “First Responders” to everyone else…

However, this resolution will end on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2022 for everyone who is not a “First Responder”.

That’s all for now. Enjoy ringing in the New Year and let’s get ready to go to work.

NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH – A $38,892 PER DAY MISTAKE

As National Homeownership Month comes to a close, I wanted to point out an often-overlooked fact concerning purchasing an existing home that might be or will be going through a rehabilitation soon.According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), since April 2010, anyone who performs renovations, repairs, or painting (RRP) in pre-1978 housing must be Lead-Safe Certified by the EPA or an EPA-Authorized state. Individuals and firms that are not certified can face fines of up to $38,892 per day.

Yes, that is $38,892 per day.

EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule requires that firms performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, childcare facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 be certified by EPA or an EPA-authorized state. You can also use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe work practices.

Possible Deal Killers

As a lender or real estate professionals or future homeowners, etc…, you will need to change your thinking when getting a Rehab Consultant. A Rehab Consultant has to be contacted before the selection of a contractor.

Why?

Think about the normal timelines for rehab projects. Depending on the type of documentation that may be needed, it can take 3 to 4 weeks to get certain documents ready for a renovation loan doing a Feasibility Study (PWWU). If the contractor the borrower has selected discovers they need to be EPA certified, they must either sub-contracted the painting or the contractor must become certified. Nobody knows how long it will take the contractor to take the course and/or pay the various fees to become certified. Many contractors do not know about the EPA certification for Lead Paint. If you can get a Rehab Consultant on board at the beginning of the project to assist you and the borrower, it can become a “win-win” for all parties.

Planning can save a lot you a lot of stress. Finding a good contractor is so hard these days because they are so busy doing other work. Usually, they do not have the time to become certified or to input their quotes under the FHA or Fannie Mae 35-point process, etc… Below are some links that can better educate us about the Lead Base Paint rules that can help us all be better.

http://www.leadcertificationpa.com/

http://www.leadcertificationmi.com/courses

https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program

#203kconsultants #NAFHAC #203kdiscoverydays #203kproject #203klender #203krehab #203kloan #203kcontractor #renovationproject #renovationloans #homerenovationloan #203kconsultant #203kcontratista #203krehabloan #203kloans #fhaloan #fha203k #generalcontractors #homeinspectors #homeinspections #buildingdesign #residentialdesign #homedesign #contractors #detroit #detroit mortgage lender #detroit mortgage lenders #michigan #michigan mortgage lender #michigan mortgage lenders #mortgage lender #mortgage lenders #non-profit housing #nonprofit housing #real estate #real estate agent #rehab homes #rehabilitation loans #Space Planning #veterans #va loans

CELEBRATE NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH

June 1, 2021,

As residential building consultants and home owners celebrate National Homeownership Month in June, your local certified NAFHAC member Walter L. Williams (HUD ID # P1528) wants you to know that in addition to having a place to call home and a sense of community, many people buy or refinance homes in need of renovation to help build their wealth.

Research shows that most households view housing as a good investment in comparison to the stock market. According to a recent study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, when asked whether a young couple should buy a primary residence or invest in the stock market more than 90% of the survey respondents chose housing.

With the ever-climbing cost of new “move-in ready” homes, many first time and even trade-up buyers are looking into creative ways to “have their cake and eat it too!” Rehab loans for purchase or refinancing mortgages can be that delicious solution.

“Many homeowners now see their homes in new and expanded ways- workplace, school room, and other important needs. With rehab loans, living spaces can be changed and improved upon. These enhancements also enhance the property value as well as enjoyment for American families” said Catherine Hall, Executive Director of NAFHAC. “In addition to an investment opportunity, owning a home represents a big part of the American Dream. Buying or Refinancing a home with renovation mortgage like the 203k or Fannie Mae Loan also has a powerful added benefit to the entire community. With rehab loans, together we are Rebuilding Neighborhoods One Home At A Time.

More information is forthcoming.

#203kconsultants#NAFHAC#203kdiscoverydays#203kproject#203klender#203krehab#203kloan#203kcontractor#renovationproject#renovationloans#homerenovationloan#203kconsultant#203krehabloan#203kloans#fhaloan#fha203k#generalcontractors#homeinspectors#homeinspections#buildingdesign#residentialdesign#homedesign#fanniemae#fanniemaehomestyle

What a Summer – 2021

Spring 2021:

As we continue to recover from the Covid-19 issue, I wanted to give you an update on current, upcoming events and opportunities.

Safe Practices continues

As a reminder, People, Places & Things LLC and PPT Inspections are still operating safe practices until the end of the year. These safe practices including the following…

  • Clients should limit the number of people attending inspections to as few, as necessary.
  • All parties should meet the inspector in front of the property- NOT inside the property.
  • Inspectors will provide disposable (non-vinyl) gloves for each participant (if needed). Masks will not be provided but may be brought and worn if desired.
  • All gloves used during inspection will be collected and disposed of immediately upon exiting the home.
  • Sanitary wipes and/or hand sanitizer will always be accessible during the property inspection.

It is important to recognize that as home inspectors and rehab consultants, we are entering homes and touching surfaces that may be contaminated by this virus. During the entire process, we need to stay focused on the home buying activity and the process of the inspection.

“New Decade – New Home Seminar Series”

This educational series was schedule for various times in 2020, but was cancelled due to Covid-19. This year, we will start our series next month during National Homeownership Month. This “Online” presentation will included valuable information that can benefit the housing professionals. For more information, please click on the link:

https://www.facebook.com/pptunisoul

More detail information is coming to you soon.

That is all for now.

#203kconsultants #NAFHAC #203kdiscoverydays #203kproject #203klender #203krehab #203kloan #203kcontractor #renovationproject #renovationloans #homerenovationloan #203kconsultant #203krehabloan #203kloans #fhaloan #fha203k #generalcontractors #homeinspectors #homeinspections #buildingdesign #residentialdesign #homedesign #fanniemae #fanniemaehomestyle

Continuing Education – 2020 Virtual Discovery Days

To my Realtors and Loan Officers friends out there…

From National Association of FHA Consultants…I am so excited about the upcoming 203k Virtual Discovery Days- I am looking forward to helping lenders, contractors and borrowers understand what the role of a consultant is and how to navigate the entire rehab process.

The real benefit from attending the conference is to see the extensive training that we get as a rehabilitation consultants to being able to present a product that everyone can benefit from. Please follow the link for more information and to register…

https://www.203kdiscoverydays.com/virtual-discovery-days1602172889810

What a Summer!!!

Most of you know that we are still recovering of getting use to a “New Normal” in dealing with Covid-19. So, I wanted to give you an update on upcoming events and opportunities. Here are the current promotions that are going on…

“First Responders” (Active Military, Veterans, Police, Fire, Health Care Professionals, Teachers) I’m giving you a 10% discount off the following services:

“Home Inspections Services”

and

“Residential Design Preliminary Services”

Just produce documentation supporting your claim as a “First Responders” and you will receive your 10% discount.

This offer will end on December 31, 2020.

“NACA members”, I wanted to say congratulations for you going through the NACA Home Buyers Program on home ownership. So as a thank you for you going through the program. Just produce your NACA ID # and you will receive your 10% discount.

This offer will end September 30, 2020.

“New Decade – New Home Seminar Series”, that was schedule for September 12, 2020 has been reschedule to October 31, 2020. The formal format was to do a live presentation but due to the current Covid-19 health issue, it will be an “Online” presentation.

More detail information is coming to you soon.

As a reminder, People, Places & Things LLC and PPT Inspections are still operating safe practices until further notices. These safe practices including the following…

    Clients should limit the number of people attending inspections to as few, as necessary.

    All parties should meet the inspector in front of the property- NOT inside the property.

    Inspectors will provide disposable (non-vinyl) gloves for each participant. Masks will not be provided but may be brought and worn if desired.

    All gloves used during inspection will be collected and disposed of immediately upon exiting the home.

    Sanitary wipes and/or hand sanitizer will always be accessible during the property inspection.

It is important to recognize that as home inspectors and rehab consultants, we are entering homes and touching surfaces that may be contaminated by this virus. During the entire process, we need to stay focused on the home buying activity and the process of the inspection.

That is all for now.

203kconsultants #NAFHAC #203kdiscoverydays #203kproject #203klender #203krehab #203kloan #203kcontractor #renovationproject #renovationloans #homerenovationloan #203kconsultant #203kcontratista #203krehabloan #203kloans #fhaloan #fha203k #generalcontractors #homeinspectors #homeinspections #buildingdesign #residentialdesign #homedesign

THE PAUSE IS OVER – Here is the “New Normal” (For Now)…

The “Staying in Place” order has been lifted so in the State of Michigan we can resume somewhat the new normal for now. So as a reminder, People, Places & Things LLC and PPT Inspections are still operating safe practices until further notices. These safe practices including the following…

  • Clients should limit the number of people attending inspections to as few, as necessary.
  • All parties should meet the inspector in front of the property- NOT inside the property.
  • Inspectors will provide disposable (non-vinyl) gloves for each participant. Masks will not be provided but may be brought and worn if desired.
  • All gloves used during inspection will be collected and disposed of immediately upon exiting the home.
  • Sanitary wipes and/or hand sanitizer will always be accessible during the property inspection.

It is important to recognize that as home inspectors and rehab consultants, we are entering homes and touching surfaces that may be contaminated by this virus. During the entire process, we need to stay focused on the home buying activity and the process of the inspection.

Here are some wonderful opportunities for the clients to participate during the month of June.

New Decade – New Home Seminar Series that was schedule for April 18, 2020 has been postpone until September 12, 2020. The current format was to do a live presentation but due to the current Covid-19 health issue, the decision to have a live in person event will be made soon.

“First Responders” (Active Military, Veterans, Police, Fire, Health Care Professionals) I’m giving you a 10% discount off the following services:

“Home Inspections Services”

and

“Residential Design Preliminary Services”

Just produce documentation supporting your claim as a “First Responders” and you will receive your 10% discount.

This resolution will end on December 31, 2020.

NACA members, I wanted to say congratulations for you going through the NACA Home Buyer Program on home ownership. So as a thank you for you going throughthe program, I am giving you a 10% discount off “Home Inspections Services” during the month of June.

Just produce your NACA ID # and you will receive your 10% discount.

More information and offers are coming soon.

Thank you for your business.

#203kconsultants #NAFHAC #203kdiscoverydays #203kproject #203klender #203krehab #203kloan #203kcontractor #renovationproject #renovationloans #homerenovationloan #203kconsultant #203kcontratista #203krehabloan #203kloans #fhaloan #fha203k #generalcontractors #homeinspectors #homeinspections #buildingdesign #residentialdesign #homedesign

A PAUSE… DAWN COMING SOON

Light at the end

Okay, being “Staying in Place” at home is beginning to get to us. However, hope is on the horizon as in Michigan, May 1 is fast approaching and the state government will have to make some important decisions. It does not mean that we will be getting our lives back before Covid-19 but it means that we will began to do a slow burn back to becoming a normal society. As the weather gets warmer and some of our industries are getting to go back to work (housing market, I hope), golf course (please) and attending church service in person (cannot wait) we will live by the specter of seeing if the health experts gets the prediction correct on Covid-19 second wave is coming or if we as a society can withstand a possible “Staying in Place” order during the summer or fall months.

Since I am an opportunist at heart, I am hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. So, until the time we are getting the all clear from the proper authorities, PPT Inspection process under Covid-19 will continue.

Why?

Because even when other industries will be permitted to go back to work (housing market), there will be a transition period and during that time the protection of the client and their representatives, seller and their representatives and to myself will be paramount. As a reminder…

  • Clients should limit the number of people attending inspections to as few, as necessary.
  • All parties should meet the inspector in front of the property- NOT inside the property.
  • Inspectors will provide disposable (non-vinyl) gloves for each participant. Masks will not be provided but may be brought and worn if desired.
  • All gloves used during inspection will be collected and disposed of immediately upon exiting the home.
  • Sanitary wipes and/or hand sanitizer will always be accessible during the property inspection.

It is important to recognize that as home inspectors and/or rehab consultants, we are entering homes and touching surfaces that may be contaminated by this virus. During the entire process, we need to stay focused on the home buying activity and the process of the inspection.

Hope that helps and its almost over. Yay.

A PAUSE…

Prevention-Graphic

The Covid 19 Pandemic is real…

Whether you personally ascribe to the validity or severity of the crisis, others are. For that reason, I believe it is time to start taking actions to provide calm and confidence to our employees, clients, referral partners and the community in general.

These are the actions that PPT Inspections are implementing in order to assist with your protection during property inspections. That these measures include the following:

  • Clients should limit the number of people attending inspections to as few as necessary.
  • All parties should meet the inspector in front of the property- NOT inside the property.
  • Inspectors will provide disposable (non-vinyl) gloves for each participant. Masks will not be provided but may be brought and worn if desired.
  • All gloves used during inspection will be collected and disposed of immediately upon exiting the home.
  • Sanitary wipes and/or hand sanitizer will always be accessible during the property inspection.

It is important to recognize that as home inspectors, residential designers or rehab consultants, we are entering homes and touching surfaces that may be contaminated by this virus. During the entire process, it should be stressed that conversation should NOT include discussion of the current health situation/crisis (everyone knows it by now) but stay focused on the home buying activity and the process of the inspection.

By using reasonable, common sense practices, we are showing our customers that it is “business as usual”- with a few adjustments. Your referral partners and clients will appreciate your pro-active efforts on their behalf and will see you as the calm, caring professional who knows the importance of their home buying process but also recognizes the need for extra precautions during this time.

I hope these suggestions will be useful to you over the next weeks and months – as the situation resolves.

If you have any tips or suggestions, please comment and remember, we are all in this together.

Sincerely,

Walter L. Williams – President

People, Places & Things LLC – Residential Design, Architectural Drafting and Space Planning

PPT Inspections – Home Inspection, Building / Site Inspection and HUD 203k Consultant