This article originally appeared in the April 10, 2015 edition of The Melville Advance.
By Trevor Stoyko
Advance Reporter
A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections (ABCHI) has announced its expansion to Melville. Meeting the growing needs of homebuyers, sellers and real estate agents, the latest office is serving communities in the Parkland region, including Melville and Yorkton.
Local resident Jason Stevenson launched ABCHI’s operations along with the support of the company’s home office located in Halifax, N.S.
Stevenson says Melville as a community is thriving and is the perfect spot for opening his business. “If you would have asked the general population of Melville 10 to 15 years ago if they ever thought that Melville would get a Tim Hortons, or a state of the art recreational facility with a convention centre, they would have thought you might have had a few too many,” joked Stevenson.
“I saw a need and jumped on the opportunity when it arose. Melville is where my family calls home and this is where I want our business to be.”
To meet the demand for home inspections in the region, Stevenson is bringing ABCHI’s collection of proven processes and systems to Melville and Yorkton. The certified home inspection service offerings have made the company a trusted partner for some of life’s most meaningful purchases.
“My goal is to make home inspection clear and easy for homebuyers of all ages and backgrounds to understand,” said Stevenson. “By recognizing each client’s needs and concerns and then providing thorough inspections and comprehensive reports we know that we can provide peace of mind for homebuyers while doing what we enjoy. We are very excited for the opportunity to bring ABCHI to this area.”
Stevenson explains what he typically looks for in a home inspection.
“We inspect over 220 points of a home. We are looking to ensure that all the components that make up the home are functioning as expected. We also help spot issues before they occur.”
Stevenson says a home inspection is not just about protecting your investment but also about protecting you and your loved ones.
“Though not mandatory in every province or state, a residential home inspection should be part of every real estate transaction. It is the best way to ensure that everyone is protected.”
When it comes to buying a home, the potential homebuyer can make some huge mistakes and can overthink the pending transaction. Stevenson provides the homebuyer with what not to do.
Mistake #1 – Thinking that you can’t afford it.
Many people simply think that home ownership is out of their reach. Buying a home is the smartest financial decision that one can make. Real estate over the long term will rise consistently. This means that every month that you make a mortgage payment, the amount you owe goes down and the value typically increases. This situation is called equity-build up and is the reason that you can’t afford not to buy.
Even if you have little money down or credit issues, chances are that you can still buy a home. You just need to know the right strategies and work with the right people.
Mistake #2 – Not hiring a buyer’s agent to represent you.
Buying property is probably the biggest, single investment that you will make. At the same time, real estate transaction have become increasingly complicated. Making the wrong decisions can cost thousands but it doesn’t have to be that way. They buyer’s agent has a great understanding of the transaction and is obligated to look out for your best interest. They can find you the best home, the best lender and of course the best home inspector.
Mistake #3 – Getting a cheap inspection.
Buying a home is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make. Your home inspection is not a place to skimp on. The additional cost of hiring a certified home inspector pales in comparison.
With a background in contracting and as an electrician, Stevenson’s work experience has given him the perspective to provide excellent work exceeding industry standards for the Melville and Yorkton areas, making him a valuable resource to local homebuyers and a key addition to the ABCHI family. Stevenson and his wife, Tammy, are responsible for day-to-day operations of their ABCHI office.
Jason Stevenson is the franchise owner of A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections (ABCHI) in Melville. Stevenson is a certified residential inspector and is excited to meet the growing needs of homebuyers, sellers and real estate agents, in the Parkland region.