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Sep 17
0

September 2024 News

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Dear friends,

Spending time outside is a huge part of being a home inspector, and I don’t know about you but I’m more than a little relieved that temps are starting to drop. You may recall that this time last year tried my hand at baking sourdough bread…in my mailbox. And it worked! As many of our communities continue to observe extended water restrictions, we urge everyone to stay up to date on the latest information from your municipality.

Thankfully, our home is equipped with a rainwater collection system to utilize this natural resource, especially in times of drought. Check out the video below to learn more about this at-home system, which is becoming increasingly more popular in our area.

Beyond water conservation and lawn maintenance, have you ever wondered how the drought impacts your home? The primary concern when the earth is parched is keeping your home’s foundation stable. When soil, especially the clay predominant in our area, dries out, it shrinks. Unfortunately, this can trigger cracks in the floors, ceilings, and drywall of homes, and leave foundations unsettled. If you are concerned about a home’s foundation or notice any of these issues, the best thing to do is contact a foundation inspector. Our website offers my list of preferred vendors and is a great place to start!

For now, I invite you to tune into the latest episode of “Under the Roof with Randy Barfield” wherever you get your podcasts, and explore the resources below. Enjoy these final (hopefully!) dog days of summer and stay cool out there Austin!

Remember, when you need a home inspection you can trust, give us a call at 512-350-0123. We’ll tell you like it is!

Randy

Randy Barfield
Owner, Barfield Home Inspection
(512) 350-0123
randy@barfieldhomeinspection.com
Dog Day Dreamin’ 

Freshly rejuvenated from vacation in Willamette Valley, Randy welcomes Ashley and Mary into the studio to share everything he knows about pinot noir! The team laments the lingering Texas heat, discusses water shortages in the area, how to maintain your lawn and foundation amid drought, and Randy explains percolation rate to the horror of Ashley and Mary. Randy breaks down the impact of a bad toilet flapper valve and the team reflects on daily water conservation, AstroTurf, and what to call people from Oregon.

Find the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you like to listen!
Even the most tenacious drought tolerant grasses and plants need a little water now and then! That’s when a rain water collection system can come in handy, especially in Central Texas. Randy gives us a sneak peek of the 24,000 gallon unit at his home, installed by Agritek Water Works!
Hill Country Home Prices Increase

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, home prices have been up by about 38% across the country, while Texas has seen a 31% jump. Now, two Texas Hill Country towns have been ranked among the hardest hit by rising home prices in the state. Get the scoop.
Aug 01
0

August 2024 News

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Dear friends,

Let’s get straight to it: While this summer has been refreshingly mild and wet – especially compared to last year’s brutal season – the heat is ON! Thankfully, the rainwater we’ve received in the Austin area and surrounding counties means we are experiencing less dire water restrictions, and plants like my beautiful Bird-of-Paradise pictured above are thriving. Let’s just say 2024 curb appeal is easier to maintain than in the summer of 2023!

While inspecting homes is both my business and passion, those of you who know me well know I believe summer life is best enjoyed from the pool with great music in the background. That’s why I am especially excited about the most recent episode of Under the Roof with Randy Barfield, featuring Austin realtor and musician, Will Dupuy! Since 2006, Will has been selling real estate, teaching music to kids and playing with the South Austin Jug Band. Be sure to check out our conversation – including an encore performance! – with Will wherever you get your podcasts.

Remember to give us a call for all your inspection needs. At Barfield Home Inspection, we’ve been telling it like it is since 2003 and we are proud to offer thorough home inspection services across Central Texas. Contact us today at 512-350-0123 or visit our website to schedule your inspection.

Stay cool, stay safe, and stay happy!

Randy

Randy Barfield
Owner, Barfield Home Inspection
(512) 350-0123
randy@barfieldhomeinspection.com
In the live music capital of the world, you don’t have to look hard to find talented musicians. Finding a native Austinite who grew up learning to sing from his mother (a Grammy-nominated opera singer!), plays upright bass with the South Austin Jug Band, and has sold real estate across Texas since 2006…that’s a different story!

This week, Randy and Mary sit down with Will Dupuy to learn about the double life of a real estate agent and professional musician. Will shares how he uses YouTube to market his listings with song, his favorite types of properties, and weighs in on whether or not agents should attend the home inspection. Randy and Will talk tech, from sewer scopes and security cameras to Uber for Business, and Will breaks out his trusty guitar for a summer concert!

Looking for more home inspection and maintenance tips? Visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Irrigation 101
It’s hot in Central Texas and your grass needs hydration, just like you! Because most of our area is experiencing varying degrees of water restrictions, be sure to check your municipality for guidelines and set your irrigation controller appropriately. See what Randy has to say about your home’s irrigation system to keep your lawn as healthy as possible.
Real Estate Calm

The dramatic fluctuations in the Austin real estate market could be slowing down. Austin has been on a real estate roller coaster, and with the most fruitful home-selling season in full swing, we’re checking out where the market stands. Get the full report from Axios Austin.
Jul 01
0

July 2024 News

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Dear friends,

I’m happy to wish you an early Happy Fourth of July! From the Austin real estate market to the daily heat index, things are really warming up out there. Our top tip for staying cool no matter what the day brings: Find the closest pool!

In between daily dips and holiday plans, remember to give us a call for all your new build, pre-inspection and standard home inspection needs. At Barfield Home Inspection, we’ve been telling it like it is since 2003 and we are proud to offer thorough home inspection services across Central Texas. Contact us today at 512-350-0123 or visit our website to schedule your inspection.

Stay cool, stay safe and have a very Happy Independence Day!

Randy

Randy Barfield
Owner, Barfield Home Inspection
(512) 350-0123
randy@barfieldhomeinspection.com
Happy birthday, America! Randy, Ashley and Mary gather round in anticipation of Independence Day 2024 to discuss all things home maintenance and inspection in Central Texas this summer. At the top of the list: integrated pest management! Randy explains how pests can use a bridge to get into your home, the benefits certain insects bring to your yard, the dangers of drift, and why he likes the insect most Texas newcomers (and some natives!) fear. The team sorts through Randy’s latest Amazon finds, examines pest management gone wrong, and patents the Louisiana Slip & Slide.

Looking for more home inspection and maintenance tips? Visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Landscaping with Drainage in Mind

Whether you’re adding new plants, building a patio or putting in a pool, consider how you will route water and irrigation away from your foundation to protect its longevity. See what Randy has to say about this project!
Water & Your Home’s Foundation

While we typically have to be concerned about drought and water shortages this time of year, we have been gifted a refreshingly mild and wet start to summer. It is just starting to heat up out there, but for now we have had a lot of homeowners report water pooling in their yards and near their foundations.
Visit our blog for the ways damage can occur and what to do about it.
May 23
0

June 2024 News

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Dear friends,

Things are really heating up out there, and I don’t just mean the temperature! As the market attempts to stabilize with prices decreasing as inventory increases in many areas, all eyes are fixed on mortgage rates to indicate what type of summer we can expect. One resource we really enjoy is Driving it Home with ABoR’s Housing Economist. This weekly podcast featuring insight from Dr. Clare Knapp keeps us informed of the latest market data and trends to help cut through the noise.

One of my favorite ways to make sense of the world is from the comfort and relaxation of my home pool. That’s why we have decided to celebrate Pool Month at Barfield Home Inspection with resources home builders, buyers and owners can use whether they currently have or want to invest in a residential pool in the future. Tune into Under the Roof with me, Randy Barfield, for a great conversation with Steve Lyon from Tri-County Pools, below. And yes, the dogs did get him wet!

At Barfield Home Inspection, we believe your home is your castle. That means buyers should be able to rest assured that the primary components of a home – the foundation, roof, plumbing, and HVAC – are in reliable working condition upon move in. We also think it’s important that every homeowner knows how to properly maintain these critical components so they continue to work effectively for the long run, whether they DIY or hire experts to complete regular services. Contact us today at 512-350-0123 or visit our website to schedule your inspection and stay on top of home maintenance with regular tips from our blog.

From our home to yours, stay cool and safe out there! I look forward to seeing you at your next inspection,

Randy

Randy Barfield
Owner, Barfield Home Inspection
(512) 350-0123
randy@barfieldhomeinspection.com
On our official summer kickoff, Randy and Mary welcome Steve Lyon, Principal of Service, Repairs and Maintenance at Tri-County Pools. Steve and Randy discuss the ins and outs of pool design and construction, the value of a pool in residential real estate, a Central Texas obstacle for saltwater pools, and what it takes to properly maintain a home swimming pool. Steve explains that while taking care of a pool is not exactly rocket science, there is science involved!

Tune in and get your swimsuit (and maybe your scuba mask) ready! Looking for more home inspection and maintenance tips? Visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Are Cicadas Dangerous?

Ahhhhhhhhh, the ambient sound of trillions of insects emerging from their underground homes! As we prepare for the largest emergence of cicadas since 1803, we have received a lot of questions about these unfamiliar critters.

We recommend you add this guide for what you need to know for your home, health, and pets via USA Today to your summer reading list.
Real Estate News

Soaring home prices and stubbornly high interest rates have left more than half of the nation’s housing markets out of balance. Is Austin’s housing market overvalued, and what does this mean for agents, home buyers and sellers? Get the full story from Austin Business Journal.
May 23
0

May 2024 News

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Dear friends,

There are few things I love more than creating long-term relationships with real estate agents and brokers who support home buyers and sellers right here in Central Texas. At the top of my long list of favorite working relationships are Tara and Craig McGuire of the McGuire Team at Bramlett Residential Real Estate. Check out the latest episode of Under the Roof with me, Randy Barfield, below, for a great conversation with Tara and Craig about home inspections, partnering as husband-and-wife in business, and the market in and around Austin.

We understand the home inspection process can raise a lot of questions: What condition is the home in? What does that mean? How much will that cost? While each home is unique, we apply a standard, thorough approach to ensure each home inspection is conducted as meticulously as possible to give home owners peace of mind for one of the largest purchase decisions they will make in a lifetime. Be sure to give us a call for all your inspection needs.

Contact us today at 512-350-0123 or visit our website to schedule your inspection. Take good care out there, and I hope to see you at an inspection soon,

Randy

Randy Barfield
Owner, Barfield Home Inspection
(512) 350-0123
randy@barfieldhomeinspection.com
Tara and Craig McGuire join Randy and Ashley in the podcast studio to discuss all things real estate and home inspection in Austin this spring! From curb appeal dotted with whale tongue agave and desert willows, to the team’s decades long background in realty and real estate finance, Tara and Craig share what they’re seeing in the market. The group deep dives into the ways the COVID-19 pandemic changed home inspection philosophy and exemplified the value of the pre-inspection. Randy shares his vision for when a buyer should join in on the inspection process, and the group discusses the importance of everyone’s favorite reading material: The home inspection report!

Looking for more home inspection and maintenance tips? Visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Randy’s Home Maintenance Checklist

The work to keep a home running does not stop when the inspection is complete. We always like to say, “If it moves, it needs maintenance,” and that applies to nearly everything in a home from the ground up, to the roof down.

Check out Randy’s recommended home maintenance schedule to help stay on top of the TLC your home needs regularly to save time, money, and heartache down the line. Visit our blog to learn more.

Sustainable Lawn Care

Care and upkeep requirements can be sky high with conventional lawns—watering, mowing, treating with powerful chemicals—which take time and money, not to mention a toll on the environment.

Consider transitioning your landscape to one that requires less while promoting biodiversity and conserving water as we head into summer. Inspiration from Better Homes and Gardens.
Apr 01
0

April 2024 News

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Dear friends,

It may be April Fools’ Day, but it’s no joke that pollen is taking over Central Texas!  Whether you’ve been outside taking your annual bluebonnet photos or hunting for eggs, many of us are feeling the pain as we spring into April.

Luckily, there’s something all of us can do to get a little relief. In addition to improving your home’s air quality, changing your air filters will improve the efficiency and longevity of your central heating and cooling system. A quick word to the wise for new homeowners: Do not assume that your air filters are clean when you move into a new, especially new construction, home! Although we thoroughly evaluate the heating and cooling system during the home inspection process, a lot can change during the construction and move-in process. Once you unpack, it’s a great idea to check those filters to ensure you are breathing the best.

Another activity we can’t get enough of this month is spring cleaning! Preventative maintenance helps homes look (and feel!) their best. In case you need a refresher, here are my top recommendations for the month which should help you stay ahead of the curve (and the weeds!).Randy’s 5 Home Hacks for Spring
🏠 Get your lawn in tip-top shape and keep your fertilizer in balance
🏠 Ensure your home irrigation system is up to the task
🏠Tune up your lawn equipment
🏠 Donate while you spring clean!
🏠 Make a plan for pest control (especially wood-destroying insects!)

Enjoy tackling your home to-do list, and remember, when you need a home inspection team that will tell you like it is, there’s only one choice: Barfield Home Inspection!

Stay safe and I hope to see you soon!

Randy

Randy Barfield
Owner, Barfield Home Inspection
(512) 350-0123
randy@barfieldhomeinspection.com

 

In honor of April Fools’ Day, the team sits down to play a friendly game of stump the inspector.

But while Randy Barfield has been called many things and held many jobs during his lifetime, one thing he certainly can’t be called is a fool! Randy shares answers to the most commonly asked home inspection questions, and shares his wisdom about HOAs and pests (including common Texas insects and snakes). Randy walks through the home inspection licensing process, and shares how to get the most out of your inspection.

Looking for more inspection and maintenance tips? Visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Make a Plan for Severe Weather

While warm breezes bring the temps we all love in Central Texas, they can also create the perfect environment for severe thunderstorms, including risks of damaging winds, hail, and even tornadoes.

Thunderstorms cause an astonishing $15 billion in property damage each year, while hailstorms alone are responsible for $1 billion in damage. See how you can best prepare your home for severe storms this season with these tips that can offer peace of mind.

Visit our blog to learn more! 
Mar 01
0

March 2024 News

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Dear friends,

The bluebonnets and redbuds are blooming and spring is in the air! While there is still the possibility of one final cold front in our area, it looks like we have made it through a delightfully mild winter. Now onto my favorite time of year – home maintenance season!

Whether you are looking to buy, sell or simply take care of your existing home, there is a lot to know about maintenance and how it impacts a house’s longevity. I encourage you to take a listen to the latest episode of “Under the Roof with Randy Barfield” for my seasonal home improvement checklist, as well as some factors to consider when purchasing an older home.

For now, I invite you to check out the resources below and enjoy this beautiful weather! Stay safe and I hope to see you at a home inspection soon,

Randy

Randy Barfield
Owner, Barfield Home Inspection
(512) 350-0123
randy@barfieldhomeinspection.com

On a fun-filled, springtime episode, Randy, Ashley and Mary sit down to discuss the home maintenance your home truly needs this season and the possible ramifications of not servicing critical components like your HVAC. The team reviews their favorite lawn and garden products, Randy shares a popular “Where’s Waldo” moment,  and deep dives into a home that seemed to grow bigger on the inside. Things get down to brass tacks when the age old question, “Should I buy a new home, build a home, or purchase an older home?” surfaces with a real-life case example.

Looking for more inspection and maintenance tips? Visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Get to Know Your Home Irrigation

Before the temps heat up too much, take advantage of this opportunity to familiarize yourself with your home irrigation system and be sure you’re all set for summer. Not sure where to start?

Head to our YouTube channel to catch Randy in action as he explains the function of a home’s controller, sprinkler heads, and what to do if you find yourself in a water tight jam.

Watch the series now!
Randy’s 5 Home Hacks for Spring🏠 Get your lawn in tip-top shape and keep your fertilizer in balance

🏠 Ensure your home irrigation system is up to the task

🏠Tune up your lawn equipment

🏠 Donate while you spring clean!

🏠 Make a plan for pest control (especially termites!)
Feb 01
0

February 2024 News

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Dear friends,

Happy Valentine’s Day! At Barfield Home Inspection, every day is a great day, but February 14 is particularly special because we get to emphasize how much we love our jobs, and love getting to work with talented real estate professionals and home buyers. Thank you for putting your trust in our team with your standard, new build, and warranty inspections. We love inspecting homes from the inside out and top down to ensure home owners know and understand exactly what they are purchasing.

This month, we have put together valuable home maintenance resources in our blog below, and in the latest episode of our podcast, Under the Roof with Randy Barfield. These tips are useful for all homeowners, but especially those preparing to list a home this spring. I hope you’ll take a listen (or read along) and reach out with any questions.

Have an idea or a topic you would like to hear us discuss on the podcast? Send us your suggestion for an upcoming podcast episode!

Thank you for all you do to make Austin a LOVE-ly place to live, work, and play, and thank you for continuing to let us tell it like it is!

Cheers,

Randy Barfield
Owner, Barfield Home Inspection
(512) 350-0123
randy@barfieldhomeinspection.com
FOR THE LOVE OF A HOME

Love is in the air because…you guessed it! It’s Valentine’s Day! While we love a good Hallmark holiday, one day out of the year isn’t enough to maintain a healthy relationship. Like any good, long-term commitment, your home needs constant, steady devotion and attention. Randy sits down with Ashley and Mary to share his #1 Philosophy: If it moves, it needs maintenance!
SHOW YOUR HOME
A LITTLE LOVE
Like any good love story, the way you care for your home is a testament to its condition. This Valentine’s Day be a real sweetheart to your house and shower it with a little extra affection. Your home maintenance investment is sure to pay dividends in its longevity. Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas.
AUSTIN RENTS LOSE STEAM
Rents in Austin dropped 12.5% in December compared to December 2023, according to a study, which tracked rates in the nation’s 50 largest metros. Despite the current declines, “Austin rents remain considerably higher today than amid pre- and early-pandemic lows.”

Get the full story via Austin American-Statesman.